Sultry actress Queen Blessing Ebigieson had one major wish on her mind in 2000, when she first walked into Nollywood, and that was to be a household name within the shortest period of time and affect lives positively through her movies. And fortunately, the mother of one, who quietly married the man of her dreams in 2005, is gradually actualizing that dream in Tinsel town. With over 15 hit movies to her credit, the role interpreter, from Okpella, Edo State, is fast becoming the darling of movie buffs, who are steadily helping to increase her fans base. In fact, her exploits in that blockbuster titled Pretty Angels is still being applauded by pundits and critics alike.
Vivacious Ebigieson, also a model, is very optimistic she would hit the international run-ways soon and further hoist the Nigerian flag higher alongside her career. In this no-holds-barred interview, Ebigieson, who has been out of circulation for more than a year in Nollywood, spoke on her whereabouts. Sensationally too, she opened up on how she met, fell in love, and finally said “I do” to her darling husband. She also spoke on life within and outside the klieg lights, among other germane issues.
Enjoy the interaction!
When did you breeze into Nollywood and which was your first movie?
I came in 2000 and one of my earliest movies was Lost Love. I came into Nollywood in a very funny way. I came in while still schooling in faraway Niger state. I remember picking the movie jacket of a movie from the stable of O.J. Productions and putting a call to them from a phone number, I saw on the jacket, got a favourable response and like they say, the rest is now history. I eventually came down to Lagos fully after my OND in Mass communication at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State.
And how have the challenges been since then?
It has been very, very challenging. As a new artiste then, the major challenge was moving from one audition venue to another and most times from 10am to 4pm, your name will not be on the list. It was really frustrating them but I refused to give up because of my passion for the industry. It was stressful and challenging but thank God, I never gave up.
Were your parents and siblings in total support of your coming to Nollywood?
My dad never had a problem with it, but my mum did based on her religions inclinations. As a Deeper Life member and worker in the church, they summoned us and told me to stop acting, or else my mum would be removed from her position, but I stood my ground and said no and today, it has paid off. Due to pressures, my mum eventually left the church.
Did you encounter any form of sexual harassments from moviemakers, when you newly came in?
Not at all. But you see, it’s a free world and I’m a pretty woman, so a lot of my colleagues asked me out without intimidation.
Did you date any of your colleagues?
No! I never dated any of my colleagues. I only have them as pals.
What has kept you going all these while in Nollywood, considering its unstable nature?
I love acting and showbiz with a passion and it is also my life. And because it is what I enjoy doing with a passion, it has continually kept me going.
But as a child growing up, what was it that you dreamt of doing professionally?
As a child growing, I dreamt of being seen on the TV and that led to my going to read Mass Communication. I want to go back to school soon and have a complete degree. I can never abandon acting for Mass Communication.
What part of your body, do you consider the sexiest?
I know I have hot legs and sexy eyes and I used to flaunt them a lot as a spinster.
What major wish would you make for tomorrow?
Major wish for tomorrow? I pray and wish my husband remains with me for life.
What are your mission and vision in Nollywood?
To be recognized both locally and on the foreign scene, affect lives through my movies and maybe set up a movie related NGO in the nearest future.
What is happening to your earlier plan of going into movie production?
It is still on, probably after the birthday of my son-Prince Gods time Osagie Okosun, we would commence shoot, and we are strategizing.
What are some of your major movies that actually made you a household name?
Some of my spectacular movies are Moment of Joy, Back-to-Back, Sweet Love, and Pretty Angels; it was the movie that brought me out.
At some points, you made waves with Super Story. How was the experience like?
It was fun and lovely. I was in One Bad Apple and This Life. One remarkable thing about them is that everybody is treated equally. I’m looking forward to working with them again this 2007.
As a model also, how has it been in that terrain?
It has been fun also, but, since I got married and had my baby, my modeling career has gone down drastically. I started acting before going into modeling. But acting remains the best for me because even if tomorrow I grow out of shape, I can still act but not model.
What would you say is the greatest thing acting has done for you?
It gave me the publicity and leverage that I have always wanted. It has also enabled me pay my bills legally till I met my husband. And without acting, I would not have come to Lagos to meet and marry my husband.
What stands you out as a starlet in Nollywood?
My personality and dignity, which I always protect and guard jealously stand me out.
What breaks you down or makes you cry?
As a married woman, I cry when I miss my husband or get him really upset.
In the next couple of years, where do you want to be?
in the next couple of years, I want to be a very big star, a respected mother and a respected wife like Joke Silva.
Prior to meeting your hubby, has your heart ever been broken by men?
I don’t believe any man can break my heart. If you’re in an affair that is not moving well, you have the right to quit.
Now that you’re married, are there things you are missing?
Well, the only thing I miss is hanging out with my pals and it is not because of marriage, but my son, I don’t like being away from him.
And how has it been also, juggling motherhood with acting?
it’s been pretty difficult but I’m trying to cope…
Since your arrival, like how many movies have you done?
