W Kamau Bell: Sociopolitical Comedian
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- W. Kamau Bell is a critically acclaimed comedian, Emmy Award-winning producer, and celebrated social commentator who masterfully blends humor with hard-hitting cultural insights.
- Known for his sharp wit and thought-provoking perspectives, Bell has become a powerful voice for discussing race, politics, and social justice while keeping audiences engaged with laughter.
- As the host and executive producer of CNN’s award-winning series United Shades of America, Bell explores complex societal issues with compassion, intelligence, and his signature comedic style.
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Read Full Bio
W Kamau Bell is a sociopolitical comedian who is the host and executive producer of the Emmy Award winning CNN docu-series United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell. On June 26th he makes his Netflix debut with a new stand-up comedy special, Private School Negro.
Kamau has a book with the easy-to-remember title The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6′ 4″, African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama’s Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian. Kamau has hosted three critically acclaimed podcasts: Kamau Right Now!, Politically Re-Active, and Denzel Washington is The Greatest Actor of All Time Period. Kamau is on the advisory board of Hollaback! and Donors Choose and is the ACLU Celebrity Ambassador for Racial Justice. The New York Times called Kamau “the most promising new talent in political comedy in many years.”
W Kamau Bell | Celebrity Comedian
Kamau has been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards and a GLAAD award, and he was featured on Conde Nast’s ‘Daring 25’ list for 2016. The SF Weekly called Kamau “smart, stylish, and very much in the mold of politically outspoken comedians like Dave Chappelle,” though he was mostly just excited that they called him “handsome.”
The New Yorker said, “Bell’s gimmick is intersectional progressivism: he treats racial, gay, and women’s issues as inseparable.” Kamau is also known for his criminally short-lived FX & FXX comedy series, Totally Biased with W Kamau Bell.
Kamau still finds time to travel to college campuses around the country, performing his his one man show that inspired Totally Biased, The W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism in About an Hour.
Kamau’s writing has been featured in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Hollywood Reporter, CNN.com, Salon, The LA Review of Books, The Establishment. (One time, on his website, Kamau wrote about getting kicked out of The Elmwood Cafe in Berkeley on his birthday because they thought he was harassing his wife. Listen to his appearance on This American Life for all the details.)
W Kamau Bell debut as a director will happen this fall with the release of the A+E documentary Culture Shock: Chris Rock’s Bring The Pain.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (89)
Barbara Niven has been one of Hollywood’s busiest actresses for over 30 years, and she says she is blessed and grateful to make a living does what she loves. During her career she has appeared in more than 100 film and TV roles, over 2500 TV & radio commercials, and as host in many shows […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Marketing Speakers
- (135)
Craig Karges is truly extraordinary! The “extraordinist” is an award-winning entertainer, a nationally recognized speaker and an author. Karges has made over five thousand appearances in 27 countries on four continents and in all fifty states. Craig Karges combines the art of magic with the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create […]
- Travels from: Harrisburg, PA
- Motivational Speakers
- (42)
Tamron Hall, a two-time Emmy®-winning journalist, author, producer, trailblazing media personality, and empowering advocate, stands as a beacon of inspiration and change in the realm of transformative conversations. With a magnetic presence and a resonant voice, Hall captivates diverse audiences worldwide, embodying triumph over adversity, unwavering resilience, and a steadfast commitment to empowering others. Tamron […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Empowerment Speakers
- (61)
Tyler Perry is a true renaissance figure in the world of entertainment, renowned for his unparalleled success as a director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, actor, author, and entrepreneur. The Birth of Madea and the Rise of the Chitlin’ Circuit In the early 1990s, Perry started his journey in the entertainment industry with a series of stage […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Celebrity Speakers
- (58)
America Ferrera is perhaps best known for her fearless portrayal of “Betty Suarez” on ABC’s hit comedy Ugly Betty and “Carmen” in the popular film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Ferrera’s Ugly Betty role earned her an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as ALMA and Imagen Awards. America Ferrera is an award-winning actress and […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Celebrity Speakers
- (7)
If you dream of inspiring cult-like brand loyalty and especially the kind that involves mile-long queues and even permanent tattoo then Johnny Cupcakes is for you. The founder of the world-renowned tee-shirt brand Johnny Cupcakes, Johnny’s known for helping other people create blueprints for building brand loyalty, creating memorable experiences, and inspiring innovation. With global […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Branding Speakers
- (91)
Professional tennis player and sports speaker Anna Kournikova, known for her beauty and celebrity status, has made her one of the most well known tennis player in the industry. In 2000, Anna was ranked No. 8 in the world and has been named No. 1 in the world in doubles at various points in her […]
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- Sporting Speakers
- (19)
Earvin Magic Johnson has become one of the most powerful African-American businessmen in the world. He is Major League Baseball owner, an NBA legend, a two-time Hall of Famer, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and popular keynote speaker. The business mogul has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world, propelling his […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Motivational Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
