Patrick Hakeem is a talented comedian from the bustling city of Montreal. He has performed at several renowned festivals such as Just For Laughs Toronto, Icebreakers Comedy Festival, Montreal’s Zoofest, and NXNE. His performances have earned him a well-deserved place among Canada’s top comedic talents. His appearances on SiriusXM and CBC Radio have further cemented his reputation as a rising star in the comedy scene. We had the pleasure to speak with him about his new comedy album ‘Misnationalized’
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. For readers unfamiliar with you and your background, what drew you to a career in comedy?
From the get-go, I was all about bringing the laughs. Whether I was dropping jokes in class or spitting fire at family gatherings, making people crack up was just in my DNA. But school? Nah, it wasn’t vibing with my style. Got kicked out of regular high school, ended up in this spot where teachers wanted us to call them Fred and Mary like they were our buds.
After that, it was all about the hustle. I was grinding through gigs for like a decade, man. From slinging drinks at the bar to scripting wild stuff for brazzers.com, I was all over the map. But in the midst of that grind, I had this moment where I realized comedy was my true calling.
Now, don’t get it twisted. Following that dream wasn’t all smooth sailing. It’s like navigating through these cool but sometimes sketchy streets of self-discovery, you feel me? But with my sights set on making it big in comedy, I pushed through the doubts and setbacks, ready to ride the wave of whatever challenges came my way.
Who were your early influences and how did they impact your career?
Early in my journey, I was influenced by some heavy hitters in the comedy game. Names like Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Eddie Murphy left an indelible mark on my style. Their fearlessness, authenticity, and ability to speak truth through humor inspired me to find my own voice in the comedy world.
Through collaborations and guidance from fellow comedians, I’ve learned invaluable lessons. Working with peers like Dave Merheje, Alex Pavone, Nick Reynoldson, and Steph Tolev taught me the importance of staying true to myself and pushing boundaries. Their mentorship helped me navigate the nuances of the industry and refine my craft.
You’ve performed at renowned festivals including Just For Laughs Toronto, Icebreakers Comedy Festival, Montreal’s Zoofest, and NXNE. To date, what has been your most memorable performance, as why?
Performing at festivals like Just For Laughs Toronto and Montreal’s Zoofest has been a wild ride. But if I had to pick one standout moment, it’d be at Icebreakers Comedy Festival. The energy in the room was electric, and I felt a real connection with the audience. It was one of those performances where everything just clicked, and I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Please tell us about your debut comedy album, Misnationalized, and what audiences can expect.
Now, let’s talk about “Misnationalized,” my debut comedy album. It’s a reflection of my experiences growing up in a multicultural society, navigating the complexities of identity and belonging. Audiences can expect raw honesty, sharp observations, and of course, plenty of laughs. It’s a journey through the absurdities of life, served up with a healthy dose of humor.
What other projects are in the pipeline?
I’m getting my 01 visa because the entertainment industry in Canada has a glass ceiling. It’s my dream to immerse myself in the NYC comedy scene.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
For those looking to keep up with my antics, you can find me on my website, social media feeds, and wherever laughter is welcome. Just hit up my website Patrickhakeem.com and follow me on [@PATRICKHAKEEMBRO on Instagram and TicTok. Trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next. Peace out!
Photography by Bryton Garay
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