Ayodeji Richard Makun (born August 19, 1971), known professionally as AY Makun, is a Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and television host, and film director. He hosts A.Y.’s live shows and comic sketches. His first film, 30 Days in Atlanta, was produced by him and directed by Robert O. Peters. Makun was also appointed a United Nations Peace Ambassador in 2009 and currently serves as the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment in Nigeria.
AY Makun Biography
On the 19th of August 1971, popular comedian AY Makun was born in Warri, Delta State. The award-winning comedian was born in Ifon, Ose Local Government, Ondo State, and grew up in the ‘Wafirian’ metropolis as the eldest of seven children.
AY Makun has two brothers, Yomi and Lanre Makun, and three younger sisters, Bimbo, Bukky, and Morenike Makun. In his boyhood, he was known as Warri Boy, and he still goes by that nickname now. AY Makun was not recognised for his brilliance as a youngster, but his ability to read circumstances and recognise chances made him a force to be reckoned with in his community.
After finishing his elementary schooling, Ayo ‘AY’ Makun attended a secondary school in Warri and graduated with an SSCE credential.
He was admitted to Delta State University, Abraka, in the early 1990s and studied Theatre Arts. However, the 49-year-old spent nine years at the institution before receiving a Bachelor’s degree in 2003.
During his school years, AY Makun became a household name, receiving numerous awards for his originality, abilities, and resourcefulness. He was named the most trendy student on campus in 1999 and 2000, and the finest showbiz promoter at the institution the following year.
Ayo Makun was also the most celebrated student in the school in 2001, and he received the Jaycee Club socio-personality award in 2003.
AY Makun Career
AY Makun began his remarkable career as a stand-up comedian. He formerly worked as an event planner and personal assistant for Alibaba Akporobome. During his pursuit of success, he wrote an article called “Going A.Y. Wire” for The Sun (Nigeria) and was an affiliate of the show “Laugh Mattaz”, which was presented by fellow comedian Gbenga Adeyinka.
He also appeared on Oppa Williams’ comedy show, Night of a Thousand Laughs, before moving on to host his own TV and radio shows. Ayo ‘AY’ Makun also serves as a presenter and host for his shows. His show, AY Live, is one of Africa’s biggest comedy shows and is usually conducted annually with notable comedians like Bovi, Helen Paul, Seyi Law, Elenu, and many others featuring regularly. Also, a host of music artists perform during the live occasion.
The hard-working Nigerian comic has also provided a platform for important breakthroughs in the comedy industry, with the Open Mic Challenge creating promising talent over time. Ayo ‘AY’ Makun is also the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment in Nigeria, and he owns a luxury clubhouse in Lagos State.
Makun co-hosted the 2018 Golden Movie Awards Africa alongside Joselyn Dumas at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
Filmography
Ayo ‘AY’ Makun has also been involved in the film industry in recent years. He has made appearances in a list of movies, including:
- Being Mrs Elliot
- 30 Days in Atlanta
- A Trip to Jamaica
- The Wedding Party
- 10 Days in Sun City
- American Driver
- The Accidental Spy
- The Wedding Party
- Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons
- Merry Men 2
- Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
- Christmas in Miami
- Almajiri
- Merry Men 3: Nemesis
- Mr Patrick Wahala in America
- Being Mrs Elliot
- 30 Days in Atlanta
- A Trip to Jamaica
- The Wedding Party
- 10 Days in Sun City
- American Driver
- The Accidental Spy
- The Wedding Party 2
- Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons
- Merry Men 2
Awards
Ayo ‘AY’ Makun is considered one of Africa’s most celebrated comedians, with an outstanding career spanning all parts of the Nigerian entertainment industry. Some distinctions registered under his name include:
- Comedian of the Year: Diamond Awards for Comedy (2008)
- Comedian of the Year: Teens Favorite (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)
AY Comedian Wife
Ayo ‘AY’ Makun, a popular comedian, is currently married to Mabel Makun. They exchanged vows in 2008 and have been together ever since. Their union also produced a daughter, Michelle Makun, and a son, Ayomide Makun.
Ayo Makun Net Worth
Ayo ‘AY’ Makun is the most popular Nigerian comedian on social media, with over 20 million followers across multiple accounts and sites. He is also one of the most prominent people in the country, with a current net worth of $7,000,000.
Social Media
Instagram: @aycomedian