Bright Okpocha, a Nigerian comedian also known as Basketmouth is known for his rib cracking jokes. But his latest rape punch line has provoked an outrage. It was not funny at all. It was the type of joke Nigerians like to refer to as ‘expensive’.Basketmouth had in a tweet which was also posted on his Facebook page compared dating white girls to dating African women. In the tweet, he recommended rape for members of the latter group who failed to give in to a man’s lustful advances after nine dates, which include dinners and shopping sprees. The joke was inconceivable. However, for those familiar with Nigerian comedy scene, it was nothing new. For long, Basketmouth, like many other Nigerian comedians, had always delighted in entertaining their audience with explicit and insensitive jokes that stereotype women and people with physical disability.
Such a joke as told by Basketmouth is the staple of many comic shows. No matter at whose expense the jokes were cracked. The audience, which also include women, do not seem to mind as they often pay appreciable sum to be part of sell-out comedy shows. In less than a decade, the Nigerian comedy scene has witnessed a boon. Comedians are raking in ‘monster’ appearance and endorsement fees from private and corporate clients. Never in the history of the entertainment industry had comedy been this lucrative. In the years when old school comedians like Gringory, Zebrudaya, Samanja, Baba Sala, strut the entertainment scene. Such jokes were rare. Now it seems the more explicit the joke, the bigger the audience with comedians smiling to the bank. In recent years since Ali Baba blazed the trail, the game has changed tremendously. Comedians like Basketmouth have changed the perception of comedians as unemployed ‘alawadas’. (Jesters)
In Nigeria today, comedy has also assumed the status of a profession. Many young men aspire to make people laugh professionally. Established comedians like Ayo Makun, popularly called AY are well-organised and operate like real businessmen. But many of the jokes are still very crude and stereotypical. Basketmouth’srape joke, for example, can be so contextualised. Comedians can say anything. Yabis (abuse) is the name of the game. The more the yabis, the more the audience respond. They are often forgiven because the jokes are made on stage where they enjoy some form of poetic licence. But Basketmouth, who had crossed the line of decency many times, seems to have met his waterloo this time. His attempt to glorify rape was one joke too many. The comedian once joked about raping old women! But this time, the backlash which trended like wild bush fire on social media forced the comedian to issue an apology.
That Nigerian women have become the subject of lurid verbal and physical assaults from men is no longer news. That such attack is now being endorsed by a celebrity who should know better leaves a sour taste in the mouth. It was a cause for worry because celebrities like Basketmouth ought to know that their conduct and what they say can have an impact on their followers. Suggesting that it was ok to rape African women having gone on a couple of dates with a guy was really offensive and insensitive in a world where rape has become a major crime that affects women. This joke by Basketmouth confirmed my fears that women indeed have become an endagengerd species in this clime. But Baskemouth will not be the first and the last comedian to crack portraying women in uncomplimentary terms. Those familiar with the comedy scene know that women are usually the butt of jokes. Indeed, the comedian in question has been found to attack women sexuality. Yes his audience may laugh at these jokes. But they have come to represent the metaphor of the value placed on our women. His recent joke has also opened up debate about the culture of rape that has become endemic in our country today. Let’s look at it. Basketmouth opined that if a man takes an African woman on a date, the ultimate is to have sex with her. And if she refuses, then the woman should be raped! Now that got me thinking. First let’s examine the issue. No matter how we look at this. The comedian cannot be divorced from the message. Basketmouth is a celebrity. He is a cult figure to his followers. He has a huge fan base. I have also checked his Facebook and Tweeter pages. He attracts close to two million followers. This is very significant. In an age when a celebrity’s fan base determines popularity, it assumed he has a measure of influence on them. It is also to be noted that many of Basketmouth fans are youths who are still very impressionable. The import of the joke is that now their idol says it’s ok to rape a girl they have taken out on date. Can anyone guess the reaction of these youths if Basketmouth warped thinking had not been challenged? It is really sad.
Those who support the comedian miss the point. The culture of celebrity worship has gained ascendancy in recent times. Celebrities have immense impact on their followers. Just as we have seen how pastors influence their congregation. It is in this context that we must see the rape joke by this comedian. I foresee a situation where more girls will be endangered by boys who may unfortunately believe that rape is cool. They will only be heeding the advice of their idol. All they had to do is invite a girl out on a date and rape her after a couple of outings. The point needs to be made that rape joke, such as the one told by Basketmouth can deepen the culture of rape arising from the objectification of women. It is not funny at all because rapes have increased in recent years.
With the growing cases of rape in the country today, the outrage that greeted Basketmouth rape joke is a warning to other celebrities and public figures that such recklessness will not be tolerated. Jokes or public statements that increase the risk of sex crimes must always be condemned. Personally, I do not have anything against Basketmouth. He is a successful example of the potential of the Nigerian youth. His rags to riches story is an inspiration. But the truth has to be told. It is a good thing that he has apologised but there is no justification for suggesting that African women are only good to be raped. In other climes, he would have been financially stripped bare with sponsors withdrawing their endorsements. There are lessons to be learnt. The social media is increasingly becoming a powerful ombudsman. Celebrities should also use their voice positively. It is not enough to be popular. Star power can be a powerful tool in the fight against rape. Nigerian celebrities should use their star power as a positive. It also high time Nigerian comedians stopped telling offensive jokes. It doesn’t make sense to use the stage to spew nonsense in the name of comedy. Comedians like Basketmouth must lead by example.