It is no news that several Nigerian entertainers are fast diversifying into other money-spinning ventures for obvious reasons, just as a number of the screen stars have found consolation in endorsements by corporate organizations – especially telecom giants that include Globacom and MTN.
Not wanting to be left out in the trend, comedian Ayo Makun is set to open a club, lounge and restaurant in Lekki, Lagos, later in the month.
The facility is rumoured to have cost the Ondo State indigene about N200m. Perhaps because of the large amount involved, some people have noted that the comedian may be fronting for someone.
He is nervous when our correspondent takes him up on this. He says,
“I don’t know about whether I spent 200m on my night club, so no comment. MVP is my baby and so those that are ‘rumouring’ should also provide the name of the person who I am fronting for. The setup cost is only revealed to partners and investors.
“ I did not just wake and decide to open a night club.
This type of investment is not the type that is entered into with sleepy eyes. We did a proper feasibility study of the market and saw that there is a viable opportunity for sustained business and that is why we decided to embark on this venture.”A.Y originally started out as a personal assistant to fellow comedian, Ali Baba. He says long before he carved an identity for himself as a comedian, it was all about Nollywood.
“I was once a regular face in Nollywood around the 90s.I had been doing movies in the past but some people still think I have just begun starring in Nollywood. I starred in Live Wire alongside Jim Iyke and in Zeb Ejiro’s movie, Tears in Heaven among others. I am not new in Nollywood. Many do not also know that I studied Theatre Arts and majored in directing,” he notesThe funny man says he plans to release what he describes as his Hollywood-Nigerian movie, 30 days in Atlanta, as a way of contributing to the growth of the Nigerian film industry. The movie stars Ramsey Noah and Hollywood actress, Vivica Fox.
“The main idea was to recreate the Akpos character on The AY Show’s `Who Wants to Be a Billionaire Segment’. It is a comedy which chronicles the hilarious adventures of two cousins from Nigeria, who are given a 30-day holiday package to Atlanta,” he says.Ask him which pays better, acting or comedy, and he says,
“ I really do not know as I am in the process of finding that out. I am a businessman who needs to break into new grounds as long as it is in line with entertainment. That is why I have a place where they can come and relax after the show, while I give them satisfaction and value for their movie.”Speaking about his journey to the top, AY takes a trip down memory lane. He says,
“I don’t like talking about this. But, yes, I spent nine years in the university but not as a failure as some people may assume. But I had to set my priorities right. It was tough I had to joggle so many jobs to make ends meet. I also had to cater to my siblings and I was a victim of different circumstances on campus.”With many celebrities venturing into politics, does AY nurse a plan like this?
“You do not put your hand in the mouth of a lion because you see your colleagues doing the same. Those who have indicated interest in vying for political positions must have weighed the pros and cons before deciding to do so. I have also weighed the pros and cons and my ministry has not moved to that site yet.” Comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as A.Y, speaks to JAYNE AUGOYE [Punchng.com] on his journey so far.
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