Ayodeji Richard Makun (AY) is a Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and television personality, writer, producer, director, and brand influencer. He is also the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment. 30 Days in Atlanta was directed and produced by Robert O. Peters. He has also been appointed as a UN Peace Ambassador.
Early Life and Education
Ayo Makun was born in Warri, Delta State, on August 19, 1971. He was born in Ifon, Ose local government, Ondo State. AY is the eldest of six siblings, two of whom are boys and four of which are girls. Yomi Makun, better known as Yomi Casual, is one of Nigeria’s best fashion designers. He attended primary and secondary school in Warri, Delta State, before transferring to Delta State University in Abraka, Delta State, where he studied Theatre Art and graduated after nine years.
A.Y. was recognized as the most stylish student on school in 1999 and 2000, the best show business promoter in 2001, the most renowned student on campus in 2001, and the recipient of the Jaycee Club Socio-personality Award while a student (2003).
Career
Even as a student, Ayo Makun was immersed in the entertainment industry. A.Y. created and presented numerous shows, including Miss Delsu, Miss Delta, and others. He happened to meet Alibaba Akporobome, a well-known comedian and actor, while performing at one of his concerts, and he later became his mentor.
A.Y. began his career as Ali Baba’s personal assistant and event manager. He became a good comic as a result of his work with Ali Baba, which assisted him in developing his grasp of human inspiration. At Victoria Garden City, the performer made his debut on Ali Baba’s Fans Club. He has excelled in his field and become one of Nigeria’s most commercially successful comedians since appearing at an Opa Williams-hosted comedy concert in 2006.
He contributed to Gbenga Adeyinka’s “laff Mattaz” and The Sun Newspaper as a guest columnist. “A.Y wire” was written by the performer. In addition, every Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., he hosted AY Live on The Morning Drive on Rhythm 93.7FM in Lagos.
Ayo ‘AY’ Makun is also the host and presenter of his yearly show, “AY Live,” which is one of Africa’s largest comedy shows and is held once a year. It frequently features well-known comics such as Bovi, Helen Paul, Seyi Law, Elenu, and others. Several musicians will also perform at the live event.
The tenacious Nigerian comedian has also paved the way for significant innovations in the comedy industry, with the Open Mic Challenge consistently producing up-and-coming performers and grooming them for the comedy industry. Ayo “AY” Makun is also the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment in Nigeria, as well as the owner of a posh club in Lagos State.
Personal Life
Ayo Makun is the oldest male child out of seven children of Mr and Mrs Makun. He, however, lost his parents to the cold hands of death at a tender age, which made him start fending for his siblings while growing up.
Since 2008, he has been married to Mabel Makun. Michelle Makun and the new infant are the children of the couple’s marriage.
AY and his wife, Mabel, welcomed their second child in January 2022. The overjoyed father made the announcement on his Instagram page.
In November of 2008, the pair married. Ayomide, AY’s latest baby, joined the family 13 years after their first child, Michelle.
His siblings, including Yomi Casual, Lanre Makun, Bimbo Makun-Olukoya, and Morenike Makun, are also doing well in Nigerian industries.
Because of his level of influence, Ayo ‘AY’ Makun has had the opportunity to mingle with significant figures in politics, entertainment, and sports over the years. He also has a huge fan base on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
A.Y. resides in a nice Lagos apartment. He has a street named after him (Ayo Makun Str. ), and the interior of his home was designed by his wife’s interior design firm, Midas Interiors. He also owns high-end vehicles such as a Lexus LX570, a Jaguar XJ, and a G-Wagon.
AY and Basketmouth beef
In may 2022, AY opened up on his alleged beef with his colleague, Basketmouth.
In an Ask Me Anything session he recently organised on his Instagram page, AY claimed that he didn’t have issues with Basketmouth but that the latter had “uncontrollable superiority complex.”
AY noted that he had to avoid Basketmouth’s “incessant childishness”, as such became necessary for his own sanity.
The filmmaker gave these explanations when a fan asked him, @aycomedian, do you really have any issues with Basketmouth?”
In response, AY said, “I don’t have issues with him. But people having unnecessary issues with you is the price you sometimes pay for being progressive.
“He has been battling with his uncontrollable SUPERIORITY COMPLEX for the longest. So avoiding his incessant childishness only became necessary for my own sanity.”
“In other words, the both of you don’t talk,” another fan inserted.
AY responded, “We only talk to those who want to talk to us. Does this make sense?”
In August last year, Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth, had spoken about his beef with AY Makun, as he stated that the latter “messed around with loyalty.”
Philanthropy
As a way of giving back to the society AY introduce a competition for upcoming comedian called AY Open Mic Challenge which has produced the likes of Emeka Smith, Seyi Law, Akoproro, Elenu, Whale Mouth and MC Shakara.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Christmas in Miami | Akpos | also starring Richard Mofe Damijo, Osita Iheme, Desiree Farnum, Manoj Chandra, Tanya Price, and Kent Morita |
| 2019 | Merry Men 2 | Amaju | also starring, also starring, Jim Iyke, Ramsey Noah, Falz and Damilola Adegbite |
| 2018 | Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons | Ayo Abioritsegbemi | also starring Jim Iyke, Ramsey Noah, Falz and Richard Mofe Damijo |
| 2017 | American Driver | Ayo Makun | also starring Evan King, Jim Iyke, Anita Chris, Nse Ikpe Etim, Nadia Buari, Emma Nyra, Johnny Dewan, Laura Heuston, McPc the Comedian, Michael Tula, Andie Raven |
| 2017 | The Accidental Spy | John | also starring Ramsey Nouah, Christine Allado |
| 2017 | The Wedding Party 2 | MC | also starring Adesua Etomi, Sola Sobowale, Banky W and Richard Mofe Damijo |
| 2016 | A Trip to Jamaica | Akpos | also starring Funke Akindele, Eric Roberts, Dan Davies, Chris Attoh |
| 2016 | The Wedding Party | MC | also starring Adesua Etomi, Sola Sobowale, Banky W and Richard Mofe Damijo |
| 2016 | 10 Days in Sun City | Akpos | also starring Adesua Etomi, Mercy Johnson, Richard Mofe Damijo, Falz |
| 2014 | Being Mrs Elliot | Ishawuru | with Omoni Oboli, Sylvia Oluchi and Majid Michel |
| 2014 | 30 Days in Atlanta | Akpors | with Ramsey Nouah, Lynn Whitfield, Karlie Redd and Richard Mofe Damijo |
Awards and Nominations
- Comedian of the Year: Diamond Awards for Comedy (2008)
- Comedian of the Year: Teen Favourite (2008)
- Comedian of the Year: MBG Abuja Merit Awards (2008)
- Comedian of the Year: National Daily Awards (2008)
- Comedian of the Year: Arsenal Award for Excellence (2008)
- Comedian of the Year: Mode Men of the year Awards (2008)
- U.N Peace Ambassador (2009)
- Comedian of the Year: Nigerian Entertainment Awards (2010)
- Most Creative Entrepreneur of the Year, (comedy category): Creative Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (CEAN) (2013)
- Best Event A.Y Live: NELAS Awards 2018, United Kingdom (2013)
Net Worth
His current net worth is $7 million, making him one of the most well-known people in the nation.
