Grace Amaku (@grace_africa) is an LA-based comedian, known for sharing popular impersonations, relatable stories, and POVs on TikTok. Through her background as a nurse, she uses her platform to share humorous content with an educational flair. Read on to learn more about Grace and her passion for comedy.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Black community?
Quite frankly, everything. I love being Black. We are such creative and multifaceted beings. We may not always get the recognition we deserve, but I strive to bridge that gap.
How has the TikTok community inspired you?
The creativity and authenticity of TikTok is astounding.
What are some of your passions on and off of TikTok?
I love children and protecting their rights. I’m a pediatric nurse, so kids are always near and dear to my heart. And, so is healthcare for the same reason. I’m also very passionate about joy and positivity. I like to see people smiling and free, which is great for both mental and physical health. I also love fashion! I’m obsessed with all the European fashion houses.
What’s the story behind your username?
I was bullied in high school. I grew up in Houston, but my parents moved us to Nigeria for two years so we could know our family and understand where we came from. When I came back to the US for my freshman year of high school, everyone was like “Oh, it’s the African kid.” I was confused, because I literally played softball with these kids just a couple of years ago. So I owned Grace Africa. It’s very interesting tackling the intersectionality of Black American and African diaspora culture as a comedian. But, the respect I have for both cultures and the recognition of my identity in both have brought me to where I am today. I gotta put on for my people!
How would you like to grow in entertainment? What do you see as your career trajectory on and off of TikTok?
I want to be a comedian and actress, and I quit my job and moved to LA last June to pursue that dream. I plan to host red carpets, write for TV shows, and star in them, too! On TikTok, I’d love to hit 2 million followers by the end of next year, while killing it in stand-up comedy both on and off the app.
What is your dream opportunity?
My goal is to be an SNL cast member or star in a show that I helped write. Netflix and HBO are my favorite streaming platforms, so landing a role with either of those would be a dream!