Wiilwaal: Satirically Funny Stand-up Comedian on the Rise Special

Toronto - The Somali-Canadian cultural scene is rich with poetry, music and other artistic forms. Of late, stand-up comedy and especially the urban brand presented by multi-talented comedian and poet, Wiilwaal, has taken the Canadian comedy landscape by storm.

After weeks of sustained publicity by the Toronto-based Somali language Ogaal Radio, 88.9FM where Wilwaal featured in live broadcasts, the stand up comedian finally hit the stage at the Westend’s Dabagooye Restaurant located at 1274 Martingrove Road to dole out humorous rants that would give seasoned comedians, the likes of Russell Peters, and Don Chappelle a run for their money. The master storyteller, poet, writer and comedian has mesmerized sold out audiences across North America, Europe and beyond. “Somalis need people like Wiilwaal who revive Somali culture through arts and literature” said Abdifatah Warsame, the coordinator of the Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services in Toronto. Abdiqani Mohamed, a social activist and youth leader, said that “comedy is part of our culture and literature and the community should support its comedians and artists” adding that “Wiilwaal’s comedy night brings you laughter at your own discretion. Some may need oxygen masks least they faint from comical effects.” “I present satire that not only makes people laugh but also makes war on stupidity” said Wiilwaal during an exclusive pre-show interview with the Digital Journal's Farid Omar. The setting of Wiilwaal’s comedy range from immigration to Diaspora life and from politics to the workplace. His hit comedy piece titled “workplace” chronicles the day to day challenges faced by the Somali immigrant working class in North America in exuberantly funny tirades that have left audiences reeling with laughter.

Photo: Ogaal Radio, 88.9FM

The world famous stand-up comedian, Wiilwaal (right), speaks to the Digital Journal's Farid Omar during Dabagooye's comedy night in Toronto.

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Wiilwaal’s meteoric rise has captured the attention of popular social media outlets becoming the first ever Somali artist to strike a partnership deal with Youtube. Within a very short spell, his Youtube channel has generated more than half a million hits online. Poking fun at the multitude of camera toting fans jostling near the stage to click away iconic images, Wiilwaal warned. “Don’t take photos of my bald head because it is copyrighted and owned by Youtube.” As a young generation comedian, Wiilwaal is social media savvy, creatively using Facebook, YouTube and Twitter as a platform to connect with thousands of fans across the world. Being gender friendly, Wiilwaal has earned a solid following from among Somali women who are attracted to his message of gender equality and respect for women. The youth are also drawn to his satire that reflects their daily struggles in the North American social landscape. An underlying theme in Wiilwaal’s work is the struggles of his community’s working class who are increasingly lured into Alberta’s jobs only to end up in tedious, back breaking occupations. Having survived Alberta’s labour scene, Wiilwaal has unleashed a satire that sheds light on the lure of Petro dollars and especially for youngsters seeking to make quick bucks in a predictably hot prairie economy, yet fraught with uncertainties.

Photo: Ogaal Radio, 88.9FM

Stand-up comedian Wiilwaal, right, with Digital Journal's Farid Omar shortly before Dabagooye's comedy night in Toronto.

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Photo: Ogaal Radio, 88.9FM

Stand-up comedian Wiilwaal(centre) with Digital Journal's Farid Omar (left) and a teenage fan(right).

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On culture shock, Wiilwaal reminisces over his high school experience in Ottawa where every young newcomer was trying to fit in the system. “I recollect folks holding ‘Racism Free’ signs on campus during a protest” said Wiilwaal. “For young newcomer folks facing a language shock, the signs may have well carried the opposite message - ‘Free to be Racist’ screamed Wilwaal, sending the audience into utter delirium. The dating scene pervades Wiilwaal’s satire. He offers all kinds of tips from dating the intellectual woman, to single mothers and the religious types. “If you are trying your luck with the intellectual one, make sure your first date is in a library, preferably in a University setting or something akin of the Library of Congress. When she arrives, make sure she finds you reading a sophisticated book, some Shakespeare or Noam Chomsky stuff, you know. And remember, you are a vegetarian and an environmentalist. You are into high culture and so you like jazz, the arts and the museums. You don’t have kids but don’t hate them. We can’t yet feed those in Africa and so for God’s sake, you are being kidless for humanitarian grounds” yelled Wiilwaal sending his fans into rapture. Hollywood, Wiilwaal notes, creates a major “misunderstanding.” “When I first arrived in Canada, I was shocked to see a Caucasian man panhandling in the streets. From culture shock to language shock, Canada also offers a ‘perception’ shock. White panhandlers? Think man! Hollywood is fake! Canada is real!” For a community psychologically traumatized by ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis besetting their homeland, Wiilwaal says his funny humour brings a “Saturday Night Live” style of comedy with a “Somali twist,” offering a break from the hectic diasporic life. For more information, Wiilwaal can be reached through Ogaal Radio at (416) 278-2944.