Alibaba Akpobome – The Prince of Nigerian Comedy

Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome (sometimes written Akporobome), stage name Ali Baba, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian and actor. Net worth …….

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, 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. 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 30 years and has in the these years received several awards.

Awards

Recognition

He was inducted into the Johnnie 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.

In April 2018, Alibaba received the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International for his contribution to the Nigerian Comedy industry

Family

Alibaba is married to Mary-Bassey Udoh. They are blessed with five children Xsara, Brandi, a set of twin boys, Ejiro and Tejiri, and Valerie.

Personal life

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, I thought you said he’s the best’. So, I’m still taking things very serious.”

Selected filmography

• My Guy (1998)
• The Last 3 Digits (2014)
• Head Gone (2014)
• The Wedding Party (2016)
• Alakada (2017)