Idibia opens up in new interview: sauce lindaikeji.blogspot
In this very revealing interview with Sunday Sun, mother of 2
Annie Idibia opened up about life before the fame and
money; how her mother coped after they were abandoned
by their father, her acting career, marriage to 2face Idibia,
her relationship with his other kids and much more. Excerpts
from the very interesting interview below....
Ordinarily, people would expect to see the pompous
wife of a big star like Tuface but that does not seem to
be the case with you. You're so humble?
Thanks for the compliment. I am a very playful and
down-to-earth person though, there are times I prefer
keeping to myself in order to avoid people taking
advantage or abusing me. However, I am a very simple
person. I am from Eket, Akwa Ibom State. I am from a
family of four children; three brothers and myself, the
only daughter of the family. My mum and dad divorced
20 years ago. Continue...
Your parents separated 20 years ago. How did it affect
you?
My mother bred us from childhood to adulthood because of
the divorce. I was almost a tom boy growing up with my
brothers. It's heartbreaking when you live with your parents
happily and suddenly, they part ways. Sincerely, we were
terribly affected emotionally. It was especially tough where it
was only our mother that was attending functions in school
and taking care of our needs. It was emotionally sapping
and my brothers have their own fair share of memories. It
affected me so much while in secondary school because I was
always sad going home after school hours to see my mother
living without my father. But mum tried her best to make life
meaningful for us; she is my hero. And I appreciate God for
being there for us.
How old were you when your parents divorced?
Maybe, nine or 10. I was in primary school when it all
happened and I remember everything but it is irrelevant
talking about it now because we have moved on.
Could you talk about the sacrifices you made as a kid to
support your mother financially?
I was always running home during lunch break to prepare
lunch for my younger brother but unfortunately, we lost him
at 15 years of age. It was really tough! I had to assist my
mother in her shop which was very close to our house after
school. She was also working to make ends meet.
How did your brother die?
We don't like talking about it in the family because we miss
him dearly. He was an intelligent and brave boy; he died of
tuberculosis.
Where did you grow up?
We lived in Ibadan with our parents when my father was
working with Mobil and my mother was a house wife. She
remained a house wife until they separated. I was born with
a silver spoon but I didn't grow up with it. After their divorce,
my mother got a job with Mobil working as a cook to support
us. Thereafter, we moved to Jakande Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
From there we moved to Thomas Estate, also on the Island.
After the entire struggle, God has blessed us tremendously. I
am the last child. My eldest brother is married and my elder
brother lives in Atlanta; he is also married.
How did that experience shape you?
It made me stronger and independent as a woman. As the
only girl, my mother taught me to do domestic chores. Today
as a married woman, I have domestic staff but I still cook
and do house chores. I started working immediately after I
graduated from secondary school at age 15. I worked as a
sales girl in a boutique and two other places before I got
admission to study, leading up to my diploma. I also worked
part time as an undergraduate of Computer Science at the
Lagos State University when I was 18-years-old. Thereafter, I
got admission into the University of Lagos where I bagged a
degree in Theatre Arts. Growing up wasn't easy, my sister. I
have never shared this before in the media but I think God
wants His name to be exalted in my life.
What is your advice to couples on divorce?
Honestly, divorce is the worst punishment any parent could
subject children to because it's the children that will face the
consequences of their actions. Divorce shouldn't be
considered as an option when couples face-off. It is advisable
to settle rather than divorce. Why did you get married if you
cannot forgive and reconcile with your partner? I don't wish
my kids to pass through my experience regarding divorce. I
always use my parents-in-laws as an example and I try to
emulate them in my marriage. After all these years, they are
still deeply in love with each other. Even at their age, they
still enjoy each other's company and that is amazing.
Have you reconciled with your father?
I have reconciled with him. I did seven years ago. Our
mother always encouraged us to forgive our father and love
him regardless of the past. I have a very good relationship
with my father now.
Let's talk about the industry that brought you to limelight.
How did you come into Nollywood?
I attended so many auditions after my secondary education
and I also did some modelling jobs for a while earning as
little as N2000. The highest fee I ever earned was N5000
but I wasn't discouraged. I worked with Dakova and KC
Jabari and I also did ushering jobs at events. I was an usher
at Queen Onokala's first album launch. I was also second
runner-up of Queen of All Nations Beauty Pageant. It was
after the beauty pageant that I made my Nollywood debut.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have spent over four years as a professional. I came into
Nollywood in 2009. Before then I had featured in minor roles
while in the University. After graduation and the birth of my
first baby, I got deeply involved in acting.
What do you enjoy most about being an actress?
I love stepping into other people lives, living it and depicting
it to the best of my abilities and it's always been a delight.
Have you ever played a role you later regretted?
I wouldn't play it if it's not acceptable to me.
Are you saying that even if you are paid a huge amount of
money, you wouldn't play if it's not acceptable?
Sometimes I actually accept scripts because of the character
and not the amount involved. I also consider the energy and
intellectual ability that the character demands because I love
playing roles that challenge my ability and skills. Basically, I
act for the passion and not just for the monetary gains.
Have you ever been embarrassed by a fan?
I learned a lot from my husband who became a superstar
before my foray into Nollywood. So, mine is a piece of cake.
I don't tag them embarrassing because it's a price you have
to pay for fame.
How has motherhood been so far?
