Humza Arshad MBE

Humza Arshad is a British comedian, actor, author and educator best known as the creator of Diary of a Badman. Appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to education, Humza has built a career that bridges entertainment with meaningful social impact. Raised in South London by Punjabi Muslim parents, he draws on his upbringing to explore themes of identity, faith and belonging. He is widely hired as a speaker for his ability to engage diverse audiences while addressing complex social issues with intelligence, humour and authenticity.

After studying Performing Arts at Croydon College, completing a BTEC National Diploma at Kingston College and graduating from Richmond Drama School with a degree in drama, Humza began developing his own creative platforms. In 2010, he independently 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, propelling him into national recognition. The show’s success led to a sold-out comedy tour across eight UK cities and established him as a pioneering digital creator.

Humza’s growing influence led to him becoming the first British YouTuber to front his own scripted comedy series on BBC Three, starring in ‘Coconut’. He later presented ‘Wild Wild Web’ and appeared in numerous BBC productions. In 2020, he wrote, directed and starred in the award-winning short film Hate, tackling extremism and prejudice. He also co-created the bestselling Little Badman children’s book series with Penguin Random House, releasing multiple titles from 2019 onwards, and in 2023 presented the television special Humza: Forgiving the Unforgivable.

Humza is hired as a speaker because he translates lived experience into practical education. He 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, online safety and critical thinking. His sessions combine storytelling, humour and clear frameworks, equipping organisations and educational institutions with tools to foster inclusion, resilience and safer digital communities.