Tag: AY

  • AIi Baba, Mr Macaroni, others condemn jokes on sexual violence

    AIi Baba, Mr Macaroni, others condemn jokes on sexual violence

    Ali Baba, Mr Macaroni, Taaooma have joined Nigerian comedians and Instagram skit makers that have kicked against comedy skits and jokes focused on sexual and gender-based violence.

    In a trending video, the entertainers argued that such practice normalizes rape culture in the society.

    They also averred that it was about time some entertainers ditch their beliefs that making jokes about rape do not mean they are endorsing it.

    “Some say ‘telling a rape joke doesn’t mean l condone sexual violence.’ Really? ‘Common, it’s just a way to get people to laugh. It’s a joke. If it’s so bad, why did everyone laugh?’” they said.

    “These excuses are no longer acceptable. One in three women have experienced some form of sexual and gender-based violence which means when you joke about rape, one out of every three women in your audience is negatively affected.

    “So basically, bought tickets to relive their worst nightmare, adding to their pains and undermining their suffering, normalising rape culture and perpetuating this violence, making it harder for survivors to speak out, especially when audiences laugh.

    “We have contributed to this culture. But now, we must be part of the solution. Jokes that justify or normalise sexual violence are unacceptable. Call it out! We have to stop turning survivors of sexual and gender based violence into collateral damage, just for laughs, because rape is not a joke.”

    Other comedians who joined the campaign include Maraji, Real Warri Pikin, Emma Oh My God, MC Lively, Broda Shaggi, Lasisi Elenu, Frank Donga Kenny Blaq, Josh2funny, Seyi Law and Ayo Makun.

     

  • It’s inappropriate to blame celebrities for death of #EndSARS protesters-AY

    It’s inappropriate to blame celebrities for death of #EndSARS protesters-AY

    Nigerian comedian and filmmaker, Ayo Makun, better known as AY has bashed those blaming celebrities over the lives lost during the #EndSARS protest.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that last Tuesday, the protest against police brutality, which opposed the now-disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS), turned gory after men in army uniform opened fire on citizens in Lekki, Lagos.

    Reacting to the controversy that has trailed the tragic development on Monday, Makun said blaming celebrities who had declared solidarity to the movement is inappropriate to those who lost their lives for the cause.

    “When we were yet to tweet about #EndSARS, it started with ‘please add your voices’. When we did, they said, ‘get off your tweeting fingers and join the protest on the street’,” the comedian wrote in an Instagram post.

    “When we also did and lost some of our youths in the struggle, they are now asking, ‘How come no celebrity was reported dead too?’

    “Passing the blame card to any celebrity is an inappropriate response to the death of our fellow compatriots in the struggle for a better Nigeria.

    “Even as we mourn our brothers and sisters, let’s maintain a proper focus on our set goals, and be less concerned about any form of orchestrated distractions.

    “Let’s quit discouraging everyone who joined us all in making our voices heard, no matter how low. Your liking or disliking any celebrity doesn’t count as much as we respect ourselves as human beings.

    “Let’s not make our solutions to the problem be as bad as the problem itself. We shall all be alive to witness that NEW NIGERIA of our dreams soonest.”

     

  • There is so much hunger in Nigeria – Comedian, AY cries out

    There is so much hunger in Nigeria – Comedian, AY cries out

    Popular Comedian and Actor, Ayo Makun simply known and addressed as AY has bemoaned the rate of hunger due to the lockdown as the country battles the coronavirus pandemic.

    AY cried out after more than 35,000 social media users trooped to his comment section to drop their account numbers in anticipation of a giveaway.

    He wrote:

    This will be the best song you’d listen to today: Kayode – Sideguy – Click Here
    “In trying to help sort out a few of my followers on Instagram today, I saw over 35,000 comments with account details. There is so much hunger in a land where there’s enuf to take care of everyone’s needs, If only we can take care d GREEDY bastards in different places of authority.”

  • Those who called out Funke Akindele should do same to their oppressors in govt- AY

    Those who called out Funke Akindele should do same to their oppressors in govt- AY

    Popular comedian and actor, Ayo Makun a.k.a AY has averred that those who called out Funke Akindele, Nollywood actress, and Abdulrasheed Bello, her husband, for flouting lockdown orders should do same to their countless oppressors holding sway in government.

