Popular comedian A.Y held the Abuja version of his comedy show A.Y live at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton hotel on Sunday, June 21 2015. The show which was tagged ‘Complete Happiness Edition’ featured various performances from top comedians like A.Y himself, Elenu, Ushbebe, Akpororo, I Go Die, Helen Paul, Acapella, Ajebo, Shortcut, Pencil, ChuksDGeneral and Fred Bright. While A list musicians like M.I, Phyno, Reekado Banks, Dammy Krane and DJTTB performed at the event. Since theHeraldng was invited to the event, here are our exclusive highlights from the show. Pics by Victor Ositadinma Ubah.
The show started late
Though the show was slated to start by 6pm, it eventually kicked off by about 7.30. DJ TTB who was the official DJ for the event was the first to step on stage as he kept the audience entertained with the latest hits. However at some point during the early hours of the show, A.Y’s award winning movie 30 days in Atlanta started showing and this got the crowd excited till ChuksDGeneral who was the first comedian to perform took the stage.
High turnout of guests
Though one cannot compare Abuja to Lagos in terms of peoples turn out to shows, Abuja peeps came out to support AY en masse. Beautifully dressed women, dapper looking gentlemen and even children were not left out. In fact, by 8pm, all seats in the hall were filled. And late comers were left standing.
Maltina created the perfect ambience
As guests were trooping into the show, Maltina which was the major sponsor of the show engaged guests in different ways. From inviting them to walk the orange carpet and giving out free vouchers for drinks, Maltina made sure guests were not disappointed. A stand out attraction was when guests were asked participate in a game where they were asked to pick as much money as they could in 30 seconds from a box. The box which was filled with ‘Monopoly money’ redeemable for real cash at the Maltina counter was then sealed and the lucky guest was asked to pick the cash as fast as he or she could. As one would expect, the line for this game was particularly long.
Celebs start arriving
Apart from the celebs billed to perform at the event, others like footballer Kenneth Omeruo, Osita Iheme (Paw Paw) Terry G and Sexy Steel also made an appearance. Terry G in his white attire looked calm and at ease. Anyone who saw him that night would not believe he is the same Terry G known for his ‘crazy’ antics on stage.
AY the peacemaker
Due to the physical attributes of the event venue (Congress hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel), some guests who could not stand the crowd at the main door of the hall tried getting in via different backdoors. But of course the shows organisers Corporate World Entertainment and Yankee Entertainment foresaw this happening and placed stern looking bouncers at the doors. Despite this, some ‘brave’ fans tried to force their way in. A.Y who was on his way to the stage at this time saw the bouncers rough handling some of the guests. He quickly stepped in, settled the matter and personally escorted the aggrieved guests to their sits.
He Also gave Out six brand new iPhone 6
As part of his first act on stage, AY gave out six brand new iPhone 6 phones to lucky members of the crowd. At the entry point of the venue, every guest was given a little card with Maltina logo on it. Unknown to them, there was an incomplete quote on the card and the person who had the complete quote was to go home with a brand new iPhone 6. After asking the crowd who had the card with the complete quote, he invited the lucky winner on stage and presented his gift to him. In a very surprising move, AY gave 5 unsuspecting fans the same gift of brand new iPhone 6 phones
He took a photo with everyone!
Showing his humble side, A.Y made sure he took a photo with everyone who asked him for one. At a point a line was even formed of fans who wanted a selfie with the star.
Ay, Elenu and Ushbebe in a presidential skit
Continuing their ‘presidential series of skits’, AY, Elenu and Ushbebe presented a skit based on President Buhari’s inauguration speech and his visit to West Germany… sorry Germany. This particular part of the show received the most applause from thrilled guests.
M.I, Phyno, Dammy Krane and Reekado Banks take the stage
At different times during the show, M.I, Phyno, Dammy Krane and Reekado Banks performed. M.I’s performance was a standout showing and proving his pedigree as a top musician. This is not to say the other artistes did not do well, they all did.
DJ TTB’s stellar performance
Another highlight of the event was the stellar performance of the official DJ of the show, DJ TTB. Holding his own amongst the A List acts, he kept the show lively with his repertoire of current hits. Also, he had all the special songs the comedians requested him to play. We should all watch out for him.