Times were once tough for Nigerian celebrities as they pursued their talents and destinies but they never gave up in their pursuit of better life.
This is an old photo of two of the biggest comedians in Nigeria namely, Ali Baba and AY Makun.
They wore over-sized native dresses known as 'Senegal' in the 90s.
According to reports, the duo were struggling to make their mark in the field of stand-up comedy.
Ali Baba today in the highest paid comedian and compere in Nigeria while AY has raked millions of naira from comedy, movies, film production.
Brief story about them
Ali Baba
Ali Baba was born in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria on June 24, 1965, to the royal family of Agbarha Otor. He is the first son of several children, and spent his first 8 years in Warri. His father is a retired soldier who served in Lagos.
He attended Ojo Primary School and Command Secondary School in Lagos. He furthered his education at Ibru College in Agbarha-Otor and Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma where he focused on Religious Studies & Philosophy.
After completing his academic degree in 1990, he relocated back to Lagos, to develop his comedic talent he discovered at the university. Originally, he planned to study Law but decided he could be more successful by making people laugh than by defending them.
He began his professional career performing at corporate events, appearing on television shows with Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy and Danladi Bako, and making cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor and Mani Onumonmu. He also worked with Dapo Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant in 1991.
With little precedent in Nigeria for stand-up comedians, Ali Baba persevered to professionalize his skills and carve a niche as an innovator and comedian for corporate and non-corporate events and by serving as a Master of Ceremony at many events.
In 1993, he registered his company Alibaba Hicuppuray 3rd to enhance the perception of comedians as a profession and a respected way of life. As part of this work, in 1998, he hired billboards on strategic Lagos streets with the message that became known as "Being Funny is Serious Business."
Ali Baba, maintains the philosophy that his business is big enough for all who want to make comedy their chosen profession. As such, he supports, mentors and presents several comedians helping to ensure that standards are maintained and professionalism encouraged.
Ali Baba has been a professional stand up comedian for the past 30 years and has received several awards.
Ayo Makun
Ayo Makun attended Delta State University, Abraka. He graduated (after spending nine years) in 2003 as a theatre arts student. A.Y also won other awards such as the most fashionable student on campus (1999 and 2000); best show-biz promoter (2001); the most celebrated student on campus (2001) and the Jaycee Club socio-personality award (2003).
Ayo Makun came into spotlight after being Alibaba Akporobome's personal assistant and event manager. A.Y also wrote going "A.Y wire" as a guest columnist in The Sun (Nigeria) and Gbenga Adeyinka's "Laugh Mattaz".
Ayo Makun is the oldest male child from a family of seven.
Ayo Makun directs and acts in one of Nigeria's popular sitcom, AY's crib with Alex Ekubo, Venita Akpofure, Buchi Franklin and Justice Nuagbe. He also hosts one of Africa's largest comedy shows, AY Live featuring comedians like Bovi, Helen Paul and many other comedians. Ayo Makun is also the Chief Executive Officer for Corporate World entertainment, Nigeria. He also owns a club house. As an investor in stand-up comedy, he has influenced upcoming comedians through his AY "Open Mic Challenge".
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