Bovi is an award winning Nigerian comedian, actor, and writer from Delta State, Nigeria. He has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like Bovi Man on Fire across the globe.
Early life & Education
Abovi Ugboma popularly known as Bovi was born in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, Nigeria. He attended UNIBEN staff school for his primary education. In 1991, he was enrolled into Government College, Ughelli in Delta State. Due to his stubborn, he was removed from boarding house and transferred to Edokpolor grammar school in Benin city where they lived. That move proved non-productive and he moved to his third secondary school, Boys model secondary school, Onicha-Olona, an all boarding school. After completing his secondary education, he gained admission in 1998 to Delta State University where he studied Theatre Arts.
Career
Bovi began his career in April 2007, starring in the sitcom Extended Family, which he also wrote and produced. The show was very popular, and by 2008 Bovi went into comedy shows and events throughout Nigeria. He got his big break as a stand-up comedian in Nite of 1000 Laughs organized by Opa Williams. He did his first stand-up special held at the prestigious Eko convention center in 2013. He would go on to stage the sequel in 2014. He featured international superstars Ja Rule and Ashanti in Bovi- Man on Fire 2014.
Bovi took the one-man special to several cities in the United States, London, Melbourne, and Toronto. In 2017, after a three year hiatus, the Man on Fire franchise returned to Lagos and it was the most successful yet. The fourth edition in Lagos held in April 2019 and Bovi insists it is the last of the man on Fire franchise. He says his next special will go by another title. Bovi began a series titled “BACK TO SCHOOL” in 2018 which he uploads in hisYouTube channel. Bovi has worked alongside other Nigerian comedians such as I Go Dye, I Go Save, Basketmouth, Buchi, Odogwu, Okey Bakassi, Julius Agwu and many others.
Bovi first movie titled It’s Her Day and was premiered on 9th September 2016. He was nominated for the AMVCA awards as the best actor in comedy; his third individual nomination since the inception of the AMVCA and the fourth from his works. The movie, though lacking in mainstream publicity, went on to have a decent run in the cinemas and grossed 55 million naira at the box office.
Personal Life
Bovi got married to Kris Asimonye Ugboma and they are blessed with three children.
US Ban
In April 2022, Bovi revealed that he has been banned from entering the United States.
The comic star revealed this while replying to questions from fans after he hosted a Question and Answer segment on his Instagram story.
According to Bovi, he was banned from the country after he clashed with a visa-issuing officer and got labelled.
He first spoke about the ban when a fan asked him to come to Massachusetts to perform.
“I’m banned in the USA,” the father-of-three replied.
Another fan asked him if he intended to leave the country and he replied, “I am a citizen of the world. Except for Yankee where I’m banned.”
Explaining the reason for the ban, he said, “ Ill luck. Met a charity-like visa-issuing officer. Egos clashed. I was labelled.”
Giving more details, he said, “I go dey carry shoulder.”
The comedian had revealed in February 2022 that he was almost accused of stealing at a London hotel.
Beef with AY
In his Q&A, the comedian also addressed the perceived beef between him and fellow comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY.
When asked by fans why he and AY don’t perform at each other’s show, the comedian made reference to American comedians.
“Have you ever seen Chris Rock at a Henry Hart show?” Bovi replied to the inquisitive fan.
Notable Works & Roles
Extended Family [Sitcom]
The Bovi Ugboma Show [Sitcom]
Bovi: Man On Fire [Stand Up Comedy]
Endorsements
Bovi is an ambassador for Glo, the giant telecommunications company, and also Diamond bank.
Awards
- Comedian of the year at the culture people award _ Best youth comedian at the stand-up comedian’s award
- Comedian of the year by Ghana Awards Best Actor in a comedy at AMVCA
- Most creative Comedian of the year and many others
Net Worth
Bovi net worth is not accurate yet but estimated to be 2 billion naira
