Alibaba Akporobome
Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, stage name Ali Baba, is a Nigerian stand-up
comedian.
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.
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.
After acquiring a degree from the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma in
1990, he relocated to Lagos, 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!
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. 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,
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
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.
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 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 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."
Source: Wikipedia
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