Comics' Corner - November 2019
Showcasing Top End comics and local stand-up performers.
By Will Crawford
MICAH KICKETT WAS MY STANDOUT stand up discovery of 2019. He won the Darwin final of Melbourne International Comedy Festival's Deadly Funny, and wowed the crowd at the national final in Melbourne.
A talented, rapper, singer, lawyer, filmmaker and mentor to young people, this emerging comic is taking the comedy world by storm. Watch out 2020, Micah Kickett is coming to kick it!
You’re a talented singer and rapper, and you can nail comedy songs, stories, one-liners, observations and sketches – how many styles of comedy do you want to make other artists look bad in?
I’ve gotta give the crowd what they want (laughs). For me, I think the best way of telling stories is by being creative – this is where the music and raps come into it. When doing stand up, I always want to find ways to make it more fun and enjoyable. It’s my swag and I like that bringing different comedy styles into it can set me apart.
How did you get into comedy?
I entered Darwin Deadly Funny back in February and was selected as a finalist to go to Melbourne to perform with the other Deadly Funny finalists. Ever since then, I’ve been working on my craft as I want to continue doing comedy.
What inspires your material?
I’m always centring my comedy around who I am as an Aboriginal man – black stories for me are the funniest and I want to tell them in a humorous way.
Given you throw a bit of rap into the mix, who’s your favourite rapper?
I love Local Knowledge, they’re an Indigenous hip-hop crew. Their music isn’t just about Indigenous issues, but also empowerment.
Don’t think about it too much! With my first big gig in Melbourne, I rehearsed to the point I started forgetting my lines. I’ve learnt to sometimes just go with it, if you mess up you mess up! Just don’t feel awkward about it because then your audience is awkward.
Quick Quiz
Khalid’s album Free Spirit.
Bran Nue Dae.
John Cleese.
Getting admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and having my family there to witness my admission.
Are you sure you want to be a lawyer?
Stay tuned for another Darwin Deadly Comedy with my brothers Richard Fejo and Normie Gee.
