Alibaba Akporobome
Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, stage name Ali Baba, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian.
| Alibaba Akporobome | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Birth name | Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere |
| Born | June 24, 1965 |
| Alma mater | Ambrose Alli University |
| Website | www.totallyalibaba.com |
Early life
Ali Baba was born in Warri, Delta State, on June 24, 1965 to the Royal Family of Agbarha Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area. The first son after several girls. He spent the first 8 years of his life in Warri (Delta State, Nigeria).
His father is a retired soldier who served in Lagos. Schooling therefore was at Ojo Primary School and Command Secondary School both in Lagos.
Education
He furthered his education at Ibru College in Agbarha-Otor and then went on to the now rested Bendel State University now known as the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma where he read Religious Studies & Philosophy.
Career
After acquiring a degree from the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma in 1990, he relocated to Lagos,[1] having discovered his comic talent and funny bone in his 3rd Year in University. He had planned to return to Ekpoma to read Law but that was not to be, since he discovered he could make more money from making people laugh than defending them!
Professional career
He began his professional career with corporate events, appearing on television shows with the likes of Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy and Danladi Bako. He also made cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor and Mani Onumonmu. He also worked briefly with Dapo Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant in 1991.
He had made up his mind that he was going to do everything to enhance himself, improve his skill and the service he offered in other words be professional. However at the time there was hardly any precedent to follow because the funny men then were not into Stand-up comedy. Patrick Doyle, John Chukwu, Bisi Olatilo, Femi Segun, Femi Jarret, Leo Onwudi, Smart Otemu, Tony St. Iyke and many more were funny, very funny but did not do full-time comedy.
Through guts, sacrifice and creative dynamism, Ali Baba carved a niche for himself as a comedian for both corporate and non-corporate events. In less than 4 years, he had also become the preferred Master of Ceremony at some events. Ali Baba made the rules, broke them and sometimes even discarded them depending on how effective they were. These days no event is considered complete without a Comedian to MC that event.
In 1993, he registered his company Alibaba Hicuppuray 3rd and from then on his focus was on ensuring that the perception of comedians being never do wells changed and instead is seen as a profession and a respected way of life.
In 1998, he hired billboards in strategic parts of Lagos Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island; Osborne Road, Ikoyi and the Marina paying for two years. The message was simple and one he has come to be known by Being Funny is Serious Business.
Ali Baba, has lived with the philosophy that his business is big enough for all who want to make their chosen profession. As such, he has supported, mentored and presented several comedians helping to ensure that standards are maintained and professionalism encouraged.[2] It is no longer strange to hear a comedian charge impressive fees for events. The industry, yes, the Comedy Industry though yet to be standardized,[3] is growing fast and strong to the credit of the God Father of Comedy.
He has been a professional stand up comedian for the past 22 years and has in the last 13 years received several awards.
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
He was inducted into the Johnny Walker 'Striding Man' Society in 2009 which recognizes men who have achieved great strides in their chosen fields of endeavour and who share the strides they have taken to motivate and encourage others [4]
In 2012, he was given the privilege of ringing the Year End Closing Bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the first Nigerian Comedian to do so.
He is also a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
In March 2015, Alibaba[5] was featured on CNN African voices, speaking about his goal to make Nigerian Comedy is trade worthy of mention in proper business realm.
Family
Alibaba is married to Mary [6] and is blessed with three Daughters, Xsara, Brandi and Valerie and a set of twin boys Ejiro and Teriji.
Personal life
Alibaba is an Entertainer, a Comedian, Master of Ceremonies, Radio Show Host, Motivational Speaker, Photographer, Writer and has a strong flair for Creating and Developing Ideas. He is an avid reader and constantly seeks information.
In his spare time he enjoys painting.
In his words " I want to remain on top of my performance every time; I don't want people to be like, 'ah, O thought you said he's the best'. So, I'm still taking things very serious."
Selected Filmography
References
- ↑ "Ali Baba: I had so many scattered dreams before comedy fell into place". Vanguard. August 26, 2012.
- ↑ "Comedy not dying, only being badly practised –Ali Baba". Punch. June 1, 2012.
- ↑ "Ali baba and the 40 Gifts". Thisday. October 22, 2012.
- ↑ Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote his forward from Nigerian Film website. Retrieved on September 15, 2008 from http://www.nigeriafilms.com/content.asp?ContentTypeID=7&contentid=3122
- ↑ CNN African Voices (March 6, 2015). "Laughter is a serious business for top comedian".
- ↑ "Ali Baba & Mary: Comedy, fun, love". Punch. September 22, 2013.
- ↑ "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. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "New Trailer Alert: Moses Inwang's 'THE LAST 3 DIGITS'". Judith Audu Blogspot. Judith Audu. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
- ↑ "'The Last 3 Digits' Moses Inwang's movie wins 'Best International film' award". Pulse Nigeria. Chidumga Izuzu. Retrieved 4 June 2015.