The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Basketmouth

  • BASKETMOUTH IN CHRISTMAS MOOD

    NIGERIAN comedian and Glo ambassador Bright Okpocha, popularly called Basketmouth is already in the Christmas mood, as the entertainers has begun the ‘gifting’ culture in the spirit of the season.

    The comedian said he will be giving out Glo recharge cards to esteemed fans and the brand subscribers in December.

    According to Basketmouth, “I’ll be giving out Glo recharge cards daily from today the 1st of December till the 31st of December 2015.”

    The comedian who is presently out of the country will be in Silverstar Casino, Muldersdript, for ‘The Best of Africa Gala’, with other comedians like Salvado, Carl Joshua Ncube, Churchill, and others to treat guests to an evening of laughter.

    ‘The Best of Africa Gala’, according to report is put together by Savana Premium Cider.

  • RMD, three Nigerians to share stage with James Bond heroes

    RMD, three Nigerians to share stage with James Bond heroes

    As global attention continues to shift to African entertainment, Nigerian celebrities such as Richard Mofe Damijo, BasketMouth, Uti Nwachukwu and Kemi Adetiba have been picked by international beer brand, Heineken, to share spotlight with stars of the next installment of James Bond series, Spectre.

    Heineken, which enjoys a large share of the beer market in Nigeria, has also found new brand ambassadors in these entertainers. This, pundits say, is a plus for the artistes, who will be representing Africa at the premiere of the new series.

    The four celebs are expected to join international top shots to Las Vegas, the party capital of the USA, for what has been described as the first-ever selfie from space as part of Heineken’s new campaign, Spyfie.

    RMD and colleagues will be captured alongside big names, including popular Bond Villain, Dave Bautista, in the campaign, scheduled to take place on November 5, 2015, in Nevada, Los Angeles. 

    Promoters say Heineken will create the selfie experience from space using a camera on the Deimos satellite, currently in orbit 600km above the Earth’s surface to take ultra HD imagery of the lucky celebrities including the Nigerian quartet assembled at the Hoover Dam in Las Vegas.

    This is not the first time RMD will be enlisted for international project. The former Commissioner of Culture and Tourism in Delta State was a star attraction in the Guinness 2004 film, Critical Assignment, playing alongside South African Cleveland Mitchell, aka Michael Power, in the flick that featured another Nigerian actor, Bukky Ajayi.  

    “We are very proud of our long-standing association with the James Bond franchise and we are especially proud to partner with ‘Spectre’ on this adventure as we bring the experience to Nigeria with four of the country’s most loved entertainment personalities. Their fans will be able to share the experience with them through their social media pages and it promises to be a lot of fun,” said Senior Brand Manager, Heineken, Ngozi Nkwoji.

    The Heineken Spyfie is one of the activities in the brand’s integrated global “Spectre” campaign, which centers around ‘Spectre’. The campaign also features an exciting TV advertisement featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond in a high-speed boat chase.

    Beginning with 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies, Heineken has partnered James Bond since 1997, and Spectre is the seventh consecutive film in the partnership.

  • Basketmouth’s Lord of the Ribs partners Comedy Central

    Basketmouth’s Lord of the Ribs partners Comedy Central

    NIGERIAN comedian, Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has joined the league of world class entertainers as he now has a dedicated TV special; Comedy Central Presents Basketmouth  Lord of the Ribs.

    Filmed and broadcast on pan-African comedy, channel Comedy Central (DStv channel 122), the laugh-out-loud comedy channel will be pairing up with Basketmouth to broadcast a one-hour highlights show based on the 2015 edition of Lord of the Ribs comedy night.

    This year’s comedy spectacular features a line-up of Nigerian and international comedians including Basketmouthhimself, and guest comedians Robert Powell (USA), Griff (USA), Buchi (Nigeria), Bovi (Nigeria), Okey Bakassi(Nigeria), Ndumiso Lindi (SA), David Kau (SA) and Salvador (Uganda).

    In support of the initiative, Basketmouth will also feature in a range of associated programming on Comedy Central’s sister channel MTV Base.

