Encomium
GIFTED comedian, Ayo Makun has paid his dues in the comedy world. He added another feather to his cap when he introduced his sitcom, AY’s Crib, which has been a delight to his fans. ENCOMIUM Weekly had a chat with the cast about how they feel and their respective roles.
‘AY’s Crib is one hilarious sitcom’ – AYO MAKUN
What inspired AY’s Crib?
AY’s Crib was inspired by Martin Lawrence’s masterpiece entitled Martin. Watching the American sitcom gave me an insight into creating a sitcom that is wrapped around my persona. Though the need to play a version of myself as a single man was deliberate.
How will you describe the experience so far?
The experience so far has been awesome. From the very day ONTV and MNET bought the rights to air the content on their platforms, we have been enjoying a tremendous fan base. I wasn’t expecting anything less because AY’s Crib is one hilarious sitcom that is also designed as a tool for social engineering.
How challenging has it been?
It’s one thing to have a beautiful idea, it is another to have people buy into it from inception. The challenge has been sponsorship. We just finished recording Season 2 and I believe that happy days are very much around the corner.
What informed the choice of cast for the sitcom?
Every story or situation creates a character or picture on the mind of its creator. The choice of AY playing himself, Alex Ekubo as JJ, Buchi Franklin as KC, Justice Nuagbe as Ushbebe and Venita Akpofure as Mimi metamorphosed from my training as a theatre artiste who understands that comedy often works through amusement and the exaggeration of real life characteristics.
How do you combine your role as a family man to stand up comedy and your sitcom?
The combination of AY’s Crib, AY Show, AY Live and the event management company that I run is always keeping me up on my toes daily. But I am also privileged to have a wonderful team that is beginning to key into the vision of the AY brand. In between, I also try to create time for my family. Notwithstanding, the show must go on, as I will be off to Atlanta (United States of America) in October to shoot my own movie alongside Lynn Withfield, Vivica Fox, Richard Mofe Damijo, Desmond Elliot and other Nollywood actors.
‘AY’s Crib is beyond the job’ – BUCHI FRANKLIN
How will you describe your experience in AY’s Crib?
It has been terrific, fine and mind blowing. It is beyond the job. We are like one big family now. It has been fun. I had to relocate to Lagos since I started.
How did you join the sitcom?
I had an audition. My sister and manager told me about it. I was in Lagos to do some things, fortunately for me, the opportunity was available. After the audition, we were told that they will get back to us. Two weeks later, I was asked to come and start.
How challenging was it for you?
Though I studied Theatre Arts, it has been very challenging. The cast and crew made things better. They are wonderful set of people. I have learnt how to relate better with people whether on set or not. We all have good working relationship. We all operate on the same level.
Can you tell us about your role in the sitcom?
I played the character, Kingsley. Kingsley and AY were friends back in school. He is a very brilliant guy, he has everything going for him. But unfortunately, he couldn’t get a break, so AY took him under his roof. However, Kingsley did not have a good relationship with AY’s girlfriend.
How has it been working with AY?
It has been tremendous. AY is more than a producer, he is a friend, mentor, he is sincere and humble. He is a gift from God.
‘AY carries people along’ – ALEX EKUBO
How did you join the train of AY’s Crib?
I think it was just divine connection. AY is somebody I admire so much, I like his success story. He called and told me about it. I felt really humbled for such an opportunity.
How will you describe your experience so far?
So amazing. It is totally different from every other sitcom, different from the regular things you see around. The second season of the sitcom will soon be out. We have amazing storylines that will blow away the mind of our fans.
How has it been working with AY?
Working with AY, I will call him Baba, he is like an elder brother. AY is intelligent. Though he is so busy, he is still in charge unlike some other bosses that will delegate the work to staffers. AY will do it himself, he just doesn’t send people around. He doesn’t disregard people, he is humble and he carries everybody along.
How challenging has it been?
Because of the success of Season One, we have a challenge to make it a better success. So, it was quite challenging.
Can you tell us your role in the sitcom?
I played the character of J.J, an old friend of AY. JJ is internet compliant, he is always on the internet looking for the fastest ways of getting money. The story is about the ups and downs of four grown men.
‘AY is intelligent’ – JUSTICE NUAGBE
Can you tell us how the journey began for you as one of the cast of AY’s Crib?
I was working with AY before the idea of starting a sitcom came up. When it came up, he said I should join the train.
How will you describe the experience?
Wonderful, I am playing something I like which is comic roles. It has been engaging and challenging at the same time. It is very different from other sitcoms. We do professional work from the beginning to the end.
How has the experience been working with AY?
It has also been wonderful. I have known AY for long. He was my school father. He is an intelligent and creative man. I looked up to him while I was in school.
How challenging is it for you?
It is challenging in the sense that it takes you out of your regular work. I work with a radio station. When I finish recording, I still have to go back on radio. So, blending with all that was challenging.
How financially fulfilling is it?
It is a great idea but until a very good sponsor comes on board, that is when it gets better. It is a good platform for achieving whatever you want to achieve. AY will even teach you how to make money.
Tell us about your role.
I am AY’s cousin from Warri, a funny gateman known as Ushbebe. I am always giving a lighter note to every situation.
‘It is a good job’ – VENITA AKPOFURE
How did the journey as one of the cast of AY’s Crib start?
A friend of mine directed me to AY when the idea came up. So, I will say it is an industry referral.
How will you describe the experience?
Fantastic, it is a good experience so far.
How has it been working with AY?
He is good at what he does. He is also a good businessman. So, things are a lot easier for me. Moreso, he is experienced.
Share some of the challenges you have encountered with us?
I am also in to entertainment so it has not really been challenging. I work with a good team as well. Things are going pretty easy.
Tell us about your role in the sitcom.
I acted as Mimi, a very spoilt individual. She is always having trouble with people in the house. She has a good heart.
How fulfilling has it been?
I would never experience anything better. Moneywise, it is a good job as well.
– SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN
