Humza Arshad MBE

Humza Arshad MBE is a comedian, actor, author and educator best known as the creator of Diary of a Badman. Raised in South London to Punjabi Muslim parents, he has become one of the UK’s most influential British Asian creatives. Blending comedy with social commentary, he has used digital platforms, television and literature to challenge stereotypes and spark meaningful conversations around identity, radicalisation and online safety. Awarded an MBE for services to education, he is widely hired as a BAME speaker for his ability to connect cultural experience with positive social impact.

Humza studied Performing Arts at Croydon College, completed a BTEC National Diploma at Kingston College and graduated from Richmond Drama School with a degree in drama. Before his breakthrough, he worked part time in an Asian wedding hall while pursuing creative opportunities. In 2010, he created and launched Diary of a Badman, writing, producing, directing and starring in the series himself. By 2011, an episode had become one of the most viewed YouTube videos in the UK, propelling him to national recognition and leading to his sell out Badman Comedy Tour across eight UK cities and 15 performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

His online success opened the door to mainstream broadcasting, making him the first British YouTuber to front his own scripted comedy series on BBC Three with ‘Coconut’. He went on to present ‘Wild Wild Web’, appear in multiple BBC productions and write, direct and star in the award winning short film ‘Hate’. Alongside television work, he co created the bestselling Little Badman children’s book series with Penguin Random House, publishing multiple titles between 2019 and 2022. In 2023, he released the television special ‘Humza: Forgiving the Unforgivable’ and later appeared on ‘Celebrity Mastermind’. His continued public appearances include community engagement events such as his 2025 appearance at The Beacon in Bradford.

Beyond entertainment, Humza has worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and East Midlands Police, delivering workshops in more than 100 schools and speaking to over 100,000 young people about radicalisation, identity and digital responsibility. His lived experience as a British Muslim navigating prejudice and representation adds authenticity to his message. Organisations hire him as a speaker for his rare ability to combine humour, cultural insight and education, making complex social issues accessible while empowering diverse audiences.