Who Is Nazeem Hussain? New Details On The Comic From 'Comedians Of The World' On Netflix
He's a new father.
instagram Comedians of the World on Netflix premiered on January 1st and features 30-minute stand-up sets from 47 comics, from 13 different regions of the globe, and in eight languages. Comics from the UK, Middle East, Australia, and parts of Europe are all included, with a variety of topics covered. The series itself is a great way for viewers to get a taste of what life is like in different regions of the globe.
One of the topics the comedians discuss is racism, and Australian comic Nazeem Hussain focuses specifically on racism in Australia, as well as islamophobia, adding in social commentary and satire. But just who is Nazeem Hussain and what do we know about his personal life? Here are 6 things to know about the comedian, how he got his start, and how he adds a comedic twist to his views.
1. He’s Muslim.
Both of his parents grew up in Sri Lanka and later moved to Australia in the 1970s. Because of his faith, he has never had alcohol.
2. He’s had quite a career in comedy.
When he was in his mid-teens, Hussain began performing comedy, though informally. But he set his career in motion when he met fellow comic Aamer Rahman when both were voicing support for asylum seekers. The two developed a stage show called Fear of a Brown Planet, selling out shows in Australia.
They performed together in 2008 at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and in 2010, performed their follow up show, Fear of a Brown Planet Returns at the Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
Hussain has performed all over Australia, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, All Star Gala, the Sydney Comedy Festival Gala, Falls Music and Arts Festival and Southbound, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. His first solo stand-up was in 2015.
3. He’s also appeared on television.
Hussain has appeared on Sleuth 101, Q&A, The Project, Live at Bella Union, Balls of Steel Australia, It’s a Date, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, and Hughesy, We Have a Problem. He co-wrote and co-hosted Salam Cafe, and starred in and co-wrote Legally Brown, a 10-part comedy sketch show. He was also a correspondent on Bill Nye Saves the World. And he has a new sketch series called Orange Is The New Brown.
4. And he’s been on the radio.
He was a presenter for Triple J, and was regularly featured on multiple stations, including Nova 100, ABC Radio, 3AW, 2UE, and Radio Adelaide.
5. He has a career outside of comedy.
Though most comedians dedicate their life to their art, he’s also had a career as a tax consultant, working in a law firm, and is a director, volunteer, executive and treasurer of the Islamic Council of Victoria. Hussain is also an outreach youth worker, and is a patron of RISE: Refugees, Survivors and Ex-Detainees.
6. He’s married.
Hussain is married to Shaheeda Abdulla. The two recently welcomed their first child, son Eesa. According to him, “While telling jokes on stage, I’ve caught myself rocking from side to side as if holding a baby. It’s because it’s what I do now as a parent. It’s very weird!”
Samantha Maffucci is an associate editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.