Yvonne Orji’s “Momma, I Made It!” Will Make You LOL

“Like Chinua Achebe said, ‘you have only four options as a Nigerian: be a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, or disappointment, so, congratulations.'” Says Comedian-Actress Yvonne Orji to a group of friends in her HBO Comedy Special, “Momma, I Made It!”

With the repetitive news headlines on the Corona Virus, massive protests for Black lives, and skyrocketing unemployment rates, laughter and inspiration are what the world needs, and Orji serve it up hot and fresh.

Orji, who plays Molly Carter from HBO’s Insecure, shared in an interview with Fast Company that initially she didn’t think now was a good time to release her special. She shared, “I had a moment of like, this is probably coming out like at the worst time. But this is actually the best time because people need levity, and they need a moment of collective laughter.”

Adorned in a fly leather blazer dress by Nigerian Designer, Laurence Bass, Orji stylishly graced the stage of The Howard Theatre in Washington D.C. to share the beautiful complexities of being a Nigerian-American. I love that she and the producers filmed segments of her visit to Nigeria, and she interlaced glimpses of her stay throughout her set. This gave her witty jokes a colorful context. She taught viewers how to haggle at a market, braid hair, ask (or not ask) for directions, and end an argument – the Nigerian way.

Her trip also included visiting her parents, which was a big part of her set. Some people may find it rude or insensitive to make fun of their parents, but Orji sees it as an endearment. She said, “I will continue to make fun of them on stage because they are my money-maker (laughs). I am still fortunate to still have my mom and dad with me, I hope it’s for a long-long time. But for me, these moments are special. I get to share them and share their story with, not just myself, but with the world.”

A pivotal part of her set is when she described the constant parental pressures she faced as a child to be a straight-A student, and as a single adult, she now faces another hurdle: currently not married with zero children. Orji, who has a Master’s Degree in Public Health, said, “when you have the pressure of your parents, in any way, shape, or form, either it’s to succeed or to get your life together. That is a huge motivating factor. But then it’s also the reason you need therapy.”

But now, with her career on the rise, she can shout, “Momma, I Made It!” Hopefully, her success can hold them over until she meets, “The One.”

If you are looking for a good laugh, watch “Momma, I Made It,” out now on HBOMAX.

Ravishing Review: Akilah Hughes'”Obviously: Stories from My Timeline.”

During the holidays, I got a chance to unwind and read Akilah Hughes’ delightfully amusing book, “Obviously: Stories from My Timeline.”

Borrowing the blueprint from other funny ladies, like Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, and Aisha Tyler, she released a series of essays on her life from adolescence to adulthood. Though the first few chapters of the book are dark and heavy at times, Hughes always knows how to throw in a joke in just the right places to lighten the mood.

The first time I ever saw Hughes was on YouTube in 2013, in the video, “Meet Your First Black Girlfriend.” Set from the boyfriend’s point of view, she lists a litany of dos and don’ts in their interracial relationship. I believe YouTube’s algorithm served it to my feed because it saw my endless search of the perfect wash-and-go video for 4C hair after my first big chop, and Hughes just so happens to be rocking her fluffy natural curls for this sketch. I digress. The video is witty, lighthearted, and relatable; I immediately subscribed.

I followed her throughout the years, admiring her growth and accomplishments – hint: HBO. Crooked Media. Comedy Central. Sundance Fellow. And she started getting slashes between her job titles: YouTuber/Stand-Up Comedian/Actress/Writer! Yup, Wowza! So when I saw that Hughes released a book, I had to read her memoir. But as they say, what you see on social media is entirely different from what one experiences in real life.

I found the book to be refreshingly candid like a funny ass homegirl after a few drinks at happy hour. I was pleased to learn that behind the snappy one-liners, accolades, and accomplishments lie a woman who questions life and is on a constant search to make it better.

Her book spans from being raised in Florence, Kentucky, and hustling her way through New York, New York. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments like her third grade ‘Roid rage incident that ended with her cursing out a bully-classmate; her precious mother, who always finds humor in the most serious situations. As she said, “worse shit happens;” Oh, and why she hates Akeelah & Bee due to her own experience with a spill on spelling – and the shared name, obviously.

With the comical moments, there are disheartening moments like her first run-in with blatant racism in fifth grade, the culprit, her teacher! Also, Hughes described the insanely unhealthy relationship she had with her now-deceased father, who she discovered had other kids besides her and her sister. I found her chapter on friendship very relatable as we’ve all had a good frenemy or two in our lives. There is more, but I can’t tell you all!

What I found most valuable was her perspective on being black in the YouTube space and Hollywood. The intricacies of finding her identity, gaining confidence, and embracing herself are all part of her success.

If you’re looking for a good laugh and book that taps into what life is like getting into Hollywood or at least getting social media famous, this book is a read for you.

Queenie: Mini Book Review

After reading “Queenie,” these questions came to mind: how many of us are looking for love in the wrong places? Is our upbringing or family ties affecting our relationships or lack thereof? The author, Candice Carty-Williams, paints a colorful picture answering those questions through the main character, 25-year-old Queenie Jenkins, in her debut novel.

Pulling me in from the beginning, with a sharp comedic edge, “Queenie,” set in South London, explores gentrification, race, identity, friendships, familial relationships, and ah love! Centered around the complexity of her relationship with her boyfriend, Tom, who basically ghosted her for 90% of the story, Carty-Williams took us on a wild ride of Queenie’s poor choices in men and career pursuits.

Without giving a lot away, I will say this book is a good read. I found myself literally screaming as I read each chapter! Queenie scared me, yet I saw myself in her at the same time. From her Caribbean heritage to her quarter-life crisis, which made the story relatable.

If you have some downtime during the holidays, read this book as an option of leisure. And if you have any book recommendations, contact me at nicole@ravishingraconteur.com.

Cheers, Ravishing Ones!
Nic