Marcy Dolapo Oni, host of “The Marcy Project”, continues to shine on TV screens across the African continent as she wows her fans, engaging them daily with her wit, charm and charisma. The media personality who married Adegbite, the son of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade recently, tells Adetutu Audu her inspiring story.
You recently launched your new show “The Marcy Project.” What is it about?
The Marcy Project is a 30-minute fun, lifestyle and entertainment programme. In every episode, I perform a quirky, funny and interesting project and interview celebrities and upcoming acts. It is a social media-influenced show with a mixture of web features; pre recorded video footage and fashion tips. Each episode has at least one guest, which include musicians, designers, actors, comedians and sports figures. The project in every episode is a task or challenge, chosen by the viewers, social media followers or guests.
You’ve been part of a good number of stage productions and television shows, what is the experience like for you?
It has been truly amazing. I love acting, I really do. So any chance I get to flex the old acting chops I take. I have been really fortunate to be part of some really good productions.
From 53 Extra, to being co-presenter on Moments with Mo, and now your own talk show. How did the journey begin?
The journey truly began some years ago when I was fresh out of drama school. I always knew I wanted to act and after drama school I was working as an actress in London. I starred in plays and a few TV series and then I moved back in 2010 to pursue my career in Nigeria. I heard about an audition when I first got to Lagos and that was how I got my Job on 53extra. I had never had a presenting job before then.
Your first degree is in Chemistry; a different path for sure from your current pursuits in media and drama. Why the switch?
I wanted to be an actress from the age of 10, when I first saw the musical “Aspects of Love” by Andrew Lloyd Webber at The Oxford Playhouse in the UK. But my parents had other ideas and wanted me to get a degree in something they thought would be more stable. I enjoyed Chemistry at school, so I decided to study that at university. But once I had satisfied my parents’ requests, they were happy for me to do what I wanted. So I attended The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts where I studied Drama.
Now that you are married, how do you hope to combine being a wife and mother with your career?
I will take it all in my stride and aim to be the best wife, mother and career woman I can be. It’s all about achieving a healthy balance and knowing when to leave work at work.
Who are those who influenced you early in life?
My mother. She has taught me from day one to work like no one owes you anything. And she was right. No one does. You want something? Work hard, go out and get it! My mother taught me to work with an independent mind and be thankful I had a great education; and to use that to make something of myself. And that’s basically what I have done. I come from a family of lawyers and accountants, and everyone has pretty regular jobs. It may have been difficult if I came back from abroad with the mindset of maybe my parents or siblings could help me with this or that. What I needed mostly was their support and I am very lucky they gave that to me. And I just basically went out there to hustle so that I would get jobs, and luckily I did.
Fashion item you can’t do without?
Jeans. I have quite a number of jeans and I love the fact that you can dress them up and dress them down. I also love shoes. And I don’t just like heels; I like all kinds of shoes…wedges, flats, sandals, as long as they look nice. I would say I have about 30 pairs.
Describe your personality and style
I am chilled and I can be blunt. If I am annoyed about something, you will see it. It’s quite obvious because it will be written all over my face. So, what you see is what you get. My style? It’s effortless. I love simple silhouettes that flatter my frame. I don’t like outfits that are too busy. Even though I am most comfortable in jeans, I love to wear jump suits. I can never have too many of them. I try to keep in shape by working out three times a week when I am feeling motivated and when I am not, I try to eat healhealthy.
Being in the limelight has its own challenges, kindly share yours with us.
I would say all jobs have good sides and bad sides. I work on TV, so people know who I am. I can’t complain because I put myself up there. People say things because they feel they know you. So when people say things I don’t like, I just brush it off. I don’t complain about that, because the job comes with lots of perks.
You effortlessly change your hair dos and looks, what are your beauty secrets?
I don’t really have any but I always make sure that I wash my face at night. I use Clinique products. I am a lipstick person but I can’t possibly live without eyeliner. I wish I was a spa junkie but I am unfortunately not. I sleep and drink lots of water to hydrate myself; this I would recommend to anybody.
As one of the most admired television personalities, what do you think sets you apart?
I think the fact that I have been trained really helps. Even though I went to drama school, I use those skills in front of the cameras, whether it is for acting or presenting.
What would you say is the highest point of your career?
Highest points of my career are: Jacob’s Cross, Saro the Musical and starting my own production company by being able to create work and offer work to people. And watch this space, because there is something coming to your TV screens very soon (my own personal project).
What major setbacks have you had in the course of your career?
I think rejection is a major thing I’ve learnt to deal with. Going to a lot of auditions and not getting the job, I keep my head up and strive for what I believe in. I don’t let it knock my confidence because the next gig might just be mine.
What would you say is your greatest achievement?
I don’t consider anything to be my greatest achievement in life so far because I set myself very high standards and haven’t achieved my goals just yet.
