In a resounding call for inclusivity, comedian Kyrah Gray took center stage at the inaugural 1Xtra Comedy Gala held in March, advocating for greater representation of Black women in the comedy sphere.
As a rising star in the comedy world, Kyrah Gray’s journey reflects the resilience and determination of Black women navigating an industry often rife with obstacles.
Despite facing initial struggles, Gray’s talent shone brightly at the Comedy Gala held at the Hackney Empire in London, where she shared the spotlight with a diverse lineup of comedic talents.
Gray’s remarks during the event underscored the importance of creating space for Black women in comedy, challenging prevailing notions of who belongs in the industry.
“The industry has kind of made black women feel like there isn’t a place for them in the comedy circuit,” Gray observed during an interview with the BBC. “And if there is a space, it’s like one-in-one-out.”
Her candid commentary resonated with audiences, highlighting the need for greater diversity and inclusion in comedy spaces. Gray spoke about the universality of her comedic material, focusing on relatable topics such as family and relationships.
“Just because I make a specific joke and I look a certain kind of way, doesn’t mean that everyone can’t enjoy my comedy,” Gray asserted. “It’s really important that people focus on the jokes and the writing and not on the person that’s delivering those jokes.”
Gray’s presence at the 1Xtra Comedy Gala exemplified the rising prominence of Black women in comedy, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive future in the industry.
The event hosted other established talents like Thanyia Moore, Kane Brown, Babatunde Aléshé, and Slim while also introducing fresh talents like Gbemi Oladipo (Bemi), Ola Labib and Michael Odewale.
