This month, naijapremiumgist presents an amiable icon in the entertainment industry as the personality of the month of June.
Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, master of ceremonies and actor. He was born to the royal family of Agbarha Otor in Ughelli LGA of Delta State on the 24th of June; 1965.
He is the first son of his very large household. His father was a military officer and soldier at one time, stationed in Lagos State.
Alibaba did his primary and secondary education in Lagos State. At the completion of his secondary school education, he gained admission into the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma in Edo State, gaining a Bachelor’s degree in Religion Studies and Philosophy. At the completion of his tertiary education, he moved back to Lagos.
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. He also worked with Prince Adedapo Benjamin Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant in 1991.
With little precedent in Nigeria for stand-up comedians, Ali Baba persevered to professionalize his skills and carve a niche as an innovator and comedian for corporate and non-corporate events and by serving as a Master of Ceremony at many events.
In 1993, he registered his company Alibaba Hicuppuray 3rd to enhance the perception of comedians as a profession and a respected way of life. As part of this work, in 1998, he hired billboards on strategic Lagos streets with the message that became known as “Being Funny is Serious Business.”
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.
Ali Baba is married to Mary Akpobome and he has featured in popular movies:
My Guy (1998)
The Last 3 Digits (2014)
Head Gone (2014)
The Wedding Party (2016)
Alakada (2017)
He has the following awards to his credit
In 2001, he won the Laughter-Awards-Back theatre in the category for “Outstanding performance”.
In 2002, he won the Achievers Merit Award from Delta State University.He also bagged a recognition award for helping upcoming entrepreneurs by the Eric’s Entertainment.
In 2004, he won the Pendulum Awards LASU National Association of Physics Students for “Icon of Comedy”.
In 2004, he was the first Nigerian to receive the “Icon of Comedy” awards from Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
In 2005, he won the National Comedy Award by the Comedy Enterprise.
In 2006, he received an Award for Excellence by the Lagos State University. The City People Entertainment Award also recognized his amazing contributions to the entertainment industry in 2006.*He has received the Enablers Ment Award from RCCG in 2007
The News Diamond Award in 2008 also recognized his amazing contributions to the entertainment industry*In 2009, he received the National Daily Award for the comedian of the decade.
In 2010, he received an award for the comedy for change award to mark his 20th year on stage.In April 2018, he also received an award for his immense contribution to the Nigerian comedy industry by The Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International.