Alibaba reveals surprise start to comedy career

Nigerian comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, professionally known as Alibaba has opened up on how he unexpectedly began his comedy career.

While speaking with Channels Television on Sunday, Alibaba revealed that his initial contact with comedy and the entertainment industry was unplanned.

He recalled an incident of possible chaos which he managed well and put him on the spotlight. He referred to that incident as a defining moment in his life.

“It was a defining moment. The connection with the audience was instant. I just knew this was what I was meant to do,” he said.

Alibaba also explained how that moment marked the start of an adventure filled career for him.

“Between 1986 and 1987, there was a new lease of life for Congo music in Nigeria. People embraced Congo music. Now, one of those striptease ladies came to our school in Ekpoma, and when she was, in fact, this hall was full, and when it was time for her to then undress totally, she ran off the stage because, you know, some local people like us had not seen anybody like that in nude form. And so some of them ran on stage, and so the girl was afraid and ran off. They said they needed somebody to come just pacify the people and get them to calm down so the show can continue. And so Pesio Koje came and said, ‘Ali, can you help us just pacify the audience and let them get back’?. And so that was how I started emceeing and cracking jokes,” he recalled.

Alibaba also noted that the incident became a turning point for him. He revealed that he felt at home the moment he got on stage.

“So to pacify the people, I had to start doing jokes, yapping everyone. But you see, that day was the turning point. As soon as I got on stage, I was home. I felt at home and I knew this was what I wanted to do. I started entertaining,” he said.