Reclusive funnyman Dave Chappelle is returning to the spotlight to headline a U.S. comedy tour with the Flight Of The Conchords duo.

The cult comedian, who was once considered among the world's funniest people, abruptly walked away from his hit Tv programme, Chappelle's Show, in 2005 and has kept a low profile ever since.

He made a handful of impromptu stand-up appearances in New York earlier this year (13), joining pals including Chris Rock and Kevin Hart at the famous Comedy Cellar venue, and now he has announced plans to hit the road for a 13-date trek.

The Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Tour, presented by Will Ferrell's Funny Or Die website, will also feature New Zealanders Brett MCKenzie and Jemaine Clement, aka Flight of the Conchords, in addition to Al Madrigal, Brody Stevens and Demetri Martin, among others.

The shows will kick off in Austin, Texas on 23 August (13) and will touch down in New Jersey, Colorado, Arizona and Michigan before wrapping up in Mountain View, California on 20 September (13).