ALI BABA: TWENTY YEARS OF STAND-UP COMEDY IN

Abstract

The paper is a celebrative essay in connection with twenty years of Ali Baba's trailblazing efforts at establishing stand-up comedy as a popular art on the modern Nigerian stage. Tracing the antecedents of the comic art in the Nigerian theatre, the paper recalls the earlier efforts of reputable comedians such as Moses Olaiya of the Alawada ('Baba Sala') fame in the immediate post-independence period, and historicises the significant contributions of popular disc jockeys and masters of ceremonies whose previous rib-cracking exploits helped to nurture theatrical comedy in the Nigerian scene. With a focus on the case study, the paper examines the transition from amateurism to professionalism in the evolving art of stand-up comedy and the pioneering ("Open Sesame!") role of Alleluya Atuyota Akporobomeriere, better known as Ali Baba, to this ongoing trend. While acknowledging the future prospects of this comic art, the paper highlights the need for effective unionisation to offset a possible glut that could be created by the uncontrolled influx of comic hacks, resulting in a lowering of standards and a consequent decline in profitability. The paper ends on a note of tribute to Ali Baba for whom it is not yet "Shut Sesame!" in regard to his remarkable exploits on the Nigerian comic scene.