The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Helen Paul

  • Seven Nigerian female celebrities with Master’s degree

    Seven Nigerian female celebrities with Master’s degree

    Nigeria is home to many talented and influential women who have significantly contributed to various fields, including entertainment, arts, fashion, and education. 

    Here are some remarkable Nigerian female celebrities who hold master’s degrees:

    1. Mosunmola Abudu

    Born on September 11, 1964, in London, UK

    Mo attended Ridgeway School, MidKent College, West Kent College, and the University of Westminster (Master’s degree in Human Resource Management).

    The Founder & CEO, EbonyLife Media, a leading pan-African entertainment company with a presence in TV, film, and digital media.

    She has developed and produced various TV shows, including “Moments with Mo” and several films, such as “Fifty” and “The Wedding Party. She has successfully collaborated with international studios like Netflix, Sony Pictures Television, and the BBC to produce content for global audiences

    She received an honorary doctorate from the University of Westminster in 2018 for her contributions to the broadcasting industry. Ranked among the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.

    2. Helen Paul

    She is a Nigerian comedian, singer, and actress born on 1 May 1983.

    She graduated with a doctorate in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos.

    Paul has worked and served as a freelance and full-time presenter at several media houses in Nigeria. These include Lagos Television (LTV 8), Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS), and M-Net (where she currently co-presents JARA on Africa Magic).

    Paul broke out as a naughty comic character on the radio program Wetin Dey on Radio Continental 102.3 FM, Lagos. She was known on the programme as “Tatafo”, a witty kid who addresses and lampoons societal issues in a satirical manner. She also presented programmes on TVC and Naija FM 102.7.

    In 2019, she obtained her doctorate in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos, which she dedicated to her mother. In 2021, she relocated with her family to the United States.

    In 2022, she was announced as the HOD of the Arts, Music, and Entertainment department at Heart International University in the United States.

    3. DJ Cuppy

    Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, born 11 November 1992, also known as DJ Cuppy, is a Nigerian disc jockey, musician, and producer. She is the daughter of Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola.

    She grew up in Lagos and moved to London at the age of 13.

    Cuppy lived in Ilupeju for six years before moving to Ikeja, where she attended Grange School, Ikeja. She then relocated to London, England, for her GCSES and A-Levels.

    She graduated from King’s College London in July 2014 with a degree in business and economics.

    She also earned a master’s degree in music business from New York University in 2015.

    Cuppy studied for a master’s degree in African studies at the University of Oxford, matriculating in 2021 and graduating in 2022.

    4. Lara George

    She is a US-based Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and producer. She started her music career at the University of Lagos and was a member of the disbanded musical group Kush. Her debut album Forever In My Heart was released in 2008 and included the hit single “Ijoba Orun,” which earned her several awards and nominations.

    She has performed at notable events and appeared on BET International as one of the first Nigerian artists to be aired on that show. She is married with two children and lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, in the United States. Additionally, she is the Vice President of Soforte Entertainment Distribution Ltd., the first home-grown structured entertainment distribution company in Nigeria.

    Lara George was born on 23 June 1978 into the family of Oluwole Bajomo in Lagos State, the administrative division of Nigeria.

     She attended Queen’s College, Lagos, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where she obtained a master’s degree in architecture.

    5. Fatimah Tuggar

    Fatimah Tuggar is an interdisciplinary artist born on 15 August 1967 in Nigeria and based in the United States.

    Tuggar uses collage and digital technology to create works that investigate dominant and linear narratives of gender, race, and technology.

    She is currently an associate professor of AI in the Arts: Art & Global Equity at the University of Florida in the United States.

    Tuggar was born in Kaduna, Nigeria, in 1967. Tuggar studied at Blackheath School of Art in London, England, and received a BFA from Kansas City Art Institute in the United States in 1992.

    She completed her MFA in sculpture at Yale University in 1995 and conducted a one-year postgraduate independent study at the Whitney Museum of American Art from 1995 to 1996.

    She also attended Kano Corona and Queens College Yaba in Nigeria before attending Convent of the Holy Family in Littlehampton, Sussex, in England.

    Read Also: IWD: Five female celebrities whose achievements have made Nigerians proud

    6. Folake Folarin-Coker

    Folake Folarin-Coker is a Nigerian fashion designer and the creative director of Tiffany Amber.

    Folake was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1974.

    She is ethnic Yoruba and of Ibadan descent. After her education in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, she earned a postgraduate degree in petroleum law and returned to Nigeria to pursue her fashion interests.

