Ontonio Kareem: Bio, Comedy Style, and Where to Watch

Who is Ontonio Kareem?

Ontonio Kareem is a comedian, writer, actor, and music producer based in New York City. He grew up in Chicago, and credits his awkward upbringing there for his uniquely introspective and subdued artistic style. He also records music under the moniker KIRA — his debut EP It’s a Long Way Down was featured on Soulection Beats Radio.

His stand-up gained national attention through a Don’t Tell Comedy appearance that accumulated 350,000 views. He made his late-night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He was named New York’s Funniest at the New York Comedy Festival in 2025. He can be seen on NBC’s Chicago Fire in the role of DJ. He has toured nationally alongside Chris Redd, Janelle James, Roy Wood Jr., and Craig Robinson. He has performed at comedy festivals across the country including Moontower in Austin and the New York Comedy Festival. He is currently a staple at the Comedy Cellar and performs regularly across New York City. He has amassed millions of views across Instagram and TikTok.

Ontonio Kareem’s Comedy Style

Kareem is a laid-back, introspective comedian — the opposite of the high-energy, big-act-out archetype. His material is observational and personal, built on quiet specificity and a measured delivery that draws audiences in rather than demanding their attention. Winning New York’s Funniest at NYCF 2025 — a competition that rewards genuine originality — while maintaining a low-key stage presence is a meaningful signal of how sharp the writing underneath the calm surface really is.

Where to Find Ontonio Kareem

Find tour dates at ontoniokareem.com.

Ontonio Kareem has performed at the Comedy Cellar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Check the current lineup and upcoming shows at comedycellar.com.

Catch Comedy Cellar shows live from New York on Mint Comedy at watch.mintcomedy.com.