Humans of the Islands - James Nokise

JAMES NOKISE

COMEDIAN/THEATRE MAKER & WRITER

SAMOAN/WELSH

The New Zealand Comedy Trust has proudly awarded the 2024 Topp Prize to James Nokise, a highly regarded comedian, playwright, columnist, podcaster, and social commentator.

Known for his fearless creativity and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, James perfectly embodies the irreverent and truthful ethos of the Topp Twins. The annual award, which honours individuals who push boundaries in comedy and inspire through their work, comes with a $15,000 cash grant to support his ongoing creative endeavours.

“James Nokise is a force in Aotearoa’s comedy scene,” said Lauren Whitney, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Comedy Trust. “His sharp political satire is more vital than ever in today’s challenging climate, offering audiences humour, insight, and reflection.

His contributions to the comedy industry go beyond his own achievements, as he continuously uplifts his peers and champions the arts community. From directing beloved comedians like Tofiga and James Roque to advocating for diversity and inclusion, James exemplifies what the Topp Prize is all about—creativity, courage, and a deep commitment to his community.

With over 20 years of experience, James’s career spans everything from stand-up comedy and theatre to critically acclaimed podcasts like Eating Fried Chicken in the Shower and projects that explore the intersections of colonialism, identity, and mental health.

I'm a comedian, theatre maker, and writer. I grew up in Wellington which is probably why I like experimenting across genres and maybe why there's so much politics in my work.

My parents are immigrants. Dad came over on a banana boat (like a real one) in the 50's from Samoa, and Mum came over from Wales, with Dad, in the early 80's.

You're in the middle of a show at the moment, have you got another show coming up?

I've got a couple. My show, Rukahu, is a one man play at the Basement Theatre (showing now 4th-8th July), I'm in a puppet show called Puppet Fiction the following week at Basement, and then I fly to the UK, for the Edinburgh fringe festival to do Puppets and my solo comedy hour: Britain, Let's Talk About the Golliwogs.

Is the premise for your show based on any personal experiences?

Rukahu comes from the surreal conversations I've had at Pacific Island Arts openings with non-pacific islanders and what they interpret as Pasifika.

How has your upbringing + culture shaped you into the man you are today?

Well I'm an alcoholic, so...

Being mixed race, I'll often try and see the other side of an argument, even ones where I have very strong opinions, because I'm used to having to interpret where my relatives are coming from. And Also I guess I have "wandering feet" in that I'm always travelling.

Who are your biggest inspirations and why?

Other artists I meet at overseas festivals. It's really fun to see people coming at the same subjects from different angles, but also going through the same struggles in their homeland.

What are your goals for the future?

Well there's these Captain Cook celebrations happening in 2019, and I'd really like to have some projects ready for that...

Enjoy this snippet of James in action in the vid below ...