    Akindele and her husband were on Monday sentenced to 14-day community service each for going against social distance measures put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Lagos state.

    This followed their arrest on Sunday, hours after they threw a house party to celebrate her husband’s birthday.

    The development has since been generating dusts on social media with many Nigerians airing their diverse views.

    Joining the bandwagon, the award-winning comedian said, while he is not against the arrest of the actress and her husband, those who canvassed such punishment should do same to those trampling on the rights of others in power.

    “Yes! Nobody is above the law. But I wish those of you who called out @funkeakindele can do same with your countless oppressors in government. Even when they sky is filled with clouds the sun still shines above. Funke will rise again. #Lessons learnt,” he wrote on Twitter.

     

     

     

  • COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: Basketmouth, AY,  Bovi, others find new ways to thrill fans

    COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: Basketmouth, AY, Bovi, others find new ways to thrill fans

    What happens to comedy when social gathering is outlawed? This is the question every Nigerian comedian worth its salt has been grappling with.

    With shows and events cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and people being asked to stay home and practice “social distancing”, Nigerian comics are resorting to new ways to practice their craft. Stand-up comedy, under its current model is currently dead at every level.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-hrRz_FgRY/

     

     

    Bright Okpocha a.k.a Basketmouth has used this moment to intensify his social media presence by releasing delightful comedy skits. He featured his colleague, Bovi in a skit called ‘The Syndicate’. The video currently has 23,000 views on YouTube as at the time of filing this report.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-JtjtPFm11/

     

    In the same vein Bovi rather than wallow in misery, complaining about absence of comedy gigs, has also been posting more of content from his web series ‘Back to school’ which gets fans roaring with laughter.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-UIWTWBRTd/

    On the flip- side, popular comedian Senator has found solace in hosting some of his colleagues in his Instagram live comedy show tagged ‘Lockdown comedy show’ where they share jokes which allay the fears of their numerous fans. Senator in the past few days has hosted Buchi, Dan Dee Humourous, IGosave and Seyilaw.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-YC-kSlwcT/

     

    On his own part, Ayo Makun popularly known as AY has been sharing content from his new web series ‘Call to bar’ on his Instagram and YouTube Channel.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-gfsgrnIN7/

     

     

  • Why I love to show off – AY

    Comedian/actor Ayo Makun who is popularly known as AY, have hit back on a follower by the Instagram name Faruk Jude, who says the comedian was showing off, following a video posted by AY which showed his mansion in promotion of AkpororovsAkpororo show that took place over the weekend.
    While congratulating AY, the follower who compared AY to the likes of Aliko Dangote, Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos said they won’t do a thing like that.
    “Dangote, Bill Gate or Jeff Bezos. Won’t do a thing like this. Congrat same,” he wrote.
    Replying the latter, AY wrote,”@farukjude They will not do it because they are not in showbusiness. I am in showbusiness. Without the show no business. The way you take remember come comment, na so another person go see this same video remember call my number to ask me to come and MC him event. Thanks for the sub congratulatory message though.”
    “THE REASON THEM DANGOTE WILL NOT DO IT… First things first, you must always remember that @aycomedian is in the business of entertainment. More so, entertainment on the other hand is any activity which provides a diversion or permits people to amuse themselves in their leisure time, and may also provide fun, enjoyment, and laughter. In other words i can create my own entertainment by spontaneously inventing ideas; or participate actively in any activity you may find entertaining.
    Also citing that some go into showbiz to be noticed, “If we are going to be honest with ourselves, we should admit that some of us go into show business wanting people to talk about us and wanting everyone to know who we are and the things we can do. But that also does not take away the fact that there are a whole bunch of people who will still not like us. No matter how we try.”
    “Why do you think talents post their works online? Why do people watch The Kardashians even when some believe that they have less talent like AY? Why would some people come out of Big Brother Nigeria and suddenly become relevant? It’s all because in show business you must have something to show before the business would come. Entertaining you and showing you a part of my lifestyle might surprisingly just be me carrying out my brand ambassadorial duty in the video that went viral. Do you even know if the builders of my house or sellers of my cars are giving me a percentage for every contact I bring? Abi na crime to promote my wife @Midas_interiors work too?
    “We are all here to HUSTLE. Always speak for yourself and leave them Dangote out of it. Even DJ Cuppy don dey introduce Otedola enter showbiz by flying to Italy to buy ice-cream. Lol.Above all I want to be an inspiration to every young person that wants to get into show business. Hard work, perseverance, and discipline: all the things you need when want to be an Ay. May God make you BIGGER,” he said.

