Princess: Nigeria’s funniest woman

My real name is Princess. I was born in FESTAC town, but grew up in Satellite town and Mile 2 Estate. I had most of my education in Lagos until I went to Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro from where I earned an OND in Electrical Electronics Engineering before going to the University of Lagos (Unilag) to […]

My real name is Princess. I was born in FESTAC town, but grew up in Satellite town and Mile 2 Estate. I had most of my education in Lagos until I went to Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro from where I earned an OND in Electrical Electronics Engineering before going to the University of Lagos (Unilag) to study Creative Arts.

What were your childhood dreams and fascinations about life?

I started acting at age 7 with the support of my parents and since then I knew my goal in life was to make people happy while educating them. Though at the time I didn’t know it would be through comedy.

How did you end up in comedy?

I started in 2001 in Unilag. At the time, I was a member of Cypress a company managed by Kayode Peters. Professionally in 2003 I started after I was advised by Mr. Wale Adenuga the Executive Producer of Super Story to go fully into comedy. I am glad I took the advice.

What are your literary, music and video preferences?

I read books by Dan Brown, Jeffery Archer, James Paterson, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, John Grisham, Stephen King, Danielle Steele and their likes. I don’t have a particular preference for movies, I just watch. I love music and can listen to anyone from jazz, R&B, reggae, rap, classical, country, to high life.

What is your daily routine like?

I workout very early in the mornings and late mornings, I attend meetings and make important calls. I eat in the afternoon and then go to the office. Late afternoon/evening I go swimming.

In the evening I go for shows or events if there are. At night I check my mails and watch late night movies.

Why do you think people regard or refer to you as the funniest woman in Nigeria?

Because I’m the funniest (laughing). Well, I don’t know why I am referred to in that manner but I guess it is because my style of comedy is unique and original.

If you had the chance, what would you do differently?

If I had the chance to change anything, I would have started professional comedy earlier.

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What lessons has life thought you that you would like to pass on to your children and younger generations?

Life has taught me to always see humour in all happenings and take life one day at a time, that way greed and desperation will not thrive.

What is Princess like off stage?

She’s a princess off stage (laughing) I am prayerful, playful, blunt, jovial, homely, strict and liberal.

What are the three things you always have with you?

Hmmm three things- my phone, ATM card and tissue paper.

Why do you always have a tissue paper? Do you cry a lot?

I hold it because most times I might need to clean the chair want to sit on or my hands. Not what you expected was it? (Laughter)

What is your most used word or phrase?

Thank you very much, you are welcome

What is your worst/embarrassing experiences on stage?

When I just started, in 2002 I went to perform at a bar in Okota and a drunken man threw banters about me being a common woman.

How did you take its?

I was embarrassed but reflecting now, I hope he is sober enough to remember that common woman and what she has made of herself.

What is the thrill for you being an entertainer?

The thrill, I think it is knowing that by the grace of God I put smiles on people’s faces all over the world and bring happiness to families.

Do you remember your first experience on stage? What was it like?

My first time on stage- I felt on top of the world, I was a little scared at first but once I started performing I forgot that I was standing in front of hundreds of people, I just kept looking at my mum, and that boosted my confidence.

What are your plans for the next couple of years?

To become a better actress and comedian so I can perform alongside my international counterparts in the UK, US, France, Dublin, in fact, all countries where people love to have fun. I would also love to develop my remaining talents, make Nigerians at home and in Diaspora proud. I wish to promote what is proudly Nigerian, affect the lives of the less privileged positively and continuously be a shinning example for the youths.

What were you like as child? Were you mischievous?

Mischievous? No o! (laughing) I was a very friendly kid, always on television for debate, dance and poetry. On stage for drama and cultural dance. I had a lot of friends both kids and adults. I even had a dance group called Young Stars Cultural Group, we would perform at various events within FESTAC most times for the fun of it and few times for a token. I was a very good math and French pupil. I joined the press club, literary and debating societies in my school.

What fond memories do you have of that time?

People at school, church and home loved me, I was very popular every where I went and that made me feel like a princess. (Making a face)

Are you married and do you have children?

I am not married and do not have kids and no I am not in a relationship right now.

How do people react to you when they see you on the street?

They laugh, smile, commend my efforts, pray for me or even hug me, it is always encouraging and fulfilling.

How are you able to be strict and liberal at the same time?

I am liberal at all times because it is a mind thing and strict when I need to be especially when I am working. I do not joke with my career.