AY (Ayodeji Richard Makun)
AY was born on 19 August 1971 in Ifon, a town in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. He is the eldest male child in a family of seven.
He pursued higher education at Delta State University, Abraka, where he studied Theatre Arts. He graduated in 2003 after spending nine years at the institution. During his time on campus, A.Y gained popularity and received multiple awards, including:
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Jaycee Club Socio-Personality Award
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Best Show Business Promoter (2001)
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Most Celebrated Student on Campus (2001)
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Most Fashionable Student on Campus (1999 & 2000)
Career
A.Y rose to prominence while working with Ali Baba, Nigeria’s pioneer stand-up comedian, as his personal assistant and event manager. This mentorship played a significant role in launching A.Y’s career in comedy and entertainment.
He later wrote a humor column titled “A.Y Wire” in The Sun newspaper and also contributed to Gbenga Adeyinka’s Laugh Mattaz.
As an actor and director, A.Y gained widespread recognition for his comedy skits and his sitcom AY’s Crib, where he starred alongside Alex Ekubo, Venita Akpofure, Buchi Franklin, and Justice Nuagbe. He is also well known as the host of AY Live, one of Nigeria’s most successful and long-running comedy shows, featuring top comedians like Bovi, Helen Paul, and others.
A.Y made his film debut with 30 Days in Atlanta, a movie he produced, which was directed by Robert O. Peters. The movie was commercially successful and contributed to shaping modern Nigerian comedy films.
Entrepreneurship and Platforms
A.Y is the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment, a company involved in comedy productions, film, and live events. He is also the founder of the AY Open Mic Challenge, a popular platform designed to discover and promote upcoming comedy talents in Nigeria.
In addition to his contributions to entertainment, A.Y owns a clubhouse and continues to invest in the creative sector.
Notable Events
In 2018, A.Y co-hosted the Golden Movie Awards Africa alongside Ghanaian actress Joselyn Dumas. The event was held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana, and featured top African film and television talents.
Legacy and Influence
A.Y has played a pivotal role in the evolution of stand-up comedy and comedy filmmaking in Nigeria. Through his shows, skits, and mentorship platforms, he has nurtured several successful comedians and entertainers. His entrepreneurial vision and commitment to the growth of the entertainment industry have earned him both national and international recognition.