AY Opens Up On Unpaid Gigs, Offers Free Cardiff Show After UK Tour Fallout

Nigerian comedian and actor Ayodeji Richard Makun, popularly known as AY, has opened up about repeated payment disputes with event promoters, revealing how unpaid balances during his ongoing UK tour contributed to the disruption of his Cardiff show, while offering to stage a free performance for disappointed fans.

In a video shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, the comedian recounted several instances in which promoters allegedly failed to fulfil payment agreements, including outstanding payments from events in the United States and Canada, as well as multiple stops on his current UK tour.

AY disclosed that a promoter, DEPREMIUM ENTERTAINMENT, had yet to pay him more than $70,000 for performances in Atlanta and other American cities more than three years ago.

He also alleged that a promoter in Maryland owed him $27,000 after he performed at an event despite an outstanding balance, adding that he had sometimes paid fellow comedians from his own pocket when promoters failed to honour their agreements.

“In another situation, this was also in America. I agreed to perform in Maryland after the promoter assured me that the outstanding balance would be paid. This guy was practically begging because I didn't want to go on stage. So I told myself that I could not keep the people who love the AY brand waiting,” he said.

AY added that the promoter, whom he identified as the owner of Royal Entertainment Incorporated in Maryland, did not pay the outstanding amount despite his performance.

He said similar situations occurred during his UK tour, alleging that he performed at events in Belfast, Reading, Leicester and Sheffield despite unresolved payments.

According to the comedian, the situation reached a breaking point in Cardiff after he and his team travelled for about five hours from Sheffield, only to arrive without receiving the outstanding payment promised by the promoter.

He also complained about accommodation arrangements, alleging that he and his team were initially lodged in a hostel while the promoter stayed in a better hotel.

“When the money still did not come, I'm talking about my balance now, I told my team that I would not perform until we were paid."

However, he acknowledged that his decision left fans who had purchased tickets disappointed, apologising for the inconvenience and the hours they spent waiting for a show that did not take place.

“I understand that somebody changed their shift to attend, somebody paid for transport, somebody arranged for childcare, somebody even travelled from another city, somebody probably had a difficult week and only wanted an evening just to relax and laugh,” he said.

“For letting you down, for the time you lost and for the upset that you experienced, I am sincerely sorry.”

The comedian, however offered to return to Cardiff after his current tour and organise a free comedy show at his own expense on November 7, subject to confirmation of a suitable venue and other arrangements.

He said he was willing to adjust his flight plans, bring back his colleagues and invite other available comedians and entertainers to ensure that affected fans eventually enjoy the show they had originally paid to attend.

AY further clarified that the proposed free performance would not replace any refunds owed to ticket holders, adding that the organisers still needed to explain how the refunds would be processed.

In a separate Instagram caption accompanying the video, AY addressed the backlash and calls for him to be cancelled, saying the incident should not overshadow his more than two decades in the entertainment industry.

“I have seen the insults, the judgement 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,” he wrote.

The Nigerian Voice recalls that AY's 'AY Live: Single and Not Searching' UK tour encountered controversy after the Cardiff show, scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, failed to hold as expected at Valegate Retail Park.

Attendees reportedly waited for hours before leaving the venue in frustration. AY subsequently explained that unresolved payment commitments delayed his appearance and apologised to those affected.

He confirmed that the remaining tour dates in Birmingham on October 30, London on October 31 and Manchester on November 1 would proceed as scheduled.