Ayoade Bamgboye: Rising Star of Comedy

Ayoade Bamgboye, a 31-year-old comedian originally from Lagos and now based in London, made a significant impact during her debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last summer. With her show titled *Swings and Roundabouts*, she not only introduced herself to the comedy scene but also won the prestigious best newcomer award, becoming the first Black woman to achieve this honor. Bamgboye described the experience as life-changing, expressing the challenges she faced in overcoming self-doubt and the pressure of making a successful debut.

The Guardian

Bamgboye's comedy is characterized by her cross-cultural identity, seamlessly shifting between a well-spoken English persona and a Nigerian-accented outsider. This fluidity reflects her upbringing, which involved moving between Lagos and a boarding school in the Lake District. In *Swings and Roundabouts*, she explores her complex identity while addressing themes of loss and the difficulties of adulthood, particularly the grief of losing her father. Despite these serious undertones, her performance is described as a joyful whirlwind, balancing humor with deeper reflections on life.

The Guardian

Before her Edinburgh run, Bamgboye had never repeated a joke, which she found challenging as she prepared for a month of performances. She aimed to create a dynamic experience for her audience, stating, “Every single day was such a variation,” highlighting how audience interactions influenced her performances. This adaptability has led to a shift in her approach to comedy, prioritizing the audience's experience and engagement.

The Guardian

Following her success, Bamgboye is now developing a new set focused on the theme of small talk, drawing inspiration from various mentors, including Jamali Maddix and previous best newcomer winner Lara Ricote. She expressed excitement about her evolving role in the comedy industry, stating, “my whole existence is now set-ups for jokes,” and emphasized her desire to explore new comedic avenues. Bamgboye views herself as a newcomer still discovering her place in the industry, remarking, “I feel like a guest who hasn’t taken her shoes off yet.”

The Guardian

Bamgboye has articulated her journey as a transformative experience, stating, “It has been a real gift to learn how to express myself in this way.” She acknowledges the challenges of her past while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead in her comedy career.

The Guardian

• “These past months have been very difficult, getting out of my head and out of my own way.” — Ayoade Bamgboye

The Guardian

• “With this show I wanted to introduce myself and to share how difficult I find it to be alive,” — Ayoade Bamgboye

The Guardian

• “Every single day was such a variation.” — Ayoade Bamgboye

The Guardian

• “But it has been a real gift to learn how to express myself in this way. And this is just the beginning. There are so many things I still want to try in comedy. I feel like a guest [in this industry] who hasn’t taken her shoes off yet. I haven’t even been upstairs. Now I’m here, I’m in it for the long haul.” — Ayoade Bamgboye

The Guardian

Ayoade Bamgboye's debut at the Edinburgh Fringe marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her unique voice and perspective in the comedy landscape. As she continues to develop her craft, her journey promises to be one of growth and exploration within the industry.

The Guardian