Ola Labib

Ola Labib is a pioneering comedian, presenter and keynote speaker who has broken barriers as the UK’s first Black, Muslim, Sudanese female comic. Known for her bold comedy, quick wit and disarming charm, she has brought her unique perspective to British television with appearances on World’s Most Dangerous Roads (UKTV), Richard Osman’s House of Games (BBC) and as the star of her own Channel 4 sitcom, The Pharmacy. A milestone moment in her career came when she became the first Black, Sudanese, Muslim woman to perform at the O2 Arena, cementing her place as one of the most exciting and influential voices in contemporary comedy.

Raised in Portsmouth, Ola grew up navigating a blend of strict Islamic values, African heritage and British culture. Her upbringing was shaped by the realities of being one of the only African Muslims at her school, a position that gave her both resilience and a keen eye for observing social dynamics. Initially set on a career in healthcare, she trained as a pharmacist and worked for over seven years in the NHS. The pressure of understaffed hospitals and a near life-changing error led her to reconsider her future. With encouragement from her brothers, she turned towards comedy, drawing on her personal experiences of race, faith and identity to create a voice that is both authentic and refreshingly original.

Ola’s rise has been defined by both determination and achievement. She was a finalist at the Beat the Frog World Series in 2019, went on to perform at the UK’s first socially distanced comedy show in 2020, and took a podium finish at the Funny Women Awards in 2021. Her comedy career reached new heights when she performed as part of Mo Gilligan & Friends: The Black British Takeover at the O2, later broadcast on Channel 4, before moving into television with her own sitcom. Alongside her comedy, she has become a respected presence in the corporate world, speaking at Admiral HQ, Goldsmiths University, and the Channel 4 Inclusion and Diversity Festival, as well as hosting the prestigious Eid in the Square Festival in 2024.

Audiences are drawn to Ola not only for her ability to make them laugh, but also for her ability to spark thought and conversation. She speaks on race and religion, Nubian heritage, women in leadership, modest fashion, cosmetics, food and healthcare, making her talks highly relevant to today’s discussions around inclusion and identity. With a mix of humour, honesty and compelling personal stories, Ola delivers more than entertainment; she leaves audiences inspired and equipped to see the world through a broader, more inclusive lens.