The Nigerian entertainment industry has gradually become a money spinner that the government is yet to fully explore. The industry has made many people millionaires. It might be instructive to say if not for the showbiz world, some people today may not have smelt six figures.
Some years ago, only the music and movie industries were regarded as the entertainment industry in Nigeria, but the likes of Ali Baba, Gbenga Adeyinka and others revolutionised the profession and gave it a better packaging.
Though every professions have their challenges, but Nigerian comedians have been able to stay survive them and have remained high. They have used most situations to make Nigerians happy through stand-up comedy, TV skits, music comedy and many more.
Today, the likes of Teju Babaface, Basket Mouth, Yaw, I Go Die, I Go Save, Gandoki, Omo Baba, Bovi, Helen Paul, Sheyi Law, AY, Omo Jesu, Julius Agwu and a host of others have become proud owners of properties and exotic cars.
Ayo Makun, well known as AY, is a multi-award winning Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter, writer, director and MC. He was made a UN Peace Ambassador in 2009 after winning six awards in 2008.
He is the C.E.O of Corporate World Entertainment Nigeria and hosts the AY Live shows and AY comedy skits.
The rip-cracker came into spotlight after working as an aide to Alibaba and his event manager.
AY directs and acts in one of Nigeria’s popular sitcom, AY’s Crib with Alex Ekubo, Venita Akpofure, Buchi Franklin and Justice Nuagbe. His AY Live shows have always been sold out, a feat some of his contemporary have continued to wonder how he does it.
Presently, he owns one of the biggest and most comfortable clubs in Nigeria. He has influenced and helped many up and coming comedians through his AY Open Mic Challenge, which has produced the likes of Seyi Law, Elenu amongst many others.
His latest movie, ‘30 Days in Atlanta,’ premiered some days ago, has been receiving several accolades.
AY once said in an interview that, ‘When I came into the industry, people did not believe in me, but I believed in myself. A lot of people do not know that I am a graduate of Theatre Arts. A lot of people do not know that I major in directing. A lot of people do not know that I was the only student in history of Delta State University Theatre Arts Department to have directed a convocation production.”
Ayo Makun is the oldest male child from a family of seven. He married Mabel in 2008 and they are blessed with a daughter, Michelle.
Nigeriafilms.com celebrates this iconic man that has changed comedy through packaging and has brought joy to many homes.
