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.”
