In Nigeria’s ever-evolving entertainment landscape, few names command the kind of cross-industry dominance that Ayo Makun does.
Popularly known as AY, the comedian-turned-filmmaker is set to receive the Silverbird Trailblazer Award (Entertainment – Crossover King) at the 20th edition of the 2025 Silverbird Man of the Year Awards ceremony, which will be held on Sunday, 1 March 2026 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
It is a recognition that captures the breadth of a career built on reinvention, resilience and remarkable range.
Born Ayodeji Richard Makun on August 19, 1971, in Ondo State and raised in Delta State, AY’s rise was anything but accidental. A graduate of Theatre Arts from Delta State University, he spent years refining his craft, earning campus accolades for creativity and showmanship long before national fame came calling. His academic journey — which spanned nearly a decade- became an early testament to persistence, a quality that would define his professional life.
AY’s breakthrough on Nigeria’s comedy circuit positioned him as one of the country’s most bankable stand-up acts. Mentored in part by comedy legend Alibaba Akpobome, he transitioned from promising talent to powerhouse performer. His flagship event, AY Live, grew into one of Africa’s biggest comedy showcases, blending music, theatre and satire into a high-production spectacle that consistently fills arenas at home and abroad.
But it was on the big screen that AY executed his boldest crossover. His 2014 smash hit 30 Days in Atlanta shattered box-office records and redefined commercial comedy in Nollywood. The success opened the floodgates for other crowd-pleasers, including A Trip to Jamaica, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, and Christmas in Miami. Each project strengthened his reputation as a producer who understands both storytelling and the business of entertainment.
Beyond personal accolades, AY has shaped the industry’s future. Through Corporate World Entertainment and initiatives like the AY Open Mic Challenge, he has created platforms that spotlight emerging talents, many of whom have gone on to become major voices in Nigerian comedy.
His contributions have earned multiple awards over the years, alongside his 2009 appointment as a United Nations Peace Ambassador, underscoring his influence beyond stage and screen.
Now, as he prepares to receive the Silverbird Trailblazer Award, AY’s journey stands as a masterclass in evolution. From stand-up stages to cinema blockbusters, from event production to talent mentorship, he embodies the spirit of a true crossover king.
More than a comedian, AY Makun is a brand architect, culture shaper and industry builder, and with this honour, his legacy as a trailblazer in African entertainment is firmly sealed.
