Title: Basketmouth announces its withdrawal from the comedy scene after five years of exceptional shows
Introduction :
Popular Nigerian comedian, Basketmouth, recently revealed in an interview with Arise TV that he plans to retire from the comedy scene within the next five years. The 45-year-old Basketmouth said he wanted to devote all his energy to other artistic endeavors, such as film, television and musical concerts. He also spoke about the challenges faced by comedians in Nigeria, including the lack of support structures to enable them to develop and hone their craft.
The reasons for its withdrawal:
Basketmouth always knew he would return to music, his first passion, after abandoning his career in that field to pursue comedy in the 1990s. His success with the hit sitcom “My Flatmates,” which he produced and starred in, reinforced his conviction to branch out into the entertainment industry. As he approaches fifty, he considers that the time has come to devote himself fully to other projects and to give comedy the place it deserves.
Challenges of the comedy industry in Nigeria:
Basketmouth highlighted the many challenges faced by comedians in Nigeria, including the lack of support structures to enable them to succeed. Unlike the music and film industries, which benefit from streaming platforms that allow them to reach global audiences, comedy does not enjoy the same support. According to Basketmouth, the culture of stand-up comedy is in decline because comedians do not have the structures to practice and refine their work, which harms the quality of their art.
A solution to support emerging actors:
Before leaving the comedy industry, Basketmouth plans to address this problem by providing greater exposure to emerging comedians. He hinted that he was working with “one or two streaming platforms” to give new comics the opportunity to be seen and heard across the world. The show he plans to put on for this purpose will be titled “One Night Stand.”
Future projects:
Despite his plan to retire from the comedy industry, Basketmouth is leaving the door open to a possible return in the future. As a comedian, he will continue to write material and may consider returning to the stage in 10 or 15 years. He even mentions a 15-year plan for his artistic future.
Conclusion :
Basketmouth, a talented comedian and entrepreneur, plans to end his comedy career in the next five years to fully devote himself to other artistic projects. He also hopes to find solutions to support emerging comedians in Nigeria, by providing greater visibility to their talent. His message is clear: comedy needs solid structures to develop and prosper in the country.