Movies, Sketch, Stand-Up, TV appearances, radio DJ and talk show host, improvisation and a published author, Akmal is one of Australia's most respected, successful and accomplished comics. He displays an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and non-offensive way.
Akmal has a fascinating past. Originally immigrating to Australia from Egypt with his family nearly 30 years ago. He sums it up in his own inimitable style - "My parents didn't tell us where we were going. We thought it was two hours away. Twenty hours later, we got off a plane. We were on another planet". This, and many other bizarre incidents dot Akmal's life - suggesting a career in stand-up comedy was pre-ordained, either that or he should have been committed early on...
Being Australia's only Arab comedian, His Arab heritage steers his comedy to issues of religion, honesty, hysterical looks at modern day life. His uncanny comedic gift means he is one of those gifted comedians who has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand as soon as he walks on stage.
Akmal's popularity has increased considerably over the last 10 years due to his regular appearances on national television shows such as Rove, The Glass House and "Thank God You're Here". As a result Akmal has toured the country with numerous sell out tours including his "Hoot" and "Gullible" tours. Akmal wrote and starred in "All Aussies are Boofta" - a sketch comedy show which enjoyed three successful seasons and critical acclaim at the legendary Harold Park Hotel, the Parramatta Riverside Theatre and The Harbourside Brasserie.
He has appeared at Festivals all around the world including Adelaide Fringe Comedy Festival and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, Vancouver Comedy Festival, New Zealand Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
He's written and starred in the feature film "You Can't Stop the Murders" to critical acclaim and also the cult hit TV show "The 50 Foot Show". As a result of this he then hosted the popular "The Wrong Way Home" National drive radio show on the Nova Network. The show achieved the stations highest ever drive ratings. His passion for stand-up comedy got too much and he returned to the stage with his National sell out tour, "Live and Uncensored". He released this show as for his first DVD release and the DVD has subsequently achieved Platinum status in Australia.
He has been nominated for numerous awards including Two Australian Comedy Awards, two a Helpmann Award (an award given for excellent in live performance), and an ARIA award (Australian Record Industry Award) for his DVD "Live and Uncensored"
Akmal is currently writing a book with Random House based on his life living as an Arab stand-up comedian in Australia.
