Brandon Ash-Mohammed: A Place For Black Queer Comics
What does it mean to be a comedian in 2020? The etymology of comedy is derived from 14c., it was "narrative with a happy ending; any composition intended for amusement," from Old French comedie (14c.), "a poem" (not in the theatrical sense) and directly from Latin comoedia. Comedic styles have differed throughout the ages, some more performative in execution, some story driven, and others purely satirical.
Comedians have become the layman’s philosopher, they tackle topics, personal, relatable, controversial. They dissect our societal norms and provide a humorous analysis on our values. Brandon Ash-Mohammed is part of a new generation of comedians carving his own lane in stand up. For starters, he is the first ever queer black Canadian comedian to release a comedy album, Capricornication. Brandon is also the creator of The Ethnic Rainbow, Canada’s first and only comedy show for LGBTQ comedians of colour. Please read our exclusive interview to earn more about Brandon Ash-Mohammed.
Where are you based?
I am based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! I live in an area known as Mount Dennis! No one knows about it, but it has this cool history. The Kodak film head office and factory, or something used to be behind my house! It was there for like maybe 100 years? It was all demolished except for one building for almost 15 years! It used to be cool and super Mad Max-y marshy!! Me and my dog used to sneak into the buildings and look around. Now, it is closed off to the public and is going to be used for subways or something.
It's always interesting to discern a comedian's sense of humor. Many prefer the dark, political, or philosophical approach to humor. Did you have a favorite style of comedy, or have a comedian that you enjoyed when you were younger? Has your taste changed since then? If so, how?
I used to really enjoy the type of humor like Sarah Silverman. I still love Sarah Silverman but, now I like stuff that’s the opposite of that. Battling those subject matters in a more direct way. I also love people who are just very unique and themselves on stage. My friends Ben Stager, Natalie Norma, Hoodo Hersi, and Jackie Pirico are all examples of that.
I honestly think the funniest people are The Real Housewives of Atlanta! No one can come up with a better one-liner on the fly like them. I love making my grandmother watch it and seeing her laugh super hard but then be like, “I HATE THIS SHOW!!!”
How did you get into comedy?
I got into comedy after high school. I went to this college program at Humber College for comedy. It was a crazy intense time! I do not know how I survived it, but I’m grateful for it because it taught me so much about the whole industry.
You grew up with a learning disability. How did this influence your path into comedy?
I discovered I was funny at a camp for kids with learning disabilities, called Camp Towhee, by mimicking Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. It’s helped me in comedy because being an LD student is constantly being oppressed and underestimated! It basically taught me how to navigate systems that are kind of built to my detriment! I don’t think I would have been able to survive all I have in the entertainment industry in Canada had I not been in the LD school system.
Congrats on your album Capricornication, especially as it marks you as the first-ever queer black Canadian comedian to release a comedy album. Can you talk about the story behind your album?
Well, I feel like my album is the culmination of a lot of things. It’s the last 10 years, but really the last four. I had completely stopped performing prior to 2016. If you told me I’d have a number one comedy album and it would be the first one ever released by someone like me, I wouldn’t have believed you! It blows my mind how far I’ve come.
My friend asked me to do an album recording with her since we had all our big career firsts together.I felt it was the next logical step in my career so I did it. It was the craziest night of my life. My dog died right before and I somehow had two of the best sets of my life. It was a magical day.
The album almost didn’t happen the way it was going to be released because I almost gave up a bunch of the material for something else. But it didn’t end up working out. I thought not doing that other thing would end my career, but it’s had the opposite effect! So glad it’s become what it has become now.
Where do you normally pull for your comedy?
I always pull from my life and experiences. I will also sometimes just watch comedy just to get the gears moving in my head! Something they say will trigger a thought in my mind and then we’re off to the races.
As public social and political awareness rises, comedy is facing a slight internal conflict, especially with the influence of social media. Comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock avoid college campuses. How do you navigate this climate while maintaining creative integrity and censorship?
I don’t really say a lot of offensive things or have “controversial opinions”. I’m a chubby gay black man with a Muslim last name. Those college kids have to worry about offending ME. I deal with a lot of bullshit as I’m not in a position or proximity to privilege like the comedians you’ve mentioned. I’m definitely from this new school of comedians who try to punch up with their comedy. I feel like I’d do pretty good at college campus! Hire me colleges.
