Stand-up comedian Kemah Bob is taking their popular club night to unprecedented heights with an ambitious all-day festival. The event promises to highlight emerging talent, explore the power of laughter during challenging times, and critically examine ‘performative activism’.
Bob’s enthusiasm is evident as they describe their “passion project that has grown wonderfully out of control.” In 2018, the Texas-born comedian launched FOC It Up, a comedy club specifically for femmes of color. Their motivation was straightforward: a desire to collaborate with more diverse individuals who weren’t exclusively men. Bob recounts, “It really was that simple.”
What began as a one-hour segment within a festival hosted by The Cocoa Butter Club cabaret company has since blossomed into a nurturing and vibrant community for numerous comedians. FOC It Up has hosted countless mixed-bill comedy nights, launched its own podcast, and presented shows at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe. Bob emphasizes their vision: “I wanted a space that felt genuinely different – welcoming and inclusive, not just in a performative sense. A place where everyone is truly present, and that feels incredibly cool.”
Never one to rest on their achievements, Bob is now preparing for the club’s most significant undertaking to date: FOC Fest. This full-day event will feature engaging workshops, insightful masterclasses, and valuable networking opportunities, all culminating in an electrifying comedy show at the Soho Theatre. Bob playfully announces the event’s name, “FOC Fest! It’s just so cheeky!”