    Her fashion brand, “Tiffany Amber,” was launched in Lagos in 1998. The brand has four stand-alone stores and boutiques in Lagos and Abuja. She has staged several fashion shows in Africa, Europe, and the United States.

    7. Tiwa Savage

    Tiwa Savage is a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State.

    Her music style blends afrobeats, R&B, afropop, pop, and hip-hop, singing in English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba. Relocated to London at age 11 for secondary education. Graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Kent. She enrolled at Berklee College of Music, graduating with a degree in professional music.

    She received an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Kent in 2022.

  • My dog, my life decisions: Helen Paul addresses societal ills in new book 

    My dog, my life decisions: Helen Paul addresses societal ills in new book 

    Iconic thespian and educationist, Professor Helen Paul, has addressed the political dilemma of a country in her new book titled ‘My Dog, My Life Decisions’. 

    The book, which is currently available on digital platform, Amazon is a two-part drama with dual titles. 

    It is a satirical expose of the happenings in a country described figuratively as a dog and the citizens’ outcry.

    The first part, titled: “My Dog, My Life Decisions,” exposes the dilemma of a campaign manager who campaigned for the ruler in power, who breached all the campaign promises while the citizens suffered from bad rulership. Then came the revolt that led to the campaign manager’s hurried exile.

    Part two of the drama text is a rant by a mad woman exposing all the ills in the said country, while the hope of a respite remains a question to be answered. 

    Read Also: On Helen Paul and stigmatisation

    ‘My Dog, My Life Decisions’, which can be likened to George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’, is just one of Helen Paul’s artistic ways of creatively provoking laughter, while passing a serious message about our societal challenges. 

    Prof Helen said that “as a creative person, I choose to pass my messages in a variety of ways. It could be through standup comedy, movies, music or books, and the level of reception has been quite commendable.”

  • Netizens kick as Helen Paul suggest women salaries be paid to spouses accounts

    Netizens kick as Helen Paul suggest women salaries be paid to spouses accounts

    Stand-up comedienne Helen Paul has openly suggested that women’s salaries should be paid directly to their partners’ bank accounts.

    She communicated this via her Instagram account where she solicited the opinions of other women on the issue.

    She wrote: “‘I think women’s salaries should be paid directly to their husband’s bank account. My fellow women, what do you think?”

    Her post gained traction with some women concurring while others expressed disagreement.

    @samadeyemi2002 wrote: “Correct! I have seen a family where ATM and bank account alert for the wife is with the husband. They are still happily married till now.”

    Read Also: I am the voice behind Psquare’s popular song ‘Story’, says Helen Paul

    @therealstloui stated: “I am not a woman, but I say no way.”

    @dewealthy.kitchen concurred: “Exactly what l’ve been doing 7yrs in Marriage, ask my husband.”

    @sexy_queen_chinedu_ben wrote: “No way Mami’ I don’t agree for this one 00000oh.”

    @abisgangan wrote: “God forbid bad thing.”

    @rosy4thetruth stated: “Set the record, I’m fully behind you. You will indeed be a very good pacesetter.”

    @doctoraljokes_ wrote: “Yes, they should send it directly into our bank account. after all we are the head of the family.”

    @abbeyige argued: “I think you’re joking.”

    @adeoye.aderonke wondered: “Say wetin happen.”

    @mama_3jsmedia wrote: “Make I just take one eye look for now. Bfr I type ee na our money anyways. But mine should be paid into his account while is own should be paid into my account. Case close. I no kuku loose.”

    @dee_domex1 wrote: “My sister you are thinking rubbish.”

  • On Helen Paul and stigmatisation

    On Helen Paul and stigmatisation

    • By Zayd Ibn Isah

    During her 2019 doctoral degree celebration at Lagos State University, Nigerian comedienne and singer, Helen Paul, surprised many by revealing that she was a product of rape. This disclosure prompted questions about her decision to share such a sensitive part of her life, earning admiration for her courage, considering the societal stigma surrounding children born out of wedlock, especially those resulting from rape.

    Fast forward to this year, Helen Paul revisited the circumstances of her birth. She shed light on her mother’s resilient struggles to raise her against all odds. It must be noted that individuals are rarely encouraged to openly discuss sensitive details of their lives on social media or other relatively public platforms, particularly when such details are not flattering at all. But Helen Paul took hers in stride, much to the admiration of many netizens. In revealing this part of her life, she notably maintained a calm and assured poise. Her demeanour basically seemed to direct a message to her doubters, saying, “Do you now see that I have succeeded, despite your belief that I wouldn’t amount to anything in life?”

