Daliso Chaponda

Daliso Chaponda is a Malawian stand-up comedian and award-nominated radio presenter, best known for his fearless wit, global perspective and boundary-pushing humour. A finalist on Britain’s Got Talent in 2017, where he earned a Golden Buzzer from Amanda Holden and finished in third place, Daliso became an instant favourite with audiences and judges alike. Since then, he has become a recognised voice on both TV and radio, most notably as the creator and host of the BBC Radio 4 series Citizen of Nowhere, which earned a Rose d’Or nomination. His mix of sharp political insight and comedic timing makes him a unique and compelling voice in today’s speaking circuit.

Daliso was born in Zambia and raised in Malawi, before living in countries including Thailand, Australia and Switzerland due to his father’s work as a UN lawyer. His family eventually returned to Malawi, where his father later served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Education. A gifted student, Daliso attended Waterford Kamhlaba United World College in Eswatini before moving to Canada. He studied at McGill University, later transferring to Concordia University, where he switched from computer programming to English literature. It was during his time in Canada that he discovered stand-up comedy, debuting with his one-man show Feed This Black Man in 2002.

Over the years, Daliso has built an international comedy career, performing in venues and festivals across the world including Edinburgh, Melbourne, Singapore, Cape Town and Montreal. His breakthrough in the UK came with Britain’s Got Talent, after which he launched his first world tour, What the African Said, in 2018. He has since released multiple stand-up specials on ITVX, including Blah Blah Blacklist and Apocalypse Not Now. His television appearances include QI, Have I Got News For You, Celebrity Mastermind (which he won in 2025), and The Royal Variety Performance. He is also a talented writer, with published works in science fiction and fantasy, and is currently working on both a novel and a children’s book. In 2021, he also made his pantomime debut in Aladdin at Redhill Theatre.

Daliso is a highly sought-after speaker thanks to his ability to blend humour with thought-provoking commentary on topics like freedom of speech, censorship, identity, and media representation. Drawing on his personal journey from political refugee to celebrated performer, he offers a global perspective that resonates with diverse audiences. His style is both entertaining and intelligent, making him ideal for conferences, corporate events and cultural festivals. With a growing list of accolades and international performances, Daliso is a compelling choice for audiences looking for comedy with substance.