Top stand-up comedians rocking producers hat in Nollywood — Saturday Magazine — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News
They have all made names as comedians. But right now, they have led in the pack of those who have transcended their stand-up acts to become notable faces and producers. Here are a few of the more notable comedians turned Producers.
Bright Okpocha aka Basketmouth
Basketmouth, whose real name is Bright Okpocha, began his career in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian in the early 2000s. The sociology and anthropology product of the University of Benin quickly gained popularity for his unique style of comedy, which often incorporated storytelling, wordplay, and witty observations. As Basketmouth’s popularity grew, he began to explore other areas of the entertainment industry, including television production. He created and produced several TV shows, including The Basketmouth Family and My Flatmates. These shows were well-received by audiences and helped establish Basketmouth as a talented writer, producer, and actor. In recent years, Basketmouth has transitioned to movie production, producing and starring in several films, including, The Exorcism of Alu (2016) and Scary Movie 4: The Short Films (2019).
His most recent film, Ghana Jollof (2021), is a comedy-drama that explores the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana. Throughout his career, Basketmouth has demonstrated his versatility and creativity as a comedian, writer, producer, and actor. His transition from stand-up comedy to television production and now movie production is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his desire to push boundaries in the entertainment industry. His debut feature film, A Ghetto Love Story, is still showing in cinemas across the country. Written by Victoria Eze, also known as Mizvick and directed by Daniel Oriahi, the film has sparked excitement among Nollywood lovers. With a mix of comedy and raw emotion, the romantic drama captures the resilience and beauty of love amidst harsh circumstances. It revolves around the lives of childhood friends Obinna and Stella, exploring love, survival, and the complex realities of life in a bustling, low-income Nigerian neighbourhood. The diverse cast, which helped to bring the vibrant film to life includes, Basketmouth, Patience Ozokwor, Nobert Young, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Wale Ojo, Dorathy Bachor, Akah Nnani, Beverly Osu, Chimezie Imo, Efe Irele, Ehizojie Okoeguale (Ehiz DadaBoy) among others.
Ayodeji Richard Makun aka AY
Popular as AY, Ayo Makun is one of Nigeria’s A-list comedians. The Ifon, Ondo State-born theatre arts graduate of the Delta State University Abraka is head huncho of Corporate World Entertainment, the company that is behind the successful ‘AY Live’ Comedy show, reputed as one of the biggest comedy shows in Nigeria if not in Africa. Like Ali Baba, AY occupies a top position amongst comedians whose heart partly lies in moviedom. Not only has the award-winning comedian featured in a couple of Nollywood movies, AY has equally signed a few critically acclaimed movie productions as executive producer. He has starred in highly successful movies like Being Mrs. Elliot, The Wedding Party and in the across country production, titled, American Driver. The movies that AY has signed as lead actor and producer are A Trip To Jamaica, 30 Days in Atlanta, 10 Days in Sun City, the Merry Men franchise and more recently The Waiter, which opened across the nation in major cinemas on December 21.
Bovi Ugboma aka Bovi
One of Nigeria’s top comedians, Bovi has his name listed amongst Nigerian movie producers. The Delta State-born comedian and product of the Delta State University produced and featured in the 2016 romantic comedy ‘It’s Her Day’. Although the movie wasn’t particular successful at the box office, Bovi has stated that he will hit location soon and won’t stop signing works either as producer or actor. A natural gifted standup comedian, Bovi began his career in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian in the early 2000s. He quickly gained popularity for his unique style of comedy, which often incorporated storytelling, satire, and social commentary. As Bovi’s popularity grew, he began to explore other areas of the entertainment industry, including television production. He created and produced several TV shows, including Extended Family and The Bovi Ugboma Show. These shows were well-received by audiences and helped establish Bovi as a talented writer, producer, and actor.
In recent years, Bovi has transitioned to movie production, producing and starring in several films, including It’s Her Day (2016) and My Village People (2021). His films often explore themes of love, family, and social issues, and have been well-received by audiences. Throughout his career, Bovi has demonstrated his versatility and creativity as a comedian, writer, producer, and actor. His transition from stand-up comedy to television production and now movie production is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his desire to push boundaries in the entertainment industry. His filmography includes, Visa On Arrival (Writer and Director), International Affairs, Standing Alone, 41Love, and Raised Apart.
