Eddie Kadi
Eddie Kadi (born 18 May 1983 in Kinshasa) is a British-Congolese comedian, presenter, actor, Philanthropist and MC. An all-round multi talented performer, Eddie Kadi continues to reform the world of comedy and communications; repeatedly leaving “sold out” concert audiences mesmerised by a heady mixture of laughter and reflection. Eddie Kadi has proven to be the consummate communicator. He is generously gifted with the ability to reach across cultures as a unifying force, break down social stereotypes as he informs and entertains his audience. Delivering fresh, funny yet conscious and poignant insights throughout his work, crafting “…articulate glimpses of reflected observations from the mirror of life that we all instantly recognise, relate and react to in good humour, with a smile or belly laugh thrown in!”
| Eddie Kadi | |
|---|---|
 Eddie Kadi - Comedian-Actor-Presenter-Philanthropist | |
| Born | 18 May 1983 Kinshasa, Zaire |
| Website | eddiekadi |
Eddie has proven himself to be a key connection point between various intersections such as Africa and travel, Africa and sport and Africa and music. His notable achievements include creating and producing a travel show which aired on Vox Africa in the UK with the personal mandate of educating the African diaspora on untouched and almost forgotten countries in Africa.
Kadi also has hosted an iconic ‘Panafrolink’ event for NBA player Luol Deng in New York City and London and the men's basketball games during the London 2012 games. Eddie is also currently a panellist on the BBC radio sport show called “Fighting Talk” and is a regular contributor to CNN Talk, most recently contributing to “CNN Talk : Max Foster”. Kadi charm and whit was called upon to host the ‘Powernomics Show’, the historic multi-state tour which featured Lauryn Hill and Nas as headlining act, a testament to his legacy and reputation in the music industry globally.
Early life
A resident of West London since 1992, he is a past student of Fulham Primary School, Henry Compton Secondary School, William Morris Academy and Kingston University from which he graduated with BSc Honours in Media Technology.[1][2] Kadi served as President of the Afro-Caribbean Society at the University.[3]
Career
Comedy
Eddie Kadi has received public and critical acclaim throughout his career, including the BECA Award for Best Comedy Newcomer In 2006. (He went on to stage a series of sold-out solo concerts) The culmination of his 4 sold-out concerts was his achievement as the first Black British solo comedian to sell out London's IndigO2 – two of those during 2009.[2][4] In September 2010, he performed at London's O2 Arena where he sold out the 13,000 arena according to his numerous (2) appearances on Fighting Talk.[4] He has also released a 4 disc DVD collection, and completed numerous radio, television and film projects.
Broadcasting
Kadi was a presenter on BBC 1Xtra and co-presented the OHTV series It’s All Good.[5] He has fronted documentaries with Current TV in France and MTV Base in Mali as well as station idents for MTV and the BBC. He appeared on Fighting Talk on 27 November 2010, where he finished in the traditional debutant's position of last. He made his second appearance on 22 January 2011 and was involved in provoking Tom Watt to produce the immortal line “I’m not here to talk about real-estate” since then becoming a regular on the show. In February 2016, he came second on his first episode of BBC quiz show QI. Eddie's drive to communicate is never restricted by media, medium or format, the message itself is his medium. Whether appearing on stage at the Apollo or the Hackney Empire, fronting his solo concerts, TV shows or regular radio slots on Rinse FM; Kadi never fails in his endeavours to continually raise the bar.
Acting
Kadi's work as a voiceover artist includes a characterisation in the Tiger Aspect[6] produced animated TV series Tinga Tinga Tales. His film projects include the lead role in the short film Area Boys in 2006,[7] shot in Africa (Lagos, Nigeria) and premiered at the 51st London Film Festival.[8]
Eddie also appears as Reggy in the film Shank,[9] released in 2010.
Eddie has also made an appearance in the UK movie Anuvahood released in March 2011
Music
Kadi has also featured vocally alongside top UK Hip Hop Artist Sway and was invited to Senegal in 2008 to host the inauguration of the Senegalese rap artist Akon on his "Konfidence Foundation"[10] as he is seen as a pioneering member of the diaspora.
Eddie appeared on Tim Westwood TV on BBC Radio 1 - where he performed a quick freestyle under the name MC Adidas. Kadi has also opened up and hosted international tours, sold-out shows and private events for many artists such as Wizkid Starboy, Lauryn Hill and Nas. Alongside this his reputation in the music industry globally expanded when Kadi hosted the ‘Powernomics Show’, an unforgettable tour as it featured worldwide superstars Lauryn Hill and Nas as headlining acts.
2018–Present
As a tri-lingual comedian and personality Eddie Kadi serves as a great connection point between Franco-phone Africa and Anglo-phone Africa and maintains strong relationships with notable athletes, musicians and personalities heralding from these two parts of Africa. He has curated a PanAfrican global conversation platform known as PANAFROLINK alongside NBA superstar LUOL DENG. This has included guests such Ambassador Shabazz (Malcolm X eldest daughter), Actor Damson idris, PR GURU Dorothea Hodge amongst many more. The next instalment due to take place in Accra January 2020.
2019 represents the evolution of Eddie Kadi as a compelling force in entertainment as he continues to draw admiration and support from an ever widening audience. Eddie has hosted the official red carpet show for BET International and BET Africa in June 2019. He the went on to host Africa's biggest international festival AFRONATION in 2019 for 4 days consecutively in Faro, Portugal. In 2019 also completed a tour with Superstar Wizkid as the host of Australia's first African festival in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Starboy festival in London and Manchester.
Alongside this October 2019, Kadi hosted the annual Best Of Africa Awards (BOA) which highlights Professional footballers and their philanthropic work. In November 2019, Kadi received the Education for Afrika Award (EFA) at the University of Denver for his outstanding leadership skills and efforts on promoting African Unity and excellence.
A point of personal triumph was his selection as host of TEDxEuston being able to host seminal talks which introduce community change-makers to the global stage which included Amadou Gallo Fall (President of NBA Africa), Madame Luisa Diogo (Prime Minister of Mozambique) and Zeinab Badawi. Kadi has hosted TEDxEuston every year since 2015, where he also delivered a talk. He is also due to host the next TEDxEuston event in late November 2019.
References
- Kingston’s funny bone Kingston University, 10 May 2010
- From Penrhyn Road to the O2 Archived 2011-06-09 at the Wayback Machine Kingston University, 5 July 2010
- Kingston graduate inspires others to 'unwrap the gift within' Kingston University, 19 April 2010
- The most famous comedian you've never heard of BBC News, 4 September 2010
- It’s All Good OH TV
- Tinga Tinga Tales Archived 2010-01-24 at the Wayback Machine Tiger Aspect
- Area Boys Trailer YouTube
- 51st London Film Festival Archived 2010-01-11 at the Wayback Machine Up-Close Film
- Shank (2010) Internet Movie Database
- Konfidence Foundation