Alibaba Shares the Unexpected Story Behind How His Comedy Career Began
Veteran Nigerian comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, famously known as Alibaba, has shared the surprising and unplanned story of how his journey into comedy began. In a recent interview with Channels Television, he opened up about a moment that completely changed the course of his life and introduced him to the world of entertainment.
According to Alibaba, his foray into comedy was never planned. He described a dramatic incident during his time as a student in Ekpoma between 1986 and 1987 that ended up launching his career. At the time, a striptease performance had been scheduled during a school event. However, things quickly turned chaotic when the performer ran off the stage in fear after some audience members tried to rush her.
Faced with the risk of the event falling apart, organizers needed someone to step in and calm the crowd. Alibaba was called upon and asked to pacify the audience so the show could continue. That moment, he explained, would mark the beginning of something extraordinary.
“They said they needed somebody to come just pacify the people and get them to calm down so the show can continue,” he recounted. “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.”
To control the situation, Alibaba began making jokes and teasing members of the audience—a move that quickly won them over. The connection, he said, was instant.
“It was a defining moment,” he explained. “The connection with the audience was instant. I just knew this was what I was meant to do.”
That incident not only diffused the tension in the hall but also sparked a new path for the young Alibaba. He said he felt immediately at home on stage and knew that comedy was what he truly wanted to pursue.
“So to pacify the people, I had to start doing jokes, yapping everyone… but 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,” he added.
Since then, Alibaba has gone on to become one of Nigeria’s most respected and pioneering comedians, inspiring generations of performers across the country. His story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected moments can lead to life’s greatest opportunities.