    The society which Helen Paul was raised in is one where individuals born out of wedlock are labelled as “Omo ale,” a derogatory term which can loosely be translated as a bastard child. In the Yoruba community, it is strongly believed that such children may disrupt household peace and ultimately amount to nothing in life. This perspective even extends beyond Yoruba culture to those of other traditional African societies. In such societies, children born out of wedlock are often perceived as potential sources of worry to households, and nuisances to society at large. Unfortunately, Helen Paul faced discrimination from her uncles and aunties, who not only avoided her like a plague but also denied her opportunities, diminishing her chances of surviving life, let alone going on to thrive within it.

    Eventually, Helen Paul would prove her doubters wrong. After all, “Man no be God,” as it is often said. But how would those who gave her little chance of ever winning in life feel upon seeing her become a distinguished personality during family reunions? In the midst of Helen’s story is the resilience of her mother who bore the pregnancy, despite the stigma, shame, and humiliation attached to it. On its own, rape is a traumatic experience. There are records of rape victims, mostly women, who have gone on to commit suicide, unable to withstand the trauma and shame of being violated. Others would choose to abort the foetus within them, as if doing so would enable them to move on and to heal.

    According to researchers, sexual violence survivors are at a greater risk of committing suicide. This statement has been proven true time and time again, with numerous instances of rape victims ending their lives just because they couldn’t bear the shame and social stigma. One such case is that of 16-year-old Olayemi Agbeloba, who tragically took her own life after being raped by her boss’ husband early this year.

    Read Also: FG budget N200 billion for military operation, poverty reduction

    In most cases, the parents of these victims would be too concerned about seeking justice and even vengeance for their children, rather than prioritizing their mental health. As much as justice is important, the well-being of whomever justice is being sought for is doubly important, particularly when considering the psychological damage caused by rape, the sort devastating enough to invite suicide as the only way out. This is all the more reason why parents and relatives of victims, and society at large, should always put the mental health of rape victims first, while ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book.

    Although we often encourage victims of sexual abuse to speak up, sometimes, when they do, we unfairly blame them for dressing somewhat or behaving in a particular manner, as if doing otherwise would have saved them from the animalistic urges of a rapist. You would hear statements like, “Why did you dress half-naked?” or “Why did you go to his house at such a time of the night?” It is insensitive statements like these that have emboldened potential rapists by serving as logical justifications for the act itself.

    That being said, there are numerous lessons to draw from the story of Helen Paul¼s life and that of her mother. One significant lesson stems from Helen¼s mother, who, when faced with the opportunity to succumb to despair like other victims, chose not to take that path. She could have chosen suicide or abortion to escape her terrible situation, but chose to be resilient. Her determination in the face of adversity should serve as an inspiring example for other victims of sexual violence. It is heartening to see that Helen Paul¼s perseverance has paid off; the once stigmatized “Omo ale” is now celebrated as an “Omo akanda.” This brings to mind the other lesson out of all this, which is that no human being born out of the misfortune of rape should be treated unfairly and denied the normalcy of childhood and growth. Nobody imagined that Helen Paul, a girl-child born from incredible pain and despair, would one day become the cornerstone of her family. This is all the more reason why we should end the senseless stigmatization of people who had no control over the circumstances surrounding their birth, and instead cultivate the art of tolerance, compassion and understanding.

    In commemorating this year’s “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence”, let us not only advocate for justice for victims of gender-based violence, but also sensitize the public concerning the mental health of survivors, in an effort to end once and for all the stigmatization of children who deserve much more from life and society than just being victims.

    •Isah can be reached at lawcadet1@gmail.com

  • 13 things to know about comedienne Helen Paul

    13 things to know about comedienne Helen Paul

    Nigerian comedienne, Helen Paul on Monday, November 27, spoke about the challenges she faced during courtship when she was featured on the latest episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast co-hosted by actor, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, aka Nedu Wazobia.

    She also revealed she was the voice behind ‘Uncle, Please Tell Us a Story’, a song titled ‘Story’ by Psquare released in 2005, amongst other things.

    Here are 13 things to know about Helen Paul:

    1. Helen Paul is a Nigerian comedian, singer, and actress.

    2. She is also a stand-up comedian, known as Tatafo, characterized by a voice range that makes her sound like a child.

    3. She graduated with a doctorate in Theater Arts from the University of Lagos.

    4. Paul and Bamisile got married in 2010 and have two sons.

    5. Paul has worked and served as a freelance and full-time presenter at several media houses in Nigeria. These include Lagos Television (LTV 8), Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS), and M-Net (where she currently co-presents JARA on Africa Magic).

