He has been called one of the most original stand-up comics in the country, and his performances leave audiences laughing in tears. Michael Blackson, aka, ‘The African King of Comedy”, has been entertaining audiences all across the country and around the globe for more than a decade. Inspired by the stand up comedy of Eddie Murphy, Michael began to develop his comedic talent in 1992 in the unkind comedy clubs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Michael’s comedic appeal grew from his involvement with BET’s Comicview series, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, Showtime at Harlem, and Live in Hollywood. However, it was in a Los Angeles comedy club where Michael got his big break. Michael was performing at the Comedy Store where actor/director Ice Cube was in attendance to see comedian Mike Epps perform. But after experiencing Michael’s performance, Ice Cube invited the young comic for a reading…and the rest is smash hit history! Michael’s outstanding and unforgettable performance in the hit comedy, Next Friday, drew countless praise and a fan following like no other.