'SNL' adding African-American woman to cast

NEW YORK, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Sasheer Zamata, a female, African-American comedian, has joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live," the Hollywood Reporter said Monday.

The Upright Citizens Brigade alum is to make her first appearance on the New York sketch comedy series Jan. 18.

Rapper Drake will serve as host and musical guest for that evening's episode.

THR said Zamata's hiring came after "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels held showcases featuring black female comedians in New York and Los Angeles.

"SNL" came under fire last year for its lack of diversity among cast members.