Thelma Osatohanmwen
A 45-year-old Nigerian comedy legend, Bright Okpocha popularly known as Basketmouth, has revealed his strategic departure from the comedy scene over the next five years.
The acclaimed comedian stated this in a recent Arise TV interview.
The Comedian, known for hits like My Flatmates and Papa Benji, expressed his intent to delve into filmmaking and music.
Basketmouth highlighted his long-term vision, citing his belief that diversifying into other entertainment sectors would enable him to fully utilize his creative potential.
His words: “I’ll be 50 in five years, I’d have moved on to something else that’d be taking a lot of my time, and I don’t want to cheat comedy,”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by comedians in Nigeria, Basketmouth addressed the lack of supportive structures within the industry. He lamented the absence of global exposure for stand-up comedy compared to music and films.
The comedian expressed concern that the culture of stand-up is diminishing due to the limited platforms for aspiring comedians to refine their craft.
To address this issue, Basketmouth announced plans to collaborate with streaming platforms, aiming to provide visibility for emerging comedians globally. The proposed show, “One Night Stand,” is poised to offer a stage for new talents to showcase their skills.
Despite his exit plan, Basketmouth hinted at a possible return, stating, “As a comedian, you can’t stop writing materials, so I’ll keep writing, and maybe in another 10 or 15 years after now, I might come back. We have a 15-year plan.”
Basketmouth, the creative force behind popular sitcoms and critically-acclaimed music albums, remains an influential figure in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, leaving an indelible mark on comedy, television, and music.