Comedienne Rachel Price hasn’t had to respond to the claims made against her by new Internet sensation Kia Jadeana Hosein. She doesn’t have to. Her fans have been rallying to her cause in increasing numbers over the last few days, passionately defending the popular stand-up comic ever since she was called out in a controversial social media video posted last Thursday night.
Not that Price is one to avoid controversy. Indeed, her stand-up comedy routines tend to be just that, as she takes on social and public issues in a no-holds-barred, often abrasive style.
Pricey, as she is fondly known, doesn’t mince words and has had more than a few high-profile spats over the years. It is that very real, unapologetic air to her comedy routine that has won her a loyal following, not only here in T&T, but across the Caribbean and North America and Europe where she is in high demand as a host of concerts and pageants, in addition to her stand-up shows.
Hers is tough talk with a purpose. A down-to-earth approach, focused not just on the bacchanals of the day, but social and cultural issues.
Yes, she has had her verbal spars with calypsonians and politicians, but she has also taken on some crucial issues, such as domestic abuse, often using practical scenarios, most of which include herself, friends, corporate entities, politicians and even her daughter, to make her point. Drawing from her own experiences as a single mother, Price regularly champions the cause of women and children.
Not only on the stage, but on morning radio programmes, television and YouTube videos, Price has made a name for herself with sharp, streetwise commentaries on everyday affairs.
When Price emerged on the comedy circuit just over two decades ago, she was one of only a handful of women to break into what had been formerly all-male scene. Arguably, she is the most successful.
Almost from the start, she had an incredible impact on the comedy circuit throughout the region, with a routine that has always been pure stand-up.
Veterans of comedy say the ability to stand on any stage and connect with every person in the room is unique. She displayed that talent when she made her professional debut as host of a weekly cabaret in 1994.
One of her popular quotes sums up her approach to comedy: “Anything can be made funny, just open your mind.” Her big break came when she was hired as an MC at Kaiso House, one of the T&T’s leading calypso tents, working with some of the top bards in the business. There was no looking back after that.
In addition to her sell-out comedy shows, her impressive resume includes a lead role in an award-winning sitcom in Canada, Lord Have Mercy, as well as lead in the play Fat Pig.
Once again she is caught in a very familiar spotlight, an Internet buzz is being created over the prospect of a Pricey vs Kia bout.
In one corner, Kia is trying to carve out her own space, trying to break into show business as a transgender Trini based in London. She is challenging Price who already occupies a well-defined space in the arts and entertainment industry.
The social media sensation caused by the newcomer’s bold, aggressive call-out to a comedienne who is known to be outspoken, even fierce at times, has been gaining momentum.
Both are operating within the same space, surprisingly. Their approaches might be different, but Price has long been an advocate for the same people Kia now seeks to represent.
All of this demonstrates the power of the digital world and fans of both comediennes are eagerly keeping score to see who comes out on top.
However, if fans of Price have anything to do with it, the comedienne who has had their loyalty for so many years is already the winner.