Introducing the Top Ten African Comedians

Laughter is good medicine. In Africa, there is a certain set of people skilled at making people have a good laugh. These African comedians excite the crowd with the latest African jokes, gesticulations, mannerisms and mimics.

In no particular order, here is a review of the top ten African comedians who currently represent Africa to the global world.

Bright Okpocha aka Basket Mouth

Basket Mouth is a popular Nigerian comedian who is widely known for his one-man stand-up comedy concert, Basketmouth Uncensored. Basket Mouth is also the brains behind these comedy brands, Lords of the Ribs, Nigerian Kings of comedy, African Kings of Comedy and Laffs n Jamz.

Basket mouth will always be known as the the first African to host a show in Apollo London.  Since his appearance in 2000, Basket Mouth has taken Nigerian comedy to almost all parts of Africa and has featured in concerts with top artists like Jay Z, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Akon, Buster Rhymes, Snoop Dogg and Ciara.

Anne Kansiime

Straight from Uganda, Anne, also known as Africa’s Queen of Comedy broke into limelight with her popular MiniBuzz, a hilarious YouTube series on Ugandans experience with public transport. This show has earned her about 100,000 subscribers on YouTube, 15 million views on YouTube and of course endorsements, stand up shows, tours and awards.

Eric Omondi

This Kenyan comedian is known for his funny and entertaining performance on the popular Kenyan show, The Church Hill Show.  Omondi is also known for his activism and involvement in Kenyan politics and civil rights.  Apart from comedy, Eric Omondi also work as a host for events, brand ambassador, TV and radio personality. Earlier this year, Eric Omondi became the first Kenyan to be hosted on the Tonight Show hosted by Jimmy Fallone.

Abovi Ugboma aka Bovi

Bovi is one of the funny African entertainers alive. Apart from comedy, Bovi works as an actor, television host, producer and director. Since his appearance in 2007, Bovi has featured in many shows and events, particularly his stand up comedy, Bovi: Man on Fire Show and the sitcom, the Bovi Ugboma Show.

Trevor Noah

South African comedian and The Daily Show host Trevor Noah is arguably Africa’s most famous and funniest comedian alive. Born to a Swiss father and a South African mother, Trevor Noah is known for his African jokes on race, politics and apartheid in South Africa.

Eddie Kadi

Eddie Kadi is a British- Congolese comedian, actor and presenter in the UK. Eddie Kadi is popular for his versatility and ability to deliver the latest news and trends with humor. Eddie Kadi also draws inspiration from his African heritage and successfully weaves his African humor into English living and lifestyle. This ability has made him a successful black comedian in the English community.

Ayo Makun aka AY

AY is a widely successful comedian, actor, producer and creative director of The AY Live Show. Ay is also the brains behind popular Nigerian comedy movies, 30 Days in Atlanta, 10 Days in Sun City and A Trip to Jamaica. Before his appearance in the limelight, he worked as personal assistant to Nigerian pioneer stand up comedian, Alibaba.

Patrick Idringi Aka Salvador

Ugandan comedian Salvador is one of Africa’s skilled and hilarious comedians alive. In 2011, Patrick made a big decision to quit his job as an engineer in a telecommunications industry and to go into stand up comedian full time. The decision wasn’t an easy one but it paid off in the end. Patrick is known to be one of the highest paid comedians in Africa.

Loyiso Gola

South African stand up comedian Gola is the brains behind the late night satirical news television series, Light Nite News with Loyiso Gola. Since its launch in 2010, the show has given Gola remarkable awards, endorsements, and recommendation. Gola is known for his open and critical humor.

Daliso Chaponda

Malawian comedian Dalinso is widely known for his impressive performance in the 2017 edition of Britain’s Got Talent which got him a third place. His impressive performance got him a gig with with BBC Radio 4 to create a new series called Daliso Chaponda: Citizen of Nowhere.

Chaponda usually jokes about religion, politics and sex. Interestingly, these themes don’t sit well with the government and people in Malawi. However, Chaponda bravely continues to use humor and satire to draw attention to important issues in his country’s government and beliefs.

What do you think of this list of top ten African comedians and hilarious African entertainers? Are there more hilarious Africans you think should be on the list? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!