As the comedic landscape continues to evolve, a new generation of talented black comedians is rising to the forefront, infusing fresh perspectives, innovative styles, and thought-provoking material into the art form. This blog post explores the top 10 rising new black comedians in 2023.
1. Marie Faustin
A New York-based comedian and actress, Marie Faustin is among the upcoming black talent in the comedy scene. The young talent was described by “Vulture” as the “Comedian You Should Know.” in 2018.
Marie Faustin has appeared on GQ Magazine, Comedy Central, TruTV, MTV, The BET Awards, and VH1. She became the host of Oxygen’s Very Real Talk in 2016, Marie is also a regular Time Out NY feature and the on-air host of 99.5FM’s “Tall Tales in the Big City.”
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2. Jeff Wright
Originally from Orlando, Jeff Wright is a comedian, actor, and writer. He’s among the upcoming black comedians redefining the comedy landscape. He writes and performs on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Jeff Wright became popular with his short, quick-witted sketches that he crafted, directed, and starred in. In 2020, he was listed in the NY Times’ prestigious list of Great Performers. Jeff has over 2 million followers on TikTok, making him one of the premiere comedic personalities on the social platform.
3. Jamel Johnson
Known in Colombia as “Yamel Yohnson,” Jamel Johnson is among the comics featured on Venture’s list of “Comedians You Should and Will Know” in 2021. Jamel Johnson is best recognized for his role as Rowdy Boudy on the MTV series “Undressed.“
He established himself as one of the premiere comedic names in the D.C. comedy scene through a non-threatening yelling and weird stories. Jamel covers many topics in his comedy, including law & order and racism.
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4. Kenice Mobley
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Kenice Mobley is an upcoming black standup comedian and filmmaker. She performs comedy nationwide and recently participated in the 10,000 Laughs Festival, Women in Comedy Festival, and the Brooklyn Comedy Festival this year.
Kenice Mobley has appeared on SiriusXM and FOX and was featured in Venture’s list of “Comedians you Should Know.” She has performed at comedy festivals nationwide, including Boston Comedy Festival, SF Sketchfest, and Janelle James Comedy Festival.
5. Ian Lara
Based in Queens, New York, Ian Lara is a superbly talented upcoming black comedian. Ian Lara ventured into comedy immediately after college because he didn’t want to attend law school. You can catch Ian in shows in New York City. He’s known for You’re the Puppet (2019), Hell of A Week with Charlamagne Tha God (2022), and Ian Lara: Romantic Comedy (2022).
6. Rachel Pegram
Based in Brooklyn, Rachel Pegram is a comedian and writer. She was born and raised in Denton, Texas before she moved to New York to attend NYU Tisch, where she earned her BFA in Drama.
Rachel Pegram acted alongside Chris Rock and Rachel Dratch in The Week Of. She has also appeared in the movie Don’t Think Twice, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, and many more.
7. Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri is a talented comedian, writer, and actress known for her unique comedic style and insightful humor. She has been a writer for the hit animated Netflix series “Big Mouth,” and she also voiced the character of Missy Foreman-Greenwald in the show’s later seasons.
Her work on “Big Mouth” showcased her comedic writing abilities and her talent for bringing characters to life with her voice acting. In addition, Ayo has been a part of various comedy festivals and live shows, where she has impressed audiences with her stand-up comedy routines.
8. Josh Johnson
Josh Johnson is another upcoming black comedian to watch out for. He has appeared on various late-night talk shows, including “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Conan.”
His stand-up performances have been praised for their originality and ability to connect with audiences from diverse backgrounds. In addition to his stand-up comedy, Josh has worked as a writer for “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” He contributed to the show’s comedic commentary on current events and political satire.
He has also been featured on Comedy Central’s “This Is Not Happening,” where he shared hilarious and engaging stories from his life. Beyond that, Josh Johnson has been actively performing at comedy clubs, festivals, and events, earning a reputation as a rising star in the comedy world.
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9. Jaboukie Young-White
Best Known for voicing Ethan Clade in Strange World, Jaboukie Young-White is a talented stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He made his mark in stand-up comedy, performing at various clubs and festivals, showcasing his unique comedic style and perspectives on modern life.
Jaboukie’s work as a writer and correspondent on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” further solidified his reputation as a rising star in the comedy industry. Through his contributions to the show, he offered a fresh and hilarious take on current events and political satire.
10. Marina Franklin
Based in New York City, Marina Franklin is a comedian, actress, and writer working to establish herself as a prominent figure in the comedy industry. Marina’s comedic journey began in Chicago, where she honed her skills at various comedy clubs.
She later moved to New York City, where she further developed her craft and became a fixture in the city’s vibrant comedy scene. Her comedy touches on various topics, including relationships, race, and navigating life’s challenges, resonating with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
These top 10 rising talents are redefining the genre and leaving a lasting impact on the comedy landscape. With their immense potential and fresh voices, we can expect to see even greater contributions from these comedians in the future. Laughter knows no boundaries, and these rising stars are breaking barriers and captivating audiences worldwide.
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