We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ala Bama. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ala, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Im Very Proud of Recently having An Opportunity To Be The Comedian Host Of The Apollo Comedy Club at The World Famous Apollo. It’s been something On My Bucket list All My Life and During My Comedy Journey is Something I Wanted To Achieve and It Felt So Great To Have Done It and It was An Enjoyable Time in My Career.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My real name is Deshawn Frazier. My stage moniker is “Ala Bama” and I’m a 20+ Standup Comedian and Writer. Im originally from Talladega, Alabama,Born And Raised. I really got into Comedy when I sent an audition tape to B.E.T Comicview that was airing at The time in 2001. I Wasn’t chosen, but was giving pointers about things I need to do to become a professional comedian,which I really appreciated. I moved from Talladega to Baltimore, Maryland and went to open mics and One night I was approached by a Promoter,David China to help start a Weekly Comedy Showcase called “Tickle Me Tuesday” at The Five Seasons Restaurant,Downtown Baltimore. I’ve been working onstage and off stage every since then. I’ve worked with The Baltimore Comedy Factory booking National Headliners and Comedy Legends To also working Onstage with Them. It was very unique because I’m passionate about off stage production as I am of onstage performances. I wanted to represent the artist who controls their content and influences amongst the masses to both Entertain and provide Laughter to help dissolve the worries of Everyday life and it’s Challenges.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My Father Cartery Frazier showed me work ethics by Getting up and providing for Our Family Everyday. I never seen or heard my Father calling in sick or miss a work day and 40 plus years of working. I was able to see that and wanted to do the same for my Family. My mother Sarah Frazier raised us all to be humble and kind to others. I Love my parents for that.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Give yourself Grace and Mercy as you Journey throughout the up and downs of life and career choices. People Do care about you and Support you that you’ll never know how much.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. With Just a Little more “stank” on it if you know what I Mean. I wouldn’t call myself being a Fake Person. I’m more Tame in my public life than I am onstage being a Comedian. There’s things “Ala Bama” would say where Deshawn wouldn’t. I’m a Believer in God and All The Blessing you can achieve by believing in him.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
I wish I went to College right after High School. Not saying I Can’t Go Now,but I should’ve went right after while my Brain was still in school mode.Things will probably look like another language now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @comedianalabama1
- Facebook: Ala Bama
Image Credits
Sonji Lucy
