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A Frankfurt-based comedy collective is aiming for the big stage, and a new documentary chronicles their journey. “Hood Comedy,” a group of artists with roots outside of Germany, is gaining recognition for its relatable and often self-deprecating humor, and a recent film by Hessischer Rundfunk (HR) offers a behind-the-scenes look at their rise. The documentary also features a meeting with Kaya Yanar, a pioneering comedian who paved the way for a new generation of German artists.
Madiou Barry, Halid Rizvanovic and Bruno Banarby of “Hood Comedy.”
Image © hr
Halid Rizvanovic took the stage at a nearly sold-out Batschkapp in Frankfurt and casually mentioned to the audience that a film crew from Hessischer Rundfunk was filming that night. He then turned the announcement into a heartfelt tribute to his mother.
He described how proud he is of his family, calling his mother an “angel” – and then joked about how she strategically adjusts her German skills depending on the situation.
Rizvanovic’s family fled Yugoslavia during the wars of the 1990s, finding a new home in Frankfurt, where he grew up in the Höchst neighborhood. It’s a place that deeply informs his comedy, his “hood,” as he calls it.
Comedians Between Two Worlds
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In 2019, Rizvanovic and Bruno Banarby founded Hood Comedy, a collective of artists united by a common thread: their family roots outside of Germany and their experience navigating two cultures. This duality is central to their performances.
Their shows often explore themes of family, the sometimes strict upbringing they experienced, and even the occasional playful reference to a parental spanking.
Madiou Barry recounted a story about his father, who wasn’t familiar with celebrities. “But he knew Michael Jackson. He even knew fun facts about Michael Jackson. Every time he hit me, he’d say, ‘Michael Jackson got hit too.’”
Anything Goes (Within Reason)
Hood Comedy doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult subjects. They address everyday racism, as seen in the work of Abeku Okyere.
Okyere jokingly shared a story about being pulled over while driving under the influence. “There was a bit of racism involved. In the police car, they told me, ‘We were actually on our way to a noise complaint. But then we saw you…’ They figured there was work to be done, and a little fun to be had.”
Real Life, Exaggerated Gags
HR author Agata Pietrzik followed the creators of Hood Comedy for a three-part documentary, capturing the real locations that inspire their stories and the wit they bring to the stage.
One scene shows Bruno Banarby generously giving a homeless man a doggy bag of leftovers – unaware that his wallet was also inside the paper bag.
“No Jokes About My Background, Appearance, or Mother”
Personal family experiences are a rich source of material for many Hood Comedy performers, but Bruno Banarby made a conscious decision to avoid certain topics. “I told myself: No jokes about where I come from, what I look like, my mother. Nothing!”
The collective aims to help up-and-coming comedians find their voice, hone their stage presence, and gain experience.
Open mic nights provide a platform for anyone to perform. Those who impress the audience and the Hood Comedy team can become part of the collective and perform at larger shows for pay.
Kaya Yanar’s “What Are You Looking At?” Was an Inspiration
One of the major influences for many aspiring comedians is Kaya Yanar, who was born in Frankfurt. With his TV show “Was guckst Du?!” (“What Are You Looking At?”), the son of Turkish parents became an icon for many children of immigrants in the early 2000s.
Kaya Yanar became known with “Was guckst Du?!” in the early 2000s.
Image © picture-alliance/dpa (Archiv)
The Hood Comedy collective sees Yanar as part of a tradition of “ethno-comedy.” “But you guys are the next generation. Take whatever I’ve brought to the table and keep building on it,” he advised.
The 52-year-old believes that “as a comedian, you’re integrated when you can get on stage and not always have to make jokes about your background, culture, or traditions, but about everything you find funny.”
