Dale Elliott Jr takes next step with Netflix comedy festival

Dale Elliott Jr, a familiar force in comedy, is taking his talent to one of the world’s biggest stages – the Netflix Is A Joke Festival – on May 7. Set to perform inside The Ice House California Room in Los Angeles, the Jamaican-born comedian continues his steady rise beyond the digital space. Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner, Elliott Jr said the move from online content to global stages feels like a natural progression.

“What surprised me was not necessarily when it would happen, but how it would happen. As a child, I was always told that I belonged on a television screen or on a stage,” he explained.

Elliott Jr first emerged on the internet scene on short-form video hosting service, Vine, at just 17 years old. Now 30, the comedian has since transitioned to Instagram and credits social media with helping to shape his career.

“Social media made my career. It has essentially become a résumé for many people. It definitely changed the game because it gave me a platform where I could share my talent for free without gatekeeping… Many people have literally watched me grow up on social media,” the comedian said.

Without a single defining viral moment across platforms, the comedian credits his consistent creation of strong content with maintaining his visibility throughout his career.

For his upcoming festival set, fans can expect Elliott Jr to share aspects of his personal life and his unique perspective as an immigrant.

“I paint a picture of my life for anyone who wants to see it. It explores what it is like experiencing the first world through the eyes of a Jamaican, highlighting both the similarities and the differences,” he noted.

Now based in Los Angeles, Elliott Jr first decided to start taking comedy seriously after completing his bachelor’s degree in international relations with a minor in management studies at The University of the West Indies, Mona in 2019.

“[After graduating], it was time for me to migrate to the United States to live with my father. I was already quite prominent on social media and had already appeared in Sprinter. When I arrived in the US, I walked straight into the pandemic. Comedy became my main source of income, and I literally had to be funny or risk being homeless,” he shared.

Elliott Jr says he worked very hard to be able to be a part of the line-up. He also credits the Jamaican diaspora for what his career is today. “My roots and culture showed up and supported me. It is the people who came out in droves that made this possible. That support helped bridge the gap from being seen as a niche comedian to crossing over into mainstream media and audiences,” he added.

Remaining connected to his Jamaican background, Elliott Jr says he has adapted to performing in LA without losing his roots in the process. “I make sure to cater to interests outside of my culture so that everyone can connect, but I lean on my Jamaican identity first – everything else comes after. Bob Marley didn’t change who he was for his music to be accepted globally. What he is to reggae music, I aim to be for Jamaican stand-up comedy.”

Beyond the festival, Elliott Jr also recently announced the Funny How Life Works tour, which he says, “...is me looking back at the journey, my transition into manhood, realising that while I work extremely hard, luck also plays a part in success.” He continued, “It is about coming to the realisation that I am an adult and that things do not simply happen for a reason. Sometimes one moment leads to the next and shapes your entire life.”

Though dates are yet to be announced, he confirmed that the tour will include Jamaica. “One thing I can promise about this tour is this: I am coming back home to perform,” he said.

ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com