Yaaseen Barnes is a celebrated comedian known for his sharp wit and dynamic performances. He has received numerous accolades, including a Loeries award with Duke Agency and a SAFTA with Both Worlds. Barnes is the Director of the Jive Funny Championships and has been honoured as Newcomer of the Year and Intermediate Act of the Year at the Comics Choice Awards.
His show “Day Zero” won Best of Ensemble Show at the SA Comedy Awards, and he received an Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival for “Cant-centrate.” (2023) and “Thoughts I Thinked” (2025).
In addition to his on-stage achievements, Barnes is a prominent figure in the podcasting world, hosting Coffee x Controllers, Muslims Connected, and Reg Boys. Recognised as one of Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 and 40 Under 40 South Africans 2024, Barnes is internationally acclaimed for his contributions to comedy and the arts.
As a national touring comedian, Barnes has written for Comedy Central’s Roasts and the iconic Joe Barber series, further cementing his status as a versatile and impactful figure in the comedy industry.