Ali Baba: Comedy pioneer, veteran show host is 50..

Lay the carpet, let the drums roll and let the world quake as Nigeria’s comedy pioneer, foremost entertainer and leading show host, Ali Baba turns 50. Christened Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere shortly after he was born in Warri, Delta State, the man who has achieved widespread fame today as Ali Baba came forth as a baby on June 24, 1965 to the royal family of Agbarha Otor in what is today in Ughelli North Local Government Area. Born to a father who retired as a soldier as the first son after several girls, Ali Baba spent the first 8 years of his life in Warri before relocating to Lagos. He began his schooling at Ojo Primary School and later proceeded to Command Secondary School in Lagos. He had a stint at Ibru College in his home town of Agbarha-Otor, from where another incredibly talented Nigerian, Steve Onobrakpeya hailed, before going on to Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma where he studied Religious Studies & Philosophy. After bagging a degree from the Ekpoma-based ivory tower in 1990, Ali Baba relocated to Lagos once more, having discovered his comic talent in his 3rd year in university. Unknown to him, he would become the pathfinder of modern day comedy in the 90s along with his late friend, Mohammed Danjuma about whom he has not stopped talking years after the latter passed on. He began his professional career of anchoring corporate events, appearing on television shows with the likes of Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy and Danladi Bako while also making cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor and Mani Onumonmu among others. At the time, there was hardly any precedent to follow, not because others were not making people laugh but because the funny men – Patrick Doyle, John Chukwu, Bisi Olatilo, Femi Segun, Femi Jarret, Leo Onwudi, Smart Otemu, Tony St. Iyke and several others – were funny and popular but they were not into stand up comedy or what is now known as 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 major events. In 1993, he registered his company Alibaba Hicuppuray 3rd and from then on, his focus shifted to ensuring that the perception of comedians as ‘never- do wells’ changed. He wanted comedy to be seen as a worthy profession and a respected way of life. Today, Ali Baba has been a professional stand up comedian for the past 22 years and has in the last 13 years received several awards. He’s paved the way and mentored other top comedians like Julius Agwu, Gbenga Adeyinka, Basketmouth, I go die, AY and so many others who cannot stop talking about how he guided and led them to achieve greatness. For his 50th birthday, Ali Baba is planning big; with a book launch and a special June Edition of his new comedy show tagged ‘Ali Baba’s Spontaneity’ among events to hold. You can be sure there will be a few more events planned for him by protégés, friends and several associates, who will click glasses for the master comedian, veteran show host and businessman at 50....