Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, has issued a caution to the youth about the nature of social media.
Speaking on the CreativiTEA podcast, Basketmouth addressed the rise of bad publicity as a shortcut to fame, warning against following misleading examples.
“Bad publicity is bad publicity. 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.
“Most of our people, it’s all fake. They are trying to make you look fake. People will talk about you for a few weeks, and that’s it,” he stressed.
He further highlighted the dangers of chasing the spotlight without understanding the journey to get there.
“A lot of people have been blinded by the idea of just being famous. Undermining how one becomes famous – they don’t care. What is your brand equity?” he remarked.
He urged listeners to think long-term, questioning whether they can sustain their fame and what they truly have to offer.
“Can you sustain what you have generated in two weeks for twenty years? What do you have to sell? What do you have to offer? What kind of brand do you want to represent?” he asked.
Basketmouth stated that such fleeting attention is not worth compromising one’s authenticity and lasting value.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Basketmouth shared his struggles and the importance of inner joy.
“There were times I used to allow the physical, the disappointments, drown me. The most important thing is joy in your heart. You have to feel joy inside – you can be in debt and still be in joy,” he said.
He concluded with an inspiring message about human potential and the power of faith.
“We humans are like gods. That faith you have is your superpower. Once you wake up feeling joy and peace, start creating and thinking of what to do.”
