Kevin Hart is expanding his comedy empire internationally. The comedian, actor, and entrepreneur revealed the upcoming LOL Global Fest 2025, an extensive comedy festival aimed at highlighting comedians from around the globe. The festival will commence later this year, featuring major events in Los Angeles, London, and Lagos.
For Kevin Hart, the festival represents more than just another Hartbeat production; it is a mission to transform comedy into a global dialogue. “Laughter is universal, yet the industry hasn’t consistently recognized it as such,” Hart stated. “Our aim is to create a platform where the funniest voices—be it from Nigeria, the U.K., or South Korea—can perform alongside one another.”
While most comedy festivals focus on talent from a specific country or region, LOL Global Fest shatters that norm. Each host city will unite international headliners with local emerging stars, merging cultural exchange with entertainment. Audiences will enjoy humor that is both familiar and excitingly fresh.
In Los Angeles, the lineup will feature American heavyweights alongside guest performers from Latin America and Asia. London’s shows will highlight the U.K.’s thriving stand-up scene and incorporate acts from Africa and the Middle East. In Lagos, a comedy powerhouse, Nigerian comedians and other African talents will take center stage, with global stars joining them.
The choice of Lagos as a central festival city surprised some, but industry insiders believe it’s a logical decision. Nigeria boasts one of the most dynamic comedy cultures globally, fueled by a youthful population and the rise of social media-driven humor. Streaming platforms have further amplified African stand-up, with Netflix and Amazon Prime featuring specials from Nigerian comedians in recent years.
Kevin Hart has been vocal about his admiration for Nigerian comedy. “The energy from Lagos is electric,” he remarked. “It’s raw, it’s fearless, and it deserves international recognition.”
LOL Global Fest extends well beyond live performances. Hartbeat intends to film portions of the festival for a streaming special, making the shows accessible to those unable to attend. Additionally, the festival will include workshops, panel discussions, and networking events, providing comedians opportunities to connect with producers, agents, and fellow artists.
The festival has the potential to transform how the industry markets and distributes comedy. Hart and his team aspire to connect audiences worldwide, embracing a model where comedy tours prioritize global impact over geographical boundaries.
Launching an international festival presents challenges—such as travel logistics, language barriers, and cultural differences, all of which add complexity. However, Kevin Hart possesses the brand power to overcome these obstacles. He has continually ventured beyond stand-up, making his mark in film, TV, digital platforms, and even fitness. Now, he aims to broaden the reach of comedy itself.
In Hart’s words: “The world needs more laughter, and it shouldn’t be confined by borders.”
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