I have done about 15 quality movies and still hope to do more.
What is your family background like?
We are from Okpella, Edo State. I’m the first daughter in a family of six, four boys and two girls. I grew up in the north and middle belt area.
In 2005, you were among the finalists in Miss Gateway Games, what was the experience like?
It was a lovely outing and experience for me. Even though, I did not win the crown, I won Miss Congeniality at the event. It was also fun and memorable because immediately after the pageant, I got married. In fact, I was already pregnant during the pageant.
The year is still fresh, so what’s been happening to you?
Not much and you also know I just had a baby boy; so I’m gradually taking my time. But I just got back from Abuja, where I went to shoot a movie, a new movie tentatively titled The Devil’s Advocate.
Is the birth of your baby responsible for your long absence in Nollywood?
Well, I won’t really accept that, but I love my son very well and if I start taking jobs, I won’t have enough time for him. And come to think of it, his father, my husband is very well to do and has given me everything I asked for, so why would I stress myself and the baby. At least, I want to give the baby and me one year break before bouncing back. I accepted this new job because of so much pressure.
So, how old is your bundle of joy now?
I had him on March 6, 2006, at St. Nicholas, here in Lagos.
How come most of your colleagues never knew you were pregnant then?
Well, my husband and I thought it was best for us to hide and not to make it public, due to some personal reasons. I deliberately kept out of scene, especially in Nollywood.
As a young lady, how has it been coping with motherhood and its attendant challenges?
Oh! Sincerely, I can’t find words to express it; it’s been very sweet and has also made me a complete woman. I’m also happy being married to the father of my baby boy. I’m now Mrs. Okosun, since 2005.
And how is married life treating you?
Well, well it is not a bed roses, it has its ups and down, but mine has been wonderful. I’m married to an understanding man, who has also shown me so much love. A man, who I also believe will always stand by me. Even when he offends me, I forgive because of the love and his son and when I offend him, it is also vice versa.
What got you attracted to him?
From the onset, I’ve always prayed to settle down with an elderly man, at least, ten years older than me, but God over answered my silent prayers by giving me a man that is twenty something years older than me and that gives me extra joy. He treats me like his daughter, wife, sister, mother, in fact, everything. I think we understand each other.
How old are you?
I will be 25 this April, while my husband celebrated his 46 birthday, last year.
Tell us more about this your doting husband?
He’s Chief Johnny Okosun, a prince from a royal family in Edo State, just like me; also an international businessman with investments here and there. He is also the publisher of Reality magazine, a nice, loving and quiet gentleman.
And how are you people planning for the Valentine’s Day, any special treat?
For us, every day is Valentine’s Day, especially when I’m with him. We are going to celebrate it like every other day. But after that, I will be jetting out with my son to further relax before his forthcoming first birthday.
Is he very comfortable with your life as an actress/model?
I should think he is comfortable because he has not complained and as a married woman, I tell him before accepting any script these days. And after going through with me, any one he says no, I drop without arguing. I’m of the view that a woman should always obey her husband.
What if tomorrow, he tells you to quit acting/modeling, would you obey?
Yes, I will obey him 100%, because I love him very much. Wherever he wants me to stay, is where I will be.
Is your husband romantic?
Yes, he is very romantic, loving, caring and generous.
And what are the romantic stuffs he does that usually tantalize your heart and soul?
Most of them are very personal to the two of us, but I would reveal a little. I like the way he talks and looks at me, they trip me a lot. Again, because I believe and know he is my dream man, whatever he says is sweet and romantic to me. He usually calls me “baby” and that is very romantic.
For your hubby, what part of your body trips him most?
Hmmh! He loves my eyes, boobs and legs with a passion. He also loves the colour of my skin.
After the birth of your baby, how many movies have you featured in?
Just two movies and a very big show held at the Niteshift Coliseum, I was the official face, it was called Fun Potpourri.
Now that you’re married, are we still going to see more of you as a model?
Yeah, only that I will select the kind of jobs I do now, no more hot or skimpy jobs because I’m married to a high chief from Opoji.
There is this general view that most marriages in Nollywood don’t last. What efforts are you making to ensure yours stays forever?
I believe in God and also know that it was God that destined this marriage and we also leave the rest to God, it will definitely last. I’m married and will definitely stay married.
Now that you’re married, do men still disturb you like they used to in the past?
The truth is that they still do, and I believe they have the right to do that, and I also have the 100% right to tell them no; because I’m hooked for life to the man that means the world to me. When they stop me, I usually let them know I’m happily married with a son without being rude. And before they start saying anything, I’m gone, because most women get carried away with what they hear.
As a Mrs., can you still act deep romantic roles in movies again?
Playing romantic role depends, even before I got married, I had never really kissed in my movies and it was not as if I’m against it, but God never brought such roles my way, now that I’m married, I still want the status to remain.
NB: Ebigieson is the current national president of Association of Movie Producers {AMP).
First published, February 2007
Culled from Azuh Amatus’ best selling books, FAMOUS FACES…
