Nadanja is ‘ready’ for US audiences

Nadanja Bailey is ready. He is ready to put on his big boy pants and take his brand of comedy back to the US.

Bailey, a well-known comedian in Bermuda, will host a black-tie event on March 22 at City Hall called I’m Ready. This event will serve as a fundraiser to help him achieve his goals of becoming a well-known comic in the US.

“I’m very excited about this show. I’m ready to go back to the US and perform.

“I have accomplished what I set out to do in Bermuda. My set and my material, now, I think is so on point I’m ready to go back to perform and to be received in better than I was before.”

Bailey performed on Comic View on BET back in 1996 and 1997. “At that time, I wasn’t really ready and I didn’t understand how to perform in front of an American audience. In 2004, I went back to the states travelling and performing. In 2006, I won a comedy competition in Florida. Winning that is nothing like what I have on my mind today.

“I’m full of confidence. I’m ready.”

Bailey said after winning that competition, he was in the semi-finals of a few others and gained a reputation for being good competition.

“There are two guys who get upset when they see me. They know they’re not going to win over me.

“I think it’s because I come with an accent. The other thing is, I’m funny.”

Bailey says while he enjoys performing overseas, he loves Bermuda the best.

“Bermudians receive me the most. When I walk on stage, they start laughing because they think I’m stupid.

“I want the rest of the world to do that. I want to be like Kevin Hart.”

Speaking on the show, Bailey said Bermuda’s funniest people will perform before him including Gina Davis, Jonathan Young, Eddie G, Jah Simmons and his sister, Nishanti Bailey.

“I’m having a live band. After the intermission, I come on and will perform for 30 to 40 minutes then Two Fools will do a skit with Nishanti.”

Bailey wants everyone to dress up for the event and is encouraging the men to wear tuxedos or suits.

Tickets are $35 for regular admission and $55 for patrons. There will be a reception for patrons starting at 7pm with drinks and nibbles.

The show will start promptly at 8:30pm. Tickets are available at City Hall Box office daily between 12pm and 2pm and at Rotisserie Grill.