The comedian AY Makun has disclosed the origins of his 17-year dispute with his colleague Basketmouth.
AY recalled his early days in the industry in a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo.
When he first started out in the comedy world, he stated Basketmouth would connect him with opportunities to perform at events.
AY stated that he had attended a specific function, but the organizers had expected Basketmouth to be present.
The comic said he was not paid and had to contact Basketmouth, who informed him that the organizers had not paid.
AY said he contacted the organisers and was shocked to find that payment had been made even before the event.
“Usually, what we get at that time is ₦30,000. ₦30,000 at that time was everything to me,” AY narrated.
“N30,000 would buy me my pack of [noodles], recharge cards, fuel for my generator.
“[It allowed me] to pay just one or two people to join me to do one or two skits that I can just quickly put out.
“I got this job and the people weren’t too happy to see me because they were expecting a Basketmouth to come.
“Long story short, the guy was later happy after the performance. There was an exchange of contact. Then I left.
“Two weeks running, I hadn’t seen ₦30,000. Because I didn’t see the ₦30,000, I was starving in Iponri.
“I decided to ask for ₦30,000 and he said this person hasn’t remitted. He said they were not happy.”
AY said it was when he shared a picture of his chats with both parties that a fight broke out.
He said he was not at odds with Basketmouth at the time but the incident caused them both to feud.
“It was very funny to hear from them that this full payment has been made long before the event,” AY said.
Basketmouth claimed in August 2021 that he split with AY because the comedian “messed with loyalty.”
Basketmouth has a superiority complex, according to AY during an interactive session with followers on Instagram in 2022.
After being seen avoiding one other in public last year, the two claimed they were not on speaking terms.
