by Rachel Ogbu

Bright “Basketmouth” Okpocha is to become the first Nigerian to host prestigious comedy gig and TV show Comedy Central Presents…Live at Parker’s.

Basketmouth would headline his own edition of the show in Johannesburg, South Africa on April 24 with other well-known South African comedians.

Basketmouth will bring his own unique brand of comedy to the live show at Parker’s Comedy & Jive, followed by a special telecast of Comedy Central Presents Basketmouth Live at Parker’s, airing exclusively on Comedy Central (DStv Channel 122) on Friday June 14 at 07:55 WAT/08:55 CAT.

“I am really buzzed to be reppin’ for Naija at Comedy Central Presents…Live at Parker’s in April! So watch out: the Nigerian invasion has begun!” Basketmouth said.

Head of Comedy Central Africa, Evert Van Der Veer said it’s been the company’s long-held ambition to include Nigerian comedians and comedy in the programming lineup – and what better way to start than with “Basketmouth – the king of Nigerian comedy himself!”

Basketmouth’s profile has never been higher, with huge demand for his comedy gigs both at home and internationally, including an upcoming tour of Europe in April 2013.

Launched just over 12 months ago, Comedy Central (DStv Channel 122) has successfully lured South Africa’s top comics into hosting its regular monthly stand-up gig. Among the many brilliant funnymen and women to grace the stage at Parker’s Comedy & Jive have been Chris Forrest, Kurt Schoonraad, Tumi Morake, Al Prodgers, Joey Rasdien, Barry Hilton, Loyiso Gola, Tats Nkonzo and Stuart Taylor.