AY Makun, often referred to as the “King of Nigerian Comedy,” has carved a niche for himself in the vibrant world of Nigerian entertainment. With his unique blend of humor, creativity, and storytelling prowess, he has become a household name, captivating audiences across the nation and beyond.
Let’s delve into the life and career of AY Makun with this article from Naijassador. AY Makun has remained a comedic genius who continues to redefine the comedy landscape in Nigeria.
Early Life
Ayodeji Richard Makun popularly known as Ay Makin was born on August 19, 1971, in Ifon, Ondo State, Nigeria. He is the oldest male child from a family of seven and he is the older brother of popular fashion designer Yomi Causal and popular event planner Lanre Makun.
AY Makun discovered his passion for comedy at a young age. His journey in the entertainment industry began as a stand-up comedian, where he quickly gained recognition for his witty humor and infectious energy. His ability to connect with audiences through laughter laid the foundation for a successful career in comedy and entertainment.
Education
AY Makun obtained a degree in theatre arts from Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State in 2003. AY studied at the institution for nine years due to the Nigerian university strike. While in the University AY was already a celebrity. He was a famous student and was awarded for his input into the institution. Some of his awards are the Jaycee Club Socio-personality Award, Best Show Business Promoter (2001), Most Celebrated Student on Campus (2001), and Most Fashionable Student on Campus (1999 and 2000).
Career
AY Makun’s breakthrough came with the creation of his hit television series, “AY’s Crib,” which showcased his comedic talents and introduced him to a wider audience. The show’s success propelled him to stardom, establishing him as a leading figure in Nigerian comedy.
His subsequent projects, including his highly successful “AY Live” comedy shows, further solidified his status as a comedic powerhouse. These live shows, featuring a mix of stand-up comedy, music, and dance, have become annual events eagerly anticipated by fans across Nigeria. He also worked as the personal assistant for Nigerian comedian Alibaba Akporobome popularly known as Alibaba at the beginning of his career.
Acting
In addition to his success in stand-up comedy, AY Makun has made a significant impact in the Nigerian film industry, commonly referred to as Nollywood. His debut film, “30 Days in Atlanta,” was a box office hit and earned him a Guinness World Record for the highest-grossing Nollywood film. His subsequent films, including “A Trip to Jamaica” and “Merry Men,” have further showcased his comedic talents and cemented his reputation as a multifaceted entertainer.
Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship
Beyond his entertainment endeavors, AY Makun is known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to the community. Through his AY Foundation, he has provided support and resources to underprivileged individuals and communities, demonstrating his dedication to making a positive impact.
Furthermore, AY Makun has ventured into entrepreneurship, launching various business ventures that reflect his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. His success in business underscores his versatility and his ability to excel in diverse fields.
Transitioning from Comedy to Acting Excellence
AY Makun, a trailblazer in Nigerian entertainment, has seamlessly transitioned from a comedic powerhouse to a distinguished actor, leaving an indelible mark in both realms. His journey from stand-up comedy to acting exemplifies his versatility, dedication, and commitment to evolving as an artist.
AY Makun’s comedic prowess and charismatic persona laid the foundation for his foray into acting. His natural ability to connect with audiences through humor provided a solid platform for him to explore diverse roles and expand his creative horizons.
AY Makun’s transition to acting was marked by his debut in the hit film “30 Days in Atlanta,” where he showcased his acting chops alongside his comedic talent. His portrayal of Akpos, a character beloved for his wit and charm, resonated with audiences and catapulted him into the spotlight.
His subsequent roles in films such as “A Trip to Jamaica” and “Merry Men” further solidified his acting credentials and earned him critical acclaim. AY Makun’s ability to seamlessly blend humor with compelling storytelling demonstrated his versatility as an actor and established him as a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian cinema.
Beyond his comedic roles, AY Makun has ventured into diverse genres, showcasing his range and versatility as an actor. His commitment to portraying multifaceted characters with depth and authenticity has earned him respect and admiration from both critics and audiences alike.
AY Makun’s venture into acting has not only expanded his creative repertoire but also contributed significantly to the Nigerian film industry. His ability to attract audiences with his comedic charm while delivering impactful performances has elevated the quality of Nigerian cinema and inspired a new generation of actors and filmmakers.
Popular Movies
AY Makun, fondly known as the “King of Nigerian Comedy,” has graced the silver screen with numerous films that have become staples in Nigerian cinema. His unique blend of humor, charisma, and storytelling prowess has made him a beloved figure, captivating audiences across the nation and beyond. Let’s explore some of AY Makun’s most popular and influential movies that have solidified his status as a leading figure in Nollywood.
30 Days in Atlanta (2014)
Directed by Robert Peters, “30 Days in Atlanta” marked AY Makun’s debut as a leading actor in Nollywood. The romantic comedy follows the hilarious misadventures of Akpos, played by AY Makun, and his friend on a trip to Atlanta. The film’s witty humor, engaging storyline, and stellar performances, including AY Makun’s captivating portrayal of Akpos, resonated with audiences, making it a box office hit and earning it a Guinness World Record for the highest-grossing Nollywood film.