    “I am very excited to be working with Comedy Central and MTV Base to expand the reach of Lord of the Ribs to a pan-African television audience,” Basketmouth stated.

    Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa added; “We are delighted to partner with Basketmouth to create this compelling high quality TV special forComedy Central. We are committed to raising the profile of Nigerian comics and comedy, both at home and internationally, and we hope the partnership with Basketmouth will be the first of many such initiatives.”

    Comedy Central Presents Basketmouth  Lord of the Ribs will be filmed at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on October 4 and broadcast to over 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa on Comedy Central in December.

  • Basketmouth to perform at Canada comedy festival

    Basketmouth to perform at Canada comedy festival

    NIGERIAN comedian, Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has become the first-ever Nigerian comedian to perform at the annual Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, Canada.

    Comedy Central and DStv will be flying Basketmouth and South African comics, John Vlismas and Mpho Popps, to Montreal, Canada this month to participate in the Montreal Just for Laughs comedy festival slated for July 20 to 27.

    The comedian will make his festival debut at various clubs during the week, while South African comedian, John Vlismas, returns to Just for Laughs to perform in Talk of The Fest, one of the festival’s premiere club shows. Vlismas’s performance is being taped as part of the Just for Laughs: All Access television series and will air on Comedy Central later in the year.

    Evert van der Veer, Channel Director, Comedy Central, Africa, said African comedy had the potential to be one of the continent’s most powerful cultural exports.

    “We are very proud to have John, Mpho and Basketmouth representing Comedy Central in Canada.  We are delighted to facilitate their presence at Just for Laughs, one of the world’s most important international comedy events,” Evert stated.

    Expressing his delight, Basketmouth said: “I am extremely humbled by the opportunity and I intend to give it more than my best shot and the best of me. It is certainly a dream come true.”

  • Basketmouth still in the eye of storm over rape joke

    Basketmouth still in the eye of storm over rape joke

    RECENTLY, comedian and Glo ambassador, Bright Okpocha, alias Basketmouth, shared a joke on his Facebook page, which a lot of his fans frowned on.

    Though he has apologised to his fans, some women activists are insisting that he join in the ongoing campaign against rape in the country.

    According to them, it is necessary for Basketmouth to correct the wrong impression that his joke has made on Nigerian youths by leading a campaign against rape.

    The coordinator of the Walk Against Rape and Project Capable, Esther Ijiwere, says that despite Basketmouth’s apology, his post on the Facebook might has gone a long way in promoting the vice, especially date rape.

    Ijiwere tweeted: “It’s totally wrong for you (Basketmouth) to post a comment on your Facebook wall and make rape the highpoint of it! I am highly disappointed in you for sharing this kind of joke. How would you feel if your mother, sister, aunt or daughter had been raped? Would it be funny?

    “You are meant to be an advocate of good behavior and not the other way round! Women are your biggest fans; yet, you bring us down. You should use your platform to advocate women causes and join us in fighting rape rather than promoting it, please.”

    A sexuality education strategist, Praise Fowowe, also lent his voice to the call for Basketmouth to be involved in the campaign.

    Reacting to the development in a tweet to Basketmouth, Fowowe said, “Popularity and the ability to make jokes isn’t the same thing as role- modelling. I am glad you (Basketmouth) retracted the joke and apologised. However, you need to join the fight against the crime. Remember, many young people look up to you; hence, the need to be mindful of what comes out of your mouth.

    “No more jokes about cripple, imbeciles and albinos. We must stop this madness and force comedians to think up and make wholesome jokes. Well, since he has apologized, we will forgive him. But he needs to be more careful.”

    Also, a former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has joined other Nigerians in demanding that Basketmouth become an anti-rape campaigner.

    The former minister said she was shocked by the rape joke from the comedian. She, therefore, asked Basketmouth to make use of the sad episode as an occasion for good by becoming a visible anti-rape activist in the country.

    “That joke was grossly inappropriate and nothing justifies rape. I urge you to work with some groups to become a great anti-rape advocate. I do not know Basketmouth’s history on such jokes, but if this is a one-off for which he has apologised and will offer to advocate, we should heed.

