From Barbados to Brixton: Sikisa Brings the Heat (and the Filth)
“I talk a lot about dick. ‘Cause I love dick.”
By Fred Spanner
Sikisa doesn’t so much enter a room as detonate into it; all high-octane charisma, razor-sharp honesty, and the kind of joyful chaos that has made her one of the most exciting comedians breaking through today.
Fresh from an acclaimed, award-nominated Edinburgh Fringe run, the Live at the Apollo star is celebrating the release of her first-ever stand-up special, The Life of the Party, with the same energy she brings to the stage: loud, unapologetic, and outrageously funny.
Whether she’s talking about her Barbadian roots or her lifelong love of wrestling, Sikisa has carved out a voice that’s uniquely hers. It’s warm, wild, and impossible not to love. As she steps into this new career milestone, she sits down with us to talk names, nerves, concussions, misconceptions, and why 2026 might (or might not) be the year she finally gives up the thing she loves the most.
You’ve travelled from Barbados to live in London. What’s the main difference between the two (aside from the weather?
Everything’s more expensive here. Alcohol is way cheaper in Barbados. The big difference is the pace of life. It’s much slower over there, and everyone just chills and takes their time. In London, it’s all ‘Rush, ruch, rush,’ and I find myself doing it. “Hey! I’m going somewhere. Get out of the godamn way!” If you come to London, you have to dress for war.
You have an unusual name, which must be annoying for someone with dyslexia.
Yes, I found out I was dyslexic a few years ago. I told my mum. You know how parents like to jump on the bandwagon? She said, “Oh, maybe I’m dyslexic, too?”
My name is very unique. I was told from a very young age that my mum found it in a book of kings and queens. Does she know the name of the book? No. Can she tell me where she found it? No. I’ve Googled the name, and I can’t find any reference to it.
I used to make a joke that it was made up from my parents playing Scrabble.
So, when did the penny drop and you thought you’d try a bit of stand-up?
I used to work in a pub called the Cavendish Arms, which hosted live events, like music and stand-up comedy. A lot of great comics worked their way up from that venue, like Dave Baptiste and James Acaster.
I like to think I’ve got a bit of personality, and I think it shone through, even from working behind the bar. My boss told me I should give stand-up a go. He thought I was naturally funny. The problem was, I’m not good at public speaking, which I know sounds a bit weird, but I wanted to face that fear and give it a go.
Stand-up can be a difficult thing for many. You’re putting your vulnerabilities on show for everyone to see, and wanting people to laugh with you and not at you.
So I did it. I was rubbish. I totally riffed it, without writing a single joke. I was basically talking on stage for five minutes, but I was thinking people were laughing ‘cause they could see I was trying. Then, I was given the job of doing the sound for a comedy show, and I was able to watch more of it. I learned from it, things like how to construct a joke. So I worked on my act, and the drive came from just wanting to be better.
You smashed Live at the Apollo in more ways than one, I hear?
The Apollo was probably my career highlight so far. It’s a moment I’ll never forget, and the twenty minutes went so well. I was really nervous at the start, and I think you can tell, but once the first couple of jokes kicked in, I was just having the best time of my life.
Being able to do those jokes on that stage, as myself, and looking glamorous as well, was the best thing ever.
Yes, I did have an accident before the show involving the scenery, which meant I did the entire performance with a concussion. My head collided with the sign that comes down on the stage when I was in rehearsal. I wasn’t out cold, and I carried on ‘cause I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it and get taken off the show!
I went upstairs with my agent, we compressed, and I had a drink of water. The adrenaline was kicking in, too, which helped. After the show, I was thinking about how unwell I felt, and at that point, I went to A&E to tell them I had a concussion.
One of my favourite gags of yours is how you love going to Brixton to see your family, because they all work in the same shop. If you could describe your act, using an item from a shop, what would it be?
Oh, that’s a good question. The first thing that popped into my head was a vibrator. Oh, wait…Fried chicken. Yes, it would have to be fried chicken. It’s meant to be good for you, but if you have too much of it, it will give you a heart attack.
What’s your ideal walk-on music?
I love hyped-up music; I like things that are pumped up. I walked out to a wrestling song at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. Beyoncé is perfect for a walk-on tune. She’s got the energy.
Where does your energy come from? Coffee? Chaos?
This is a question that people love to ask. I do drink coffee, but it doesn’t keep me awake. I think I’ve had too much coffee in my lifetime, so it has no effect on me now. I think it’s from wanting people to have a good time.
The world we’re living in right now is crazy. It’s so fucked up, and everyone has their own individual problems. When you come to a comedy show, you don’t want to deal with those problems; you just want to have a good time.
So, if I can use my energy to help people escape the world for a bit and have a laugh, I think it becomes quite infectious.
What’s the weirdest heckle you’ve ever had?
It’s about my name. Someone shouted out, “Your name means ‘pussy’ in my language.” I had no idea what they wanted me to do with that. It was the most random thing. It came from the back of the room. I questioned it but they wouldn’t say what language it was. Maybe it’s Martian?
What’s the weirdest compliment you’ve had?
When you finish the set after being MC, and someone walks up to you and says, “You were so good. You should try comedy.” What did they think I was doing? Being an MC is one of the hardest jobs. You have to warm up the whole room.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
That I’m as crazy off-stage as I am on-stage. I’m allowed to get away with a lot of stuff when I’m on the stage, but my personality won’t allow me to do that in real life. I mean, who wouldn’t love this face, haha.
I’m very quiet in real life, and I like my own personal space. I also need to conserve my energy. Most of the time, I’m asleep.
I hear you’re a bit of a wrestling fan?
Oh, yeah, I’ve loved it since I was about eleven years old. I got hooked after watching a match between The Undertaker and Big Boss Man. I used to stay up to 4 am on a Sunday after Channel 4 bought the rights, then go to school.
There’s something about it: The theatrics, the athleticism, the moves, the storylines…everything, really. Sometimes, you never know what’s going to happen, and that’s the best part.
I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in professional wrestling in the past few years, through hosting Eve Wrestling, which is all-girl, UK wrestling.
Wrestling is my nerdiest thing. I can talk about it all day, so let’s change the subject.
Tell us about your special. Will se see a clip of your concussion?
I really should make a joke about that. No, the show is called The Life Of The Party, and it’s just about enjoying yourself and living your best life. I love house parties. I try to educate people about the things people should bring to a party.
Oh, and I talk a lot about dick. ‘Cause I love dick.
Dare I ask what your New Year’s Resolution is?
Well, I do talk about a lot of things from a sexual point of view, so I’ve decided in 2026, I’m going to be celibate.
Good luck with that!
Life of the Party is available from Turtle Canyon Comedy: