Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Joe White, Ethiopian & Still Not Hungry

Get ready to hear a fascinating and funny story of a refugee family’s journey of migration

Joe White, Ethiopian & Still Not Hungry

What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

Tilahun Hailu aka Joe White is possibly the only refugee to have a Southern Cross tattoo on his chest.

In this show he uses his comedic talent to explore the journey his family took.

Joe migrated to Perth, Western Australia from war-ton Sudan with his single mother and five siblings.

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This show adressess through humour the challenges of living in the streets of Sudan and eating out of bins to survive, a life line received from Australia by offer of visa to migrate, his mum arriving here and struggling to understand why the government gives away free money (concept of Centerlink).

The many race, lifestyle and culture differences experienced growing up in Australia and trying to help his traditional mum navigate through the Australian way of life.

This show is family friendly and has received 5 stars at Perth Fringe 2019.

What have you been up to since last time you were here?

I have sold over 850 tickets this year alone through two shows I have produced and Won Perth fringe World Festival best comedy award along side Tom Gleeson and Tim Ferguson.

This is my 3rd MICF, prior to this I was touring North America with my last show also has the same title.

The show was performed in Montreal and was written about by the New York Post, they mentioned that I have been dubbed Australia’s answer to Trevor Noah host of the daily show in America.

In Toronto, Canada my show was selected as one of the top six comedy shows to watch by Mark Breslin’s guide to Toronto’s best comedy shows with Chris Rock as number one.

I also managed to donate more than $7000 to charities across Australia and Canada-wide through my shows in the last four years I have been doing comedy.

Prior to this I was a Bankwest Business banker on a $100,000 a year and left to pursue what I love which is making people laugh. It hasn’t been easy but it has been worth it.

Who should see your show, and why?

This show is for anyone who loves comedy and can speak English.

I am a family friendly comic and I don’t swear. In most of my past shows I have had kids as young as 7-8 years old attend and they loved it.

This show is very interactive and fun, heckling is encouraged as I riff a lot with the crowd so the setting almost feels like you’re at home on the couch with your friends bantering.

This show is unlike any other show, I use my comedic skills to take you on a journey, with a touch of multiculturalism and give you an insight into what it is like for a Westernised person to live in a house with a very funny and innocent traditional mother (Joe’s mum).

What’s your No.1 tip for people coming to see a show at the comedy festival?

Make sure you try youtubing the comic before you attend, this is a great way to see some of the product before you attend and also helps you decide if the act is potentially your cup of tea. Also, read reviews about the shows you want to see prior to attending as that also helps with preparation and expectation.

Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?

I am planning on seeing this comics during MICF Ben Darso — Ad Lib (a lot of riffing), Chris Winehouse — Judged (amazing punchlines and Jinx Yeao, a Malaysian comic who is very witty).

What stands out to you about Melbourne and/or its people?

First thing that stood out about Melbourne was the weather, but you can’’t have it all.

If I can have Perth’s weather with Melbourne’s lifestyle I would be the happiest human alive. Since I am from Perth what stood out the most for me was how easy it is to get Krispy Kreme doughnuts here hence why I have increased my gym attendance days from three sessions a week to everyday so I never have to stop eating Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

My comedic inspiration definitely has to be Trevor Noah host of the daily show.

I chose him because he exudes everything I want to be in terms of a performer and an influencer, he is very well dressed, very sharp with his comedic stories.

Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?

Ten per cent of my solo show or a minimum of $1000 will be donate to Multicultural Arts Victoria to assist struggling Artists. Ten per cent of my Perth show was donated to the Katina Woodruff Children’s Foundation and we managed to raise a $1000 for the not-for-profit foundation.

JOE WHITE, ETHIOPIAN & STILL NOT HUNGRY, MARCH 29-APRIL 20, AFRO HUB, BOOK TICKETS