By Fawaz Adebisi
Nigerian comedian and actor, Ayodeji Makun, professionally known as AY, has revealed that he used to work as a personal assistant to his senior colleague in the industry, Atunyota Akpobome, better known as Alibaba.
AY disclosed this during his appearance on the latest episode of the TokeMoments podcast hosted by media personality Toke Makinwa.
According to him, he used to stay behind Alibaba, carrying his phone, bags and praying to be famous as him, while fans would be trying to take pictures with his boss.
“I was working with the king of comedy, Alibaba, as his personal assistant and we used to travel everywhere. At the airport, people wanted to take pictures with Alibaba. There I was with my small bag, grabbing his phones. I didn’t see it coming, but I prayed for it. Then, it was just a prayer point backed with hard work,” he recalled.
The ace comedian also said that he had been in the entertainment industry for 25 years, adding that his fame wasn’t sudden.
AY revealed that he began his career as a show promoter, organising a campus beauty pageant at his alma mater, Delta State University, Abraka.
He said before leaving the backstage, he produced candidates who participated in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant and represented Nigeria at Miss World. He also worked as the Assistant Pageant Manager for Miss Commonwealth.
AY was one of the comedians who benefited from Alibaba’s mentorship and guidance in the early stages of his career.
He has since collaborated with his former mentor and benefactor on several comedy shows and events, such as Alibaba’s January 1st Concert, Alibaba Seriously, and AY Live.
