I like to think that everyone likes to laugh. It’s a convenient way to release the stress of life and put some dopamine in your brain. As much as I love watching funny shows and movies, I think that there is a type of funny that stand-up comedians bring to the table that no show or movie can capture. They bring real joy from their own lives to that table which can change each time they tell the story. Granted, some stories might be funny because they are relatable with others but might not your cup of tea, but that’s why it’s important to explore all genres of comedy.
This is where my interest in international comedians comes in. Comedians from all over the world bring a different kind of funny to the audience since they view the world in a different light. Below are some recommendations I’ve gathered from friends for international comedians that are slowly climbing the ladder. Those in blue are my personal favorite recommendations.
WARNING: Not all videos are clean (no disturbing visuals, but some topics may be uncomfortable for viewers as well as contain some vulgar language).
Asian Comedians
Bobby Lee Jr.
– He is a popular comedian of Korean descent who normally jokes about different aspects of his life. Experiencing his streak in comedy from a start in comedy clubs, he has a very relatable sense of humor in his misadventures in life. Some of his jokes can be a little uncomfortable, but it’s realistic and I think with the correct view of his humor, it can be funny.
– Get to know him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfdRmhcC_H0
Jo Koy
– He is a Filipino-American comedian whose jokes normally range from family experiences to culturally different experiences around the world. His honesty and immigrant experiences happen to be relatable to all cultures. I would recommend him to all people who had very influential immigrant parents.
– Get to know him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZRTt6vxJF4
Aditi Mittal
– She is an Indian comedian who was one of the first women to do comedy in India. I find her to be funny when she talks about politics, as she includes her own personal experiences. Sometimes her jokes may not be relatable if you have not experienced those situations, but once understandable they are pretty funny. A little warning would be that not all her comedy is easily translated to English, but the comedy still flows through.
– Get to know her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fqiwwGOynQ
Hispanic Comedians
Gina Brillon
– She is a Puerto Rican comedian who jokes about her adventures in her personal life in New York. While exploring all forms of comedy, she can be relatable for those who are prepared to grow up as well as laugh about their current misadventures in regular everyday life.
– Get to know her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9d9rqkbtTQ
Anjelah Johnson
– She is a Mexican American comedian whose comedy can be relatable to those who are close with their culture. She usually jokes about her culture and her personal life. While also being an actress, I have found her more funny when she’s up on stage being herself.
– Get to know her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u9LNhNs8CM
Julio Torres
– Julio Torres is a Salvadorian comedian who has a form of awkward comedy that I find really amusing. He likes to joke about his basic struggles in life, which can range from Iphone updates to life as a vegan. I think his humor can be fun and entertaining for all people.
– Get to know him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s7U51XQfhc / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJXZ-fOM3TE
African Comedians
Loyiso Mandinga
– He is a South African comedian whose adventures in America are quite adventurous as he uses his advantage that Americans aren’t as aware of African culture. I find him funny because of his personal anecdotes as well his culturally expansive story-telling.
– Get to know him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sytJFA8ES6o
Daliso Chaponda
– He is a comedian from Malawi who likes to speak about his basic life experiences. His comedy can sometimes be controversial, but depending on the topic can be relatable. His humor ranges from his African experiences to marriage. Due to his excellence on the Britain’s Got Talent show, he is slowly spreading his entertainment around the world.
– Get to know him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R95x2pIeCeI
Eddie Kadi
– He is a British-Congolese comedian who tends to bring his own African experiences to his current British experiences. I find him relatable for other people with immigrant parents as well as those with the double experience of being from two cultures.
– Get to know him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kucZelqHt7Y
Indigenous Comedians
Howie Miller
– A First Nation Descendant of the Cree Nation, Howie Miller from Alberta, Canada. He is one of the few Indigenous comedians who is bringing his comedy to the central stage. His comedy comes from his central life experiences as well as comedy centralized around his First Nation heritage. His jokes can be uncomfortable for some, but with the right understanding, it’s guaranteed to make you laugh.
– Get to know him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAee0Ybe7Gc (starts at 6:30)
Larry Omaha
– Larry Omaha is an Indigenous comedian who happens to tell jokes that can come off as uncomfortable, but he delivers it in a unique manner that makes it funny. His jokes are mostly about his culture and childhood, which to some may be comprehensible while to others it could not resonate with them as much. I wouldn’t recommend him to everyone, as even I have to say that some of his jokes are quite disagreeable.
– Get to know him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IjIibLcIYc (3:30)
JR Redwater
– He is an Indigenous comedian and a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota who normally talks about his childhood and living life now. His jokes can come off as direct but with the right mindset, it can be entertaining. Not all his jokes may be understandable to those who have not experienced his situations, but he takes the time to explain them. Once again, some jokes can come off a little strong.
– Get to know him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IjIibLcIYc