Olufunmilola Emmanuella Salako, former Miss Nigeria-Ireland is a dancer, actress and also runs a dance school, Crystal Ice in Ireland. Emmanuella, who has been teaching dance for over eight years also do musical videos, television commercials, concert and live stage productions. She has performed alongside JLS, Taio Cruz, and Lylod Daniels among others. She tells Adetutu Audu she is living her dreams.
ASIDE being a beauty queen, what do you do?
I run a dance school in Dublin, Ireland. I am also an on air-personality. I studied Business Administration and public Relations and I graduated in 2010. I love acting. I am hoping to get into Nollywood. I watch lots of Nigeria movies. I appreciate Genevieve and Omotola. I have the talent and the personality and I think that will go a long way. I have done a lot of acting in Dublin and also stage productions which I think is more tasking. It is about one’s talent, image is a big thing.
How would you describe your reign as a beauty queen?
Being Miss Nigeria -Ireland 2009.I learnt so much from the experience. I used to be shy. During my reign I had opportunity to meet Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr.Kema Chikwe and we sat down to discuss at a forum. This has helped me to build my confidence. Even in the area of dressing and the way I carry myself. Being a lady, you know what moves and shapes you. I was also at Miss Nigeria, organized by former beauty queen, Nike Oshinowo, I represented Oyo State. From the 35 girls that started out I was lucky to be among the top five, though I did not win.
Most beauty queens have pet project. Which was yours?
I worked with the youths especially in the area of drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, teenage pregnancy and engaged them in talks. I also did another one on diabetes, in conjunction with Diabetes Federation of Ireland. Basically I got my dancers and some singers that I know we raised thousands of Euros and donated to the cause. Though some people queried why I did not do for cancer, the reason I chose diabetes was my mom. She was diagnosed of diabetes five years ago and my uncle also died of the ailment. So it is something that is close to my heart. That is my project personally, but with Miss Nigeria organization it is all about the youths.
I am still in touch with the Diabetes Federation of Ireland; they keep me updated on their activities through newsletters. I am planning another show very soon and I am going to give a certain percentage of the proceeds to them.
With the youths I still work with Miss Nigeria organization, but I am very busy with my own work lately.
Your mom is a politician and you are into entertainment. What was your parents’ reaction?
It is just who I am. I have discussed with my mom and dad and they were like your siblings studied Architecture, psychology and law. And I am like I want to be on radio, I want to be on stage. It is just me, I love having fun. I don’t see myself as an office person, I see myself doing something fun, something I enjoy. My parents and most Nigerian parents were like that is not job, go out there and make some real money. But I feel I can make money with what I am doing, because I have got what it takes.
There is no doubt the crown will come with challenges. How have you been coping?
The fact that I grew abroad is a big challenge. When I came for Miss Nigeria in Abuja, I found out that there was a big challenge. Part of the event was that you have to win and create your own TV show and also presented it. The producer of the show chose someone else despite the fact that I gave in my best. I felt bad, but he called me back and said the only thing was that it is going be an African talk show, but I did not sound African. That really worked against me.
And the fact that people will say don’t I have better opportunity over there. But I am not really bothered. Nigeria is my country and I want to be here. The only thing that bothers me in Nigeria is the traffic. I wish the Nigerian government can create underground train to ease traffic problem.
You will agree with me, that the crown will also expose you to more opposite sex. How are you handling this?
When I was crowned I got over 1000 friend requests on Facebook. Right now I can’t add anybody on Facebook.
Would would you say inspire you in life?
Ophra Winfrey. She is amazing. She has done so much in her life and she knows where she is going.
Most beauty queens have issues settling down. When should be expect your wedding cards?
I don’t want to end up being alone. So say the next four years. I want to use the next two years to focus on my career. I have done quite a lot for myself at 23. I have my own dance school.
So is there any man waiting?
Sure there is always a man for every woman. But, not now for me.
Who is your ideal man?
He must be ambitious and has great personality. Strong is the most appropriate for me, someone who knows where he is going and interested in what I am doing.
Describe your sense of style
I love dresses a lot, skinny jeans and T-shirts. I love wearing high-heels too.
What does it take to be a beauty queen?
Good personality. You have got nothing, if you don’t have personality. If you are beautiful and have no personality it is a problem. You also need to humble yourself. With the crown you should be able to still mix with people.
Can you share your memorable childhood experience with us?
I was one of 10 children from St. Joseph’s National School who sang for the Clinton family on that most historic of nights in Dundalk. I was only 10 years old, but it will always be a highlight of my life. When I tell people now that I did that, they always say: ‘Wow, that’s incredible’
My story fascinated the American media, where I was portrayed as ‘ a black Irish child, the symbol of new Ireland’. I actually got calls from cousins in America who had seen my photograph in newspapers there, and they were amazed at the coverage.
It was an amazing day, we were all so excited. I remember giving an interview to RTE, and they asked me how I felt. The only thing I could say was ‘It’s like a dream’.
I recalled when names of the children who would be singing for the President were called out over the intercom. My name was one of the last called, and I just jumped up, I couldn’t believe it. I ran home to tell my mum, and she couldn’t even make sense of what I was saying because I was so excited.
When the event arrived, I found myself not only singing, but holding the song words for popstar Brian Kennedy. He said he was afraid of forgetting the words as well. So that really put me at ease. Afterwards, the children met privately with the President and his family.
I remember he spoke to me and I was absolutely speechless. He kept asking me questions and talking to me, but I couldn’t get a word out. Here was this man who I grew up reading about. I just couldn’t take it in. But now I realized it was an amazing experience, and I’ll always be so grateful I got to take part.
