Emmanuel Sonubi: podcast appearances and interviews

Emmanuel Sonubi is a British-Nigerian comedian based in London. Born in 1980 or 1981 in Enfield, he was the youngest of six children and the only boy in his family. Before pursuing comedy full-time, he worked as a bouncer and performed in musical theatre, including a leading role in the original cast of the West End musical Daddy Cool in 2007. He began his stand-up career in 2015, rapidly gaining recognition through open mic nights and later performing at numerous high-profile clubs such as The Comedy Store and The Glee Club. His performances have taken him across international venues, including Ibiza, Cyprus, Turkey, and Holland. In 2019, Sonubi experienced a bout of heart failure while performing in Dubai, an event that inspired his 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe show titled Life After Near Death. He has a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, which affects his heart's ability to pump oxygen, and doctors considered a heart transplant. After returning to the United Kingdom, he discovered a shortage of matching organ donors linked to his background, an issue he explored through a BBC documentary podcast. Sonubi manages his condition through medication and continues to perform nationally, including prime-time television appearances such as hosting Live at the Apollo. His comedic work has earned him several accolades, including the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show in 2023, Best Newcomer in 2022, a nomination for the Chortle Award for Best Club Comic in 2023, and the Mervyn Stutters Spirit of the Fringe award for best show in 2025.