Karmen Naidoo

Karmen Naidoo

Hey there, it’s Karmen Naidoo. I hail from South Africa and I’ve been chasing my dreams in New York City since 2016. I’ve always had a passion for comedy and making people laugh, and it’s been a wild ride ever since.

One of my proudest moments was being the only female finalist on Comedy Central’s Grab the Mic back in 2015. It was a tough competition, but I pushed through and showed the world what I’m made of. I also co-founded and directed Indie Comedie, a comedy production company that aimed to nurture young rising talent – and let me tell you, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I’ve had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects over the years. I was featured in The Bantu Hour, a South African satirical sketch and variety comedy show hosted by the legendary comedian Kagiso Lediga and featuring the legendary musician Hugh Masekela. And now, I’m the co-founder of Gimme the Light Comedy, a US national showcase promoting underrepresented talent. Plus, I’m currently working on my very own pilot, “Karmen to America,” which details my journey of unexpectedly winning the green card and moving to America.

I’ve performed at some of the biggest comedy festivals around, including the New York Comedy Festival, SketchFest in San Francisco, and the Gotham Storytelling Festival. And I’ve even been featured in some big names like PBS, Comedy Central Africa, and the New York Times.

But what I’m most proud of is my style of humor – edgy yet whimsical, with a progressive and quirky twist. I want to make people laugh, but I also want to make them think. I want to use comedy as a way to shed light on important issues and bring about positive change. And I truly believe that I can make a difference, one joke at a time.

So if you’re looking for a comedian who’s authentic, passionate, and unapologetically herself, look no further than Karmen Naidoo. I’m here to make you laugh, but I’m also here to make a difference.