AY’s Easter gift

BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL

AYO Richard Makun is a man of many parts. With just a decade in the industry, the theatre artiste has contributed immensely in raising the profile of local entertainment industry.

  With his yearly shows, Ayo, popularly known as AY, has proved that focus and determination are essential for success. He has attracted a lot of fans to himself aside giving his comedy concerts national and international platforms.

  AY seizes festive periods to thrill his numerous fans. Today, being Easter Sunday, he will, like other periods, hold his comedy concert at Expo Hall of Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

  This edition of the Easter concert will feature both tested and upcoming comedians, showcase music acts and Nollywood stars, including Wizkid, Ice Prince, Tiwa Savage, Brymo, Samklef, Naeto C, David O, Gordons, Chuddy K, KC of the defunct KC Presh fame, Jedi, Elenu, I Go Dye, Emeka Smith, MC Shakara, Okey Bakassi and Helen Paul.  Others are Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic from Nollywood and Jackie Appiah and John Dumelo from Ghollywood.

  According to the Delta State University Theatre Arts graduate, AY Live comes with a different package every year.

  He says, “it’s a comedy show that is designed to satisfy the entertainment yearning of Nigerians. Its uniqueness can be traced to the 100 per cent uncompromising package that gives you a feel of what I call the total theatre.”

  

ON the inspiration to carry on, the humour merchant informs, “I am inspired by success; those who are successful in their craft propel me to aim for success. More importantly inspiration comes from the author and finisher of my fate — Jesus Christ.”

   Why Easter day? The multiple award-winning comedian says, “ the reason is quite simple; Easter Sunday welcomes fans back from the lent. It is equally one of the longest public holidays that experienced globally. After the show on Sunday, everyone will still have another day of rest before work commences.”

   Promising guests of generous doses of comedy, music and dance, Ay reveals that the show hinges on packaging and delivery. “The secret of the show is that there is actually no secret. But I can openly tell you that anyone can get it right; all you need do is have a good package and deliver it like your life depends on it,” he asserts.

 

STATING some of his success tips, AY says, “content is one major thing that I never play down on. I also embark on a promotional journey that communicate and pass every information about the show to the desired target audience.” He adds, “but I cannot hold on to the claim of having an edge over people I look up to in the industry; branding is all about creating an identity.  We all can be identified with different creative brands in the industry, so, allow me to bother myself with what I think of the AY brand and where next I am taking it to.”

   Driven by his age-long passion for the art and desired to be the best in anything he does, AY informs that he will soon be on location to start off his brand new sitcom titled AY's Crib. “After the shoot, I will embark of a tour of seven cities in the US for AY Live.”

   On reasons for the feature of Nollywood stars in the Easter show, the comedian says, “the infusion of Nollywood stars into AY Live is another way of getting our audience to experience and appreciate our movie talents in the most comical form.”