How Zainab Johnson Owned The Stage — From ABFF Comedy Champ To Hosting The 2025 Honors [Exclusive]

Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty

The 2025 ABFF Honors was a night filled with celebration, legacy, and the power of Black storytelling—and at the heart of it all was Zainab Johnson, the evening’s dynamic host. Known for her sharp wit, engaging presence, and ability to captivate an audience, Johnson brought both humor and reverence to the prestigious event held on Feb. 17 at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.

No stranger to ABFF, Johnson’s connection to the festival is unique. The 32-year-old first made her mark in comedy by winning ABFF’s inaugural comedy competition, a pivotal moment that helped launch her career. “That’s how I started my comedy career. And so, this just feels like a full-circle moment for me,” she shared.

Now, as the host of this year’s ceremony, she stood on one of the industry’s biggest stages to honor Black excellence in entertainment. With honorees including Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito, Marla Gibbs, Keke Palmer, and Aaron Pierre, Johnson kept the energy high, seamlessly blending comedy and admiration throughout the evening.

RELATED CONTENT: Netflix And The Black Excellence Brunch Teamed Up At ABFF To Promote ‘The Deliverance,’ Starring Andra Day

Zainab’s journey in comedy is a testament to perseverance and authenticity. Hailing from Harlem, she carved out a space for herself in the entertainment industry through her one-of-a-kind voice and unfiltered storytelling. Her presence as the host of ABFF Honors underscored the significance of representation—not just in front of the camera but on stages that amplify Black artistry and culture.

As a stand-up comedian, Johnson has graced platforms like Last Comic Standing, Upload, and numerous late-night talk shows. One of thirteen children, the Yemeni-American comedian’s humor is centered on real-life experiences, often touching on race, identity, and society, making her a fitting choice to lead a night dedicated to Black excellence. She brought her signature charm to the event, keeping the audience entertained while ensuring the focus remained on the honorees and their remarkable achievements.

Before taking the stage, MadameNoire had the chance to speak with Zainab on the teal carpet, where she reflected on the significance of the night and her personal journey with ABFF.

MadameNoire: What does it mean to you to be hosting such an excellent night in Black history?

Zainab Johnson: I’ll be very honest, I’m nervous, but I’m excited, and I’m so honored. I actually won the first comedy competition that [ABFF] did. That’s how I started my comedy career. And so, this just feels like a full-circle moment for me. I’m extremely honored, and I’m humbled, and I’m going to just have a good time.

MadameNoire: ABFF Honors is all about celebrating Black excellence. What does it mean to you personally to be Black and excellent?

To show up, unapologetically, who you are every single day and do your best. That is Black excellence, and we do it effortlessly.

MadameNoire: When it comes to the power of Black storytelling, why is it so vital to our culture to tell our own stories?

Well, you know, if somebody else is telling your story, you can’t count on them to get it right, and you can’t count on them to tell it at all. [We tell our own stories] so that we are never invisible. We have to use our voices. We have to tell our own stories.

Source: Aaron Rapoport / Getty

MadameNoire: When it comes to the power of Black storytelling, why is it so vital to our culture to tell our own stories?

Well, you know, if somebody else is telling your story, you can’t count on them to get it right, and you can’t count on them to tell it at all. [We tell our own stories] so that we are never invisible. We have to use our voices. We have to tell our own stories.

MadameNoire: Women’s History Month is right around the corner. Who would you like to thank for their contributions?

All the women who are being honored at ABFF—definitely Aunjanue. I’m trying my best not to fan out. Like, I’m a fan, but then, I have an immense level of respect for her. So, definitely her and all of the amazing women who have paved the way for me, from Maya Angelou all the way to Keke Palmer.

MadameNoire: Cadillac’s Escalade IQ is on display at the venue. What’s the first word that you think of when you see the IQ?

Luxury and style.

RELATED CONTENT: Keke Palmer Dishes On Instant ‘Chemistry’ With SZA In Her Film Debut, ‘One Of Them Days’