Preacher Moss is the founder of “Allah Made Me Funny” – the official Muslim comedy tour. He derives comedy from everyday life, and prides himself on making audiences listen, laugh and reflect.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background where you were brought up?
I am a native Washingtonian. Born right down the street from the White House. I’m a teacher, and writer by trade, and comedian and communicator, truth-teller by necessity. I am actually the longest performing Muslim comedian of record. To be cliche’, “I’ve been there, and done that.” My story is the story of learning and understanding contribution and service to community via both the influences or Christianity, and Islam. it is an interesting balance.
When you were growing up did you always want to be a comedian? Who were some of your influences?
More than being a comedian, I wanted to do things that were important, and leave a body of work behind me conceivably to be beneficial to myself, and my community. I was know I would most likely be a comedian in 10th grade. I held shows for the cool guys, and the nerds at lunch. I flowed in between both world in high school.
My influences are Allah, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Jesus, Mary, King, X, Ghandi, my friend Pope (deceased), Parents, and a tight core of family, and my brothers JT, Reggie, Harry Jamal, Azhar, Mo Amer, Azeem, There are to many people to mention here . My comedic influences are Bert Williams, Pryor, Flip Wilson, Dick Gregory, Cosby, Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx, Slappy White, and Godfrey Cambridge,. Out of all these comedians, Dick Gregory has the most profound influence. I am a pupil of his school of social commentary, and socially conscious comedy.
One of the blessings of Islam is that we can spread the message using our talents and propagate the teachings of Islam the best way we know how. Can you share some of the challenges that you face when producing content that is suitable and relevant to Muslims and Non-Muslims alike?
In truth, my greatest understanding of the Prophet, and what I admire and emulate is that I don’t propagate Islam, but propagate a system, and lifestyle that allows people to have greater understanding, meaning, and value in their lives. I seek comprehensive good in the things I do. I cannot, and have never done something solely for the “Muslim” without a significant connection to the non-Muslim. The challenge of producing content is greatly reduced when I have a foundation like this because it makes me approach things from multiple domains. Converting to Islam, and not going the route of forgetting the good things, and people around my when I wasn’t Muslim, has endeared me to the sensitivities of people, as a means of change, growth, development, and execution.
Are you working on any projects at the moment? A tour maybe?
I am working on a comedy CD/DVD that will most likely be taped and shot in Toronto where I started “Allah Made Me Funny” with Azhar, Azeem. We plan on a Canadian tour with a partnership involving a prominent comedy club chain, Yuk, Yuks, and then we will be touring Scandanavia, Copenhagen, and the UK for 2010. We will also have a major tour of Australia in October as well.
Any words of encouragement to young Muslims out there looking to pursue careers in the arts or performing arts?
My advice for young Muslims comes from an incredible mentor, Harry Webber. “Don’t make moves, make decisions.” It means don’t weaken your intent looking for reasons to do what is in your heart, halal of course. 
