Our Comedians
Each year, we curate a dynamic lineup of some of the best Black Canadian comedians. These talented individuals are chosen for their unique comedic styles, which range from satirical commentary to relatable stories about race and everyday life. Our comedians are not just performers; they are storytellers who bring their experiences to life on stage, creating a memorable and engaging experience for all.
Rodney Ramsey (All Shows)
Since the beginning Rodney Ramsey has approached his career less like a standup comedian and more like a mad scientist, the stage being his laboratory. In 2012 Rodney created Canada’s first all-black comedy tour “The Underground Comedy Railroad” which tours the country annually during black history month. Soon after Rodney produced and wrote the "Language Police" web series which received international acclaim.
Rodney has appeared on Kevin Hart's LOL channel and BBC's Summer Comedy event. Rodney has also starred in the movie Race, appeared in the Mile Enders, and "Absofreakinglutley" on CBC. He recently created The Unknown Comedy Club, Canada’s first virtual comedy club.
Daniel Woodrow (All Shows)
Daniel Woodrow is a Canadian stand-up comedian from Toronto, Ontario. He is most noted as part of the ensemble that received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Performance in a Variety or Sketch Comedy Program or Series at the 10th Canadian Screen Awards, for the debut episode of Roast Battle Canada. He has been an organizer of the Underground Comedy Railroad, an all-Black Canadian comedy tour which takes place each year during Black History Month. In 2021, with the tour unable to take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, he created the Unknown Comedy Club, an online streaming platform for comedy performances. He has also had acting roles in the television series The Beaverton, Star Trek: Discovery, Pretty Hard Cases, True Dating Stories, and Roast Battle Canada.
Tamara Shevon (All Shows)
A Toronto-based comedian, celebrates a decade in stand-up comedy, known for her unique blend of storytelling and observational humor drawn from personal experiences. She has performed across Canada, the United States, and China. A career highlight includes performing at the CBC's Accent on Toronto event at the historic Danforth Music Hall. Shevon has released two comedy albums, "Purse Wine" and "Table Wine," showcasing her journey from early struggles to maturity. An advocate for queer representation, she has contributed significantly to the community, hosting events such as the Bi-phoria stage for Pride Toronto and appearing in OutTV's "Out of Laughs." She regularly performs at the Corner Comedy Club.
Keesha Brownie (Halifax, Ottawa, Montreal)
A Canadian comedian known for her candid style, blending her Jamaican heritage and Canadian upbringing. Brownie has performed across clubs, colleges, festivals, and theaters, gaining recognition through appearances in the 2019 SiriusXM Top Comic competition, the 2017 Just For Laughs Festival, and a live taping for Kevin Hart's LOL Network. Other credits include JFL42, the 2015 Canadian Comedy Award nominee for Best Female Stand Up, and performances at festivals in New York, Edinburgh, and Toronto.
Openers
Hassan Phills (Vancouver)
Having performed as a comic in the UK, Canada, and into the United States - Hassan Phills took a leap of faith in 2022 when he booked, promoted and produced his own tour, “That’s Crazy”, across Canada. A resounding success, part of the young comic’s formula in growing a dedicated and loyal audience has been that he is very intentional in choosing his stops and the environments he convenes his shows. Cultivating new spaces for people to enjoy a night out of comedy and community, Hassan is planting seeds everywhere he goes.
Violet Gray (Toronto)
Violet Gray is a gender-nonconforming veteran comic of over 15 years from Baltimore, Maryland. Someone who often looks as though she married into the Addams Family her aesthetic is often darker than her material, which runs the gamut from her experiences navigating the gender experience to socio-political commentary to Sci-Fi/Fantasy geek fandom.
You can find her performing in comedy clubs as well as anime conventions, and anywhere that sells wings and gives drink tickets!
Travis Lindsay (Halifax, Toronto)
His great mix of jokes and storytelling has been captivating audiences since the age of 16. He’s made multiple appearances on CBC’s Halifax Comedy Festival and his debut album “The Kid is Alright” went #1 on itunes Comedy Charts. In 2021 he joined Canada’s longest running comedy series This Hour Has 22 Minutes as an on air Correspondent and writer, Recorded for Just For Laughs Originals , was selected to perform at the Just For Laughs comedy festival as a part of the New Faces of Comedy and released his 2nd Album “Killed at the Funeral” . He has appeared on Comedy Night with Rick Mercer and will be featured on next seasons The New Wave of Stand Up Comedy. Whether in a club, at a corporate event Travis will leave you laughing and asking for more!
Akeem Hoyte-Charles (Montreal)
Akeem Hoyte-Charles is a Stand-up Comedian and actor born in Montreal, Quebec. Akeem grew up in the small town of Chateauguay and lived predominately with his Trinidadian Mother, Cindy Hoyte, and his little sister Aishah Hoyte-Charles.
After dropping out of college twice and leaving a promising career in sales at age 25, Akeem decided to switch his focus from business to the arts. He hopped on stage at an open mic at a local comedy club in Montreal and has since performed in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and Vancouver where he currently lives. He’s also had roles on tv shows seen on Freeform, the CW as well as Netflix.
Simone Holder (Ottawa)
Since performing her first set in September 2019, Simone Holder has performed throughout Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and parts of the USA breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings wherever she goes. This includes being one of only 3 people and the only woman to have won both the Absolute Comedy and Yuk Yuk’s competitions.
A regular comedy club performer and touring comic, Simone is known for her soft-spoken delivery, sweet demeanor, and hilarious, unexpected punchlines. Her dream is to one day appear at Montreal’s storied Just for Laughs Festival.
Peter Bowen (Montreal)
Peter Bowen, a talented comedian hailing from Montreal, has made a name for himself in the comedy world with his unique background and captivating performances. Born in the vibrant city of Montreal, Peter brings a rich cultural heritage to his comedy, being half Haitian and half Bajan.
Peter has been a prominent figure in the English-speaking comedy circuit, showcasing his talent in some of the most renowned clubs and shows across Montreal. He has graced the stage at The Comedy Nest, where laughter soars on the third floor, and the MTL Comedy Club, known for its lively atmosphere. His performances at the Otaku Comedy Show and Kickback, WSOM, and Le Bordel have been particularly memorable, each time leaving the crowd in stitches.