In this interview with PETER AKINBO, the comedian recounts the defining moments that shaped his career and shares candid views on youth development, patriotism and Nigeria’s football prospects.
Music Was the First Love
Before comedy took centre stage, music held Basketmouth’s heart. As a pupil in primary and secondary school, he was regarded as a naturally funny individual, but at the time, he did not even know what stand-up comedy was. Instead, he was already experimenting with rap and songwriting, determined to pursue music.
His turning point came at the Ekenwan campus of the University of Benin, where he mounted the stage as a musician. After completing his performance, he watched the event’s MC — a comedian — struggle badly, with jokes that failed to connect and left the audience visibly frustrated.
Backstage, Basketmouth was convinced he could do better. He approached his longtime associate, Dotun — who remains his manager today — and insisted he could handle the crowd more effectively. After pleading with the promoter for a chance, he was allowed back on stage.
At the time, he was simply known as Bright. When he returned to the microphone, audience members teased him, asking if he wasn’t the same person who had just finished rapping. But within moments, he won them over. The explosive reaction marked one of the defining performances of his life — though he still did not immediately commit to comedy.
The Night “Basketmouth” Was Born
The decisive moment came after another music show ended disastrously, with the crowd booing him and his group. Rather than walk away, he sent his teammates offstage and took on the hostile audience alone, engaging them with impromptu jokes for about 30 minutes.
The MC and promoter reportedly did not want the set to end, enjoying the spontaneous performance. It was during that experience that someone in the crowd coined the name “Basketmouth” — a nickname that stuck.
Despite discovering his natural ability, another key factor pushed him toward professional comedy: watching Ali Baba perform live.
He recalled purchasing a N50 ticket to see Ali Baba and being inspired by the veteran’s stage command. When Ali Baba mentioned he would return the following year, Basketmouth set a personal goal — to work hard enough to be invited onto that very show.
He immediately stopped pitching for music gigs and began marketing himself strictly as a comedian. Performing at departmental concerts, dinners and parties, he gradually became a household name within the university.
A month before Ali Baba’s return show, someone informed him that organisers had been searching for him to perform. With no mobile phones at the time, the message was delivered in person. He made sure to perform right before Ali Baba that night so the legend would watch him live.
After the set, Ali Baba gave him an ovation and handed him his card — a moment Basketmouth describes as confirmation that he truly belonged in comedy.
Football, Karate and Childhood Sports
Basketmouth was also active in sports growing up. He played football in school, mostly as a defender — partly, he jokes, because he disliked running excessively as attackers do. Though not the best player, he scored a few goals during his time.
He later trained in karate for about five years but never seriously considered a professional career in sports. According to him, football in his era was largely a street activity — something children naturally engaged in daily.
Reflecting on generational changes, he expressed concern that many children today are less physically active. In his view, kids in the 80s and 90s were stronger due to constant outdoor play. Today, he believes screen time, gaming consoles like the PS5, and safety concerns have reduced physical engagement.
He noted that eyesight issues among young children appear more common now, attributing it partly to prolonged exposure to screens. He admitted, however, that he too is part of that reality, having bought his own children iPads.
He also pointed out the decline of communal parenting, recalling a time when neighbours collectively looked after children — a sharp contrast to today’s more isolated communities.
On His Son and National Pride
With his son currently training in football in England, Basketmouth says he would strongly encourage him to represent Nigeria if the opportunity arises.
Describing himself as a patriotic Nigerian, he stressed the importance of talented Nigerians abroad contributing back home. However, he also emphasised the need for government to create an enabling environment that encourages athletes and professionals to represent the country.
“If he gets to that level, I will support him to play for the Nigerian team,” he said.
Favourite Sport and Fighters
Although he enjoys football, Basketmouth’s favourite sport is boxing and kickboxing.
Among top fighters, he expressed particular admiration for Israel Adesanya, praising his drive, confidence and resilience — especially his ability to bounce back after setbacks.
He also described Kamaru Usman as “my guy,” commending his strength and determination.
While he acknowledged that Anthony Joshua’s recent fights differ from earlier ones, he maintained that Joshua remains one of the greatest fighters and said he regularly watches his bouts.
Can the Super Eagles Win AFCON and the World Cup?
On the prospects of the Nigeria national football team, Basketmouth expressed optimism, particularly with attacking talents such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
However, he argued that winning major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup requires more than assembling talented individuals. Cohesion, early preparation and consistent training together are crucial.
He pointed to Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning squad — featuring players like Sunday Oliseh — as an example of a true team with chemistry and unity.
According to him, Nigeria possesses “beautiful players” but lacks sustained team synergy. Even the best 11 players in the world, he noted, would struggle without adequate time to train together.
Still, he believes that with discipline, selflessness and strong national support, the Super Eagles can win both AFCON and the World Cup.
“We have the support, the excitement and the energy,” he said. “Once we build a real team, we will win.”