Basketmouth, AY Makun address 17-year feud on podcast

By Tosin Brown

After a 17-year rift, Nigerian comedians Basketmouth and AY Makun have finally appeared together on AY’s podcast, Glass House with AY, to discuss the origins of their feud, its impact on younger comedians, and the comedy industry as a whole.

In this latest episode, AY and Basketmouth reflected on the longstanding dispute that began in 2006 over unpaid performance fees.

AY recounted his version of events, claiming he was not paid for a show, while Basketmouth maintained that payment was made. This difference in perspective was the start of a misunderstanding that grew into a prolonged conflict.

“I did not know when the fight started,” AY said, expressing how the feud seemed to develop organically over time. “Every day, I thought it was just a passing issue—boys will be boys. But as the years passed, more rumors circulated, and it eventually lasted way too long.”

AY highlighted how the rift had a broader effect on the comedy community, especially younger comedians who looked up to them. “Our feud caused some damages because, in a way, we were like providers for people,” he noted.

Basketmouth acknowledged that their conflict led some comedians to pick sides. “Most people swear allegiance by default, so when AY and I weren’t on good terms, some people made it their business,” he explained. “A comedian even called me to ask if he could work with AY. I told him it was fine, and I was glad it happened because people saw it was okay to work with either of us. It’s about more money and opportunities.”

Reflecting on the rivalry’s legacy, Basketmouth emphasized that collaboration, rather than competition, should define their industry. “There was even someone who took a side and came at me. Now that we’re cool, he’ll be confused. It’s collaboration over competition,” he said.

The feud, which initially intensified in 2022 with the comedians actively avoiding each other, reached a breaking point in March 2023. AY publicly claimed that Basketmouth still hadn’t paid him for a past show, to which Basketmouth responded, labeling AY’s account as lies.

However, after an apology from Basketmouth late last year, both comedians have finally reconciled and are now focused on moving forward.

Their candid conversation on the podcast marks a new chapter for the two comedians, offering a message of unity for the Nigerian comedy scene.