    “We all make mistakes at one time or another and when it happens, the measures we take to minimise the damage it causes our community matters! Advocacy against the rising scourge of rape in Nigeria would definitely benefit from the voice of a very talented gentleman like Basketmouth.

    “Our entire entertainment industry, Nollywood, and music should decisively take a stand against rape and violence against women, every one of them.”

  • Basketmouth goofs

    Basketmouth goofs

    It was not a fun weekend for top rated comedian, Bright Okpocha, alias Basketmouth, as what started as a harmless joke has turned out to be a hot subject on the Internet.

    Basketmouth had posted a joke at the weekend on his Facebook about the dating styles of white girls and African girls.

    According to him, while a white girl’s date ends with sex on the third outing, a typical African girl’s date ends with rape on the ninth outing after heavy spending by the guy.

    Irked by the piece, social media enthusiasts besieged the comedian’s wall, requesting a retraction.

    Following the outburst of emotions by critics, the comedian issued what could best be described as an insulting apology: “Ok, guys, I’m sorry about the rape joke. I won’t crack such jokes again. I’ll just stick to jokes about men being able to marry underage girls in Nigeria,” he stated.

    Unfortunately, this further fuelled the outrage, causing angry fans to besiege the Twitter handle of Globacom, his paymaster, with complaints.

    Though it would appear that those for and against the joke were evenly split, it was Barbara Mhangami, a writer and blogger, who took Baskemouth to the cleaners.

    According to Mhangami, “rape is a sick, vile and criminal act and making light of this scourge that has everyone of us who has a vagina living with fear is cruel and hateful.

    “Would your joke be funny if your mother, your sister, your aunt or your daughter had been raped? If your daughter or your sister had come home with blood running down her legs because some brute had seen her, not as a human being with feelings and a physical body that hurts and bleeds, but as a vessel for his lust, his rage, his disrespect and his misogyny?” she asked.

    Overwhelmed by the furore that greeted his post, the comedian became rather remorseful, saying: “I would never in a thousand lifetimes encourage rape. I broadcasted (sic) a joke that many clearly misunderstood and have found offensive and I sincerely apologise. The intention, however, was to highlight an unfortunate trend and the ridiculously flawed comparison between money and the worth of a woman.”

    However, he has since pulled down the offensive post.

  • Saving For the rainy day

    Saving For the rainy day

    Iyabo Ojo: The actress opened a beauty parlor called FESPRIS World on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday, August 11. Actresses who came out to support her included Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, Biodun Okeowo, Liz Da Silva, Bisi Ibidapo Obe, Dayo Amusa and many others.

    Seyi Law: No doubt, comedians in the entertainment industry are doing so well. Interestingly, joining the league of bar owners in the industry is popular comedian, Seyi Law, who recently opened a lounge called Xcess Lounge and Comedy Bar in Ikorodu, Lagos.

    It will be recalled that last year, Okpocha Bright, alias Basketmouth, opened a bar called emBARssy Lounge and Bar located at 12, University Road, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.

    Doris Simeon: The sultry actress joined the growing list of actresses who now own salons in Lagos. Known as Davris Beauty Centre, it’s a combination of the first three letters of her child’s name, David, and the last three letters of her first name, Doris.

    Doris noted that she had always wanted to own a beauty parlour. So, for her, opening the beauty parlour is a dream come true.

  • Stars dazzle at Invasion L.O.L in Ibadan

    Stars dazzle at Invasion L.O.L in Ibadan

    THE expansive hall of Kakanfo Inn recently played host to the Ibadan edition of Glo Laffta Fest, where 17 national and international artistes featured.

    The event, which was anchored by Basketmouth, paraded other stars such as Gbenga Adeyinka, Bovi, Seyi Law, Bash, Akpororo, Osama, Akapella, Odogwu, Omobaba and Ajebaba.

    The side attraction was the choreography by Quba Dancing Company.

    The show also featured the Ugandan sensational stand-up comedian, Salvador, who got a standing ovation for his superlative performance.

