The Laughing Leopard

The Laughing Leopard: The joy of the Black experience has long been immortalised by our comics: parents, work, relationships, institutions; the things that make us laugh are often they very things that make us KMT. Join Channel 4’s Big Narstie for a comedy showcase that promises to raise the roof on life.

Kenny Blaq: Otolorin Kehinde Peter, aka Kenny Blaq, ‘the most sought after comedian in the Nigerian comedy industry’. His act blends music and word play with comedic precision, earning him the Naija FM comedy awards of the Upcoming Comedian in 2015 and Comedian of the Year 2016 and 2017. He was also awarded The Future Awards Africa Comedy Act of the Year 2017, Best Comedy Act Nigeria, and in Egypt at the MEAMA Awards 2016 (Middle East Africa Music Awards) -- not such an ‘alawada’ after all!

Kojo Anim: Comedian and filmmaker Kojo Anim is best known for his work as an actor, screenwriter, and the CEO of The Colour Network. Some of his original works include Kojo: Live & Kicking and The Wasteman Diaries. Described by David Walliams as ‘brilliantly funny’, his routine on his parent's tough approach to child-rearing, poor service in banks and taking cabs when you're broke earned him a standing ovation on Britain’s Got Talent - this is a talent not to be missed.

Babatunde Aleshe: Fast rising young star Babatunde Aléshé is already one of the biggest names on the Black British comedy circuit. With Nigerian heritage but married to a Jamaican, he’s become known for authentically drawing comedy from experiences which perfectly reflect the richness of modern day life, in all its diversity. Passionate about being the all-out family man, his stand up presents a hilariously fresh perspective on this newfound life.

Dane Baptiste: Original, provocative and exceptionally prolific – Baptiste is already being hailed as one of the most exciting stand up acts to break through in years. South London’s Baptiste made comedy history in 2014 as the first black British act to be nominated for a Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He had incredible success with his debut stand up show Citizen Dane, completing two sold out runs at London’s Soho Theatre. He has since written and starred in his own BBC sitcom series.

Eddie Kadi: Eddie Kadi is a British-Congolese comedian, presenter, actor and MC. His performance at London’s O2 Arena sold out all 13,000 seats owing to an incredible rise to fame following his BECA Best Comedy Newcomer Award. By no means a one trick pony, Kadi’s has collaborated with the likes of Sway and Akon to make music and charitable projects respectively.

Hosted by BIg Narstie: When rapper and MC Big Narstie refers to himself as ‘the biggest rapper in grime’, it demonstrates the wit that earned him the eponymous ‘Big Narstie Show’ on Channel 4. This grime legend and social media sensation has since shot the breeze with celebrities including Clarke Peters and Dennis Rodman: whether it’s as an MC or an agony-uncle, Big Narstie brings the hype.

This event is part of Africa Utopia - A series of events celebrating and showcasing Black culture. Join us for panels, workshops, talks, music, comedy & more taking place as part of Southbank Centre's Africa Utopia Festival Sept 13-15 in London. Indaba X: Celebrates Black culture with the key drive to inspire & educate all who attend. In tribute to the late Kofi Annan, with all Indaba X proceeds going to charity.