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Nigerian comedy can go global like Afrobeats, says Basketmouth

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Basketmouth says he believes the Nigerian comedy industry can gain global recognition just like Afrobeats.

Afrobeats is regarded as one of the most widely celebrated music genres in the world.

Speaking at the unveiling of ‘LOL: Last One Laughing Naija’, Prime Video’s first unscripted African original comedy series, on Thursday, Basketmouth said Nigeria is blessed with talented comedians who should be enjoying global acclaim.

The 44-year-old comic actor added that he sees the series as a perfect way for Nigerian comedy to “break into the global market space”.

“I have always imagined Nigerian comedy in a way where it is globally recognised and when I was approached and given the privy of what the event was all about, I was like this is the perfect way to break into that space,” he said.

“Afrobeats broke into the global market. But comedy in Nigeria is yet to own its own spot. And Prime Video is in over 200 countries across the globe. I was like Bright, we have talented comedians that can break into this space and this is the perfect platform to do it.

“And it is actually what we deserve in our space. We do not have our spot just yet. And this is the best way to own it.

“You guys can see that any comedian that came on the show held it down. Many people across the world will start seeing how spontaneous they are and they will start getting interested.

“So this is actually the birth of the Nigerian comedy industry to the rest of the world. And I am so proud to be part of this.”

The comedy series will see 10 Nigerian comedians compete against one another.

They will be tasked to keep a straight face and also try to make their opponents laugh and lose.

The comedians include Okey Bakassi, Acapella, Mr Funny aka Sabinus, and KieKie.

Others are Buchi, Dat Warri Girl, Taaooma, Senator, IGoSave, and Gandoki.

The winner will receive a grand prize of N40 million and donate the money to their selected charity organisation.

Entertainment

Bolanle Ninalowo opens up on early career struggles

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Bolanle Ninalowo has revealed how he overcame early career setbacks to achieve success in Nollywood.

In an unreleased episode of ‘Off The Top’ podcast, Ninalowo said his initial failures ultimately led to his triumph in the entertainment industry.

When asked about his motivation to persevere in an unreleased episode of ‘Off The Top’ podcast, the 44-year-old emphasised that being down can present unexpected opportunities for self-discovery.

Reflecting on his Nollywood journey, Ninalowo credited his initial failures for his eventual success.

“When you fall flat on your face and you are backed against the wall, that is when you get the biggest opportunities to discover yourself. I tell people that when I came to Nollywood, the secrets of my success are buried in my failures,” he said.

Ninalowo’s entry into Nollywood was far from smooth. He began as a producer but faced failure. He then ventured into music, only to find it wasn’t his calling. Undeterred, he returned to acting in the mid-2000s.

His breakthrough came with the 2015 movie ‘Desperate Baby Mamas,’ which propelled him to fame. Since then, the Ikorodu-born actor has appeared in numerous hit films, showcasing his versatility in both Yoruba and English movies.

Some of his notable roles include performances in ‘Fate of Alakada,’ ‘Coming From Insanity,’ ‘Breaded Life,’ ‘Lakatabu,’ and ‘Alter Date.’

Ninalowo’s resilience and determination have made him a household name in Nollywood.

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Basketmouth reveals why he stopped being MC at weddings

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Basketmouth, the Nigerian standup comedian, has revealed why he stopped being the master of ceremony (MC) at wedding events.

The 46-year-old entertainer described his decision as a “sacrifice” necessary to preserve his artistic integrity.

“Hosting events as an MC feels like adulterating the art,” he said in a chat with journalists at the premiere of his first feature film ‘A Ghetto Love Story‘.

Basketmouth clarified that he only stopped being MC at private gigs like weddings, not entirely quitting duties as host.

He added that if invited to a private gig, “I will be doing standup comedy, not the MC”.

“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. I did not enter this industry to be an MC of a wedding and all that,” he said.

“So I felt like I was adulterating the art, I felt bad about it and I had to stop. So if I am doing a private gig, I 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.”

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Rapper NBA YoungBoy pleads guilty in drug fraud case

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NBA YoungBoy, the US rapper, has pleaded guilty to charges connected to a prescription drug fraud scheme.

The Louisiana rapper appeared in a courtroom in Logan, Utah on Monday, where he admitted to two counts of third-degree felony identity fraud, two counts of third-degree felony forgery, and six counts of misdemeanor unlawful pharmacy conduct.

YoungBoy, who is still serving 27 months on federal charges, also entered a “no contest” plea for 36 additional charges. He initially faced 46 state charges.

The plea deal reduced the felony charges to Class A misdemeanors.

Spencer Walsh, the judge, suspended a prison sentence, instead imposing a $25,000 fine.

The judge acknowledged YoungBoy’s prior agreement to serve over two years in prison and five years of probation for a related federal case resolved in September.

Authorities revealed that YoungBoy orchestrated the scheme from his home in Huntsville, Utah, where he posed as a doctor, using stolen identities to call in fraudulent prescriptions.

His associates allegedly collected the drugs from area pharmacies.

During sentencing, Walsh offered words of encouragement for the 25-year-old artiste.

“I’m sure that in your future, once you’re done with your federal prison time, you can be really successful on federal probation and have a really bright future where you can reach your full potential in every aspect of your life,” he said.

YoungBoy, known for his 2018 debut studio album ‘Until Death Call My Name’ and projects like ‘AI YoungBoy 2’ (2019) and ‘Sincerely, Kentrell’ (2021), is also facing an unresolved federal gun case in Louisiana.

The rapper, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, recently announced plans to release his new album, ‘I Just Got a Lot on My Shoulders’, on December 6.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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