Malaysia’s Queen of Comedy, Joanne Kam, will be taking to the stage in “Queens of Asia”, a new stand-up comedy special – and this time, she’ll be joined by three other funny women from Southeast Asia, promising two “full-power ‘pompuan’ nights of female empowerment”!
Presented by LOL Asia and Kam Productions and in commemoration of International Women’s Day, “Queens of Asia” features Sharul Channa, Singapore’s No. 1 female comedian; Simmone Park, a comic with both North and South Korean heritage; Japan-born and Canada-based Yumi Nagashima, a YouTube sensation with over 33 million views; and, of course, the fah-bulous Ms Kam herself.
Asked how she feels about representing Malaysian stand-up alongside such talent, Kam said: “I am always looking to uplift women in comedy, so this is a dream of mine that has truly manifested into a great production – combining top female headliners from around the world on one stage.”
To prepare you for what’s to come, FMT sat down for a roundtable discussion with this awesome foursome.
Is this your first time performing in Malaysia? What are you most looking forward to when you visit?
KAM: Um, I think it’s safe to assume these questions don’t apply to me.
PARK: My first time was December 2022 and I loved Malaysia so much, this will be my third visit! I am looking most forward to the people and the food – I’m drooling now just thinking about nasi lemak, pan mee, rojak, naan, the list goes on. Cracking jokes with friends late at night at the mamak has become one of my favourite things in life.
SHARUL: I have been performing in Malaysia for the past 10 years. I love audiences here as they are so open to laughing and having a good time!
NAGASHIMA: It’s my second time performing in Malaysia. Like Simmone, I’m looking forward to delicious food… bring on the butter crab!
What can audiences expect from this show?
KAM: The best of what women represent: strong, sexy, proud and unapologetic. There will be new jokes from me, especially about rediscovering my strength as a single mother, and what the pandemic lockdowns taught me about self-resilience.
PARK: Joanne doesn’t do anything small, so I will be stepping it up. No more classic jeans and t-shirt for me – this will be a performance fit for a QUEEN!
SHARUL: Expect to hear about my funny experiences during Covid and how I am dealing with this “new world”. Also some petty jokes about my personal life.
NAGASHIMA: A Japanese lady unleashing her most authentic self.
Do you find yourself gravitating towards particular topics in your comedy?
KAM: Most of my subjects resonate with what I go through in the year – though I have talked a lot about copulation in the past, how women see themselves, and the female voice. Navigating the dating field as a big, bold, loud, opinionated woman can be challenging at times, but I do get good stories to tell!
PARK: For me, it only makes sense to joke about what I know or have observed. I’ve been very fortunate to have lived all over the world, so I hope to bring jokes to the table that anyone can find the funny in.
SHARUL: I look at what amuses me at any given point in my life. So if I have a problem with a friend, I will joke about that; if Marie Kondo suddenly decides to concentrate on inner peace instead of sparking joy, it’s about that.
NAGASHIMA: I try to cover different topics as much as possible, but my favourite is still dirty jokes because it’s silly and universal!
What is your strongest memory from all your years of stand-up?
KAM: When I had to go out on stage in the last BIG LOL SHOW to a packed audience of 2,000 to tell them that (Singaporean comedian) Kumar had Covid and couldn’t perform. Everyone in the production was panicking, and I was given this enormous task of ensuring the crowd was sympathetic.
They were, which tells you how the Malaysian audience is not only kind, but truly appreciates when you bare yourself onstage with nothing but your wits.
PARK: Performing in Spanish at Stand-Up Costa Rica. I have never taken a single lesson in Spanish and don’t really speak the language, so I had to work very hard to craft jokes that would land, while perfecting my pronunciation and timing.
SHARUL: When Kumar said I could open for him and even insisted on paying me even though I was new to the scene.
NAGASHIMA: When I performed for inmates in Winnipeg, Canada, and the guards with guns explained to me how to evacuate in case of riots.
Any last words for those who are itching to watch you in action?
KAM: This ensemble is a very precious one as we have bonded into a sisterhood of powerful voices. It’s rare for girls from Malaysia, Japan/Canada, Singapore and Korea to be on one stage together. It is the ultimate fempowerment.
PARK: In a short amount of time, Malaysia has captured a piece of my heart. It is one of the coolest places in the whole world. Aku cintamu, Malaysia!
NAGASHIMA: Thank you for coming to “Queens of Asia” – we will have a crazy, fun celebration.
SHARUL: A comedian never has last words – though we will have the last laugh when we walk offstage.
‘Queens of Asia’ runs on March 17 & 18 (Friday and Saturday), 8.30pm at the Platform @ Menara Ken TTDI. Tickets, starting from RM118, can be booked here. For further information, contact 019-840 3885.
Menara Ken TTDI
37, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Kuala Lumpur