Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun has reacted to the calls to cancel him.
Kemi Filani reported days ago that the comedian was scheduled to perform at AY Live Cardiff on Sunday but was nowhere to be seen.
Following the disappointment, many took to social media to call him out.
Speaking out, Ayo released a statement and a video addressing the situation and apologised for the disappointment, stating that their time, money, and support deserved respect.
Despite his apology, many are calling for his cancellation.
Reacting in a lengthy post on his social media page, he said it hurts that one painful night is being used to dismiss more than twenty years of showing up for his fans.
He noted how some respected people in the industry advised him to stay quiet and let everything die down. Though he understands their advice, the people who paid to see him deserve an explanation.
AY noted that for years, he has performed despite broken payment promises, sometimes paying colleagues out of his own pocket. But he reached his limit.
He admonished those calling for his cancellation to consider his years of commitment alongside this one incident. AY said he will learn from it and keep working.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Calls for cancellation will not make me give up on everything we have built
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.
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
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”.