Ayo Makun,
popularly known as AY, is one of Nigeria’s respected comedians. He has won the
hearts of so many fans across Africa. His comedy and music show, known as
AYLive, which is an annual event, has become a permanent feature at every
Easter celebration in the country. AY once worked with Ali Baba, who is
regarded as the king of comedy. He gained experience from Ali Baba’s Comedy
Club and garnered more experience from Opa William’s Thousand Laughs and Made
in Warri. He tells why this year’s show is tagged ‘Happiness Edition’, about
the movie‘30 days in Atlanta’ and his new club
What makes
this year’s Easter show unique from the past editions?
Ay Live has
a seasonal trademark that comes with different tonic in terms of quality
contents. We are also very cautious of the fact that it is a show that cuts
across all age and creed. Lovers of the
brand should be expecting a double portion of the level of entertainment that
was witnessed last year.
AY show is
ranked as one the biggest comedy shows in the country. What would you say is
the reason for this?
The major reason cannot be taken away from
the special grace of God, which the AY brand enjoys. More so, paying solid
attention to the entertainment yearnings of Nigerians, with the mindset of
delivering the best contents would always give birth to such ratings, as one of
the best in the country.
Why is this
year’s edition called Happiness edition? Why did you choose those you are
featuring this year?
For years,
we have been soliciting for corporate sponsorship for AY Live until Maltina
came along. So, there is no better way to express how happy we are with the
involvement of Maltina. Incidentally, both brands are known for sharing
happiness, hence we came up with The Happiness Edition. We chose the line-up of
artistes performing on our April 20 (Easter Sunday Show), simply because they
all have the very best of entertainment that they can share to create
happiness.
You also
have a TV show. Tell us briefly about it
I have The
Ay Show, which is a comedy and variety show running on different Channels in
Africa and some parts of Europe. I also have a sitcom titled ‘AY’s Crib’. The
sitcom is a social satire of contemporary issues and events webbed in wholesome
comedy that is designed to make viewers laugh as they learn valuable social
lessons.
I know you
recently shot a movie in Atlanta. What is it about?
‘30 Days in
Atlanta’ is an adventurous love story, spiced with lots of action and hilarious
moments. It paints, in beautiful colours, the hugely popular AYShow’s ‘Who
Wants To Be A Billionaire’ hilarious skits.
Have you
acted in a movie before or is this your first attempt?
It is not my
first attempt. I was in Zeb Ejiro’s ‘Tears in Heaven’ in 1999. I did ‘Silent
Whispers’ alongside Jim Iyke in the 90’s. I was also in Juliet Ibrahim’s
‘Number One Fan’ and Omoni Oboli’s ‘Being Mrs. Elliot’ that is set to hit the
cinemas soon.
Tell us
about your new club in Lekki, Lagos?
MVP is an
all-new luxurious and premium class club, lounge and restaurant located in the
heart of Lekki at Ommission Emporium, Lekki Phase1, Lagos. It’s a strictly
non-smoking nightclub, set up to be the entertainment home and official recreation
centre for moguls, superstars, leading lights, and ‘Most Valuable Players’ of
all walks of life, resident in Lagos, in other parts of Nigeria, and in other
parts of the World. We shall be opening the club after my Easter Sunday show.
As a comedian/entertainer,
would you say you are fulfilled?
There are
still many miles to go in show business. But with special appreciation to God,
I already feel that inner sense of contentment in the face of a better
tomorrow.
If you had
the chance, what would you change about your life and career?
I would like
to change that very soft and emotional part of my life that has been abused
countless times. The things I would like to change career-wise, I share with
the author and finisher of my fate.
What is the
biggest risk you have taken in your life?
Using all
that I have ever worked for, at the expense of my very young family to move and
stage AY Live at the 6,000 capacity hall of Eko Hotel. Though, it later became
a brave attempt that turned my career around.
What are
your most memorable fashion moments?
Those
moments that fashion experts analyse and compliment my dress sense in
magazines, Red Carpets and fashion shows.
Which
celebrity dead or alive would you like to work with?
I would love
to work with Tyler Perry. I just feel like we have something in common in
showbiz.
Who in the
world will you like to dine and wine with?
Barrack
Obama has succeeded in clinching that position from late Nelson Mandela. He’s
got the very best of personality and charismatic presence that can never be
easily ignored.
Which star
in the world would you like to flip through his or her phone?
Na wetin
concern me and their phone?
Which
celebrity in the world do you think has a near complete perfect lifestyle and
why?
I won’t go
too far. I will give it to Darey Art Alade. He is very organised with a serious
sense of purpose.
Which
celebrity in the world do you think has the sexiest body?
My personal
celebrity, Mrs. Mabel Makun
What outfit
can you not be caught dead in?
The outfit
of a masquerade
If a fashion
police searches your wardrobe, would you be arrested for any fashion blunders?
I don’t have
a single idea.
Who is Ayo
Makun alias AY?
Richard
Ayodeji Oluwagboyebamiga Makun, is a full grown family man, an entertainer and
a businessman.
How old are
you?
Old enough
to have seen over four decades
Tell us
briefly about your background
I am the
first male child of a family of 7. I was born bred and buttered in Warri Delta
State.
What
attracted you to your wife and how did you meet?
The very
first attraction was her uncommon beauty. I met her at Delta State University,
Abraka where I wanted her to be a part of a beauty pageant that I was organising
back in the day.
Her refusal
to do the pageant and, years of us becoming pretty good friends, exposed all
the other qualities that made her become the love of my life.
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