After a decade touring alongside Dave Chappelle, acclaimed comedian Azhar Usman brings his razor-sharp wit and boundary-pushing comedy to Australia & New Zealand in 2026. Drawing from every facet of his identity – Indian, American and Muslim – Usman delivers fearless, thought-provoking comedy from the margins, offering perspectives you won’t find anywhere else.
Azhar Usman has also recently released his first solo standup film, THE ISLAMIC STATES OF AMERICA, turning his incisive comedy to themes of faith, fatherhood, politics, and repentance – all while interrogating the contradictions of modern America through a distinctly global, Muslim lens.
Born and raised in Chicago, Usman is a veteran stand-up comic and MCU actor who has written, acted, and produced for Netflix, Disney, and Amazon, all while maintaining his underground edge. A licensed attorney and former fintech founder, Usman’s insider-outsider status gives him the freedom to challenge assumptions and dismantle stereotypes with fearless humour.
Usman is a paid regular at New York’s iconic Comedy Cellar and performs globally at theatres, universities, private events, and comedy clubs. As a Writers Guild of America member, he served as Staff Writer and Co-Executive Producer on two critically acclaimed A24-produced series: RAMY (Hulu) and MO (Netflix).
"Takes you to another planet!" - Mr. Dick Gregory
"Insightful, empowering, and hilarious!" - Margaret Cho
"Azhar Usman is funny. Also, he turned me on to halal bacon, and I thank him for that" - Jim Gaffigan
" Comedian whisperer extraordinaire" - Hasan Minhaj
Fresh off two national tours and a YouTube comedy special, viral Australian comedian Blake Pavey is hitting New Zealand with his brand new hour of stand-up!
Tarang Hardikar brings to you his new comedy hour full of anecdotes about his bizarre childhood and his peculiar habit of questioning every minute aspect of life.
