Saudi Gazette For standup comic Kalid Khalifa, it all began in school. His fellow students heard his very first act. “The other students were the audience and it was irresistible not to crack a joke here and there. But I was kicked out of class once and I thought I needed to find a way to do what I love and stay in class so I related my routines to the subject,” he said. Khalifa managed to make his teachers appreciate and leverage on his talent to lighten up the mood in class and keep everyone interested. From there, he eventually jumped into the comedy club circuit, joining Laughs Unlimited in Sacramento, California, where he honed his talent. In 2008, Khalifa settled in Riyadh to become one of the first standup comedians in Saudi Arabia. Khalifa has since performed over 50 shows across the GCC. He also did the first standup comedy show in Yemen. Inspired by comedy legends Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, Khalifa specializes in observational humor. He skillfully talks about things that most people can relate to, and individual observations that people would not openly speak about or discuss with anyone. “On many occasions, I focus on things from my perspective. I also make fun of myself, friends and relatives. “I try not to insult anyone but in the end there's always that one person that finds (some things I said) offensive, which is normal and even considered a good sign sometimes,” he said. Khalifa targets open-minded people who appreciate or understand what standup comedy is about, but he also acknowledges that there are guidelines for standup comedians. “We have a rule on what to talk about and where to draw the line as far as our material (is concerned),” he said. Standup comedy is quickly catching on especially when it comes to corporate audiences, Khalifa said. “They always face the problem of having long and boring meetings so inserting comedy (into these meetings) has become very common,” he said. “Although when it comes to corporations or any private event, the act becomes much more difficult to perform,” he said. Khalifa performs in English due to his mixed Arabic accent but hopes one day to perform purely in Arabic. “I think in English, and in standup comedy, you need to be quick and witty. But with constant translating in my head, it is not possible.” One time, he thought to make his bad Arabic part of his routine. “Unfortunately, a lot of Saudis are judgmental about other Saudis who speak English or who have bad Arabic,” he said. What's next for Khalifa? He has recently been picked by Ford Focus to lead Team KSA in the Rabaa Rally across the GCC and to complete a series of tasks and challenges. The rally kicks off in late April at the Reem International Circuit in Riyadh. The journey will bring the teams through all six GCC countries over 10 days in seven challenges. His advice to aspiring standup comedians? Keep writing and be original, spontaneous, different, opinionated and, of course, funny. “The satisfactory part of my profession is the act itself. It's the entire time being on stage, as well as traveling to various places to perform, all the while listening to people laugh louder and louder,” he said. __