  • Staying married is not what everybody can brag about- AY Comedian

    Staying married is not what everybody can brag about- AY Comedian

    Nigerian comedian and filmmaker, AY has shared the secret behind the success of his marriage.

    The multi -talented comedian noted that he married his friend and God’s grace has been their anchor.

    “Staying married is not what anybody can brag about. Some people are just lucky to enjoy grace by marrying their true friends who can tolerate their excesses. My wife and I approach our marriage with the idea that we will both work together on “being married” every day. Staying married for me and my PA (Personal Angel) is a daily work in progress.

    “We don’t ignore problems when we first notice them. We work on them before they fester and explode. We try to treat each other like a date and with respect too. We try not to take each other for granted,” he told Punch.

     

  • AY, Omoni Oboli make Hollywood debut

    Nigeria’s Ayobami ‘AY’ Makun and Omoni Oboli will make their debut in a Hollywood animation film, “Elliott: The Littlest Reindeer”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though the characters AY and Oboli would voiced in the film scheduled to premiere on Dec. 14, remain unknown.

    The Christmas-themed film also features Hunger Games star, Josh Hutcherson, Dead pool actress, Morena Baccarin, Jeff Dunham, Martin Short and John Cleese.

    The animation follows Blitzen- one of Santa’s sleigh pulling reindeers- announcing his retirement on December 21, giving a miniature horse three days to fulfil his lifelong dream.

    The horse has to earn a spot on Santa’s sleigh during the North Pole try-outs in time for Christmas Eve; Elliott and his friend Hazel set out to prove that no dream is too big if you believe in yourself.

    NAN reports that AY, who is also a veteran comedian, earned a Guinness World Record recognition for his 2018 film, ‘30 Days in Atlanta’ as the highest grossing film in the territories of Hollywood and Bollywood.

    Similarly, Omoni is a seasoned actress and filmmaker, uses films such as ‘Wives on Strike’ and its sequel to address societal issues.

  • Fame makes people forget who they are- AY Comedian

    Nigerian comedian and filmmaker, Ayo Makun fondly called AY by his fans has opened up on the downside of fame.

    The ‘Trip to Jamaican’ actor said fame makes people forget who they are.

    Speaking in a chat on The Gist a show anchored by Emma Ugolee, he said: “Fame has a spirit. It’s good for you to bask in that euphoria, to have fame, be big, and have a larger than like attitude but it doesn’t last. That is what these people don’t understand. Fame makes people forget who they”.

    AY also said whenever he is losing it, his wife keeps him in check.

    “You get to a position where you are bound to lose it. There a lot of people who don’t know what you are going through but believe because you are in a certain position they must get the kind of attention they need. You don’t need to explain to anyone who you are, who you are is who you are. Whenever I am losing it, my wife keeps me in check”.

  • AY turns daughter to superstar

    AY turns daughter to superstar

    Nigerian comedian, filmmaker and the convener of the annual AY Live show has disclosed that his daughter’s performance at the show was the most interesting part of the Easter fiesta for him.

    The show which held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, incorporated a Black Panther theme that got the attendees reeling with laughter.

     

    AY noted that watching his daughter playing the piano that ushered 2Baba to the stage was his most interesting part of the concert.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BhHkufFFyde/?taken-by=aycomedian

     

    He wrote on Instagram: ”The most interesting moment of AY Live for me was watching my daughter Michelle playing the Piano to bring in the legendary @official2baba on stage, after wowing the audience with a spectacular performance”.

    Ayo Makun also lauded Gordons, adding that his friendship his valuable than gold itself.

    “Thank you to @gordonsdberlusconi for offering me a friendship more valuable than gold itself,” he wrote.

     

    In recent times Nigerian entertainers have been showcasing their children’s ingenuity whenever they perform on stage.

    The likes of Kaffy, Seyi Law and others have given their children platforms to display their talents

    #BBNaija:I love Bobrisky- Nina declares