A Trip to Jamaica (2016)
Following the success of “30 Days in Atlanta,” AY Makun reunited with director Robert Peters for the adventure comedy “A Trip to Jamaica.” The film follows the journey of Akpos and his fiancée on a vacation in Jamaica, where they encounter a series of hilarious and unexpected events. AY Makun’s impeccable comic timing and charismatic performance as Akpos once again delighted audiences, solidifying his status as a leading comedic actor in Nigerian cinema.
10 Days in Sun City (2017)
Continuing the adventures of Akpos, “10 Days in Sun City” sees AY Makun embarking on a trip to South Africa, where he finds himself entangled in a web of comedy, romance, and intrigue. The film’s picturesque locations, engaging storyline, and AY Makun’s endearing portrayal of Akpos captivated audiences and further cemented his reputation as a box office sensation.
Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018)
In this action-comedy film, AY Makun joins a star-studded cast, including Falz, Ramsey Nouah, and Jim Iyke, to portray a group of charismatic and stylish men on a mission to save Nigeria from corruption. AY Makun’s dynamic performance as Naz, a suave and cunning member of the “Merry Men,” showcased his versatility as an actor and contributed to the film’s critical and commercial success.
AY Makun’s popular movies showcase his exceptional talent, comedic genius, and versatility as an actor. From hilarious comedies to engaging adventures, his diverse filmography reflects his dedication to entertaining audiences and pushing the boundaries of Nigerian cinema. As AY Makun continues to delight audiences with his unique brand of humor and creativity, his legacy in Nollywood remains unparalleled, inspiring future generations of actors and filmmakers to pursue excellence and innovation in African storytelling.
Awards and Recognitions
This list showcases AY Makun’s remarkable achievements and the industry’s recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigerian comedy and entertainment. His awards underscore his talent, dedication, and profound influence on the Nigerian entertainment landscape.
- Guinness World Record – Highest-grossing Nollywood film for “30 Days in Atlanta”
- City People Entertainment Awards- Comedian of the Year
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) – Best Comedian of the Year
- Nollywood Movies Awards – Best Supporting Actor for “Being Mrs. Elliot”
- Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) – Best Comedy Act for “30 Days in Atlanta”
- Scream Awards – Best Actor in a Comedy for “A Trip to Jamaica”
- African Entertainment Legend Awards (AELA) – Comedian of the Decade
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) – Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Merry Men”
- Maya Awards Africa – Best Comedian
- Sun Awards – Entertainment Personality of the Year
2008
- Comedian of the Year: Diamond Awards for Comedy
- Comedian of the year: Teen Favorite
- Comedian of the Year: MBG Abuja Merit Awards
- Comedian of the Year: National Daily Awards
- Comedian of the Year: Arsenal Award for Excellence
- Comedian of the Year: Mode Men of the Year Awards
- 2009 U.N Peace Ambassador.
- 2010 Comedian of the Year: Nigerian Entertainment Awards
- 2013 Most Creative Entrepreneur of the Year, (comedy category): Creative Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (CEAN)
- Best Event A.Y Live: NELAS Awards 2018, United Kingdom
Endorsements and Brand Deals
Ay Makun is a very hardworking entertainer and all he has today including his wealth is a testament to his years of dedication and hard work. He is a brand ambassador for several brands in Nigeria. In 2011, AY became the brand ambassador for Haven Homes, a famous real estate company in Nigeria, and his endorsement deals were announced at a special event. In 2015, he also became the brand ambassador for Globacom, a major telecommunications company in the country. Ay again added another feather to his cap when in 2015, he scored a big deal with Peak Milk, a famous dairy brand as their ambassador. Ay is not relenting from his entertaining role and he has so much to offer the industry.
Personal life
AY Makun got married to his wife Mabel Makun in November 2008 and the couple is proud parent of two daughters. The couple had difficulty conceiving their second child and after many years of waiting they welcomed their beautiful daughter in 2023.
In August 2023, a fire gutted the mansion of comedian Ayo Makun located on Ayo Makun Street in Richmond Gate Estate, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos. According to Naijassador, the fire incident started around 5 pm and destroyed the comedian’s property and a section of his home. Thankfully, the comedian and his family were not at home and no one was hurt in the fire.
Feud
AY Makun has been in a long-term feud with fellow Nigerian comedian, Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth. The pair has been in their feud for about ten years over an alleged debt that Basketmouth owed AY.
In an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo in 2023 AY explained that the cause of his feud with Basketmouth took place at the beginning of his career. Basketmouth had invited him to replace him at a comedy show and offered to pay him N30, 000 as a fee for his performance. After the show, Basketmouth refused to pay him the agreed sum.
AY said he reached out to the show organizers and found out that Basketmouth was paid even before the event started.
Basketmouth found out and became angry with AY leading to a ten-year feud. Reacting to the interview, Basketmouth said he would never talk to AY again. However, Basketmouth has now decided to apologize to AY for the past years. Basketmouth shared a video on his Instagram page apologizing to AY stating he wants peace.
Conclusion
AY Makun’s journey from his early beginnings in Ifon, Ondo State, to becoming a comedic icon in Nigeria is a testament to his talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft. As he continues to entertain audiences with his unique brand of humor and creativity, one thing remains clear: AY Makun’s influence on Nigerian comedy and entertainment is profound, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of comedians and entertainers in Nigeria and beyond.
Things you should know about Ay Makun, a Nigerian entertainer.
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Written by Sarah Aboje
