Nigerian comedian Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, recently opened up about his controversial comments regarding Wizkid and Davido’s wedding. During an interview on “Backstage Banter with Isi Ijewere” in Toronto, Basketmouth explained the motivation behind his remarks and addressed the backlash he received from Wizkid’s fans.
The controversy began on June 25, during the highly-publicized wedding of Nigerian music superstar Davido and his wife Chioma. As social media buzzed with news and updates about the wedding, Basketmouth took to his platform to express his frustration. He lamented the difficulty of promoting his Canadian tour amidst the overwhelming attention given to Davido and Chioma’s nuptials.
In his commentary, Basketmouth not only highlighted the impact of the wedding on his promotional efforts but also threw shade at Wizkid. He noted that even Wizkid’s social media drama failed to garner significant attention because everyone was fixated on Davido and Chioma’s wedding. This offhand remark did not sit well with Wizkid’s fans, who quickly took to social media to express their displeasure and even threatened to “cancel” the comedian.
During the Toronto stop of his Canadian tour, Basketmouth addressed the incident in his interview with Isi Ijewere. He explained that his comment about Wizkid was part of a deliberate marketing strategy.
“Wizkid is my guy…that was a marketing technique,” Basketmouth said. “But I knew it was going to be edgy. I knew it was going to hit people. I knew they were going to get upset and they did exactly what I wanted them to do. It worked.”
ALSO SEE: ‘It’s Insulting to Say I’m Not on Same Level with Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy’ – Rema
Basketmouth’s explanation sheds light on the calculated nature of his remark. By making a controversial statement, he successfully drew attention to his tour, leveraging the viral nature of social media outrage to his advantage. This tactic, while risky, demonstrated his understanding of how to navigate the dynamics of public interest and social media trends.
Despite his explanation, the reactions from fans remain mixed. Some understand the strategy behind his actions, while others feel that using another artist’s name for publicity is unprofessional. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of such marketing techniques and the impact they can have on public figures and their relationships.
As Basketmouth continues his tour, he remains one of Nigeria’s most beloved comedians, known for his sharp wit and fearless approach to comedy. While the incident with Wizkid’s fans may have been contentious, it undeniably brought additional attention to his shows. Whether this strategy will continue to serve him well remains to be seen, but it has certainly kept him in the spotlight.
Basketmouth’s comments about Wizkid and the subsequent explanation highlight the complexities of navigating fame and publicity in the digital age. His ability to turn a potentially negative situation into a successful marketing campaign showcases his savvy as an entertainer. As fans and critics continue to discuss the incident, one thing is clear: Basketmouth knows how to keep people talking.
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