Christian-John Monias is a Montreal-based comedian whose love for stand-up started while travelling across Canada conducting music programs for First Nation youth. His first time performing in a comedy club was at Winnipeg’s Wee Johnny’s Irish Pub in 2022, where he found a supportive and welcoming scene that encouraged him to keep going.
With a classic setup and punchline approach, Christian-John blends observational humour with personal stories about racism, Indigenous life, and city living. An undefeated roast battler, he’s quickly making a name for himself in Montreal’s comedy scene and was recently invited to perform at Don’t Tell Comedy, a secret comedy show series across North America.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I like following the old fashion set-up and punch lines. I do have tons of material about dealing with racism and the comparisons between living in reserves and city life. But I do observations about using technology, social media and regular everyday life things. I love a great one-liner. I sprinkle them in and about my set.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
My favourite comedians growing up were the ones talking about their family and how it was being a coloured person in a colonized world like Chris Rock, Dave Chappell, Russell Peters and Sugar Sammy. I also was a huge fan of one-liner comedians like Steven Wright and Mitch Hedberg. During the 2010s I was a big fan of Aziz Ansari, Donald Glover and Rory Scoval.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
I am constantly finding new comedians that I really like, especially emerging ones. I am a huge fan of Sam Morril, Mark Normand and Stavros Halkias. I am super into the Roast Battle League, I watch as one would watch sports. There are great battle comedians out there.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I like to make sure I am calm and collected before getting on stage. I usually am pacing around, but I like hanging out with the other comics and just talking about whatever. I still get nervous, but not about bombing. I’m usually thinking about if the crowd is gonna be good and receptive.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
If I had to narrow it down to my preferences, I like small cozy and low-lit comedy places. McKibbins Irish Pub on Bishop checks all the comfort zone check marks for me. The host Ben Cardilli has been an amazing friend, host and confident during my time doing stand-up. I recommend checking out his weekly shows.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I do a ‘Land Acknowledgement’ bit as my opener. I have heard many Indigenous comedians do a land acknowledgement bit but they all do the same thing and play to the ‘white guilt’ which can sometimes make a non-Indigenous crowd uncomfortable for reasons. So when I do it, I just go the opposite direction and say that I love what they’ve done to the place and I enjoy all the malls, clubs, etc. We wouldn’t have thought of making all these things. It breaks the tension immediately and shows the crowd that I am here just to have fun, make jokes and not spread any agenda. Comedy is supposed to be fun.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I find plenty of comedians on Instagram Reels, TikTok and Facebook. I follow everyone I like. Also, showing up to the local shows, I think I’ve seen most of the local comedians in Montreal’s English scene but I’m always looking out for someone new who might interest me. Comedians have become quite the friends in my personal life. I love everyone!
Tell us a joke about your city.
When talking about Montreal, I like to just call it Montre, or Treal. And when people ask why I say it like that, I just say the name is currently under construction. I may have to take a detour on that joke tho.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I am currently promoting my website and the music I have released over the years. All my upcoming comedy shows can be found on my socials.
Where can we follow you?
My social links can be found here or on my website. You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook.
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
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