Stand-up comedian and filmmaker Basketmouth has shared his experience trying to collaborate with Nollywood star Funke Akindele for his movie, “A Ghetto Love Story”.
In an interview with Arise TV, Basketmouth revealed that Funke Akindele was his first choice as a mentor for the project.
Despite an initial enthusiastic conversation in August, she reportedly stopped responding to his calls and messages.
Assuming she might have been occupied with her own projects, Basketmouth shifted gears and approached industry heavyweight Mo Abudu, who immediately embraced the opportunity to assist with the film.
Reflecting on the experience, Basketmouth emphasized the importance of collaboration among Nigerian filmmakers for the industry’s growth and success.
He said: “With collaborations with filmmakers, it was dramatic. When I started calling all these like Mo Abudu and the rest of them, you know, I had a plan. I was going to start with Funke Akindele, and just run it all through.
“But when I called Funke, she was excited and that was in August, and then the next thing, she never picked up my calls again. But she was making a movie, maybe she was busy, or her phone was on silent, or maybe the phone got spoilt. But yeah, I hope she picks up or responds to my messages.
“I’ve sent over like 25 messages or whatever, but she didn’t respond. So I had to change the whole plan and re-strategize. I had to go to Mo, this and that, but the rest of them came through.
‘I called Mo and normally she doesn’t do stuff like that, but she jumped on it. Sooner or later, I believe that filmmakers in Nigeria will get to understand that collaboration is the new competition”.