Meet Trailblazer Aziazah Drumgoole a.k.a. Aziza Jokes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aziazah Drumgoole a.k.a. Aziza Jokes.

Aziazah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
5th grade-Ms Franklin asked the class? What do you want to be when you grow up?

A comedian… I want to make people laugh!

My mother’s reply was… Ohhhh, no, you don’t!

My parents were pastors and my mother raised me in the church after my father’s death.

Comedy seemed to follow me in every aspect of my life… I told jokes at my high school graduation, I told jokes at the DMV when I received my driver’s license, I even told jokes on the 18hr greyhound bus ride when I Moved to Arizona at the age of 23.

I worked ten years at Uhaul and the best memories I have is making my coworkers laugh during our company conferences and banquets… so it was easy for me to leave the job force to become a comedian.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been easy, to be honest, anytime you venture into working in your purpose it’s a process and for some, it’s easy but for me, well… it’s been rough!

After a failed relationship (he didn’t want to date a comedian) and being a single mom, I decided to choose LIFE.

I suffered from Postpartum depression.

Being that I was the only parent in my child’s life gave me very little room for depression. Mental illness is embarrassing and left me feeling week. I didn’t have time to be depressed because my family had needs and I was the Mother and I committed to raise them and support them.

Comedy became my self-medication. Comedy then saved my life.

When I’m on stage, I share my life, I talk about motherhood and mental illness and my learning disability and I’m able to heal others that are suffering.

My support from my family wasn’t as strong as I wanted. My cousins supported me because I’m a family and everyone loves to laugh. However, my mother hated it. She wouldn’t watch the kids for me. It’s hard finding one person to watch four kids. So, I had to stop and take a break from comedy so that I could be with my kids at night and give them all my attention.

I desired to do radio and Amanda Wynn told me she was creating an online radio station (Support District Radio Network) and once she’s up and running she would allow me to be on her network. Just as she promised, she put me on air on December 5, 2013.

Then, my struggle was keeping my kids quiet while I’m live on air!

I worked through the judgment, I pressed through the dirty looks and the labels of mothers needing to be in the kitchen and not on stage!

I decided I was going to tell my story on stage and on air and my audience grew to buy the hundreds!

Women and mothers are encouraged by my funny and my story!

Sometimes, you have to press your way through. I knew as a 5th grader, I was created to encourage through laughter. My mother wanted me to be a doctor, I’m am a doctor, I heal people through laughter and love and the side effects are rewarding!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Being that I’m a public figure, I decided to give back. I have a charity that I work with that are testimonies of where I’ve been.

Beyond the Hurt Inc. For the last four years, I’ve been hosting the Annual Charity Bachelor Auction that raises money to house, protect and teach woman and their families that have been displaced by domestic violence… I chose them because I was displaced before, they showered me with items for my babies and that’s who helped me. Now that I’m back on track I give back to them any and every chance I get.

I created a business out of my comedy and it’s opened many opportunities for me to host many events here in the Valley.

The best feeling I’ve had while doing comedy is when a fellow mother came to my show and said, sis, thank you… I needed this laugh. Well, job well done! I’m known for my infectious laughs and ability to control a crowd. I’ve opened up for Comedian Lil Rel from the new show on Fox “lil Rel.” I’ve opened up for Comedian Alex Thomas from the Jamie Fox show! The Mooney Twins and more!

I’m a local favorite! The funny girl next door!

I’m currently a cohost in a very funny radio show called Funny Serious alongside Teddy Beard and DJ Deep C.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is very important in my line of work. The entertainment industry is a who knows who business. I go to networking events, I attend other comedy shows to show support as well as meet my fellow industry colleagues.

It’s important to stay humble and I’m a position to learn from others and it’s rewarding to be in a position to pour into others.

I meet people everywhere I go and just being myself. Honest and funny has given me the invitation to people’s lives and I’m able to encourage and write them a prescription of laughter!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 16232161262
• Email: azizajokes@gmail.com
• Instagram: Aziza Jokes
• Facebook: Ya Funny Girl Aziza Jokes
• Twitter: Aziza Jokes
• Other: www.supportdistrictradio.com

 

Image Credit:
House of Comedy

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