Nigerian Stand Up Comedian Ayo Makun professionally known as AY has apologized after his Cardiff show on Sunday, October 25, 2026 collapsed amid a payment dispute.
The show was the Cardiff leg of his “AY Live: Single and Not Searching” UK Tour at Valegate Retail Park, Cardiff, Wales.
Fans reported waiting from around 4pm till after 10pm while DJs, hype men and upcoming acts were put on stage. Confusion grew, heated arguments broke out, police were reportedly called, and most ticket holders left without seeing AY perform.
AY’s explanation – posted Monday, October 26 on Instagram:
“My fellow comedians and I travelled to Cardiff to perform and eventually entered the venue. Unfortunately, unresolved payment commitments delayed our appearance, and by the time we arrived at the hall, most of the audience had left.”
In his video statement, he gave more detail: that he and other comedians arrived in Cardiff before 5pm ready to perform, the outstanding balance for their appearance had been due since end of September and remained unpaid, that before travelling they raised it and were assured payment would be settled before leaving their accommodation for the venue.
He said this mattered because a few days earlier in Leicester, they performed after similar assurances but the balance still wasn’t paid. He said as of Monday: “As I speak, they haven’t paid.”
He said they also struggled to reach organisers to even arrange accommodation
“To everyone who bought tickets, travelled and waited, I am sincerely sorry you did not get the show you paid for. You fulfilled your commitment, and you deserve better. You deserved a properly organised show and timely information. You should never have been caught in the middle of a payment dispute.”
He called on the organisers and UK tour management to provide a clear resolution for ticket holders, including refund information, saying verified updates will come through his official channels.
The organisers have not yet publicly responded.
AY confirmed the rest of the tour is still on: Birmingham (Oct 30), London (Oct 31), and Manchester (Nov 1).
