Tai 'OptimusGrind' Paschall is heading over from Dubai to perform some shows at the start of the festival.

1. Tell us about your career so far. Are you happy with where you're at?

I started doing comedy in Houston, Texas when I was 19, back in 1998. I wasn't that funny, but my bravery to get up every week is what gave me more opportunities. I had the opportunity to open for Kevin Hart (way before his Hollywood Mega-Stardom).

I stopped doing comedy to concentrate on life and then, before I knew it, fifteen years passed. I have been back in comedy for the past two years now, and my career has never been better. I am at a perfect place in my comedy career, and it keeps getting better. The comedy scene in Dubai (where I currently live) is growing and I get tons of stage time and even host two monthly shows.

Hey, I've been back in comedy for two years now, and I have a show in the LARGEST arts festival in the world. I won't complain.

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

Half-Hood is the comedy journey about my struggle to identify with my street origins, as well as fit into a suburban lifestyle.

3. Why are you putting yourself through this famously stressful experience?

It can't be that stressful. I will be doing what I love and performing all day in places that have alcohol. Real alcohol. I live in the Middle East, being in pubs all day is called, WINNING!

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

Bill Cosby once gave me some advice, but I am starting to think I should come up with a Plan B.

5. How much money do you think you'll lose/make this year?

You mean to tell me I can make money out of this...???

6. What are you most looking forward to about your first Edinburgh Festival?

Just being there. This has been a long comedy journey for me this year. I have had the most successful year in my comedy career this year, so the festival is like a finish line with a victory lap for me.

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

Will Mars has done some shows with my comedy troupe in Dubai, so I am looking forward to seeing him. There is a free show called Puppet Fiction, Pulp Fiction with puppets sounds like a brilliant idea. I know it seems 'superficial' but I judge shows on creative artwork on posters, so anyone that has a cool poster that stands out, I will go see that show.

8. If you took over programming a venue, what would you perfect line-up of comedians be?

Well, I heard that Dave Chappelle is back on tour, so that would be a no-brainer. Also Trevor Noah is going to be around at the end of the festival. So I would have myself opening for Trevor Noah and Dave Chappelle, then throw in a hologram of Richard Pryor and you've got yourself a show!

9. Name the one person you'd rather not bump into during the festival.

I'm actually hoping to bump into everyone at the festival because I just got 5000 flyers for a short run show, so I need to do a lot of bumping because I don't need to take any of these flyers home with me.

10. Why should audiences pick your show over the 1,700+ other comedy offerings at this year's festival?

I bring an urban chic style to comedy that will be unique to the festival. Plus I'm the #COMEDYBAWSE! You have to check in with the BAWSE! (not just because I said so)

'Half-Hood' is at 1am at Espionage on 6-8 August. Listing