    Read Also: I am the voice behind Psquare’s popular song ‘Story’, says Helen Paul

    6. Paul broke out as a naughty comic character on the radio program Wetin Dey on Radio Continental 102.3FM, Lagos. She was known on the programme as “Tatafo”, a witty kid who addresses and lampoons societal issues in a satirical manner. She also presented programmes on TVC and Naija FM 102.7.

    7. In July 2012 Paul released her debut album Welcome Party, which contains Afro-Pop songs such as “Boju Boju”, “Vernacular”, “Gbedu”, “God Forbid”, an Afro RnB song titled “Children of the World”, and “Use Calculator”, an enlightenment song about the menace of the HIV-AIDs epidemic. She subsequently released some singles, including “Take It Back”.

    8. In 2018, she released the audio and visuals of her single titled “Never Knew”, an inspiring song about her developmental years and career progress thus far.

    9. Paul opened a bridal and fabric boutique in Lagos in 2012 called Massive Fabrics and Bridals. She has since proceeded to open three other outlets of the boutique in different parts of Lagos.

    10. In 2014, she opened a film and theatre academy, the Helen Paul Theater and Film Academy. It consists of a dance studio, a makeup studio, a recording studio, a rehearsal studio, a photo studio, a mainly digital library, an editing studio, and a hostel for students.

    11. In 2019, she obtained her doctorate in Theater Arts from the University of Lagos, which she dedicated to her mother.

    12. In 2021, she relocated with her family to the United States.

    13. In 2022, she was announced as the HOD of the Arts, Music, and Entertainment department at Heart International University in the United States.

  • I am the voice behind Psquare’s popular song ‘Story’, says Helen Paul

    I am the voice behind Psquare’s popular song ‘Story’, says Helen Paul

    Nigerian comedian, Helen Paul has revealed she was the voice behind ‘Uncle, Please Tell Us a Story’, a song titled ‘Story’ by Psquare released in 2005.

    The 45-year-old said she was a receptionist at the time and that she got the gig after the children who were meant to do the voiceover failed to show up.

    She made this known when she was featured on the latest episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast co-hosted by actor, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, aka Nedu.

    She said: “At the beginning, I didn’t know P Square. I didn’t even know they were going to blow. They came to the studio, and they wanted to record their songs.

    “I think they were expecting some children to come and got disappointed. So, Ayoadeife said, “We have somebody who can do this voice, and this person can do all the range children.

    “I didn’t know what range was, but I was just very good at imitating voices to date. I was a receptionist then, and when they told them, they agreed. And the guy just said, Helen, ‘You will work in the nights, but we’re not paying much. I said, I don’t care; just buy me a ‘soft drink’, because I loved it at the time.

    “So they gave me the job, and I did the voicing of the children in the song. So they merged all the different children. So it sounded full. When the song started reigning, I didn’t even know what it was to put your name on a song; I didn’t fight for it.”

    Read Also: My boss discouraged hubby from marrying me – Helen Paul

    Helen Paul also revealed that her voice got her many jobs, and she moved from earning N9,500 monthly to over N400,000 monthly.

    She said: “The next job I did was for another milk product. I was at the reception when they brought this job, and they told me the child that was to do it was having exams. They said they would not be able to take that in the office because the advert needed to air at 3 p.m. and it was 12 p.m., so they were looking for a baby voice.

    “Uncle Ayo said, ‘Let’s try Helen’ and they brought me in to lay the voice, which I did. After the ad, I signed a paper for which I didn’t know the content. At that point, my salary was N9,500; I started receiving about N400,000 or N450,00 every month.”

  • My boss discouraged hubby from marrying me – Helen Paul

    My boss discouraged hubby from marrying me – Helen Paul

    Popular comedienne Helen Paul has recalled how her boss attempted to discourage her husband, Femi Bamisile, from marrying her.

    The comedian spoke about the challenges she faced during courtship when she featured on the latest episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast co-hosted by actor, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, aka Nedu.

    The 45-year-old said while she was working at Television Continental (TVC), her human resource personnel berated Bamise for choosing to marry her.

    She also said another boss wondered if Bamisile was dating her or if they were having fun.

    Read Also: Helen Paul shares inspiring message on rejection

    “My boss called my husband and said, ‘Femi, is it that kind of Helen you want to date? You are more than that. But if you want to just enjoy yourself with her, it’s okay oh!’