Certain aspects of entertainment have felt a more direct impact of COVID such as film and sports. Comedy, in particular, is in a bizarre state of adaptation with the implementation of social distancing in clubs and virtual standup. What are your thoughts on comedy's adaptive action towards the pandemic? Have you done any virtual shows? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I think it’s cool! Comedy is incredibly grueling as you’re constantly on the move and staying up late while constantly putting yourself in stressful situations. I like that this whole virtual era of shows is making it easier for a lot of people! It is also giving new opportunity to people who may not be able to go out and do it every night for whatever reason! I’ve been doing shows internationally and getting exposure I probably wouldn’t have been able to before had it not been for this virtual era. It’s not ideal at all, but it’s a new thing and I’m sure it will get better over time. I think that it’s also allowing comedians to develop in other things they wouldn’t have had the time to do before. A lot of my friends are developing their social media presence or learning how to write or using editing software. I’m excited to see the new sides of everyone!
A lot of comedians have had to change their approach during shelter in place to putting out more videos. How do you manage to reinvigorate your creativity while under quarantine?
I’m trying to chill as much as possible. I’m always go-go-go! I’m just doing things when I’m inspired too now and not trying to constantly rush anything. I was so exhausted creatively before COVID and getting to chill has given me new power and made me feel invigorated. I tend to do my best work when I’m exhausted and it’s not a sustainable way to do things. I’m taking the time in quarantine to learn how to do comedy sustainably.
Can you tell us about Ethnic Rainbow, how it started, and your hopes or plans for the future of Ethnic Rainbow?
Until really 2017, there was maybe only two queer comedians of color in Canada! I had wanted to do this show for a long time because there wasn’t a place someone like myself could go and feel fully safe. There was a queer comedy boom a couple of years ago which brought in a bunch of queer comedians of color. This allowed me to finally be able to do my show. My friends Natalie Norman and Jess Beaulieu gave me their space so I could do it! My friend Justine Mark helped me co-produce and boom! It’s been a hit! I hope that show can develop in the same vein as 2 Dope Queens or New Negros! I’d love it to be some sort of TV show or something eventually. Queer comedians of colour are the future of this comedy! Hell, we helped start stand-up! Look up Moms Mabley.
With everything in lockdown, have you moved any of the shows to the digital world? If not, is it something you are considering?
I have not! I will eventually, but producing is very hard and I’m doing a million things at once. I really need to take this time in further developing myself and making sure I’m well mentally, etc. When I do that, I’ll try my hand at it.
Do you have any advice for aspiring comedians within the LGBT community or black community?
I’m black and gay which is honestly its own thing, but I would just say be prepared to have all these people underestimate you and be ready to create opportunities for yourself. People always have a preconceived notion of you. Especially when you’re different. Get ready to prove them wrong always!
People all over the world have joined in to support black Americans to protest police brutality. Do you feel safe as a black man in Canada? Please tell us your thoughts on what is going on in America and if you feel it should be happening elsewhere.
You guys know that Canada was founded on the same type of racism as America, right? And, like, it’s basically the same with every non-white country? They were all deeply affected in some way by racism and colonialism or founded that way.
Canada’s racism problem is rampant. It’s very covert! Canada does not acknowledge its own racist history and there’s so much. We constantly act high and mighty while looking down at America. Look up residential schools! Look up the historic black settlements of Canada! The way indigenous people are treated here is disgusting too. I’m also Trinidadian, and people don’t even know about the genocide of the indigenous people of the Caribbean! As a black man, I honestly do not feel safe outside of Toronto and maybe Vancouver.
This whole movement needs to be global!! Americans should also look at what’s happening with this in other countries too and start helping with that. Maybe they already are? I don’t know! But I do find the whole narrative, in terms of racism, is very American-centric. A lot of countries highlight America’s racism problem to cover up their own. I’m hoping what’s happening in America can set an example globally for better change.
How are you staying positive during these times?
I’ve been watching a lot of biographies and reading a lot of memoirs! I love watching things on Tina Turner! She is such an inspiration to me! She’s been through so much and overcame it all. She makes me feel like I can do anything!
What is your motto in life?
Whenever I’m having a hard time, I remember what my grandmother says, “The longest day has its end!” It means that eventually whatever you’re going through will be over. I find comfort in that!!
To learn more about Brandon Ash-Mohammed, please follow him via the following links:
Website: Brandon.lol
Instagram: BrandonAMComedy
Twitter: BrandonAMComedy
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/BrandonAshMohammed
Photography by HO-Sylvia Pereira.
