From humble beginnings, comedian turned actor and movie producer, Ay
(Ayo Makun) has risen to the top of his game. AY is not just your every
day run- off-the mill comedian, he is also a successful entrepreneur and
moviemaker.
Today he has built himself into one of the most bankable brands in
comedy. Thanks to his talent hunt show and his annual comedy show which
has discovered and empowered legions of comedians.
In 2013, AY opened a new frontier in his career with the release of
his debut movie production effort, 30 Days in At- lanta, a blockbuster
that grossed over N300m at the box office and eventually earned him a
Guin- ness Book of World Record. Not done, AY is back with a new flick
entitled A Trip to Jamaica which premiered last weekend at IMAX Cinemas,
Lekki, Lagos.
Entertainer caught up with the rib cracker during the premiere of the
movie which attracted the crème de la crème of the motion picture
industry and AY opened up on his biggest regret, ever describing his
wife, Mabel, as his pillar.
“The only regret I have which makes me sad every morning when I wake
up is that my mother who was always there for me, praying, supporting
and wishing for her son to become somebody in life is not here to enjoy
my wealth with me. That is the only thing that bothers me. I wish she
was here to share my story with me and see what her son has become.”
However, he says that his wife, Mabel, has seamlessly filled the
vacuum describing her as his pillar. Hear him: “I have a very wonderful
woman. I call her a gift from heaven. She is my pillar. The one behind
me, she is the real AY, she is Mabel Makun.”
30 Days in Atlanta
30 Days in Atlanta not only grossed N300m, it also won him a place in
the Guinness Book of World Records. How does he feel? “I feel good,” he
says breaking into James Brown’s classic, I
Feel Good. “It is a plus for my brand so I will continue to work so that
we can take it to another level,” AY says beaming with smiles.
Advice
Are you a youth out there facing harsh times due to the economic down turn? AY has a word
for you. Hear him: “Always believe that you can create something for
yourself, believe that you can make things happen. I am not one of those
waiting for govern- ment to do things for me. I always think of what I
can do to survive and that is the message I preach to younger people
especially those who look up to me.
something for yourself and try to create an impact. Don’t go into it
because people are going into it and making money. Let your passion be
well expressed and trust me, every other thing will follow.”
concerning his latest effort, A Trip to Jamaica? A smile is etched on
his visage as he responds oozing confidence: “Records are meant to be
broken. If someone else is coming to break it, it means it is that
person’s time. If I am coming back to break it, it means that I am still
in business so I I am not afraid of anything because I love what I am
doing.”
he see success coming when he started out years back? “I can’t say that
I saw all of this coming. But I was hopeful at the time that my story
was going to change. It feels good knowing that the struggle from where I
came from and where I am now has been quite encouraging but I believe I
haven’t even got to any where yet. But where I am is a good zone and I
believe it will take me to another zone.”
AY clocked 45 recently. How does it feel? “Do I look 45? I am just
28,” he says jocularly as he laughs. “It feels good. Turning 45 gives me
that sense of respon- sibility that I have come of age because I am a
full grown man now. Truth is I feel younger than my age.”