In a viral video now making waves on social media, Nigerian comedian Bright Okpocha aka Basketmouth found himself in an unexpected cultural standoff during a performance at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The entertainer, who was billed to perform at a campus event, was compelled by the student crowd to fully prostrate before taking the stage — a move that has stirred widespread reactions online.
The footage, which surfaced via Instagram, captures the tense yet humorous moment where Basketmouth appeared puzzled by the demand. Standing on stage in front of a packed auditorium, he questioned the OAU tradition that seemingly insists entertainers show deep respect to the audience — typically by prostrating flat on the ground, a cultural symbol of reverence among the Yoruba.
“Elder go prostrate for small children” Basketmouth said, half-jokingly, gesturing in slight disbelief. Attempting a diplomatic compromise, the veteran comedian gave a courteous bow instead.
However, the crowd rejected the gesture with synchronized chants, refusing to let him proceed with his set until he fully lay flat in a traditional Yoruba-style prostration.
Reluctantly, yet with a smile on his face, Basketmouth eventually went down flat, drawing thunderous applause, laughter, and cheers from the energized student audience. “When in Rome, behave like Romans,” he remarked before yielding to the crowd’s expectations.
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This dramatic moment underscores the rich cultural pride that OAU students have long been associated with — particularly their reputation for holding public figures to traditional standards when on their turf.
It also highlights the delicate balance celebrities must strike between maintaining their status and honoring local customs when performing on academic or cultural grounds.
While some fans online found the encounter amusing and emblematic of Basketmouth’s versatility, others debated whether it was appropriate to pressure an elder entertainer into such a gesture.
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