Self-dubbed the 'brownest household name in Australia right now', Nazeem Hussain's knack for character and deft comedic touch has seen him become a familiar voice on Triple J as well as a regular on NOVA’s breakfast show with Meshel & Tommy.
Hussain’s TV credits also include 'The Project', 'It’s A Date', and 'Balls Of Steel Australia'. As well, he was SBS TV’s man on the ground in Rio de Janeiro during the 2014 World Cup.
With two shows in Sydney this weekend, before a hike across the desert for a date in Perth this August, Nazeem allows us to enter his world to explore his favourite films, TV and podcasts.
1. Four Lions
When I first watched this film, I was convinced it was written by a Muslim because the main characters were so unbelievably true to Muslim life; and I was certain the characters were based on people I’ve met at Muslim community functions throughout my life. Only a genius like Chris Morris can make you side with home-grown terrorists, while providing a pretty accurate narrative on the political and theological naiveté of Islamic radicalisation.Barry, the convert to Islam who clearly suffers from ‘Revertitis’, was particularly hilarious among my friends. To this day, some of my friends end phone calls and messages to me with ‘MashaAllah brother’.
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2. Nathan For You
Nathan Fielder makes me cry. I desperately want to be him, and I want to exist in the world he imagines where no idea is a bad one, until it is actually tested and proven to be horrible. Or in the case of the viral video he manages to create at a petting zoo – brilliant.{youtube}_2My_HOP-bw{/youtube}
3. Omar
Hany Abu-Assad manages to distil fury and romance in this film which isn’t principally hilarious, but definitely a lesson in lump-in-throat storytelling. You can’t watch Omar and not feel an ideological adjustment within you. I felt inspired to write better stand-up after watching this.{youtube}OPcvn4Mtglc{/youtube}
4. Dave Chappelle
Anything by this man makes my life better. Interviews, stand-up, film cameos, his meltdowns on stage – anything. I started my day today watching him joke about Michael Jackson being a good host to his victims, at the time when America was divided about the case. The entire crowd found that hilarious.My TV show 'Legally Brown' was inspired by 'The Chappelle Show', and when I was so freakin' fortunate enough to support Dave on his Australia tour last year, I literally couldn’t speak when he introduced himself to me. I actually couldn’t form words, and my manager had to step in after about five awkward seconds.
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5. The Little Dum Dum Club
Hosted by Melbourne comedians Tommy Dassalo and Karl Chandler, this podcast is a weekly must-listen for anyone interested in Australian comedy, or comedy anywhere. The comedians they invite on are always hilarious, and it’s one of those shows where the guests find themselves opening up and discussing life candidly and comfortably, without the pressure to always find gags.Nazeem Hussain Tour Dates
Sat 20 Jun - The Factory Theatre (Sydney, 7 & 9pm shows)Sat 1 Aug - The Regal Theatre (Perth)
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