Basketmouth will give up comedy in five years because "I Want To Be Remembered For Other Things"

 

Veteran comedian Bright Okpocha, better known by his stage name Basketmouth, has stated that he plans to retire from comedy when he reaches 50 in the next five years.

In a recent interview, Okpocha said he wanted to branch out into different industries because he didn't want to be recognized solely as a comedian.

I've been drifting for the last six years, said Basketmouth. I promised myself and my crew last year that I would return to comedy for five years before quitting. In five years, I'll be leaving. Just another five years, and I'm done with this.

"I can stop. There's a strategy. According to how I had arranged my life, I would stop speaking publicly once I turned 50. I will definitely make the occasional jest, but it won't be considered "professional" by me. If you see me performing, it's just me working for free; I won't ever charge anyone to do so again.

I've earned enough. Although I wouldn't say I've earned enough, I've been dedicated to the art long enough to say, "Take a break or quit, and whatever you do from now until the end of time, it's just you having fun."

Currently, I enjoy watching TV shows, movies, performances, and productions. I want to embark on a brand-new adventure and encounter novel things. I would have played the game for 31 years after five years. That is a significant amount of time—nearly half of my entire existence.

I want to accomplish something else and become known for something besides humor.

I'm not an MC; I'm a stand-up comedian.

In a different direction, he claimed that some of the challenges he faced stemmed from having to toe a line he did not want to in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

"I want to be liberated because I am human. I want to live an existence like that. I want to leave the space after 50 years and resume my regular life.

I'm taking a boat trip next month for my first vacation in about 26 years. There are many items in the boat, and since some people won't recognize me, I'll just be myself. I'm confident that I chose the correct boat.