In a heartwarming turn of events, Nigerian comedy giants AY Makun and Basketmouth have publicly reunited, putting an end to their 17-year-long feud. The two comedians, whose longstanding rift had been a topic of speculation and concern for fans and the entertainment industry, were seen together recently, signaling a new chapter in their professional relationship.
The feud, which dates back to 2006, was rooted in disagreements over unpaid performance fees. Over the years, tensions between the two only deepened, and by 2022, both comedians had become increasingly distant, avoiding public interaction. The drama reached its peak in March 2023 when AY accused Basketmouth of failing to pay him for a show he had hosted. In response, Basketmouth dismissed the claims, calling them “lies.”
However, the reconciliation came late last year after Basketmouth extended an apology to AY, marking the beginning of their efforts to move past the dispute. The two comedians have since been working towards healing their relationship, and their recent appearance together is seen as a public symbol of their reconciliation.
In a recent episode of the Glass House with AY podcast, the two spoke candidly about their past disagreements, with AY sharing his perspective on how the feud began. “I didn’t even know when the fight started,” AY admitted. “I just noticed it happening. Every day, I woke up thinking it was a normal thing, boys being boys. But over time, it grew into something bigger than I expected.”
AY also reflected on the toll the feud took on the comedy community, particularly the younger generation of comedians who looked up to both of them. “Our feud caused some damage because, in a way, we were like providers for people,” he noted. “It lasted too long, and it wasn’t just affecting us; it was affecting a lot of people who were in the middle of it.”
Basketmouth echoed this sentiment, explaining that the rivalry had forced many people to choose sides. “Most times, people swear allegiance by default,” he said. “When we weren’t on good terms, some people made it their business to pick a side. But now that we are cool, those who picked sides are confused. It’s about collaboration over competition now.”
The two comedians also shared a heartening anecdote about how their reconciliation is already benefiting others. Basketmouth revealed that a comedian had recently approached him to ask if it was okay to work with AY. “I told him it was okay, and I was happy it happened because people would know it’s about more money and opportunities now, not rivalry,” he said.
