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Draft:John Achkar

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John Achkar
جون أشقر
John Achkar performing live
Born (1990-11-10) November 10, 1990 (age 34)
Araya, Lebanon
NationalityLebanese
EducationUniversité Saint Joseph de Beyrouth, Sciences Po, IE Business School, Singapore Management University (B.S., M.A., MBA)
Occupation(s)Comedian, Entrepreneur

John Achkar (Arabic: جون أشقر; born November 10, 1990) is a Lebanese stand-up comedian, entrepreneur, and television host based between Beirut, Lebanon, and Dubai, UAE. He is best known for his comedic exploration of topics related to race, marriage, culture, and work life. Achkar has toured internationally, captivating audiences in Europe, Australia, North America, and the GCC and MENA regions, especially among the Lebanese diaspora. Beyond comedy, he is the founder of Everythink, a family business specializing in smart, sustainable, and innovative products.[1]

Early Life and Education

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Achkar was born on November 10, 1990, in Araya, Lebanon, to Elias Al Achkar and Rafka Bejjani. During his teenage years, he was an active member of the Scouts of Lebanon, where he developed a strong sense of community and creativity. His passion for performing and comedy was first sparked during a Scouts community fundraising event, where he debuted as a stand-up comedian.[2]

He attended Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour and later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Saint Joseph University of Beirut. Achkar pursued a Master of Arts in History and International Relations through the Erasmus program at Sciences Po Paris. Additionally, he earned an MBA from IE Business School and Singapore Management University.

Stand-Up Comedy

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Achkar began his career in 2019, performing stand-up comedy at local bars and open mic nights during Lebanon's October 17 Revolution.[3] He gained prominence through his humor, rooted in the realities of life in Lebanon, and through the *Stand Up Baladi* series, Lebanon's first Arabic-language stand-up show.[4]

In 2023, his third comedy special, Shou Zakeh?!, toured internationally, receiving critical acclaim for its blend of cultural commentary and relatable humor.[5]

Television Career

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In 2023, Achkar launched Tar El Waet, a weekly satirical show on LBCI Lebanon, blending comedy with current events and featuring prominent guests.[6]

Social Activism

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Achkar has used his platform to address social and political challenges, particularly following the Beirut Port Explosion.[7] He has also collaborated with NGOs to support small businesses affected by crises in Lebanon.

References

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  1. ^ Achkar, John. "About John Achkar". Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  2. ^ Touma, Fabienne (2024-04-24). "John Achkar on World Tour: Interactive Engagement with the Audience". This is Beirut. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  3. ^ Hoffner, Anne-Bénédicte (2020-10-12). "John Achkar: Lebanese Comedian Reflects on Revolution Through Comedy". La Croix. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  4. ^ Abdallah, Karim (2020-01-15). "Stand Up Baladi Breaks Barriers in Arabic Comedy". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-12-25.
  5. ^ Amalvy, Remi (2023-08-09). "John Achkar: Lebanon's Funniest Entrepreneur". Ici Beyrouth. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  6. ^ Haddad, Maria (2023-11-05). "Tar El Waet: Breaking News with a Twist". Beirut News. Retrieved 2024-12-25.
  7. ^ "Lebanese Comedians Turn to Activism". Reuters. 2020-08-15. Retrieved 2024-12-25.