Emmanuel Sonubi

Following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, an acclaimed UK & European tour, and a triumphant New York Soho Theatre residency Two-time Edinburgh award nominee Emmanuel Sonubi will be extending his smash hit tour and coming to Rotterdam on June 18th

Emmanuel’s latest show is a deeply personal yet hilariously sharp exploration of what happens when life throws its toughest challenges your way. After surviving heart failure, Emmanuel takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride through his journey of recovery, resilience, and the moments of comedy that emerge even in life’s darkest corners. With his signature storytelling style, razor-sharp wit, and undeniable stage presence, Life After Near Death is a masterclass in finding the funny in the unexpected and the power of perseverance. Emmanuel said: “I can’t wait to bring this new show to you, Life After Near Death is a special one for me – it’s personal, it’s raw, but most importantly, it’s funny. After an amazing time at the Edinburgh Fringe, across Europe, and in New York, I’m buzzing to take this to audiences across the UK. Get ready for big laughs and a few surprises along the way.”

Emmanuel Sonubi isn't just rising; he has arrived. One of the most electrifying forces in UK comedy, Emmanuel has executed a career ascent that can only be described as meteoric. In a few short years, he has transitioned from the open mic circuit to host and headliner on BBC's Live at the Apollo. He is the act every venue wants on their stage and the comic every audience talks about on the way out.

Commanding, charismatic, and effortlessly cool, Emmanuel owns the room from the moment he steps into the light. Drawing on his past as a bouncer in North London's most notorious clubs and his upbringing as the youngest of six, his storytelling blends razor-sharp wit with gritty authenticity. Whether he's storming festivals, headlining theatres, or closing major corporate events, he delivers high-energy sets packed with big laughs and unforgettable narratives. The industry has taken note. Emmanuel is a multi-award-nominated heavyweight, securing Edinburgh Comedy Award nominations for Best Newcomer (2022) and Best Show (2023), alongside a Chortle Award nomination for Best Club Comic (2023). Most recently, he claimed the Mervyn Stutter Spirit of the Fringe Award for Best Show (2025), cementing his status as a critical darling.

Beyond the laughs, Emmanuel brings depth. After suffering heart failure while performing in Dubai in 2019, he channelled the experience into his critically acclaimed show, Life After Near Death. It's a testament to his resilience and ability to find humor in the human condition, proving he is more than just a comic—he's a storyteller with substance. With a surging TV profile, a growing global social media presence, and a reputation for selling out rooms across the UK and international circuits, Emmanuel Sonubi is ready, a bona fide rising star with the energy to ignite a crowd and the credits to back it up: