Kemah Bob

Kemah Bob (she/they) is a comedian, writer and producer whose stand out comedic voice has been recognized across the globe. Originally hailing from Houston, Texas her move to London has allowed her to hone her craft and firmly establish herself on the comedy circuit. 

Kemah’s work primarily centers Black cultural identity, mental health, sexuality, healing and well-being using energy and empathy to bring levity and light to complex issues. As a comedian Kemah is sharp, bold and fearless in her approach and delivery – making her one of the most engaging and distinctive voices in comedy.

Her debut solo show Miss Fortunate, a storytelling piece about resilience, recovery and self-acceptance, was chosen by the Guardian as one of the Top 10 Comedy Shows Of 2024. It’s now on tour after a sold-out run at Soho Theatre in London, and a sold-out Edinburgh fringe run which saw incredible critical reception. 

'Chest-achingly funny… An exciting glimpse into the future of stand-up, with Kemah Bob at the helm' The Skinny

‘Truly a rising star… utterly charismatic’ fest magazine

They have supported Hannah Gadsby, Nish Kumar, Rami Youssef, Desiree Burch and Jessica Fostekew on tour. Kemah also created, curates and hosts The FOC IT UP Comedy Club, showcasing women and gender non-conforming comedians of colour, both as a podcast and as a regular live show at London’s Soho Theatre.

Kemah is a frequent face on TV screens on shows such as QI (BBC) Meet The Richardsons (Dave), Pointless Celebrities (BBC), CelebAbility (ITVX), The Island with Tom Allen (Dave), on Richard Osman’s House of Games, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club(ITV), PLS Like (BBC 3), Fully Blown (BBC 3), Guessable (Comedy Central), Mission Accessible (channel 4), Question Team (Dave), Stand Up For Live Comedy (BBC), Don’t Hate The Playaz, Celebrity Karaoke Club: Drag Edition, Apocalypse Wow! and Stand-Up Sketch Show (all ITV2). She also starred as Tessa in Chivalry alongside Steve Coogan.

As a voice over artist Kemah has lent her voice to multiple characters including as Donna on James Acaster’s Springleaf podcast, as Ovu on The Second Best Hospital in The Galaxy (Amazon Prime), Henrietta in Deadendia (Netflix), as Barbo in The Sunnyridge 3 (Disney Plus) as Jelly in Ozi: Voice of the Forest – she also played Cash in the BBC Radio 4 audio drama Napoleon Moon alongside Patterson Joseph. 

They can also be heard featuring on… well too many podcasts including: You’re Dead to Me, Ed Gamble & James Acaster’s Off Menu, James Acaster’s Perfect Sounds (a clip from the show went semi-viral on Twitter), Sarah Millican’s Elephant in the Room and Brett Goldstein’s Films To Be Buried With. A regular co-host on The Guilty Feminist podcast, playing the Palladium and Barbican, Kemah also joined their UK tour.

Her drag alter ego Lil Test Ease, a conservative rapper and men’s rights activist, can be seen on iTV2’s Celebrity Karaoke Club: Drag Edition and has graced the West End with his presence twice, in 2019’s drag panto Cinderella and in the “Dragatha Christie” murder mystery Death Drop (2020) as Phil Maker, the filmmaker. His further work and music videos can be found online - brace yourself.

Outside stand-up, Kemah is also a frequent media commentator surrounding diversity, mental health and LGBTQ+ representation, for various high profile outlets and panels such as; The Royal Television Society, The Guardian, Pink News, Vice, The i Newspaper and Stylist Live, some other stuff and can be seen online, delivering their TEDx Talk, What Would Kanye Do? (NOT a great title, buy hey it was 2018)

And yes, Bob is her real last name.