Spotlight: Jamali Maddix

For a long time Salford University used to cling on to Peter Kay for grim death. Rarely people would mention the University’s drama and performance programme without dropping in the obligatory "You know Peter Kay went here, don’t you?" It was a big claim to fame, as he was very famous. Though it had begun to get a little tired.

Thankfully, their more recent alumni have been winning awards and gaining notoriety about the comedy scene. At the recent Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards they could boast both winners and nominees – in Tom Short for his part in Phil Ellis’s Panel Prize-winning Funz and Gamez, and in Best Newcomer nominees Gein’s Family Giftshop (also former Spotlighters, which is definitely a bigger accolade). Luisa Omielan also got her start through Salford Uni’s arts department, and has been lately touring the country with her show What Would Beyonce Do?

Step forward, then, Jamali Maddix, the most recent offspring of Salford’s Adelphi Building to take the comedy world by storm. The 22-year-old Londoner recently won Chortle’s Student Comedian of the Year in Edinburgh, and has stunned audiences with his frank yet ironic take on everyday racism. He cites influences that range from Bill Hicks to Gandhi to his Uncle Mark. Dealing with issues people would rather not speak of, Maddix has endured a tough start but has now found a way to present his material. Though his answers here may be clipped, his standup delivery is sharp and erudite – keep an eye out for Jamali Maddix.
 
First gig:
"A basement in London, and got booed off stage."
 
Best gig:
"A gig where the crowd were rowdy and were talking as I walked on stage and this big guy – crazy looking dude – in back said, 'Shut up he looks funny,' and everyone just went quiet."
 
Worst gig:
"I got gonged off at a show and my mum was in the crowd. That was a long ride home."
 
Circuit favourites in the Northwest:
"I like Danny Mclonan*. I think that's how you spell it, I dunno, he's dope." 

Favourite venue:
"The Comedy Store in Manchester. The seating is great."
 
Best heckle:
"I saw a guy leave the audience talking to himself saying 'This is just ridiculous' and then just keep walking through talking to himself. It sounds rubbish as I’m saying this, but at the time it was funny. Best putdown is a comedian going into the crowd and staring at a heckler repeatedly saying 'Why are you the way you are.'"
 
Aspirations:
"To carrying on doing standup and be able to rent a half decent flat."
 
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing standup?
"I'd be bored."
 
If you could be haunted by anyone, who would it be and why?
"Albert Einstein because why not."
 
If you were on death row, what would your last meal be? And why are you on death row?
"I'd go for a quiche. I'd be there for being one bad muda."
 
What’s the largest animal you think you could beat in a fight? No weapons.
"I'm going for gorilla. I've got the game plan already."
 
If you lived in medieval times what would you be doing for a living?
"Making bread."
 
Question from past Spotlighter Danny Sutcliffe: How do you operate a fire extinguisher? Please hurry.
"Mate I've already left the building, there's a fire."
 
*we’re almost certain he meant Danny McLoughlin.