Veteran Nigerian comedian Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba, has opened up about how an unexpected moment during his university years set him on the path to becoming one of the pioneers of modern stand-up comedy in Nigeria.
In a recent interview with Channels Television, the 60-year-old entertainer revealed that his journey into comedy began during his time at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, when a Congolese stripper backed out of a performance due to stage fright.
Recalling the 1986/87 incident, Alibaba explained that Congo music and dancers were becoming popular in Nigeria at the time. During a scheduled performance at the university, the hall was packed as a Congolese dancer was set to perform a striptease, but the show quickly went awry.
“When it was time for her to undress totally, she ran off the stage,” Alibaba said. “Some of the local boys rushed the stage out of excitement, and she panicked. The organisers were confused and needed someone to salvage the show.”
Alibaba said he was approached by a friend, Pesio Koje, to pacify the agitated audience. What began as a task to calm the crowd turned into a defining moment.
“I got on stage and started cracking jokes to keep people entertained. That day was a turning point. I felt at home on stage. I just knew—this is what I was meant to do,” he recalled.
At the time, Alibaba was studying Religious Studies and Philosophy, with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. But that moment of improvisation changed his life forever.
After graduating, he moved to Lagos and began performing at events, appearing on radio and television, and soon became a household name. He is widely credited with revolutionising the comedy industry in Nigeria and turning it into a respected and financially rewarding profession.
Over the years, Alibaba has mentored several of Nigeria’s top comedians including AY, Basketmouth, Bovi, and Seyi Law. He also launched the January 1st Concert, a high-profile platform dedicated to showcasing comedic talent.
In recognition of his contribution to the entertainment industry, he was honoured with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.
