Introducing Bobin Monga, the Vancouver-based comedian with a knack for turning everyday experiences into laughter. Bobin brings his own blend of humour to the stage, offering a fresh and relatable perspective on life in Vancouver and beyond. With wit and charm, he navigates the comedic landscape, leaving audiences entertained and uplifted. We sat down with him for a dose of laughter and asked for his shares on his unique take on the world through the lens of humour.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Tough to say! I just try to do whatever feels right and do the bit I’m doing justice. I guess it’s probably a little bit of a mix of wordplay, raunch, goofiness, and neuroticism. Not high-brow or low-brow, but furrowed brow! Like listening to a Kidz Bop album in transit.
Who are some of your influences?
Waaaay too many to list. I feel as though if I make a list it will be so inaccurate that I’ll think about it for days. So many influences you’re not even aware of shaping your life and your art. The crazy thing is that you’ll never be able to trace back the actual totality of your influences across your life because memory is so unreliable and the lynchpin moments that define who you are may not have been what you were aware of or paying particular attention to. With that comes the danger that if you make a list consciously you’ll create a narrative that you have to live up to, thereby folding this synthetic list of influences into your lived reality, alienating you from yourself and the organic manifestation of your art.
But if I had to pick one it’d be the kid who showed me 80085 on the calculator.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I think probably Conan O’Brien. Not technically standup, but I would watch so much of his show and just roll around laughing. I still love that mix of goofy, over-the-top energy combined with the good vibes. He also was behind the best seasons of the Simpsons which was awesome.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
I really love Nate Bargatze right now, the kind of awkward twists and turns he makes are just awesome.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I don’t have much of one. I usually just like to get a little bit of silence before I get on stage so my brain isn’t full of the conversation about bread I just had. I also generally like to scratch myself.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I’d say the first music open mic I tried to perform at. There was a crowd of songwriters and parents who wanted to watch their kids play their songs and nobody wanted to see a comedian. I got a few chuckles but my insides are still scarred from how brutal that bomb was.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
Probably my bit about common mispronunciations of Indian words. I think I’m proud of it because it’s something so funny and prevalent but so rarely thought about.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Honestly, I listen to the radio or read a joke or two before I do a deep dive into the comedian’s work. I’m kind of old school in that sense.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I once had a neighbour who pronounced Vancouver as ‘Wank Over’. I’m not sure if that memory in my brain makes the bird droppings more or less tolerable.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I am launching a media review podcast called the Bobliography! Please follow my socials for its imminent launch 🙂
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Darcy Boon Collins