    “I took Femi to my office then in TVC, my HR manager looked at Femi and said, ‘Look at how clean you are, a lawyer. Why the choice of Helen?’”

    Paul and Bamisile tied the knot in 2010.

  • I’m a comedian in Nigeria, professor in United States – Helen Paul

    I’m a comedian in Nigeria, professor in United States – Helen Paul

    Stand-up comedienne, Helen Paul, has journeyed down memory lane on how she overcame childhood and societal stigma.

    Helen Paul had a few years ago revealed that she was born out of rape.

    Speaking in a viral clip on social media, she said some family members even referred to her as a “bastard” who would not achieve anything good in life.

    She said: “Some of us can’t take rejection. Some of us don’t know that our words can make someone feel rejected forever but it worked for me differently.

    “I was born out of rape and I grew up with my grandmother, where everyone in the area called me a bastard. So I grew up hearing that I’m a bastard.

    Read Also; I am the only vibrant reggae musician in Africa – King Wadada

    “When my aunties come to give grandma money for feeding, they will say ‘Don’t use this money to take care of one bastard child, use it to take care of yourself and buy your medicine’.

    Helen further stated: “Once they leave, mama would turn to me and speak in pidgin ‘you don hear wetin dem aunty dem dey talk, na so this world be o. Na people wey suppose be your mama blood be that oh but dem don tell you who you be. If you like, grow up, forget yourself, say if person no do well, nobody they celebrate ham’.

    “But I realize that anytime I offended Mama, she would not want to touch me because they have warned Mama not to beat me. So you think a child looking at different talk will grow up with love?

    “But today, I am a comedian in Nigeria and a professor in the United States.”

  • Helen Paul shares inspiring message on rejection

    Helen Paul shares inspiring message on rejection

    Famous comedian Helen Paul, popularly known as Tatafo, has shared an inspiring story of her grass to grace story.

    She posted a video on her Instagram page where she discussed about being a rejection to many at a tender age because of the situation that surrounded her birth.

    She explained how she turned her rejection into a power force.

    Helen Paul revealed that she was stigmatised since her mother gave birth to her after being raped and her aunts repeatedly reminded her that she has terrible blood and that none of her grandmother’s stipends should be spent on her.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, France pumps over N200m into creative industry

    Tatafo described how she was given the name Helen by an unknown man since her relatives believe she is a disgrace on their family.

    Helen Paul, who shared the video, urged her supporters not to be discouraged by the stigma from close family members, noting that she had progressed from a comedian to a professor in the United States.

    “Never feel rejected believe it to be your power force.From a comedian in Nigeria to a professor in USA.What a story!Please be alive to tell your story too. All things will work out,” she said in parts.

  • Why I celebrated my Independence Day with comedy show in USA – Helen Paul

    Why I celebrated my Independence Day with comedy show in USA – Helen Paul

    Comedienne, Dr. Helen Paul, has explained why she celebrated Nigeria’s 63 years of independence with a comedy show tagged ‘HelenPaul360’.

    The show held on Sunday, 1st of October, 2023 at Grand Occasion Laurel, Maryland, USA amid pomp and ceremony, with top-notch performances from veteran entertainers.

    The event was filled with glamour and a soothing atmosphere as Nigerian entertainers thrill the audience comically and musically.

    Attendees were entertained with performances by the host, Helen Paul, Adex Artquake, Lord of Ajasa, Dekunle Fuji, Olu Maintain, Side One, Yemi Sax and the ‘Ijoya’ crooner, Weird MC.

    Other entertainers who creatively kept the audience at the edge of their seats at the soldout event include Jeddy, Wamilele, Isaac Gerrard, Holy Mallam, CY, Gbenro Ajibade, Wale Adebayo (Sango), DJ Tee and Doris Simeone.

    Read Also: Helen Paul bags presidential lifetime achievement award in US

    Helen’s husband, Barrister Femi Bamisile, was also in attendance to support his amiable wife. 

    The event, Produced by Africa Comedy Live and managed by Akinlolu Jekins, reached its crescendo with an energetic performance by Weird MC, who literally held the audience captive with her repertoire of monster hit cuts.

    Speaking of her decision to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence in the US, Helen said: “Nigeria is arguably the most popular black nation, and the world can’t get enough of our creativity and talent. They keep asking for more, and we have more than enough talents to match the international demand. The idea is to show the world that despite the challenges currently facing Nigeria, we still have a rich culture and potential that are second to none”.