In a candid conversation on the CreativiTEA podcast, celebrated Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth, delivered a powerful message to aspiring creatives about the perils of chasing social media fame.
“A lot of people have been blinded by the idea of just being famous,” Basketmouth cautioned, highlighting a troubling trend among young talents who fixate solely on the allure of the spotlight. “They undermine the journey to fame and neglect to consider their brand equity,” he said, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s own value.
Basketmouth urged listeners to think beyond fleeting viral moments. “Can you sustain what you’ve generated in two weeks for twenty years? What do you have to offer? What kind of brand do you want to represent?” he posed, encouraging a long-term perspective in an industry often driven by short-lived trends.
Addressing the increasing allure of notoriety as a shortcut to fame, he warned against mimicking bad examples. “Bad publicity is still bad publicity,” he stressed. “Don’t be deceived by what you see on social media. Most of it is fake. People may talk about you for a few weeks, but that’s all it is.”
In a heartfelt message for upcoming creatives, Basketmouth advised against sacrificing authenticity for temporary recognition. “Don’t sell your brand for two weeks of fame; you will have to reckon with that choice later,” he cautioned, highlighting the importance of building lasting value over ephemeral attention.
Reflecting on his own journey, Basketmouth shared his struggles and the importance of resilience. “There were times I let disappointments drown me, but joy in your heart is paramount. You can be in debt and still feel joy,” he said, offering a personal strategy for cultivating positivity. “Sometimes, you just have to pray specifically for joy. When you radiate that positive energy, it comes back to you.”
He concluded with an empowering reminder of human potential. “We humans are like gods. You can pray to a being you cannot see with faith—that faith is your superpower. God has given you that power—call on me anytime. When you wake up in the morning, seek joy and peace of mind, and start creating.”
