Mamoun Elagab is a comedian bringing his debut hour ‘Why I Love White People’ to Edinburgh. Since last performing at the Fringe in 2019 as part of the Pleasance Reserve he’s both won and been a finalist of numerous comedy competitions, including Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year and BBC New Comedy Awards. We spoke to Mamoun about his show, the frustrating lack of nuance in a society that seems intent on polarising everything, and Edinburgh audiences.
Can you tell us about ‘Why I Love White People’?
A show about how we’re basically more similar than we are different. There is a lot of divisiveness at the moment and I think my show can try and offer unity. I think this show can kind of distinguish itself through exploring race in an almost friendly way. Race is something that is always associated with negativity and tension but I think there is another side to it that can be celebrated, and I think this well-integrated country that we live in reflects that. Me, as someone who grew up around various different cultures, from working class whites, elitist whites etc, South Asians, and black etc, I feel qualified to discuss this.
That’s quite a provocative but playful title, suggesting you won’t shy away from racial politics but don’t necessarily set out to be confrontational. Is there a particular message you would wish your audiences to take away with them?
I guess to not judge a book by its cover. I’ve experienced in the past Edinburgh crowds looking down on me at first glance. Hopefully they can see that I speak well and am a well intentioned guy, and look beyond what they see of me and hopefully many more young acts of colour could follow! And if you’re not I’ll cancel the Fringe on black Twitter! That’s a joke… nobody on black twitter has heard of the Fringe. The same way nobody at the Fringe has heard of Burna Boy. In fact I doubt anyone reading this has heard of Burna Boy.
Your upbringing has led to a nuanced view on the world. Do you get frustrated at how binary most discourse is now, or does that fuel your comedy?
I think a lot of us feel quite dejected by the binary and negative nature of modern discourse. I want to offer my own perspective which I feel is true to me. I’m not afraid to offer my opinion because I know it’s respectful and I can’t live with myself saying opinions I know I don’t believe. We are in an age where we expected to be either completely this or completely that, the reality is most ideas or beliefs are on a spectrum which is what I want to delve into.
‘Why I Love White People’ is your debut Fringe hour. What are your hopes and expectations for the month?
To get great reviews and hopefully raise awareness about some of the issues plaguing young people in this country. Somebody like myself at this festival is obviously not the norm. I’d like to represent people like myself well and hopefully leave a good image for them going forward!
Beside ‘Why I Love White People’, can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August?
Yes! I’ll also be at the Stand on Friday 11th August, the Dark Room on Sunday 13th August, Best of the Fringe both on Monday 14th July and Saturday 19th July, as well as Chortle’s Fast Fringe on the 8th and 24th August
You’ve performed at the Fringe before, in 2019. What for you are the best and worst things about the Fringe?
For me, the best part was getting to see another side of this country. I noticed all these older suburban people not getting my material and it was confusing to me, but I think it will be useful for me also. Most people I perform to are of various ethnicities and more middle class and working class backgrounds. The crowds at the Fringe seemed more elitist and older than most. The worst experience was the shock of the reaction in the crowds which I just mentioned. I tried to learn from it though and turn it into a positive.
Are there any other acts at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences see?
Tadiwa Mahlunge and Rahul Somia for me!
‘Why I Love White People’ runs from Wed 2 to Sun 27 Aug 2023 (except Tue 15) at Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker One at 18:10