Entertainment
I Gave My Stage Name To Bright Okpocha …Former ‘Basket Mouth’, Ernest Essien Reveals
Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basket Mouth, can perhaps be said to be one of the most celebrated and entertaining Nigerian comedians of all times, but not many people know that he got his stage name from another comedian named Ernest Essien who was originally known as Basket Mouth.
Ernest Essien now MC Miracle revealed this in a recent interview posted on the social media, he said Bright Okpocha did not steal the name. Sometime in 2000-2001 Basket Mouth approached me during one of the Plantashun Boiz’s concert at D-Denon Isaac Johnson in Ikeja and he introduced himself to me as Basket Mouth and told me he heard I was also using the name. I was already an established entertainer then..
“There and then, I asked him if he liked the name and his response was in the affirmative. I told him to keep the name, so I changed mine, most of my friends, including my wife did not approve of this; they said I sold my birth right to him”.
On whether the name affects him, he said: “Definitely yes, because I had to begin a rebranding process, getting to let my clients and fans know about it, it took a lot of time, money and convictions, but since they got used to it, it has been great to convince.
Fielding questions on his relationship with Basket Mouth, Mc Miracle said: He is my himself, my younger brother who is doing very well for himself, in fact I feel proud that I allowed him use the name and he has always shown me respect whenever we meet. Way back we cover up shows for each other. I remember one particular incident when he had to go for an interview in American embassy to get visa and also had to perform at Pall Mall in Calabar, he called me and I went to cover-up for him. We have cordial relationship though we hardly see often because of our busy schedules”.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’