Meet the GIMC 2015 funny man
WeekendLife
Born Bright Okpocha in Lagos Nigeria in 1978, Basket Mouth is the third of 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls. He started his stand up comedy career in 1998, during his University days (University of Benin) where he slowly rose up the rank in the comedy circuit in school and the city, located in Edo state. Although his breakthrough in stand up comedy was in 1995, he was not interested in chasing that dream.
While in school he met Ali Baba, who mentored him, Basketmouth later went to Lagos and worked with Ali Baba, opening for him at some private and public events, in no RME(Rolling My Eyes) he created his own path, market and brand. In no RME some event/show promoters noticed his talent and booked him to be part of a 3 year long tour (Playsafe Rave) which toured almost all the major cities in Nigeria.
Touring over 70 cities in Nigeria exposed him to a different market; this helped in building not only his brand but his confidence. Basket’s popularity grew even greater when he was then a regular act at Motherland, a monthly music concert; his appearances at Motherland for a straight 2 years and four months exposed him to the corporate Nigeria.
Basket’s major emergence in Lagos can also be tracked back to his performance at a concert called Hanging out with the home boys; his performance wowed the crowd enormously, winning the acceptance of the people present at the show. While working with Ali Baba, Ali introduced him to Opa Williams who then featured him in now one of the most popular comedy shows in Nigeria and beyond (Nite of a 1000 laughs).
In no Rme, show promoters in Nigeria identified Basketmouth as a force to reckon with when it comes to pure stand up comedy and as host for international music concerts held in Nigeria. Basket hosted concerts featuring Jay Z, Rihanna, Beyonce, Joe, Boys 2 men, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Cool and the gang, Akon, Dru Hill, Buster Rhymes, Fat Joe, Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Chris Brown, Brian McKnight and many more. He has headlined shows all over Africa, including South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia etc. In 2013 he was approached by Comedy Central to his own special and in 2014 was invited to be a part of Just for Laughs ‘one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world.
During those defining years, Basketmouth and his team launched his one man stand up comedy concert tagged ‘Basketmouth Uncensored’ a show that reached every form of success, the show played four years (2005-2009) and each of the instalment was a sold out concert. He stopped hosting the show to introduce other comedy brands, ‘Lords of the Ribs, Nigerian Kings of comedy, African Kings of Comedy and Laffs n Jamz’.
In 2014 Basketmouth re- launched his one man comedy show which was unarguably one of the best he has done. In Feb 21st 2010, he became the 1st African comedian to host a one man comedy concert at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo, which was a huge success. To date Basketmouth has hosted 9 different concerts in the UK including Basketmouth Uncensored Live, the Nigerian Kings of Comedy, The African Kings of Comedy, hosted Comedy Central presents in South Africa, Lords of The Ribs, and many more.
In 2011 he was approached by Mtv Base to host his own show ‘The Big Friday Show’ the TV show went on to win the best TV show in 2013. Basketmouth is presently one of the brand ambassadors of one of the leading telecommunications companies in Africa (Globacom) a brand face for Dana Air, a leading Airline company in Nigeria. BM stands out as one of the names in the entertainment industry to reckon with.
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.