Eddie Kadi

In 2023 Kadi received prestigious nominations from the Royal Television Society for Best Breakthrough Award thanks to his work on Sorry, I Didn’t Know, and the Edinburgh TV Awards for Breakthrough Presenter, both awarding bodies recognising
his talent and ability to resonate across audiences.

Kadi is a media personality committed to showcasing his unique slice of culture: his experiences in Britain and birth country of Democratic Republic of Congo, and taking those stories to the world and beyond. People have long gravitated towards his unique brand of humour that references his heritage, cultural observations and experiences of life.

With comedy as observational as it is humorous, Kadi expertly transcends cultural barriers, showcasing the different facets of his personhood in the process. “I tell the British story in a unique way,” he says. “We live in a cosmopolitan society; different cultures chip in and make this place even spicier. As a Congolese and African, we contribute to the overall culture. By telling my stories, I make people laugh but I educate as well.” Kadi was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, the oldest of four siblings. He’d been well attuned to entertainment in the house; music and performance had been a large part of his childhood and a favourite of his extended family – there were few places the young Kadi could venture where music wouldn’t be heard.

Eddie Kadi is now a celebrated figure in the music world, presenting at the BRITS ceremony in 2023, and famously appointed as host of BBC Radio 1’s Afrobeats Chart Show, a landmark development in the organisation’s programming. A champion of African
music and various genres, he has toured as a host with the likes of Wizkid, Lauryn Hill and Nas, Burna Boy, Sarkodie, Pheelz, Maleek Berry and other acts.

Other activities include starring as a contestant in the primetime series of Strictly Come Dancing, and producing a documentary with Channel 4 illuminating happenings in and around Africa. Eddie Kadi is also the host of a podcast, Wheel Talk, co-hosted with Babatunde Aléshé, discussing family, culture, everyday topics and other facets of their lives and businesses.