I enjoy being a mum. God has blessed me with two
wonderful kids. It's wonderful though, tasking, stressful and
sometimes depressing, especially when you are a working
mum. But I try to create time to be with my kids no matter
my busy schedule. I make sure I am always involved in my
daughter's school activities. It would interest you to know that
I am my daughter's lesson teacher. And I must appreciate
my lovely mother for making life meaningful for me by
teaching me so much; she has been a wonderful mother and
grandmother.
What do you enjoy most about being a mother?
I admire watching my little baby bubble with life. Watching
my first daughter grow is nothing short of a blessing from
God. They give me joy and I celebrate motherhood whenever
my daughter calls me mama. It's a wonderful feeling looking
at this creatures God has blessed me with; in fact, they are
the best things in my life.
You are presently on set, could you tell us about the movie
you are working on?
We are working on a movie entitled Perfect Snake. I am
actually playing female lead. I love the role because it is one
of my most challenging roles. In fact, the character is my
direct opposite. She is a girl that doesn't smile and is mean.
She is a rich kid who does all her father's dirty deals and is
sexually involved with her brother. It's been fun coming on
set in the morning and driving home in the middle of the
night.
Who is the perfect snake in the movie?
You will find out after watching the movie when it is
released; I wouldn't let the cat out of the bag.
There is this popular saying 'no pain, no gain'. Have you
had any experience in life that actually made you cry?
I actually cried the day I gave birth to my first child, Isabella.
They were tears of joy. I held her and kissed her to
appreciate the mercy and grace of God upon my life. And I
also cried the day I lost my younger brother. And of course, I
cried on my wedding day.
Why did you cry on your wedding day which should be
your happiest?
Indeed it was a long journey. We dated for years before we
got married on that fateful day, which was my happiest
moment in life. My mother was filled with joy seeing her only
daughter getting married to her soul mate. In fact, both
families were elated.
When did you meet Tuface and how long have you been
married?
I met my husband in 1999 and we started dating in 2002.
We dated till we got married. Though, there were times we
had differences during courtship but the bond we shared and
our love for each other took us to the altar. We have been
married for over two years and I feel like it's been forever.
Your husband has been linked with rumours concerning
women. How do you handle those moments, especially the
recent one about him impregnating a banker?
I really don't pay attention since I am married to a man that
understands me. In fact, most times we laugh over these
rumours. Any time such rumours come up in the media, my
husband calls me immediately on the phone asking if I have
seen what was written. And I reply that I have and we laugh
over it and move on because we know that those rumours
will not tear us apart. On the recent rumour about him
impregnating a banker, I don't know what they stand to
gain with idle gossip. I had just delivered my baby, Olivia.
She was barely two months old but we overcame it.
Could you share some of your labour room experiences?
The coming of my first baby was easier but my second baby
was not easy. I was screaming and calling on God. I had my
babies through caesarean section. I appreciate God but I
wish it was through normal delivery. I always remember the
pains I had after their delivery because it's not the normal
way of giving birth but the major pains that go with CS.
However, regardless of the process, I give God all the glory.
Have you ever felt like having your husband present in the
labour room?
He was around during the delivery of my first baby though,
he was not allowed into the theatre. He was 24 hours late for
the delivery of my second baby. I was so angry with him but
he apologised and I forgave him.
Which of the rumours published about your husband hit you
hardest?
None, I just want gossips to leave us alone to enjoy our
blissful lives together. We don't disturb them, why are they
disturbing our peace? And I also want to appreciate our fans
for being there for us.
Most celebrities' marriages break up. How are you able to
enjoy a stable marriage?
I married my friend and we trust, love and respect each
other so much. And that has remained the bed rock of our
marriage.
Your husband has admitted that you are his African Queen.
What actually attracted you to him?
I was very young when we started dating. Honestly, I can't
explain what it is but I just want to be around him always
and it just grew into what it is today.
Was he your first love?
I wouldn't answer this question but I think so.
Tell me what I want to hear, is he?
(smiles) He is my love.
How does your husband react after watching some of the
romantic roles you acted including those where you had to
kiss another man?
They are two different things but my husband has asked me
not to act in bad movies. I am g lad to express my ability as
a professional. And concerning playing romantic roles, my
husband always say to me, 'if you have to act a romance
scene, you have to do it well or you don't do it at all.'
Are you saying he is not a jealous guy?
(laughter) No. He is actually a very jealous husband.
How are you coping living with your step children?
I don't have step children; they are my kids. They are
innocent, smart and adorable kids. We have a good family
relationship with our kids in America and Nigeria. Zion has a
great sense of humour, he is always attached to his sister,
Isabel; they are age mates and they always disagree to
agree in love. It's fun watching them stay together whenever
they come to their family home. Honestly, we want our
children to enjoy their childhood by the grace of God in unity
and love. And I really appreciate their mothers for their great
understanding and their father, for making our children his
priority in life.
Your husband stated in an interview that he is done making
kids. Do you still wish to have more kids?
(Smiles) That's funny. God has blessed us with seven children
so I think we have enough. But if God blesses us with one
more child, who am I to say no.
Are you planning to produce a movie like your colleagues?
I am working towards producing a movie soon but aside
that, my NGO would soon be lunched. I am working
presently with a colleague and friend, Tana Adelana. Our
first project will be in Jakande Estate schools, located in
Lekki. The objective is to assist pupils to have a comfortable
environment for learning.
Do you also consider acting beyond Nollywood?
I will if the opportunity comes but I don't have American
accent and I don't like pretending. If I am given an African
woman's role to play, why not? After all, Rita Dominic is now
in Hollywood, which is a commendation for Nollywood.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
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