Kemah Bob's FOC Fest: A Groundbreaking Celebration for Femmes of Colour in Comedy
Kemah Bob's face illuminates with passion as they describe their "passion project that has got really out of hand." In 2018, the Texan standup comedian founded FOC It Up, a comedy club dedicated to femmes of colour, driven by a simple desire to collaborate with more people of colour who weren't men. "It really was that simple," Bob recalls with a grin. What began as a modest hour-long slot within a festival organised by The Cocoa Butter Club has blossomed into a nurturing haven for countless comedians, featuring mixed-bill nights, a podcast, and performances at the Edinburgh Fringe. "I wanted to create a space that felt different—warm and inclusive," Bob explains. "Not in a performative way, but genuinely welcoming."
Expanding Horizons with FOC Fest
Never one to rest on their laurels, Bob is now gearing up for the club's most ambitious venture yet: FOC Fest. This all-day extravaganza at Soho theatre in London offers workshops, masterclasses, networking opportunities, and culminates in a "banging" comedy show. Bob chuckles when mentioning the event's name: "FOC Fest! It is just so cheeky." The festival aims to empower not only aspiring comedians but also broader audiences. "Using humour to reclaim yourself and laugh at difficult things is a great tool for everyone," Bob emphasises. Sessions include a standup masterclass for trans and queer individuals, a workshop on navigating "big feelings" through comedy, and industry panels with guests like Nana Hughes and Julia McKenzie.
While the workshops and panels are open to all, Bob notes that "white audience members are encouraged to check their privilege at the door." Accessibility for the target audience remains a top priority. "We welcome others to participate, but the event isn't built for them," Bob clarifies, hoping attendees understand this distinction.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Movement
Bob has long envisioned "an event bigger than our usual shows," but the journey has been "exhausting." Despite being a prominent voice in UK comedy for nearly a decade, the club operates without any funding. "We have no financial backing; we're using surplus from past events, as there's no money in live events at our scale," Bob reveals. Their relentless work ethic is evident as they discuss outreach to companies for sponsorship—often met with budget constraints—and lengthy funding applications. "It feels less worthwhile to support initiatives like ours now, whereas it might have been a priority years ago," Bob observes.
Nevertheless, Bob remains optimistic, seeing the festival as a testament to their potential. "I really do feel the potential of it, as a platform and as a movement," they assert. Reflecting on changes since 2018, Bob notes that while it's rarer to be the only femme of colour on a comedy bill, progress is still needed. The 2020 death of George Floyd led to a temporary surge in opportunities, but Bob cautions against performative activism. "As quickly as it became important, it lost its importance once performative goals were met," they say, adding, "It speaks to people still seeing our voices as a trend."
Dreams for the Future
Bob's aspirations for FOC It Up are boundless. They dream of it becoming an international institution, facilitating cross-pollination with artists from New York, India, or Berlin. Expansion into larger venues and support for other comedians funding their work are also key goals. "This is the first FOC Fest, but it certainly won't be the last," Bob declares. "The talent within our community is endless—and the hunger for this is boundless."
