Bright Okpocha aka Basketmouth is one of the biggest exporter of comedy in Nigeria today, making millions of naira wherever he goes through his shows and business deals. Basketmouth didn’t plan to become a comedian, but a rap artiste.
It would not be wrong to say he didn’t choose comedy but comedy chose him. This is evident in the creative manner with which he does churns out comedy – a skill exclusive to Basketmouth. In this edition we bring to you an uncommon comedian who does his thing with style and whose money appears to grow like grass.
Basketmouth started his journey in 1990 as a profound rap artiste until he discovered that he wasn’t breaking grounds in music and that he has comedy bottled up in him.
He once formed a musical group in 1991 called Da Psychopaths, but the group scattered before they could release any song. He was eventually asked by 2face to anchor a monthly show held at The Den in Ikeja and it was during this shows that his versatility in entertainment manifested. Although he didn’t make the millions then, he was already a force to reckon with.
Basketmouth is arguably Nigeria’s number 1 exporter of comedy. He was voted in 2010 as the second Best Comedian in Africa by MNET‘s Studio 53 Extra.
He just concluded a 9-states tour in the USA. Last year, he performed alongside Gina Yashere of Def Comedy Jam in Long Island, New York, before he also featured in Kojo‘s comedy show in London. He has performed at international concerts with the high and mighty in the entertainment world, recording both national and international success.
He had performed at concerts and platforms alongside the likes of Joe, Boyz II Men, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Kool & the Gang, Akon, Dru Hill, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Fat Joe, Snoop Doggy and many others. He has performed in the United Kingdom, United States of America, and South Africa.
Endorsements
Basketmouth is one of the few comedians with endorsements deals. He has a multi-million naira endorsement with Globacom and Amstel Malta. He also has another fantastic endorsement with Kia Motors and Dana Airlines.
His Foundation
Basketmouth has a Foundation called Bright Okpocha’s Foundation which was established only last year. Last year, to mark his birthday, he visited and spent over N2m on charity at the Nigerian Red Cross Orphanage in Makoko, Yaba, Lagos. He also visited the Maternity Care Centre Children’s Hospital for the Children’s Day celebration, Gbaje in Surulere. He bought computers for his Alma Mater at United Christian Secondary School, Apapa, Lagos state.
Projects
Apart from his funny countenance, Basketmout is a shrewd business man, making more than a hundred million naira annually. This is evident in a combined business deal with his friends which included a multi- million naira ultramodern discotheque, bar and lounge, called “EmBARssy’ in the University community of Yaba, Lagos.
Despite the fact that the deal was terminated, he is planning another big business in Lagos Central. Basketmouth is the first African comedian to host a multi- million naira comedy show called ‘Lord of the Ribs’ in 2010 at the 02 Arena in London, United Kingdom.
He made more than a million pounds in his show, Basketmouth Uncensored, which held in four cities in the United Kingdom. It held in London, Manchester, Birhimagham, and in Scotland. According to the report, the show was a sell-out from the beginning, including many other categories.
His African Kings of Comedy and Lord of the Ribs staged in the United Kingdom and Lagos and hosted at the deluxe 5,000-seater Expo Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites generated over N60 million annually. Basketmouth is paid millions of naira to hosts one of the biggest TV shows in Nigeria called the MTV Base Big Friday Show.
Houses
Basketmouth is a lover of properties. He is a proud owner of two choice properties in Lekki Phase1 which is valued at N350m. He moved recently to his events company’s building from his former Lekki base to a much bigger place on Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos. He also recently completed a N60m home for his mother at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
Cars
His cars include the latest Kia Quoris saloon car worth over N12m, a Honda Crosstour, and three others brand new SUV’s which cost over N70m. He also has a Cherokee SUV, an Hyundai Elantra, and a 2013 customized Opel Insignia.
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