As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Ahmed Al-kadri. The Dallas, TX native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Ahmed Al-kadri
Hometown: Dallas, TX/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @AhmedLovesBread
Years in Comedy: 7 Years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: OFTV and The HR guy in workplace Sexual Harassment training videos
Comedic Influences: Dave Chappelle, Dan Soder, and Fahim Anwar
Favorite Comedy Album: Patrice O’Neal “Mr. P” & Rory Scovel “Dilation”
Favorite Comedy Special: Bill Burr “I Am Sorry You Feel That Way”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Simpsons
Favorite Comedic Character: Michael Scott
Favorite City to Perform In: Denver, Co
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Drugs and Sex. It’s easy and fun
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Cats. At first they’re kind of cold and far but then I get them on my side.
Favorite Comedy Club: Dallas Comedy Club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Making people laugh was a way for me to stop getting picked on. The best way to disarm a stranger and turn them into a friend is through laughter.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I was 18 years old at the UTD – PUB. I was so nervous I wanted to throw up. I got on stage mumbled and then said a Kim K joke that did well and my friends jumped up and laughed to help me out. and then I ended my set with “I am sorry I suck” and the audience was supportive trying to make me feel better. 4 years later, I was ready to get back on stage.
How would you describe your comedic style:
A friend told me that I am the combination of “Joey” from Friends and “Jack” from Will and Grace. I don’t fully agree but I guess I see it.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
As I live my life I jot down ideas/premises on my notes app and then I try to flesh the ideas out on a google word doc. Next, I try to see if can think of the best punchlines. Finally, try them on stage.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Because I have been on the road a lot I am not as involved in the LA comedy scene as I used to be but I have made some amazing friends. I worked really hard to build my name around the scene so fortunately I got booked on a lot of local shows around the city.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Oh boy lol well. It’s all perspective. 2018 Ahmed would say I am killing it but right now even though I don’t feel like I am? However, if I sit down and think of cool things I have done , I really do feel successful because I am not an Accountant anymore and I travel the world doing stand up. I mean yes the anxiety of “will I pay my rent this month” has been fueling me since I went full time comic on March of 2022 but that’s just part of the journey. It would be nice to be a bigger name knowing you would sell out any show you do so money won’t be an issue, but that takes time. So to answer your question, I guess you need to know what you want in life to full know if you are “successful” in this business otherwise you will keep moving the goal post.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Sammy Obeid. He’s been a mentor and a great friend. Everytime I see him perform I think “man, I need to write more.” He is kind, very well respected among the comedy community , and loves his puns. Sammy is one of the hardest working comedians I have ever seen and getting to travel and work with him is an honor. 2014 I was watching his Conan set in my cubicle and now we facetime on a regular basis.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Hanging out with Tony Woods at the Abu Dhabi Comedy week.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Every time I bomb on stage I am reminded that I am getting complacent and I gotta step up my game which is writing more and getting on stage more.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They don’t take me as seriously which is nice cause I have permission to make as many jokes as I want.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
1. Get good at stand up (5 years minimum) . 2. Post clips/build a following. 3. create an email list. 4. Produce a show. 5. Sell tickets. 6. Pay your comics/staff. 7. Don’t waste your money on stupid shit. 8. rinse and repeat.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Tik Tokers/Celebrities must do 50 shitty open mics before waltzing over to a club to easily sell out a show.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“I think you’re really funny but the problem is YOU don’t think you’re funny. You will be great once you full know that you’re a funny comedian”
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Ahmed ibn Tarek”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I ate out Tiffany Hadish’s elbow and she gave me $100. It’s on Kill Tony.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
During the Pandemic I performed outside of a bank in front of a busy street.
An Ahmed Al-kadri Fun Fact:
I am HUGE nerd when it comes to Legend of Zelda.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I wanna be the Yemeni Kevin Hart. Touring across the world selling out big venues and staring in my own comedic movies while elevating other arab voices. It’s a big goal but I think I can do it (Laughs).
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Start an LLC (Laughs) I guess just keep getting on stage and be kind to your fellow comedians. Just work on killing on stage and try not to worry about other people. Work hard, Be kind, and good things will happen.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Sigh. Well. Who knows. I mean when I get upset over dumb things regarding the comedy business like social media or what the “industry” wants. I try to listen to Bill Burr’s podcast and he and other veteran comedians who have been doing for like 30+.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
The Office. Michael and Dwight sign up for a LA fitness and become gym rats.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
It would be Denver Comedy Underground and I’d be performing with Dan Soder, Fahim Anwar, and Rory Scovel. I obviously would go first.
What’s next for you:
Tickets at AhmedLovesBread.com
6/14 LA (Hollywood Improv)
7/16 Dublin
7/17 Glasgow
7/18 Manchester
7/19-7/20 London
7/21 Paris
7/23 Berlin
7/27 Amsterdam
8/3 Istanbul
9/27 Chicago
10/26 Pittsburgh
11/3 Ottawa
12/11 Irvine, CA
12/12 Las Vegas
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because the world is on fire and there is nothing else we can do. So just enjoy the little time we have in life.
Follow Ahmed Al-kadri’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Ahmed Al-kadri
Youtube: Ahmed Al-kadri
Personal Website: Ahmed Al-kadri
