Using Their Voices to Speak Out
We all need a chance to laugh more these days. Whenever I’m feeling down, I turn to some of my favorite stand-up comics. “But Paul,” I hear you saying, “in these times of racial turmoil, how am I to find enjoyment in an entertainment form that’s dominated by dumpy white guys?” Good news friend! There are stand ups from all walks of life packing premises, punchlines, and tags to put you in a fit. I’ve got a list here of young, black comedians to help you laugh away the pain AND help you feel like you’re promoting marginalized voices! Now, this is only a 10-person list, and there are MANY more talented POC artists out there. Use this list as a jumping off point to find other acts! Without further ado, we’ll start with a personal favorite of mine:
1. Nicole Byer
Nicole Byer is a stand-up comic and actor, most famous for hosting the Netflix competition baking series, “Nailed It!” My girlfriend and I are massive fans of this show, as well as her podcasts, “Why Won’t You Date Me”, “Drag Her”, and “Best Friends”. A word of warning: while her presence on “Nailed It” is goofy, and fun for the whole family, her presence in her stand up is absolutely not. So, expect horny humor when you tune in to hear Nicole. Watch her on Netflix’s “Comedians of the World.” She can also be found working with other young black comedians.
2. Josh Johnson
Johnson’s style is measured and dry, and his sets are masterclasses in pace. Currently working as a writer on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah”, Johnson’s timing and patience as a comic are top tier. He utilizes silence and stillness to great effect. Listen to his album, “I Like You” available on Spotify and Apple Music and watch his 15-minute set on Netflix’s “The Comedy Lineup”.
3. Sasheer Zamata
You might recognize her as a former SNL cast member, but Zamata cannot be defined by one credit alone. Her performance style is dynamic, high energy, and thought provoking. You can stream her special, “Pizza Mind”, on Amazon Prime. If you’re looking to double up and support two comics on this list at once, listen to Zamata’s podcast “Best Friends” which she co-hosts with Nicole Byer! Surprise!
4. Tone Bell
Though cast in several TV shows, like Netflix’s “Disjointed”, Tone Bell is still working towards being a household name. He has all the makings of being a superstar though. He’s cool, handsome, and a laugh out loud hysterical. So, don’t be surprised if we get see Tone making major moves over the next couple years. His stand up special, “Can’t Cancel This”, is available only on Showtime. If you don’t have a subscription, he has many videos on YouTube. His set on “This Can’t Be Happening” is a personal favorite of mine.
5. Jaboukie Young-White
Just so we’re all on the same page, Jaboukie is 25 years old. Most comedians don’t become established acts until into their 30s and onward. Watch one clip of his, and you’ll see fully why he didn’t have to wait around. Most well-known for his Twitter account (@jaboukie), he’s also a correspondent on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah”.
6. Langston Kerman
Kerman is a master of misdirection and energy change. A seasoned vet working out of LA, Kerman’s acting career has been taking off for some time. While he may be frequenting the screen these days on shows like “Insecure” and “Bless This Mess”, don’t miss out on his stand up! His album “Lightskinned Feelings” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
7. Demi Adejuyigbe
The majority of this list is taken up by acts who end up in front of the camera. But what about comics who operate behind the scenes too? That’s where Adejuyigbe (Ah-Deh-joo-ee-beh) comes in. Even at this early stage of his career, Adejuyigbe’s credits are remarkable, and show he has much more success ahead. He’s a writer on NBC’s “The Good Place”, and CBS’ “The Late Show with James Corden”. Additionally, he’s hosted several wildly successful podcasts, like “Gilmore Guys” and “Punch Up the Jam”. He even gave a presentation at XOXO Festival in 2018. Follow him on twitter (@electrolemon) and subscribe to his YouTube channel.
8. Sonia Denis
If you haven’t heard of Sonia yet, you will soon. Her chaotic stand up is one-of-a-kind, and the industry is picking up on it. She appears on Comedy Central’s “The New Negroes”, HBO’s “High Maintenance”, and Netflix’s “BoJack Horseman”. Sonia is a cartoon character come to life on stage and her joy is infectious. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram, @sonideni.
9. Dulce Sloan
On the surface, many comedians lack confidence, or come across as awkward. Dulce Sloan is not one of those comedians! If you want it served up real hot, Dulce has got you every time. Her stand up style is direct, as seen on her Conan appearance, and other young, black comedians, she is currently a correspondent on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah”.
10. Jak Knight
Last but not least on this list of young, black comedians is Jak Knight, who revels in pushing the envelope while criticizing the problems of the world around us. Knight has clips all over YouTube on the Comedy Central Stand-Up page. Knight currently works as a voice actor and writer on Netfix’s “Big Mouth” and has a 15-minute set on “The Comedy Lineup”, also on Netflix.
As you can see, there is no shortage of talented acts to enjoy these days. But part of the reason why looking to these performers is especially important in the time period we’re experiencing is that each of the acts on this list writes about their experiences. Be it as a person of color in the US, as women, as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, each of these acts has bits in their set that make us think about the world we live in. They make each of us reckon with the occasional hard truth, and they do it in the most digestible way: by making us laugh.
