Entertainment
Valentine’s Day Fallout: How Basket Mouth Ruled Wembley Arena
Ace Nigerian Comedian, Bright Okpocha popularly known by his stage name as Basketmouth, made history on Valentine’s Day at the SSE Arena, Wembley London, as fans came out to support and watch Nigeria’s biggest comedy export as he became the first and only African comedian to headline Wembley arena.
Basketmouth thrilled the audience with an hour and 30 minutes of unrestricted and pure comedy, coupled with a few surprises for the audience, which made it a valentine to remember, and received a standing ovation from the entire arena. The mayor of Brent was in attendance, accompanied by the MP of Brent; Dawn Butler, who confessed to being a huge Basket mouth fan.
Speaking on the success of the event, Mr Ropo Akin CEO Cokobar Event Promoters who has supported Basket-mouth in the UK for the last 10 years, said they are elated as it is a big win for not just Nigerians but Africa as a whole. Basket mouth started showbiz as a rapper, he formed a group called “Da Psychophats” which had 7 members, and they started going for shows and rapping in 1995.
This did not go down well, the group broke up and he formed another rap group known as “Da Oddz” with his brother Godwin and Muyiwa Osunrobi. This venture was equally unsuccessful, as their style of rap was not popular in the Nigerian arena. Basketmouth’s career started around 2000 when he met one of the fathers of comedy in Nigeria, Ali Baba. His professional stand up comedy act came into play in 2001.
During these defining years, Basketmouth and his team launched his one-man standup comedy concert tagged “Basketmouth Uncensored”, a show that reached every form of success. The show witnessed 4 years, 2005 – 2009 and each of the instalment was a sold out concert.
He stopped hosting the show to introduce other comedy brand “Lords of the Ribs”, “Nigerian kings of Comedy”, “African Kings of Comedy” and “Laffs in Jamz” in 2014 after which the popular comedian re-launched his one-man comedy show which was unarguably one of the best he has done.
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.’