Alibaba Akpobome Explained

Alibaba Akpobome
Birth Name:Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome
Birth Date:1965 6, df=yes
Pseudonym:Alibaba, Alibaba Nigerian Comedian
Alma Mater:Ambrose Alli University
Occupation:Actor, television producer, radio show host, comedian -->
Years Active:1991–present
Children:5
Nationality:Nigerian
Spouse:Mary Akpobome

Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, professionally known as Ali Baba, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, master of ceremonies[1] and actor.

Early life

Ali 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

He 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.[3]

Career

After 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

He 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

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

Ali 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

Ali Baba is married to Mary Akpobome.[13]

Personal life

Ali Baba is an avid reader and enjoys painting. he survived covid-19.[14]

Select filmography

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 8 February 2018. Ali Baba: I charged what I make in 4 hours -- as an MC -- to do 'The Wedding Party'. 5 October 2020. TheCable Lifestyle. en-US.
  2. Web site: Congratulatory messages pour in as Ali Baba clocks 55 - P.M. News .
  3. Web site: Nigeria: I Stumbled Into Comedy By Accident -- Alli Baba . All Africa . Vanguard Newspapers.
  4. Web site: Ali Baba: I had so many scattered dreams before comedy fell into place . Vanguard . 26 August 2012.
  5. Web site: Ali Baba: Comedians are now ambassadors, philanthropists . 29 June 2014 . The Cable . 12 February 2022.
  6. Web site: Nigeria: Alibaba's New Year Concert . All Africa . Thisday . 12 February 2022.
  7. Web site: Alibaba: being funny is serious business . 15 January 2016 . BusinessDay . 12 February 2022.
  8. Web site: Alibaba's Spontaneity: One Comedy Prodigy To Win A Car And Internship At January 1st Concert . 30 December 2017 . Nigerian Entertainment Today . 12 February 2022.
  9. Web site: "I AM A REAL PROPHET" WOLI AROLE . Ibadan City Info . 12 February 2022.
  10. Web site: Comedy not dying, only being badly practised –Ali Baba . Punch . 1 June 2012 . 12 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140417103652/http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/e-punch/comedy-not-dying-only-being-badly-practised-ali-baba/ . 17 April 2014 . dead .
  11. 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
  12. News: 6 March 2015 . Laughter is a serious business for top comedian . CNN African Voices.
  13. Web site: Ali Baba & Mary: Comedy, fun, love . Punch . 22 September 2013 . 12 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140226051924/http://www.punchng.com/spice/essence/ali-baba-mary-comedy-fun-love/ . 26 February 2014 . dead .
  14. Web site: Report . Agency . 4 January 2021 . Comedian Alibaba narrates experience with COVID-19 . 26 July 2022 . Premium Times Nigeria . en-GB.
  15. Web site: THE LAST 3 DIGITS 1ST TRAILER. You Tube. Moses Inwang. 27 October 2014.
  16. Web site: Dr Sid, Don Jazzy, Ali Baba, A.Y unveiled in "The Last Three Digits". 9aijabooks and Movies. 12 November 2012. 9aijabooksandmovies. 12 November 2012.
  17. Web site: New Trailer Alert: Moses Inwang's 'THE LAST 3 DIGITS'. Judith Audu Blogspot. 29 October 2014. Judith Audu. 29 October 2014.
  18. Web site: 'The Last 3 Digits' Moses Inwang's movie wins 'Best International film' award. Pulse Nigeria. 4 June 2015. Chidumga Izuzu. 4 June 2015.