Basketmouth Warns Against Pursuing Fame Without Substance on Social Media

In a recent episode of the CreativiTEA podcast, Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Bright Okpocha, widely known as Basketmouth, advised emerging talents to be cautious of the allure of social media fame. He highlighted that the desire for instant recognition often overshadows the importance of authenticity and sustainability in building a brand.

Basketmouth noted that many aspiring talents focus solely on the spotlight, neglecting the fundamentals of what makes them unique. “A lot of people have been blinded by the idea of just being famous,” he remarked, questioning the purpose behind their drive for recognition. “What is your brand equity?” he asked, encouraging listeners to consider the value they bring beyond the momentary buzz.

The comedian warned about the ephemeral nature of viral fame and stressed the importance of thinking long-term. “Can you sustain what you have generated in two weeks for twenty years?” he questioned. “What kind of brand do you want to represent?” He highlighted that bad publicity, while seemingly effective for some, is still negative attention. “Bad publicity is bad publicity,” he stated, cautioning against following misleading examples. “People are blinded by the fact that it’s working for someone else. Don’t ever be deceived by what you see on social media,” he emphasized. “Most of our people, it’s all fake.”

Basketmouth shared a powerful message for young creatives, urging them not to compromise their brand’s integrity for fleeting fame. “Don’t sell your brand for two weeks of fame,” he said, advising that long-term value and authenticity are more rewarding.

Reflecting on his personal experiences, he spoke about remaining grounded amidst setbacks and disappointments. “The most important thing is joy in your heart,” he explained, revealing that joy has been a source of strength in his life. He also shared a practice that helps him stay positive: “Sometimes you just have to pray specifically for joy.”

Basketmouth closed with an empowering reminder about human potential: “We humans are like gods… Once you wake up in the morning and start feeling that joy, that peace of mind, start creating.” His message reinforced the value of authenticity and resilience for those navigating the modern media landscape.