We sit down with Tumi Morake, legendary comedian, actress, TV personality, and writer.
Why comedy? What made you pursue this career path? Do your kids laugh at your jokes?
As a performer and writer, I found comedy very appealing in every form. It is an excellent way of facing hard issues head-on without scaring people. It made sense as a career path because I am very opinionated, but I do not like confrontation – so comedy is my passive-aggressive way of dealing with the truth. My children find me funny when I'm not joking.
If you were not doing what you are doing now/ not an artist, what would you do & why?
I would be a miserable woman raising kids and wondering when my mundane life would end. I cannot imagine a life without art – when I imagine myself doing anything else, it is in the creative field. Nothing else makes sense to me.
What are some of the valuable lessons that you have learnt over the years as an artist that has contributed to your growth?
Suffering for your art is nonsense. Art is meant to feed you and fulfil you. Otherwise, you stop valuing yourself and your work. I also learnt that as beautiful as it is to appreciate other people's talents, it is not a reflection on your own talents. Each voice is as unique as its journey.
The arts and entertainment industry has been challenged by the covid pandemic; how have you experienced working under these circumstances ;how have you managed to keep busy and stay relevant?
Relevance is something I never chase because I believe that by existing in a space, you have relevance already; it is a given. It is who and what you are relevant to that should be the focus. I was busier during the pandemic than I had been in 2019. As soon as it hit me that we had to get onto the World Wide Web, I stocked up on equipment and told anyone who would listen and could hire me that I had equipment. For the talent part, I believed my work spoke for itself. Luckily I was stuck in the USA at the height of the pandemic, so I got everything at first world speed and had the added benefit of first world internet and endless electricity, haha. But, it reminded me why I have thrived in this industry. I keep moving, I grab opportunities, and I am not afraid to ask.
What role do you think the arts industry plays or should be playing in enhancing our identity and values as Africans?
Arts is where the arguments, the judgements, and the questioning begin. Music, television, and pictures spark conversations and comedy. We are society's prescription glasses, and we speak for everyone – those in power and those on the side-lines. Our fluidity as Africans, our identity as the parents who are constantly adopting problem children – colonialism, western culture etc, is where we should reflect our identity and values. We are the world’s maternal centre, and in everything we do, we must speak with matriarchal authority.
What are some of your proudest achievements or moments as an artist, and what can we look forward to in the future?
Working with Netflix, winning awards for my comedy and creating television with my husband have been my highlights. I love challenging myself, and my next big jump will be in filmmaking.
You recently embarked on a spiritual journey; how has this been for you?
I think it was a very tense AGM when my ancestors decided that I would be worthy of carrying their gifts and their work. I have lost my sense of humour a few times, worried that at some point, they will go, “Actually, we made a mistake; she can go home, we'll get someone else. Maybe one of her kids…" But seeing how connected I am to my roots, the wonderful sense of fulfilment when I help someone affirms that I am living my divine purpose.
How do you unwind?
A glass of red wine, some old-school hip-hop and good company.
What do you appreciate the most about being an African, and what is your favourite holiday destination in Africa?
My adaptability and natural love for people is a typically African trait, in my view. I appreciate how flavourful we are. My favourite holiday destination is any of the Sanparks reserves. I am always awestruck by how much of nature we still have, and I enjoy the tech detox on these trips.
Comments