By Sulaymon Ruqoya
November 21st, 2024
Renowned comedian, actor, and music executive Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, has revealed the reason behind his decision to stop serving as a master of ceremonies (MC) at wedding events.
Speaking at the premiere of his debut feature film, *A Ghetto Love Story*, the 46-year-old entertainer described the move as a necessary “sacrifice” to maintain the integrity of his art.
“Hosting events as an MC feels like adulterating the art,”he explained, emphasizing his commitment to stand-up comedy rather than event hosting.
Basketmouth clarified that while he has stepped away from private gigs such as weddings, he hasn’t entirely quit hosting events. Instead, he prefers to perform stand-up comedy if invited to private gatherings.
“The only thing I have stopped is private gigs like weddings and all. It is a sacrifice I have to make because I do standup comedy, that is what I do,”he said.
“I did not enter this industry to be an MC of a wedding and all that. I felt like I was adulterating the art, I felt bad about it, and I had to stop.”
He admitted the decision came at a financial cost but said his craft took precedence:
“If I am doing a private gig, I’ll be doing standup comedy, not the MC. Let me just do my 30 minutes and bounce. But not as the MC of any event. I cannot do it anymore, that is like I am cheating on my craft. I am losing a lot of money, but it is not about the money now.”
Basketmouth’s decision reflects his dedication to preserving the essence of his art and prioritizing authenticity over financial gain. Fans and colleagues have commended him for staying true to his roots and valuing his craft above all else.