Basketmouth is a household name in the Nigerian comedy scene. He is one of Nigeria’s biggest comedy exports. It has however been fascinating to watch him metamorphose into a music producer with two widely acclaimed albums (“Yabasi” and “Horoscopes”) in the last two years, his beautiful adventure in TV series acting and production with “Papa Benji,” “My Flatmates” and “GhanaJollof” and his recent foray into concert production with such big names like Asa and Adekunle Gold on his CV.
Basketmouth discusses stand-up comedy, his many astounding talents, and his story so far in this deeply insightful interview with Onah Nwachukwu.
Read excerpts from the interview below:
You were a part of a music group years ago. How did you make the transition to comedy?
Even as we made music, almost everybody— my childhood friends—in that group was funny, but I didn’t realise that being funny was a talent. I thought that people should be funny because everyone around me at the time was funny, most of them even funnier than I was. So when we formed the group, comedy was still a part of it because when we were rapping, I was still trying to make people laugh. We always take breaks to crack jokes. But the music never got launched in the true sense of it because, at the time, although we were doing shows and university tours, we were an up-and coming rap crew, so we never really got into the music scene until I broke into comedy, of which, it took me another 24 years to go back and do it. Even today, one of the guys, Dominic—his rap name is Item7—is based in Austria, making his music an aside to his nine-to-five. My brother is doing something similar as well, non-commercial music for now. As for me, my nine-to-five is comedy and TV, and I still make music because it is just my thing.
Asa’s concert was phenomenal. How did you manage to pull it off?
When I decided to do the Asa concert, there was no budget; I didn’t have a dime. I just said I would do it. Ropo—the person who got me the gig) told me how much it would cost, and I said yes, I would do it. I just pulled out 1.5 million (one million, five hundred thousand) naira, made arrangements for the press conference and called Asa. Then I told her management that I could only pay her after the show or at least a day before. That was the only money I dropped throughout because Asa is an easy sell, she’s a great performer, and I think I’m one of the best producers in Nigeria. So the moment we announced the show, tickets started selling, and we used the ticket money to sort several things until sponsors came along.
KevinHart and co have their shows on youtube and digital streaming platforms. Will we get there? Why are we not doing that in Nigeria?
Eventually, we will get there. The difference between Nigeria and elsewhere is that we do not have comedy clubs in Nigeria. Every state in America has at least four to five comedy clubs where comedians can walk in and say I want to do a 15-minute set, and that’s how they rehearse their material. Here in Nigeria, there is no stage where you can go and try your new materials. You can only try it on that stage on the day of the event or maybe among some of your friends, but there is no avenue for you to test your jokes, so it is a risk. We do not have writers, agents, or promoters, so a comedian does everything himself; writes jokes, edits, promotes the shows and looks for sponsors. The pressure of being a comedian is really heavy. There was a time when ChrisRock wanted to go back to doing tours; he started by playing at comedy clubs in different states. Now we don’t have the opportunity to be on streaming platforms except YouTube, and we know the returns.
I’m flying out to SouthAfrica in March for the NationalComedyFestival; we don’t have those in Nigeria. Despite having about 220 million people, Nigeria only has one comedy club. The country is not designed right now to support stand-up comedy. A musician can make music right now and make money from a record label, streaming, show and all, but comedians can only make money from gigs they are getting paid. This is one of the reasons I told myself, ‘Bright, you cannot be just a comedian anymore; you have to diversify and spread yourself everywhere possible.
As you mentioned, with the development of comedy in South Africa, we’ve seen South African comedians with Netflix specials. Why aren’t you on Netflix?
I have been offered a special on Netflix; I told them I needed more time. So when they called me, and we had a zoom meeting, they said they wanted to see my set, what I was working with, I was like, ‘guys, I’m not writing right now. I am not ready.’ I could have come up with something for them, but if I am going to do my special on Netflix or any other streaming platform, it has to be an art, a massive piece, the best from anything anybody has done. I have been in the game for 24 years, so my special shouldn’t be easy. It was after I did my show in London that I knew I was ready. Because there was a time I actually lost interest in comedy, I picked interest in movies, TV, and music. Because I have been doing it for so long and have reached the point in my career where I can’t go beyond in this country, I decided to start touring with Russel Peters. It was a great experience. Imagine performing in front of 20 thousand people. That was when I began enjoying comedy again. I realised that I needed to be challenged more. Doing corporate gigs and weddings isn’t my thing; I am a stand-up comedian. So I decided not to do anything on this platform (stand-up comedy) except I was ready.
Doesthis mean you will be doing a major show soon?
I’m doing my one-man stand-up comedy show in Lagos after about four to six years, as I was not too fond of the last one in 2019. The new show was initially scheduled for the 5th of March, 2023, but EkoHotel is booked on that date. We will announce a new date later.
Are we ever going to see you pick up the mic and rap on a song or stage?
I just want to make music, I don’t want to perform it on stage, and that’s why I stayed away from Yabasi. When I released Yabasi, I did not feature in any of the songs in that album. Why? Because I didn’t fit into the album into any of the tracks, I didn’t want to force myself. But when I did Horoscopes, there were a few songs that, when I heard the beat, I felt I could do, which was what I did. I do not create music with someone in mind. I make music, and the music tells me who will fit into it and not the other way around.
