Basketmouth has signed a music deal with Empire, a US-based record label.
The Nigerian comedian, real name Bright Okpocha, broke the news via Twitter on Thursday.
Hey guys, did I mention that I’ve been signed by @empire? Well…I am.
Time to make more beautiful music. @DuktorSett you ready? pic.twitter.com/ujmyf1RAJ4
— Basket Mouth (@basket_mouth) October 13, 2021
Empire, as an independent label, also handles music licensing and distribution.
It boasts successful Nigerian artistes like Olamide and Fireboy DML.
In November 2020, Basketmouth had released ‘Yabasi‘, a soundtrack album for ‘Papa Benji’, his comedy series.
The album featured artistes like Ladipoe, BOJ, The Cavemen, Bez, Waje, Duncan Mighty, Flavour, and Phyno.
Speaking on what an Empire deal means for Basketmouth, Joey Akan, music journalist, said it would give him “an advance, a budget, and marketing support for his next project, Horoscopes.”
For Basketmouth, it’s a sweet ass deal that leverages on his proven talents as an A&R, his celebrity, and influence to put records together & market,” Akan added.
“It’s the first time we are getting such a deal in Nigerian music, where a comedian switches into music, and after one project, (2020’s brilliant ‘YABASI’), he’s convinced music’s royalty to take a chance on him.
“Basketmouth gets a sweet advance, and support to amplify his new path. Videos, promo, playlisting, press, and partnerships, handled for him.
“His only job now is to make the best possible music and make thunder strikes twice with another album.”
