Sami Shah

Sami Shah's Biography

Comedian and writer Sami Shah has been profiled in the New York Times and ABC's The Australian Story, and appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Asian Network, TEDx, The Project, the Soho Theatre, and QI with Stephen Fry.

 

Sami won the award for Best Local Act at the 2013 Perth International Comedy Festival, and his autobiography, "I, MIGRANT" has been nominated for the NSW Premier's Literary Award, and the Russell Prize for Humour Writing.

 

Sami produces a weekly podcast, "SAMI SAYS", that he records while driving from his country town home, in rural WA, to Perth. He also writes columns for SCOOP Magazine, Fairfax Media, the Brisbane Courier Mail, and many other publications, and is a frequent contributor on ABC720.

 

Sami Shah is a former journalist and satirical commentator from Pakistan who moved to Australia in 2012. Since arriving he has impressed audiences nationally and internationally with his experiences of performing comedy on the frontlines of the war in Pakistan.

 

Sami has been featured in various local and international publications and television shows.

 

He has continued his stand-up comedy career, garnering rave reviews at Fringe festivals and winning awards. Sami’s book about his experiences, published by Allen & Unwin, has been described as ‘raw, funny, and inspiring’ by Wendy Harmer.

 

Sami’s comedy covers a variety of topics (for example, the immigrant experience, personal triumphs against adversity, the challenges of daily life as contrasted between Pakistan and Australia), all connected with his uniquely charismatic style that is both inspirational and hilarious.

Speaking Topics Include

The Power of Laughter - How comedy can challenge perspectives and build connections

Stand-up Comedy show - More traditional observational comedy that is guaranteed to leave you laughing

MC - An entertaining host to events of all kinds

News Satire - With vast experience in journalism and satire, Sami can combine the two to create comedy that is current and politically aware