Adan Abdi: Life’s delightful laughs and a unique approach to stand-up comedy

Adan Abdi's stand-up comedy journey is a wake-up call that Africa’s laugh industry is alive, thriving, and bursting with fresh talent.

The 28-year-old writer, actor, and stand-up comedian based in Nairobi speaks to Radio Generation about his unique comedic style and his relentless pursuit of success in an industry steadily rising from obscurity and earning the admiration of fans across the continent.

Adan’s comedy blends social commentary, political satire, and the lived experience of being Somali in Kenya.

He admits he never seriously considered stand-up comedy at first.

“I was lucky to stumble upon it,” says Adan.

“Growing up, I wasn’t really introduced to stand-up. Even with the Churchill Show on NTV every Saturday and Churchill RAW every Thursday, I never thought it was something I’d pursue.”

Humble Beginnings

Adan’s journey started with something as simple as writing jokes in Microsoft Word and blogging on WordPress.

“After high school, before I got a blog, I used to write on MS Word, convert the files to PDFs, and send them to my friend Isaak, who was then studying at Kenyatta University,” he recalls.

Isaak shared Adan’s pieces in his class WhatsApp group, where they quickly gained traction.

“He told me, ‘Bro, people are really loving your articles. Where’s part two?’ I used to segment them. I was surprised people actually enjoyed them.”

Isaak once even sent him money for fare and invited him to meet the fans of his writing.

“It was wild. I was just writing out of boredom. Some of those stories weren’t even mine," says Adan.

That encouragement pushed Adan to hone his comedic skills.

A video by Kenyan stand-up comedian and lawyer John Ribia inspired him to take comedy seriously.

“John Ribia, Brian Onjoro, George Waweru, Maina Murumba—these are the people who got me into English stand-up comedy. That’s when it clicked for me,” he says.

First Time on Stage

In 2018, Adan officially began his stand-up journey by signing up for an Open Mic night. He recalls being nervous as he watched Brian Onjoro perform right before his turn.

“There’s something about stand-up comedy—you always think it’s easy until you try it. Watching Brian on stage made me realize that even the best have off nights. YouTube comedians only post the good clips,” describes Adan.

Adan panicked and left the backstage area, but a friend urged him to return. He performed a preview of his set to the friend, who gave him the confidence boost he needed.

Though he forgot parts of his routine on stage, the performance went better than he expected—and marked the beginning of his career in stand-up comedy.

A Humbling Craft

Adan says stand-up comedy is one of the most humbling art forms.

“It doesn’t matter how seasoned you are. Some days you just bomb—and that’s okay. Comedy has changed how I view failure. I now see failure and disappointment as part of the human experience.”

He finds inspiration for his material in everyday life and growth.

“The more you grow outside comedy, the more you grow in comedy,” he says, quoting South African comedian Robbie Collins.

“I’m not the same person I was when I started at 21. I’m more mature now, more self-aware, and more introspective.”

He describes his comedy as “edgy, personal, and charming.”

Growing the craft

Today, Adan performs on major stages across Kenya and beyond.

One highlight was doing the first-ever stand-up show in Garissa.

“I wanted to open up a new market for myself,” he says.

His talent has earned him accolades, including the People’s Choice Awards Kenya 2023 Comedian of the Year.

He credits comedians like Emmanuel Kisiangani for helping shape his craft.

"Emmanuel Kisiangani is actually the guy who put me on Robbie Collins," he says.

"Kisiangani can make anything funny."

Go Back To Somalia

Adan’s next major show, Go Back To Somalia, is set for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the National Museums of Kenya, Louis Leakey Auditorium.

He describes the show as deeply political yet hilarious.

“The title alone sparks reactions. Kenyan Somalis will relate to it. It’s a satirical take on terrorism, anti-Somali rhetoric in Kenya—how we cope with dark, difficult issues through humor.”

Adan promises an unforgettable experience.

“Expect relatable humor, a vibrant atmosphere, and moments that bring the community together—all wrapped in a show that will leave you in stitches. Don’t miss out on the most exciting Eid celebration in town!”

Tickets for Go Back To Somalia are available on his website: www.adamabdi.com