Meet Hoda Abbas Marafie, never to be described as a ‘TK’, she sees herself rather the punultimate ‘CK’. For those of you who don’t know, or haven’t heard, the term ‘CK’ is attributed to one if they are considered a ‘Cool Kuwaiti’, whereas if you are deemed the unfortunate ‘TK’, you fall under the ‘Typical Kuwaiti’ category. Such was the new vocabulary, or to be technically correct, the vernacular, we learned when trying to find out more about Hoda’s comical world as we witnessed her astounding stand-up performance at the recent charity comedy show, Laugh for Life, held at the newly opened Diabetic Center of Kuwait.
Far from Typical, Hoda presents the modern satirist, a new-age comic in a brave new world. Holding her addictively bitter, biting, and outspoken sense of humour close to heart and always at the tip of her tongue, her easygoing disposition marks Hoda as one of the few ‘Cool Kuwaitis’ able to break through the rules and limitations of a world overpowered by ‘Typical Kuwaitis’.
Upon completing her studies in the United States in Journalism, Hoda acquired a succinct yet powerfully magnetic writing style combined with a natural intrinsic talent for painting. Worried that she would have a hard time assimilating to living back in Kuwait, her supportive family went to great lengths to support her and even erected a fully equipped art studio at her own disposal.
Solicited to create her whimsical portraits by renowned political figures and ardent fans alike, Hoda also enjoyed dabbling in the field of drawing cynical political cartoons in the form of comic strips before her university studies. Her journey into portraits was the result of a deep technical process as well as her fascination with the workings of the human mind as presented in the Christian Renaissance paintings she observed and admired when taking up an Italian Renaissance art class during her university studies. Completely confounded by the support and positive acclaim from family and friends, Hoda perceives the portrait she created for the female Kuwaiti politician, Roula Dashti, as one of her proudest moments. She also highly regards the Beatles Series a proud personal accomplishment.
After taking up placements with various advertising agencies, she was forced to settle at a monotonous governmental job. She states, “First, I went looking for a position in the local English language newspapers, since I have a BA in Journalism from Indiana University. I was offered peanuts since ‘that’s the standard rate’ for writers. I then reluctantly applied for banks, since that’s what all the cool kids do. Surprisingly, I ‘did not meet the minimum requirements.’” When confronted with working at an administrative post at a governmental institution, Hoda resorted to her sharp writing style as an escape, where she would tweet, or text her friends, cleverly witty remarks from statements observed or overheard while working. It was the utterly inconvenient, and unfortunate placement of Hoda at a governmental position, which led to the inception of Hoda’s mini blog series, “Hoda at Work”, and effectively launched her comedic career. Her blog reads, “My name is Hoda and I worked in a place; a place where dreams are crushed and sandwiches are made out of the desk drawer.”
Upon completing her ‘time’, as she likes to state working for the government, Hoda now happily works at renowned cultural institution in Kuwait.
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Dramatically lazy.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Dramatically accurate.
What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked?
What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked?
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I snorted a small dollop of wasabi as a dare. Beat that, bazaar.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Nugget or ja6al.
Where would you like to live? / What is your dream retirement location?
“In a van down by the river.” Chicago.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
The more I see of the world, the more I am dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.
– Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?
A leopard in this season’s J.Crew Summer Menswear Collection.
What do you miss about your childhood?
The licence to pee my pants.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Karma Nugget Kamillion.
How would you describe your handshake in one word?
Squi-PUFFellow.
What is the toughest part of your character?
My appreciation towards the people that make me feel like I matter.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Homer Simpson.
What in the world do you least desire?
Grief.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which would make the world a better place?
Douche-bag castrating contraptions.
Why do you think most girls/guys like you?
They can’t get enough of my sexy forehead.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”
Happiness is a thing called socks, fresh out of the dryer. Nothing else makes me smile with my eyes closed.
To follow the comical and insightful world of Hoda Marafie, follow Hoda via twitter at twitter.com/hoda7.