Why Dark Humor Has Become My Favorite Type of Humor.

If there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that you need humor to get through it. But as I’ve spent more time in comedy, I’ve gravitated to a particular type: dark humor. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s something about it that draws me in. Dark humor finds laughter in the unexpected places, in the experiences we shy away from. It’s raw, honest, and somehow, incredibly freeing.

For me, though, there’s an added layer. I’m Muslim, and I live by cultural and religious values that shape my entire worldview. Navigating dark humor within that framework is an art—and sometimes a challenge. Humor can get edgy fast, and I find myself weighing each joke in the balance of what’s funny and what might cross a line. It’s a delicate dance of respecting my beliefs and still pushing the envelope in ways that keep things interesting...as I've heard once before, a good story is like a woman's dress, long enough to cover important stuff and short enough to keep things interesting.

Why Dark Humor? Finding Comfort in Uncomfortable Topics

There’s something comforting about being able to laugh at the parts of life that normally get swept under the rug. Dark humor lets us talk about topics that are often seen as taboo—topics like loss, fear, mistakes, and regret. It’s a way of saying, “I see the messiness of life, and I can still find light in it.” For me, that’s powerful. Life has its heavy moments, and laughing at them makes them feel a little less heavy.

In many ways, dark humor has become a tool for resilience. When I can laugh at things that scare me, I take back some of the control. And that’s something we all need from time to time—a reminder that no matter how serious life gets, there’s still room for laughter.

 A Cultural Balancing Act

Of course, being part of a strong cultural and religious community adds complexity. There are jokes I’d love to tell but don’t because I know they’d clash with my values or my community’s values, and by my community I mean the LGBTQ community, that's the name of the next door madarasa, LGBTQ stands for "let's get back to Qur'an". It’s a balance that requires awareness, respect, and a lot of second-guessing. But at the same time, it’s an exciting challenge, a chance to explore where humor and personal values can intersect.

Navigating dark humor as a Muslim, I think a lot about what I want to put out into the world. Humor is powerful, and as much as I want to make people laugh, I also want to make sure I’m staying true to who I am. It’s a line I walk each time I write a new set or test out a new joke.

Laughing Through Society’s Expectations

Beyond my own values, society has its expectations, too. Growing up, we were taught that some topics were “too serious” to joke about. But with dark humor, I’ve found it’s sometimes the most sensitive subjects that need the lightest touch. Humor lets me break down walls, challenge expectations, and bring up subjects people might otherwise avoid. It’s my way of exploring these topics without the need for heavy discussions or debates.

The Personal Struggle: Resisting and Embracing

Dark humor has taught me a lot about myself. There are times I’ll write a joke and then feel a pang of guilt—an instinct that maybe this goes against the grain of what I’ve been taught. And yet, there’s another part of me that feels like this is where my truest voice comes out. It’s a constant negotiation between who I am on stage and who I am off stage. In a way, dark humor gives me permission to explore thoughts and perspectives I might not otherwise touch, while also challenging me to check in with my beliefs and boundaries.

Why Dark Humor Works for Me

1. It Embraces the Messiness of Life: Dark humor doesn’t try to sanitize life. It acknowledges that life is messy, unpredictable, and often contradictory, which feels deeply honest to me.

2. It Connects with People on a Real Level:When people laugh at something dark, it’s often because they recognize a shared experience. Dark humor isn’t just about shock value—it’s about connecting over life’s tougher truths.

3. It Keeps Me on My Toes: The cultural boundaries I navigate force me to think creatively. I can’t rely on shock for shock’s sake; I have to be thoughtful, intentional, and smart with each joke.

4. It Helps Me Face My Own Fears: There’s a strange sense of freedom in being able to laugh at things that scare us. Dark humor lets me face my fears with a smile.

5. It Lets Me Challenge Social Norms: In a world that’s always trying to “keep it positive,” dark humor is my way of saying, “Let’s look at the full picture—light and dark.” It’s a form of rebellion but one that still stays rooted in respect.

 The Beauty of Dark Humor: A Reminder to Not Take Life Too Seriously

In the end, dark humor is a reminder that life doesn’t always need to be so serious. It’s a nudge to laugh at the unexpected, the uncomfortable, and the strange. And for me, it’s a chance to embrace my truest voice, even while I honor the values and beliefs that have shaped me. 

If you’re curious to see how I walk this line on stage, come check out my next show, it's called "Stories in the dark", the ultimate dark jokes galore. Tickets are on sale now, and I promise, it’ll be an evening of laughs that might just make you think a little deeper too. Because sometimes, the best way to navigate life’s dark corners is to shine a little humor on them.

Tickets by mpesa till number 893334 (Sticks &Stones) Amount 1500 on the 2nd November 2024 at the home of stand up in Nairobi Two grapes in Kilimani, can't wait to see ya!