Now, in terms of actively rapping or making music, I will be cautious because I don’t want that switch to be too quick. But I will be doing some features like there is a song that IllBliss is working on, he’s got Peruzzi on it, and I’m on that song as well. That might be my first major appearance on any song, so I’m going to grow into it but not too fast, slowly, so that I do not throw people off. But am I coming on stage to rap? I am still determining. I’m shy [laughs].
It’s a banner year for Nigerian music at the 2024 BET Awards. The nominations list is brimming with talented Nigerian artists. Leading the pack is rising star Ayra Starr. She racked up three nominations, running for Best New Artist, Best African Act, and Best HER for her smash hit “Comma.”
Burna Boy grabbed nominations in both the Best R&B/Pop Act and Best Hip Hop Act categories. Tems, another powerhouse vocalist, is a double nominee as well. Thanks to her work as a director for “Best Video Director” and her gospel-infused track “Me & U” in the “Best Gospel/Inspirational Song” category.
Also, collaborations are also being celebrated. Davido and Lojay earned a joint nomination for the Viewers Choice Award for their appearance on Chris Brown’s song “Sensational.” Fresh faces are getting their due too. Asake landed a nomination for Best International Act. Seyi Vibez got the nod for Viewers Choice Best International New Act.
This abundance of Nigerian nominees is a proof to the global impact of the country’s music industry. Be sure to tune in to the 2024 BET Awards to see who takes home the coveted trophies!
See full list of 2024 BET Awards nominations below:
Album of the year
Chris Brown – ’11:11′
Gunna – ‘A Gift & A Curse’
21 Savage – ‘American Dream’
Usher – ‘Coming Home’
Drake – ‘For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition)’
Victoria Monét – ‘Jaguar II’
Killer Mike – ‘Michael’
Nicki Minaj – ‘Pink Friday 2’
Best female R&B/pop artist
Beyoncé
Coco Jones
Doja Cat
H.E.R.
Muni Long
SZA
Tyla
Victoria Monét
Best male R&B/pop artist
Brent Faiyaz
Bryson Tiller
Burna Boy
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
October London
Usher
Best group
¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
41
Blxst & Bino Rideaux
City Girls
Flo
Maverick City Music
Wanmor
Best collaboration
Lil Durk feat. J. Cole – ‘All My Life’
Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar, –‘America Has a Problem (Remix)’
Afrobeat music star Davido shut down rumours online that he fired his longtime lawyer, Bobo Ajudua, over missing money.
Davido himself took to his Instagram story on Thursday, May 16th, 2024, to clear the air. He confirmed that he and Ajudua are no longer working together but insisted there was no embezzlement involved. He urged people to ignore the rumours.
He said, “That was not the case at all! We are still very good friends! In business, things evolve and change all the time! Please disregard this narrative!”
Davido’s explanation sparked a flurry of responses from his fans on Instagram. People got talking!
A user commented, “In other words, bobo is not his lawyer anymore, I love how he cleared the air. In their words, they’re just good friends now,” and another fan expressed his approval, saying, “A wise man! Kept his house in order before killjoys push a narrative that isn’t true, thereby ruining what they have left in the relationship.”
“Davido don suffer for una hand una go just Dey carry fake rumours,” said a displeased fan. Another fan commented, “In other words, that’s not his lawyer anymore…”
Before Davido set the record straight, there were rumours swirling online. People were saying he fired his lawyer, Bobo Ajudua, while they were both in Dubai. The reason? Allegedly, Ajudua only gave back $30,000 out of a much larger sum of money, $400,000, that was entrusted to him.
The false report read, in part,
“According to sources, he fired the lawyer in Dubai and told him to go his way…Out of the $400K with Mr Lawyer, he allegedly returned only $30K and alleged that he settled some bills and paid for tickets…..Ticket? PLEASE!”
Ruby Akubueze, a Nollywood actress, aspires to be part of any Marvel Studios project under Disney Entertainment. She gained recognition for her role as Frances in the television series MTV Shuga. It explores the experiences of young individuals dealing with love, desire, and the complexities of maturing.
In an interview, Akubueze expressed her ambition to work on an international platform, particularly mentioning her desire to join a Marvel series. “I’ll pick any Marvel series; I have always wanted to be on a Marvel project,” she said.
Ruby Akubueze is well-known for portraying Oby in the 2023 Netflix film, Ijogbon.
Kunle Afolayan directed the movie. The movie revolves around four teenagers who stumble upon a bag of diamonds, leading to unexpected consequences. Akubueze described her role in Ijogbon as the most challenging one she has encountered in her acting career.
“It was a lot emotionally, physically, and given the time of the year we were filming, it was challenging because the sun was always scorching and we were always filming outdoors.
“We had like a few scenes indoors, and every day you wake up, we are filming outside and next thing is you would hear the director say, ‘Oh, so you guys are going to start running from here to here,’ and I am like ‘Oh my gosh, again!’
“Like we were always running, it was challenging but it was the most fun I had,” she said.
The 26-year-old talked about the actresses who influenced her decision to become an actress. She said that she admires both Nigerian actress Ireti Doyle and American actress Angelina Jolie.
“In the Nigerian space, I will say Ireti Doyle. I watched her growing up in Fuji House of Commotion, and she was like a family fav and there is Angela Jolie in the foreign space,” she said.