The entertainment industry in Africa provides self employment to talented educated and uneducated youths and is said to generate huge revenue for the government. Stand-up comedy, an entertainment genre, contributes significantly to the industry.

Ali Baba

Glo-sponsored African Voices on CNN this week showcases the doyen of Nigerian stand-up comedy, Alibaba, as the star guest on the programme which profiles African achievers in diverse fields of endeavors. He will bare it all to viewers when he takes centre stage.

Born Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, Alibaba, who changed the long held perception of comedy being for unserious minded individuals in society, not only transformed the trade into a respected profession, but made it a booming and lucrative business.

He enjoys literature especially magazines and Shakespeare writings which he says inspire him and has a special room where he keeps them. This he calls “the joke factory.’’

African Voices will air on CNN International at 4:30am and 4:30pm this Saturday with a repeat broadcast at 12:30pm and 7:30pm on Sunday. The programme will also air repeat broadcasts on Monday at 11:30am and on Tuesday at 5:30am.

Alibaba, through hard work, perseverance and daring creativity weathered the storm and became the highest rated stand-up comedian in Nigeria, having a large clientele base from the corporate world and government circles.

He was born in Warri, Delta State, Southern Nigeria on the 24th of June 1965. He acquired a degree from the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma, now Ambrose Alli University in 1990 before relocating to Lagos. He discovered his talent in his 3rd year in the University and began his career with a few other colleagues in televison shows.

He has been practicing stand-up comedy for over 22 years and prides himself of having changed the industry into a respected and lucrative business for up and coming comedians.