Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, professionally known as Ali Baba, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, master of ceremonies[1] and actor.
| Alibaba Akpobome | |
|---|---|
| Pseudonym | Alibaba, Alibaba Nigerian Comedian |
| Birth name | Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome |
| Born | 24 June 1965 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Alma mater | Ambrose Alli University |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Spouse | Mary Akpobome |
| Children | 5 |
Early life
editAli Baba was born in Agbarha otor, Delta State, south-south Nigeria on 24 June 1965,[2] to the royal family of Agbarha Otor. He is the first son of several children and spent his first 8 years in Warri, Delta State. His father is a retired soldier who served in Lagos.
Education
editHe attended Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos State, and Ibru College Agbarha-Otor, Delta State. He attended Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma and graduated with a degree in Religious Studies & Philosophy.He was neighbour to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome while at school in university. [3]
Career
editAfter completing his academic degree in 1990, he relocated back to Lagos,[4] to develop his comedy talent he discovered at the university. Originally, he planned to study Law but decided he could be more successful by making people laugh than by defending them.
Professional career
editHe began his professional career performing at corporate events, appearing on television shows with Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy, and Danladi Bako, and making cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor, and Mani Onumonmu.[5] He also worked with Prince Adedapo Benjamin Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant in 1991.
In 2014, Ali Baba started an annual comedy event called the 1 January concert.[6] Comedians come up to review the events of the previous year and a first-class graduate from the preceding year receives an award.[7]
In 2015, he started an event called Spontaneity; a quarterly event for budding comedians.[8] Notable among the finalists of this competition is Woli Arole at the 2016 edition.[9]
Ali Baba maintains the philosophy that his business is big enough for all who want to make comedy their chosen profession. As such, he supports, mentors, and presents several comedians helping to ensure that standards are maintained, and professionalism encouraged.[10]
Awards
edit| Year | Awards | Categories |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Laughter Awards – Baziks Theatre Abuja | Outstanding Performance |
| 2002 | Laughter Incorporated | Immense contribution to the comedy Industry |
| 2003 | Delta State University | Achievers Merit Award |
| 2004 | Pendulum Awards LASU National Association of Physics Student | Icon of Comedy |
| 2004 | 1st Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Icon of Comedy |
| 2005 | National Comedy Award | Comedy Enterprise |
| 2006 | Eric's Entertainment Inc | Recognition of his solid support to young entrepreneurs |
| 2006 | Lagos State University | Award of Excellence |
| 2006 | City People Entertainment | Invaluable contribution to the Entertainment Industry |
| 2007 | RCCG | Enablers Merit Award |
| 2008 | The News | For turning stand up comedy into a viable business |
| 2008 | Diamond Award for Comedy | For helping the growth & development of the Comedy Industry in Nigeria |
| 2009 | City People Entertainment | Invaluable contribution to the Entertainment Industry |
| 2009 | National Daily Award | Comedian of the decade |
| 2010 | Comedy for Change | In commemoration of his 20 years on stage |
Recognition
editAli Baba was inducted into the Johnnie Walker 'Striding Man' Society in 2009 which recognizes men who have achieved great strides in their chosen fields and who motivate and encourage others [11]
In 2012, he rang the Year End Closing Bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the first Nigerian comedian to do so.
He is a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
In March 2015, Ali Baba was featured on CNN African voices, speaking about his goal to professionalize and gain acceptance for Nigerian comedians.[12]
In April 2018, Ali Baba received the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International for his contribution to the Nigerian Comedy industry
Family
editAli Baba is married to Mary Akpobome.[13]
Personal life
editAli Baba is an avid reader and enjoys painting. he survived covid-19.[14]
Select filmography
edit- My Guy (1998)
- The Last 3 Digits (2014)[15][16][17][18]
- Head Gone (2014)
- The Wedding Party (2016)
- Alakada (2017)
- Gold Statue (2019) as Mr. Manuel
- The Man for the Job (2022) as Lai
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Ali Baba: I charged what I make in 4 hours -- as an MC -- to do 'The Wedding Party'". TheCable Lifestyle. 8 February 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ "Congratulatory messages pour in as Ali Baba clocks 55 - P.M. News".
- ^ "Nigeria: I Stumbled Into Comedy By Accident -- Alli Baba". All Africa. Vanguard Newspapers.
- ^ "Ali Baba: I had so many scattered dreams before comedy fell into place". Vanguard. 26 August 2012.
- ^ "Ali Baba: Comedians are now ambassadors, philanthropists". The Cable. 29 June 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Nigeria: Alibaba's New Year Concert". All Africa. Thisday. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Alibaba: being funny is serious business". BusinessDay. 15 January 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Alibaba's Spontaneity: One Comedy Prodigy To Win A Car And Internship At January 1st Concert". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 30 December 2017. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ ""I AM A REAL PROPHET" WOLI AROLE". Ibadan City Info. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Comedy not dying, only being badly practised –Ali Baba". Punch. 1 June 2012. Archived from the original on 17 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote his forward from Nigerian Film website. Retrieved on 15 September 2008, from http://www.nigeriafilms.com/content.asp?ContentTypeID=7&contentid=3122
- ^ "Laughter is a serious business for top comedian". CNN African Voices. 6 March 2015.
- ^ "Ali Baba & Mary: Comedy, fun, love". Punch. 22 September 2013. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ Report, Agency (4 January 2021). "Comedian Alibaba narrates experience with COVID-19". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
- ^ "THE LAST 3 DIGITS 1ST TRAILER". You Tube. Moses Inwang. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ^ "Dr Sid, Don Jazzy, Ali Baba, A.Y unveiled in "The Last Three Digits"". 9aijabooks and Movies. 9aijabooksandmovies. 12 November 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ "New Trailer Alert: Moses Inwang's 'THE LAST 3 DIGITS'". Judith Audu Blogspot. Judith Audu. 29 October 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
- ^ "'The Last 3 Digits' Moses Inwang's movie wins 'Best International film' award". Pulse Nigeria. Chidumga Izuzu. 4 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.