Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has responded to calls for his cancellation following his absence from the AY Live Cardiff show in the United Kingdom, insisting that the incident should not overshadow more than two decades of entertaining his fans.
The comedian was scheduled to perform at the event on Sunday but failed to appear, prompting criticism from disappointed attendees and social media users.
As previously reported, AY later issued a statement and released a video addressing the incident, apologising to those who spent money and time to attend the show.
However, the backlash has continued, with some people demanding that the comedian be held accountable for the disappointment.
Reacting in a lengthy post on his social media page, AY said he was hurt that a single unfortunate night was being used to disregard his years of dedication to his audience.
He also questioned why negative reports about him often attract significant attention, arguing that his consistency and achievements deserved similar recognition.
“I have seen the insults, the judgment, and the calls to cancel AY. It hurts to see one painful night used to dismiss more than twenty years of showing up for my fans.
“I still do not understand why anything negative about AY seems to create immediate excitement for so many people.
“I wish the consistency, achievements and years of work behind this brand received that same energy,” he wrote.
The comedian disclosed that some respected figures in the entertainment industry had advised him to remain silent until the controversy subsided. However, he said he believed those who paid to attend the show deserved to hear his explanation.
Prompt News reports AY explained that he had continued performing over the years despite encountering situations in which payment promises were broken. He added that he had sometimes used his personal funds to pay colleagues.
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According to him, repeated experiences during the tour, coupled with a five-hour drive from Sheffield to Cardiff, pushed him to his limit.
“Some respected people in the industry advised me to stay quiet and let everything die down.
“I understand their advice, but the people who paid to see me deserve an explanation.
“The internet does not forget, and my side should be heard too.
“For years, I have performed despite broken payments, sometimes paying colleagues out of pocket. After repeated experiences on this tour and a five-hour drive from Sheffield to Cardiff, I reached my limit,” he stated.
Despite explaining the circumstances surrounding his absence, AY acknowledged that the audience was not responsible for the challenges he encountered and apologised for the inconvenience.
“But the fans waiting had done nothing wrong.
“For your disappointment, wasted time and the upset you experienced. I am sincerely sorry.
“Please watch this video and hear my account.
“You can disagree with my decision,” he added.
The comedian also appealed to those who circulated criticism and negative reports about the incident to give his response similar attention, stressing that people should have the opportunity to consider his side of the story.
He urged the public to assess the incident alongside his years of commitment to entertainment rather than allowing the controversy to define his career.
“I also hope those who shared the criticism and negative stories will share my response with the same energy.
“Please give people a chance to hear my explanation too.
“Please consider my years of commitment alongside this one incident.
“I will learn from it and keep working,” AY said.
Addressing the calls for his cancellation, the comedian maintained that the criticism would not force him to abandon the career and brand he had built over the years.
“Calls for cancellation will not make me give up on everything we have built,” he declared.
AY further acknowledged that not everyone would support his work or attend his shows, saying he respected their decisions. However, he asked that those who continued to support him should also be allowed to do so without condemnation.
“Not everyone has to make me their favourite or support my shows. I respect that choice.
“Please also respect those who choose to hear me and continue supporting the AY brand,” he wrote.
In an effort to address the disappointment in Cardiff, the comedian offered to return to the city for a free performance at his own expense, subject to the confirmation of a venue and other arrangements.
He clarified that the proposed show would not replace any refund owed to people who purchased tickets for the original event.
“Cardiff, I want to return with a free show at my own expense, subject to confirming the venue and arrangements. This does not replace any refund owed for the original event,” he said.
Concluding his message, AY thanked those who had continued to support him and those who corrected him respectfully, adding that he remained committed to entertaining his audience despite the controversy.
“To everyone who has supported me or corrected me with kindness, thank you.
“I still have laughter to share and people to show for.
“The show goes on,” he added.
