Nigeria stand-up comedian and filmmaker Basketmouth divulged his recent experience while attempting to collaborate with Nollywood sensation Funke Akindele on his film project, “A Ghetto Love Story.”
His revelations, shared during an interview with Arise TV, spotlight the inherent challenges faced by creatives in the rapidly evolving Nigerian film industry.
Basketmouth, whose real name is Bright Okpocha, is no stranger to the realm of entertainment and has carved a niche for himself through his unique blend of comedy and film production.
When conceptualizing “A Ghetto Love Story,” he identified Funke Akindele an actress celebrated for her dynamic roles and impressive achievements in Nollywood as his primary choice for mentorship on the project.
This decision stemmed from not only her immense talent but also her significant influence in the industry, which Basketmouth believed would greatly enrich his film.
In August, Basketmouth recounted, he had a promising discussion with Akindele, which left him optimistic about their potential collaboration.
However, as the weeks passed, communication seemed to dry up. “I called Funke, and she was initially excited about the project. But then, one day I found myself in a silence that felt all too loud. She just stopped picking up my calls and responding to my messages,” he stated.
While Basketmouth could have easily felt disheartened by this turn of events, he maintained a pragmatic outlook.
Understanding that Akindele is an immensely busy figure in the industry, he speculated that she might have been preoccupied with personal projects, or perhaps experiencing technical difficulties with her phone.
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“Maybe she was working on her own movie, or her phone was on silent, or it could even be broken. I really hope she eventually picks up or responds to my messages,” he expressed.
Over time, however, it became increasingly clear to Basketmouth that he needed to recalibrate his approach.
After attempting to connect with Akindele on multiple occasions reporting that he had sent over 25 messages he decided to pivot.
Recognizing the urgent need to advance his film project, Basketmouth reached out to Mo Abudu, a formidable force in the Nigerian entertainment landscape and the founder of EbonyLife Films.
“Normally, Mo doesn’t usually involve herself in projects like this,” Basketmouth remarked. “But when I reached out to her, she jumped at the opportunity to lend her support. It was a game changer for me.”
Abudu’s eagerness to assist was a testament to her commitment to fostering talent within the industry, and it underscored a growing trend among filmmakers to band together for mutual benefit.
However, as he reflected on this rollercoaster experience, Basketmouth underscored a fundamental truth that he believes will shape the future of Nollywood.
“This journey has reinforced my belief that collaboration holds the key to growth within the Nigerian film industry,” he asserted.
“We must embrace a mindset where collaboration is considered the new competition. When filmmakers collaborate, they amplify their strengths and drive the industry forward.”
As the film industry continues to evolve, collaborations between established figures such as Basketmouth and Abudu signal a promising trajectory toward a united creative front.
The synergy created through collaboration not only enhances the quality of films being produced but also broadens the storytelling landscape, allowing for diverse narratives that resonate with audiences both locally and globally.
Furthermore, Basketmouth’s experience sheds light on the challenges that creatives often face in forging partnerships.
Navigating the busy schedules and priorities of fellow filmmakers can often result in unforeseen obstacles, but as Basketmouth’s story illustrates, perseverance and adaptability can lead to unexpected avenues of success.
Basketmouth’s journey with “A Ghetto Love Story” serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of resilience within the entertainment industry.
As he forges ahead with his film with Abudu’s backing he remains hopeful that further collaboration will not only enhance his work but also contribute to a robust and thriving Nollywood, where filmmakers uplift one another to achieve collective greatness.
The industry’s future, Basketmouth believes, is indeed bright, lit by the powerful beacon of collaboration and shared creative vision.
