Ziwe Fumudoh, a comedian and interview host, discussed her move to YouTube and her approach to interviews at the Toronto International Film Festival. She screened episodes of her podcast “You’d Be an Iconic Guest” featuring Wanda Sykes and Hasan Piker.
Fumudoh described YouTube as a “great equalizer,” contrasting it with the difficulties of traditional television production. “YouTube is one-to-one. You create it, and then it’s online. That is the best experience as someone who is artistic, as someone who wants to create art,” she said. She believes digital creators are “the new Hollywood.”
Her interview style, which she characterizes as both confrontational and comedic, relies on active listening and allowing for pauses. “I’m a good active listener. I don’t feel the need to fill dead air, and so that is comedic because someone sitting in silence as you sort of ramble is inherently hilarious,” she explained. She views interviews as “scene work” with her guests, prioritizing laughter and enjoyment. She recalled one interview ending after only three questions, attributing it to “an energy thing.”
Fumudoh’s variety show, “Ziwe,” originally aired on Showtime for two seasons before being canceled due to network leadership changes. She subsequently moved the show to YouTube in 2023. While open to returning to traditional media, she values the independence YouTube provides, citing Issa Rae, Abbi Jacobson, Ilana Glazer, and “High Maintenance” as inspirations. She also noted the increasing presence of traditional media figures like Colbert and Conan O’Brien on the platform.
Fumudoh stated her intention to continue interviewing for the foreseeable future, describing it as her “favorite thing to do.” A recent viral moment from her podcast featured a shared hair-touching interaction with stylist Law Roach, which she credits to a commenter.
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