Years after its initial release, Basketmouth’s critically acclaimed album Yabasi is once again making waves not through a reissue or deluxe version, but through a single heartfelt tweet that has reignited conversation around one of Nigeria’s most genre defying music projects.
In a recent post that has since gone viral within entertainment circles, a Twitter user known as ‘Entertainment Lawyer’ wrote:
“Basketmouth released one of the best albums I have ever listened to. Yabasi is perfection!!!”
The tweet was direct, emotional, and clear in its praise and it did not go unnoticed. Basketmouth, the celebrated Nigerian comedian, actor, and producer behind the project, reposted the message on his own Twitter account. He accompanied the repost with nothing more than a symbol of gratitude, a subtle but sincere gesture that resonated with fans who have long admired his ability to transcend expectations.
Originally released in November 2020 as the official soundtrack to Basketmouth’s comedy web series Papa Benji, Yabasi stood out immediately for its ambitious scope and unexpected creative direction. Instead of serving merely as background music for a comedy series, the album presented itself as a standalone work of art. It blended a variety of Nigerian genres including highlife, Afrobeat, and soul, and it featured a star studded lineup of some of the country’s most respected and rising talents.
Collaborators on the project included Flavour, Phyno, Waje, Ladipoe, BOJ, Ceeza Milli, Oxlade, Umu Obiligbo, The Cavemen, and others a collective of voices and sounds that brought the album’s rich storytelling and cultural roots to life. Each track was carefully curated, not just for musicality, but for emotional weight and narrative depth.
Critics at the time hailed Yabasi as a rare example of how a comedy based creative could enter the music space and make a lasting impact. It was not a novelty or a side project; it was a full bodied production that showcased Basketmouth’s deep respect for music and his ability to connect with Nigeria’s vibrant soundscape on a professional level.
The recent praise from ‘Entertainment Lawyer’ is not just a random tweet, but rather a reminder of Yabasi’s staying power. In a fast-moving industry where new albums are often forgotten within weeks, Yabasi continues to find new audiences and draw renewed appreciation from professionals who understand the nuances of music production, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
Social media has since lit up with fans echoing similar sentiments, many of them sharing their favorite tracks from the album and recounting how the music made them feel when they first heard it. Tracks like “Myself,” “Udo,” and “Papa Benji” are being re shared across platforms, and fans are even calling for a live performance or anniversary celebration to honor the body of work.
What makes this moment particularly noteworthy is Basketmouth’s understated response. Known for his humor and expressive public persona, he chose not to accompany the repost with a joke or lengthy caption, but instead responded with a quiet symbol of gratitude. It is a reminder that, beyond the comedy and celebrity, there is a creator who remains deeply moved by the impact his work continues to have.
While Basketmouth has not officially announced a follow up to Yabasi, he has continued to dabble in music production, contributing to the follow up soundtrack Horoscope and teasing potential future collaborations. Whether or not a new album is on the horizon, it is clear that Yabasi has earned its place in the canon of modern Nigerian music.
More than a soundtrack and more than a celebrity project, Yabasi is a testament to what is possible when storytelling, culture, and music come together with sincerity and intention.
