Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, offered some valuable advice to aspiring talents on the CreativiTEA podcast, warning of the dangers of chasing social media fame without a foundation. “A lot of people have been blinded by the idea of just being famous,” he shared, highlighting how many get caught up in the spotlight without reflecting on the journey it took to get there.
Basketmouth cautioned against relying on bad publicity to gain fame, reminding creatives that shortcuts don’t pay off in the long run. “Bad publicity is bad publicity. People are blinded by the fact that it’s working for someone else. Don’t ever be deceived by what you see on social media,” he stated. “Most of our people, it’s all fake. They are trying to make you look fake. People will talk about you for a few weeks, and that’s it.”
Speaking directly to those looking to build a lasting career, Basketmouth advised, “Don’t sell your brand for two weeks of fame; you will give birth to children later.” He encouraged authenticity and lasting value as a stronger path than chasing temporary attention.
Reflecting on his own experiences, he opened up about personal struggles and the importance of staying grounded. “There were times I used to allow the physical, the disappointments, drown me. The most important thing is joy in your heart. You have to feel joy inside – you can be in debt and still be in joy.”
Basketmouth also shared a simple but powerful strategy for staying positive: “Sometimes you just have to pray to God specifically for joy. Say, ‘God, I want to feel joy in my heart every day.’ When you radiate that positive energy, it comes.”
He ended on an inspiring note about human potential, saying, “We humans are like gods. That is why you can pray to a being that you cannot see, but you do it with faith. That faith you have is your superpower. God has given you that power – call on me anytime. Once you wake up in the morning and start feeling that joy, that peace of mind, start creating. Start thinking of what to do.”
Basketmouth’s message serves as a reminder for upcoming creatives to build a brand grounded in authenticity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose that goes beyond temporary fame.