As far as Nigeria’s entertainment industry is concerned, Edo State-born Helen Paul Bamisile, better known as Helen Paul, needs no introduction. She, unarguably, leads the pack of comediennes in the comedy genre of the entertainment industry. In this interview with WOLE ADEPOJU, the talented entertainer explains why she doesn’t see herself as a star as being identified in the society. She also speaks about other interesting issues including her marriage, career, personality and others.
What informed your interest in a male-dominated sector like comedy?
As a little child, I had always known that I would become a celebrity in future, but, honestly, I didn’t know in what capacity. I didn’t know what would bring the fame, but I just knew that I would be a star. I always told my friends then that I would grow up to be a star.
Even when I was just a receptionist at the Eko Reelmix Studio, I was so confident that I’ll become a star. It was later that I started as a back-up singer and voice-over artiste, before the comedy and acting aspects took over. My success is God’s plan for me, and I worked relentlessly towards it.
It was when I got admission into the University of Lagos that I discovered the comedy part of me. I actually went for a show, and the MC did not come; so my friends said I could do it because I’m a funny character. I eventually did it and it was awesome, and from there, people started calling me for shows and the money kept rolling in. I had to stick to it and, of course, I met the likes of Ali Baba and Basorge, who now enlightened me on the business part of the job.
It was when I got admission into the University of Lagos that I discovered the comedy part of me. I actually went for a show, and the MC did not come; so my friends said I could do it because I’m a funny character. I eventually did it and it was awesome, and from there, people started calling me for shows and the money kept rolling in
Didn’t your family object to the idea of doing comedy as a career?
My parents are not unnecessarily rigid; their priority is to ensure that you are doing the right thing. Once they are sure of that, they support you with their prayers. They didn’t have any problem with my choice of career; perhaps, they had already observed the traits in me as a little child.
What was your growing up like?
Growing up was fun. I enjoyed it like every other Nigerian child. My parents were not poor and they were not rich, but we were comfortable. My mother and grandmother are disciplinarians. They were very strict, and that has honestly helped me a lot. For me, growing up was fun because I mixed with both the higher and lower classes. I know what it feels to be rich and vice versa.
You set a pace with the establishment of a theatre arts school. What brought about the idea?
I did my first and second degrees in Theatre at the University of Lagos. I’m almost through with my Ph.D. in the same school. The idea of establishing the school is to also give back to the society in a way. Many people want to study theatre, but they don’t have the privilege to be in the university. So, with the efforts of our seasoned lecturers, we groom and nurture such people to stardom. Some educated people also have interest in theatre. So, we created the platform for them to become stars, making good use of our contacts and affiliations among the crème-de-la-creme in the industry. Meanwhile, all our activities are in accordance with the directives of the NBTE. Besides, what we offer is a complete theatre and film training. We cover every aspect of theatre and film.
The entertainment industry in Nigeria has, no doubt, become a force to reckon with nationally and internationally. The film and music sectors have reignited the pride of Nigerians all over the world. All over Africa and globally, Nigerian entertainers are highly respected and regarded as ambassadors worthy of emulation. Besides, in a country where unemployment rate has continued to be on the rise, the entertainment sector has also proved its relevance by providing employment to a reasonable number of citizens by engaging them in productions and events on a daily basis.
As a result of the boom in the entertainment sector, several thousands of youths aspire to make a career in the industry, and this has subsequently given room for many charlatans and half-baked practitioners. However, it is in view of this that Helen Paul Theatre & Film Academy decides to create a strong, credible and professional platform, where aspiring entertainers can acquire their skills in different departments of the entertainment sector under the tutelage of seasoned thespians, and in a structured environment.
Can you share the pains and gains of being a star?
I see myself as the girl next door; I can walk on the streets when I feel like, stop by the road to buy roasted corn and plantain, name it. Most times, it is people that remind me that I’m a celebrity. I just enjoy myself; that’s the truth.
You are an actress, comedienne, TV host, business woman. In which of these would you say you find fulfilment?
Everything is fulfilling. I enjoy doing all of them, and it is the combination of all these jobs that make me Helen Paul. It would not be fair if I say this particular one is fulfilling to me.
Can you recall how you met your husband?
We met through a friend, and we were good friends for some years before we started dating.
In your opinion, what do think is responsible for the incessant break-up of the marriages of people in the industry?
You see, it is not a trend in the industry. Go to magistrate courts, you will discover that more people divorce on a daily basis. It is not peculiar to entertainers alone. Bankers, journalists, lawyers, doctors and other professionals are divorcing, too, every day. I think it is more of a societal thing. But because entertainers are in the limelight, people get to talk about them more.
Your success in the industry could be said to be an instant one. How did you achieve such a rare feat?
The secret behind my success, my brother, it is God o. I shouldn’t say more than that.
The comedy industry is still being dominated by men. Why do you think there are no enough women in that area yet?
Even in music, there are more men. I think it is more of a societal thing, but we are scaling that stage gradually in Nigeria now. We live in a society where people presume that female entertainers are not responsible, and that has discouraged many ladies from coming on board. But that perception is gradually fading away now.
What won’t Helen Paul be caught dead doing and wearing?
I can’t be caught stealing, I can never steal. I won’t wear any irresponsible dress.
