For over a decade, Mebest has been chasing laughter. What started as an exciting dream in 2012 has turned into a groundbreaking career that now spans languages, countries, and cultures. The Kurdish comedian, who began performing in English, took a major step in 2023 when he started performing stand-up in Kurdish — becoming the first to do so at a professional level.
For Mebest, comedy has always been about joy. “The excitement and the happiness that I thought would come with comedy — and I was right,” he says. “It’s been an amazing journey, and now it’s getting even better because I’m doing comedy internationally.”
When asked about who shaped his comedic voice, Mebest credits Conan O’Brien for both his intelligence and silliness. “He’s hilarious and smart while being silly,” he explains. “We both want to have unique topics and jokes. He’s classy and makes everybody happy.”
Alongside O’Brien, Mebest’s humor was also shaped by MadTV, The Simpsons, and 30 Rock. He admires Omid Djalili and the legendary Kurdish comedy actor Shamo, calling him “one of the funniest actors I’ve ever seen.” These influences show in Mebest’s blend of sharp writing and expressive storytelling — a style that feels at home on both Western and Kurdish stages.
Building Kurdish Stand-Up
Stepping into Kurdish stand-up wasn’t just a creative choice — it was cultural. “I’m the first ever professional-level Kurdish stand-up comedian who performs in Kurdish actively,” he says. “I tour Europe and perform in Kurdish or English. It’s a huge step forward for Kurdish comedy.”
That leap has inspired others. “Several professional Kurdish comedians saw me perform in Kurdish and decided to do their first-ever sets in the language,” he says proudly. “That was amazing. Talk about having an impact!”
Mebest doesn’t shy away from humor even in reflection: “Some guy sent me a dick pic from the Netherlands. I didn’t ask for that. I was hoping for beautiful pics from the ladies — but I guess in my dreams!”
His lighthearted honesty reflects his belief that stand-up, at its best, connects real people through humor. “It’s the right direction,” he says about the growth of Kurdish comedy. “Stand-up gives a strong base for comedians and actors. It can make Kurdish entertainment much richer.”
Social media has been key to his growth. “It’s the best way for me to make an impact,” he says. “It gives me power and freedom. Fans can now find talented performers all over social media. It evens the playing field.”
That freedom allows him to experiment — from short skits to full live performances — keeping his content accessible to audiences around the world.
What’s Next for Mebest
Touring Europe remains his focus, but his ambitions don’t stop there. “I want to shoot my first movie ever. The script is ready, and we might start shooting in summer 2026,” he reveals. “It’s a funny movie about martial arts. If you watch it again, you’ll probably hear new jokes you missed the first time.”
His Message to Young Kurds
Mebest ends with straightforward advice. “Go for it. Don’t waste time. Don’t wait for a miracle. Create your own projects and start doing them,” he says. “Learn to write, act, edit, and market your work. Stay active. It’s okay to fail — keep failing and you’ll see cool things happen.”
And in true Mebest fashion, he adds, “Also… contact me if you have an idea. Let’s go!”