Humza Arshad MBE is a British comedian, writer, actor and educator best known as the creator of Diary of a Badman. A pioneer of digital comedy in the UK, he became one of the first homegrown YouTube stars to transition successfully into mainstream television. Awarded an MBE for education services, Humza is now widely hired as a speaker for his powerful work around youth engagement, online safety and preventing radicalisation.
Raised in South London to Punjabi Muslim parents, 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. While working part-time at an Asian wedding venue, he began creating comedy content that reflected his upbringing and community experiences. In 2010, he launched Diary of a Badman, writing, producing, directing and starring in the series himself. Within a year, one episode became one of the most viewed YouTube videos in the UK, leading to his sold-out Badman Comedy Tour across eight cities and establishing him as a major new voice in British comedy.
His success led to him becoming the first British YouTuber to front his own scripted BBC Three comedy series, 'Coconuy'. He went on to present 'Wild Wild Web' and appear across numerous BBC productions. Alongside his television work, Humza co-created the bestselling Little Badman children’s book series with Penguin Random House, including titles such as 'Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties' and 'Little Badman and the Rise of the Punjabi Zombies'. He has also written, directed and starred in the award-winning short film 'Hate' and released the television special Humza: Forgiving the Unforgivable.
Beyond entertainment, Humza has worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and East Midlands Police, delivering workshops in over 100 schools and speaking to more than 100,000 young people about radicalisation, identity and online safety. As a speaker, he combines humour with honesty, drawing on lived experience to engage audiences on resilience, belonging and positive social impact.
