In the 1990s, Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth, briefly ventured into the music scene, only to find that his unique sound could have resonated with the audience of the time.

Undeterred, he redirected his energy towards comedy, a decision that ultimately led him to great success. Now, after a prolific comedy career, Basketmouth is making a triumphant return to his musical roots with the upcoming release of his third studio album, "Uburu," scheduled for October 20, 2023.

During an intimate album listening party in Lagos on September 10, the 44-year-old entertainer shared insights into his musical journey, reflecting on how it has shaped his career. Basketmouth candidly revealed that his early foray into music featured a blend of Hip Hop and Afro beats, a sound ahead of its time in 1995. This led him to comedy, a decision that ultimately paved the way for his current success. He mused, "It's like a full circle."

Basketmouth's musical evolution began with his critically acclaimed debut album, "Yabasi," released in 2020, followed by "Horoscopes" in 2022, a collaborative effort with his partner, Duktor Sett, who also produced the forthcoming "Uburu."

"Uburu" marks a significant departure from his previous works as Basketmouth embarks on a new creative direction. He explained, "When I did the first two albums, I told Ducktor Sett I wanted us to be free. We made Yabasi for ourselves because that's what we were vibing to then. It was a dream come true for me. 'Horoscopes' was also more experimental. 'Uburu' is the first album we're making just for the people, for vibes and inshallah."

The album's title, "Uburu," an Igbo word for "brain," is a symbolic nod to the intricacies of human cognition. Divided into two parts, each containing seven songs, the second chapter is slated for release in February 2024. Basketmouth drew inspiration from the structural duality of the brain itself, explaining, "You know the brain is split into two when you look at it from the front. It inspired the idea of splitting the album into two parts."

The first chapter's track list is a compelling blend of sonic experiences, featuring titles like "Goalkeeper," "Party," "Jolie Jollof," "Koko," "Cover Me," "Link Up," and "Chasing Dreams." The album also boasts an impressive lineup of featured artists, including Bayanni, Boj, Duncan Mighty, Falz, Laycon, Lojay, Timi Dakolo, Torrian Bell, Paladin, Peruzzi, Qing Madi, Reminisce, Shatta Wale, and Victony.

With "Uburu," Basketmouth invites listeners on a musical journey that transcends time and genres, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and a celebration of his rich creative spirit.