Biography of A.Y

Ayodeji Richard Makun popularly known by his stage name, A.Y is a Nigerian comedian, actor, radio and TV presenter, writer, producer and director. AY is one of the most innovative comedians that has influenced the upcoming and existing artistes through his Open Mic Challenge.

Early life and background of Ayo Makun

A.Y was born on the 19th of August, 1971 in Warri, Delta State. He is the oldest male child from a family of seven children. A.Y who hails from Ifon, Ose Local Government, Ondo State grew up in Delta State. After completing his primary and secondary school education, he proceeded to Delta State University, Abraka, to earn a degree in Theatre Arts. As an active student in school, he won 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

His Comedy Career

A.Y has always shown interest in entertainment since his undergraduate days. He kick-started his career by hosting shows like Miss Delsu, Miss Delta and many more. By providence, he met Alibaba Akporobome, a renowned comedian and actor in one of his shows; Ali Baba later became his mentor. A.Y worked as a personal assistant and event manager for him and under Ali Baba’s tutelage, he got a hang of the comedy world. The stand-up comedian began performing at Ali Baba’s Fans Club show at Victoria Garden City (VGC). A.Y rose to stardom after performing at a comedy show hosted by Opa Williams in 2006.

Since then, he has risen up to be one of the prominent and most bankable comedians in Nigeria. Aside performing comedy on stage, A.Y has exhibited his writing skills by writing  “A.Y wire” as a guest columnist in The Sun (Nigeria) and Gbenga Adeyinka’s “laugh mattaz”. He also anchored the AY Live on The Morning Drive every Friday from 6am to 10am on Rhythm 93.7FM, Lagos.

Ayo Makun

A.Y has become a mentor to many fast rising and established acts that are doing well in the industry, through the monthly AY’s Open Mic Challenge which holds every third Sunday, at The National Theatre, Lagos.
The entertainer has created the following  platforms for comedic performances and entertainment.

AY Live, the usually sold out comedy and music concerts which started in 2010 holds annually on Easter Sunday.

AY’s Crib is a TV sitcom which started in 2013. AY starred alongside Alex Ekubo, Buchi Franklin, Justice Nuagbe and Venita Akpofure in the comedy show.

The AY Show is a TV comedy show, aired on many terrestrial television stations across Nigeria and Africa Magic.

As an entrepreneur, A.Y is the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment (CWE), an organisation which aims at organising live events and providing contents for radio and television. The company sponsors the annually sold out AY Live, produces the AY Live VCD’s and the most watched TV show. The TV host also owns one of the biggest and most comfortable Club houses in Nigeria.

Ayo Makun

His Acting Career

The versatile entertainer added acting and movie production to his portfolio. His first movie as a producer was “30 Days in Atlanta”. In 2015, 30 Days in Atlanta was recorded as the highest domestic grossing film and listed on the Guinness Book of World Records. He has also feature and produce movies Trip to Jamaica (2016) 10 Days in Sun City (2017) The Merry Men (2018). Other movies he has featured in are Being Mrs Elliot (2014) The Lodgers (2016) The Wedding Party(2016) American Driver (2017) Mom at War (2018).

His Endorsements

A.Y has bagged quite a number of endorsement deals with corporate bodies like telecom giant Globacom, Peak milk, Haven Homes amongst others.

Ayo Makun’s Relationship and Family Life

Ayo Makun got married to Mabel, CEO of Maidas Interior in 2008 and they are blessed with a beautiful daughter, Michelle Makun.

Ayo Makun Mabel

Awards and Nominations

Comedian of the Year at Diamond Awards for Comedy (2008)

Comedian of the Year at Teen Favourite (2008)

Comedian of the Year at MBG Abuja Merit Awards (2008)

Comedian of the Year at National Daily Awards (2008)

Comedian of the Year at Arsenal Award for Excellence (2008)

Comedian of the Year at Mode Men of the Year Awards (2008)

Best Comedian in Nigeria at City People Entertainment Awards (2009)

Comedian of the Year at Nigerian Entertainment Awards (2010)

Most Creative Entrepreneur of the Year at Creative Industry Awards (2013)

TV Comedy Show of the Year at Creative Industry Awards (2013)

Best Comedy Film at Africa Movie Academy Awards (2015)

Best Supporting Actor at Nigerian Entertainment Awards (2017)

Nollywood Personality of the Year at The Sun Awards (2017)

Golden Movie (Comedy) at Golden Movie Awards (2017)

Ayo Makun’s Net Worth

The popular comic actor is ranked amongst the richest celebrities with an estimated net worth of $7 million dollars.

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