Let’s be honest—Black women have long been the heart of comedy, whether through storytelling, satire, or sheer presence. And now, a new generation is stepping into the spotlight with fresh voices, distinct perspectives, and undeniable talent. These 10 rising comedians are not only making us laugh; they’re shifting the culture with every punchline. 

From stand-up stages to screenwriting rooms, they’re redefining what it means to be a comedic force. Here’s who you need to know and why they’re so important right now.

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1. Zainab Johnson

Zainab Johnson’s comedic voice is effortlessly smooth and sharp all at once. A former math teacher turned stand-up star, she brings depth, elegance, and insight to her routines. Whether on stage or acting in Prime Video’s Upload, Zainab’s observational humor is both thought-provoking and deeply funny.

Raised in Harlem, Zainab made waves with her debut one-hour comedy special Hijabs Off on Amazon Prime Video. She’s a series regular on the hit Amazon Original Upload, created by Greg Daniels, and co-hosts Netflix’s 100 Humans, according to her website. Zainab also showcased her talent as Dr. Hanniel in the critically acclaimed web series Avant-Guardians.

Her late-night stand-up debut came on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, and she’s since had standout performances on HBO’s All Def Comedy and NBC’s Last Comic Standing.

Her career skyrocketed with her appearances at the Just For Laughs (JFL) Comedy Festival in Montreal, where she was first featured as a “New Face of Comedy,” followed by recognition as one of Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch. She later appeared on JFL’s legendary Just For The Culture show. Zainab is a regular performer at Los Angeles’ iconic Comedy Store, The Improv, and Laugh Factory, as well as New York’s renowned Comedy Cellar.

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