Celebrated Nigerian comedian, filmmaker, and box office trailblazer, AY Makun, is once again in the spotlight with his latest cinematic offering, The Waiter. In a revealing interview, AY shares insights into the film’s inspiration, while addressing the ongoing buzz around Netflix’s rumoured changes in Nigeria, and highlights the integral role family plays in his flourishing career. With a proven record of box office hits, AY reveals how he made figures that many are just making now at the box office.
TOMI FALADE brings excerpts. Why have you chosen to serve us drinks this Christmas with The Waiter? I’ve kept people waiting for something worthwhile, and now it’s time to say, “Food is ready.” The Waiter reflects on societal occurrences, capturing the present Nigerian situation.
There’s no better way to tell our story than through movies. Having been a waiter in real life, this story is personal. It’s about giving hope, and showing that with dedication, sacrifices, and the right motivation, you can achieve greatness.
Before The Waiter, you were celebrated for making N150 million in cinemas. How do you feel now that people are making N1 billion or N350 million with ease? When I hit N150 million, it was equivalent to over $1 million in Nigeria at the time. Adjusted for inflation and currency exchange rates, it was a significant milestone.
It took someone in Atlanta to point out my worth, reminding me that I achieved what others are doing today, but 10 years ago. Yo.