To say Helen Paul is multi-talented is saying the obvious. The graduate of University of Lagos is a comedienne, singer and actress. She’s popularly called “Tatafo”, a witty kid who addresses and lampoons societal issues in a satirical manner. The show has, over time, garnered massive and ardent listenership/followership in Lagos and several other states of Nigeria. She tells Adetutu Audu there’s nothing greater than making her audience happy.
YOUR baby voice brought you to limelight. How are you able to achieve this?
I watch cartoons a lot. Besides, I love children very much, and this has given me the privilege to imitate them perfectly.
You have your hand in many pies. At what point did you decide the academy?
The academy has always been part of my dreams, even as a little girl. I have always dreamt of a day when I would establish a school that would impact knowledge on the people and subsequently help make a better society. Yes, I have my hands on many things, but it is God that has been giving me the strength to move on.
Where do you draw your inspirations from?
My inspiration comes from God and the things around me. I interact with my audience. Most of the time, if I’m backstage, I see through. I’m to understand the stage if it is a proscenium stage, I know the audience will face me directly; if it is an arena stage, the audience will sit round me, so I have to look for a way to move round the stage in such a way that everyone sees me. Sometimes, I get there early to meet people buying tickets, so I observe what they are wearing. I also try to understand if they are from the elite category or ordinary people in the society.
You recently performed at an event with the first lady in attendance. How would you describe the experience?
It was a fantastic experience, not because she is the first lady, but because she is one of the women I respect very much.
What comes to your mind when you mount the stage to perform as a comedienne?
The priority of any entertainer is to have a good show at any given time. Nothing greater can be in my mind than to make my audience happy.
While growing up, who influenced you in life? The good, the bad and the ugly
No particular individual, but I will rather say the society influenced me. I lived in areas where I mixed with all classes of people. I lived where there were area boys, and I also lived among the elite class, that is why I can also imitate any of them perfectly. I have seen the negative and positive sides of the society, but I chose to be influenced by the positive aspect.
No doubt you are a star. Share with us the pains and gains.
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. For you, which is fulfilling?
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.
How do you juggle as a wife, mother and a career woman?
I give all the glory to God for giving me a husband that is very understanding and supportive. The credit goes to him and God. He has been very supportive. He makes life very easy for me and I pray it continues like that forever. I say a big thank you to my husband. He is making it work, not me.
Is there any difference between Helen Paul at home and “Tatafo”?
The Helen Paul at home is a wife and mother. “Tatafo” is that inquisitive small girl on radio. She is a radio personality. “Tatafo” wants to know everything. Most times, she pokes her nose into issues that are none of her business. She uses satire a lot as well.
Craziest thing a fan has done to you?
It was a day a fan slapped me. She said, ‘wow, Tatafo! I always enjoy your comedy and skits. You’re such a funny and naughty girl…’ and the next thing I saw was a slap on my face. It was crazy because the slap hurts and it was in a public place. And because she was an elderly woman, I could not complain.
What dictates your dressing?
May be my mood. I just wear what makes me comfortable at every point in time.
How would you describe your style?
Style, for me, is freedom; freedom to express myself and to be myself. It is simple, natural and classy.
Which fashion item is hot for you?
Every fashion item is hot they all have their respective importance.
Secret of your success in marriage?
The secret is the fact that God gave me a friend and brother as husband.
