Stay original; don’t take anybody’s material – Basketmouth to comedians

Celebrated Nigerian comedian, Bright Okpocha, known as Basketmouth, has advised comedians to be original with their craft.

According to the award-winning comedian, staying true to one’s craft especially in the creative industry sets them apart from their peers.

He told Joy News’ Becky that: “It’s important. It’s the first rule of the game to have your own original material, you shouldn’t take anybody else’s material because it’s your art, your identity, your signature must be there, it must be original, people must know you for your work, not for someone else’s job.”

He added that it has become imperative to be original because no one wants two of the same things no matter how classy it is.

In 2005 and 2006, Basketmouth won the National Comedy Award and the awards for Best Stand-up Comedian of the Year. He was nominated in the 2021 maiden edition of The Humour Awards Academy alongside fellow comedian Mr Funny.

Basketmouth, as a stalwart in the African comedy industry, has organised popular stand-up comedy concerts like Basketmouth Uncensored across the globe.