Waly was around ten years old when he first discovered the unifying power of laughter.  A little later, he started devouring videos of American stand-up comics on YouTube (like Dave Chappelle and George Callin), which is when he began to realize the social and political significance of comedy. At 21, he started performing at a friend’s comedy club in Nantes, France, before going on to perform at open mic nights.  

Off the comedy stage, Waly has also made a name for himself on the silver screen as an actor. And from 2020 to 2024, he graced the airwaves of France Inter with his humorous segments on current affairs.

Following his first one-man shows, Face à Faces (2012-2014) and Waly Dia Garde la Pêche (2014-2016), he freed himself from all notions of self-censorship to embrace the fiery and direct style he’s known for today. His third show, Ensemble ou rien (2018-2023), was a roaring success, with 200+ sold-out dates that culminated in a sold-out show at Zenith Paris on April 15, 2023.

His latest show, Une Heure a Tuer, launched in 2024 and is another huge success. After selling out at Théâtre de l'œuvre, Théâtre de la Madeleine and  the Adidas Arena in Paris (where he was the first comedian to ever perform), he followed up with a phenomenal tour that will be running until 26, including 29 performances at Zenith in 2025.  

At 36, Waly Dia is shining brighter than ever on stage, making light of the most absurd and divisive issues of our time, defending the point of view of the oppressed, and bringing audiences together.