    While DJ Jimmy Jatt manned the juke box, the Nigerian music industry was well represented by the trio of Lynxx, Burna Boy and MI who wrapped up the show.

    Basketmouth and other comedians joined MI as he sang, took a bow and thanked the crowd for making the evening and the entire project a massive success.

    Tagged Invasion L.O.L., the concert is packaged by Globacom as part of the activities marking its 10th anniversary.

    The show started in Lagos with the mega edition that held in Abuja and featured top American, South African, Ugandan and Nigerian artistes.

  • Basketmouth, Wande Coal, 10 others hit Enugu for Glo Laffta Fest

    Basketmouth, Wande Coal, 10 others hit Enugu for Glo Laffta Fest

    Glo Laffta Fest comedy show storms Enugu, the Coal city this Sunday featuring  12 Nigerian top rated artistes and East Africa’s best stand-up comedian, Salvador.

    A statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday by Globacom disclosed that the Enugu show, which will hold at the Golden Royale Hall, will feature the foursome of Seyi Law, Ogus Baba, Mayor and Frank D Don, who are performing for the first time in this season’s Glo Laffta Fest.
    “We are introducing new, but popular acts like Seyi Law, Oguns Baba, Mayor and Frank D Don to the Enugu audience. We are doing this to make the Enugu edition refreshingly different and give our numerous subscribers in Enugu and its environs  value for their time. Again, the Ugandan best comedian, Salvador, will join his Nigerian counterparts to perform at the show‎. The whole essence is to thank our subscribers for their love and support in the last 10 years,” the company said.
    In addition to the foursome, the statement added that Basketmouth, the anchor man, Okey Bakassi, Bovi, Funny Bone and 2CanTalk will also be on duty to entertain the people just as Wande Coal, Omawumi and Bez will spice the night with a potpourri of music genre at the event. The juxe box will be manned by the Nigerian number female Dj, DJ Nana Yatt.
    Pointing out that the show will continue till December 22, Globacom said that after Enugu, “our subscribers in Uyo, Asaba and Ibadan will take their turn to savour the highly entertaining Glo Laffta Fest in the weeks ahead”.
    The 2013 edition of the Glo Laffta Fest tagged Invasion L.O.L. kicked off with the mega shows in Lagos and Abuja on October 19 and 25 respectively featuring star comedians from America, South Africa and Uganda and had since moved to cities like Owerri, Port Harcourt, Benin and Abakaliki.
    To attend the show, the statement said that subscribers in Enugu and nearby communities should just recharge their Glo lines with N1,000 and send LOL Enugu to 33001.
  • Glo Laffta Fest paints PH red

    Glo Laffta Fest paints PH red

    WITH a posse of entertainers made up of three musicians and13 comedians, Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt, on Sunday took its turn to host the Globacom staged Glo Laffta Fest. On parade were some of the best comedians and musicians who thrilled the audience.

    Held at the Aztech Arcum Events Centre, ace comedian, Basketmouth, opened the show. While Klint D Drunk was at the peak of his “drunkenness” for the night, the likes of 2CanTalk, I Go Save, Senator, Funny Bones, Buchi, Okey Bakassi, Dan D Humorous, Julius Agwu, Akpororo and Bovi brought to the fore the exceptionality of the Nigerian comedy as they made jest out of the day-to-day activities that have heightened tension in the country.

    Salvador, the Ugandan sensational merchant of jokes, was in his best elements during the show, making the crowd to reel with laughter as he demonstrated the failed beer advert in Uganda by some celebrities who were commissioned to advertise the beer but got drunk in the process. Bovi, the last of the comedians to perform, gave interesting comparison between how lovers in the western world and those in Nigeria made love advances. He urged Nigerian lovers “to keep it simple.”

    The trio of Naeto C, Wande Coal and Flavour, who excited the audience with their arts, were in top form. Wande Coal and Flavour held the crowd spellbound with the rendition of their different hit tunes such as Pere, Bumper-to-bumper and Baby You Too Much. It was sensational music act, Flavour, who bade goodbye to the crowd with his popular track, Ada.