About Comedienne Helen Paul and Her Rise to Stardom

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Background

I grew up in Lagos with my grandmother and I have a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and a master’s degree in the same discipline from the  University of Lagos.  I have professional qualifications from reputable institutions, including a Certificate in Media Enterprise from the School of Media and Communications, Pan-African University, and a Basic Presentation Certificate from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.  I have a doctorate degree in Theatre Arts from the UNILAG.  I am a comedienne, presenter, actress, wife and mother.

Comedy

I started as a voice-over artiste. I was also a back-up singer for different artistes.  I did some jingles and voice-overs before I became a radio presenter. Because I was accustomed to the rigours of being an entertainer, I was able to combine my career with schooling.  I started comedy professionally when I was in my first year at the university. Before then, I was only doing comedy at churches and events.

Challenges

I wanted to become an artiste and not a comedienne. As a result, I wasn’t comfortable with being called a comedienne. Also,  the fact that my male colleagues  were being excused for some things said and the same grace was not granted  to  females in the same profession, did not make me happy. At that time, I found the situation quite challenging but not anymore.

Support

My parents thought I would become a lawyer because I always contributed to discussions. They also thought I would become an actress but as time went on, I chose comedy. They are proud of all that I have achieved.

Breakthrough

I wouldn’t say my major breakthrough came from being a comedienne It was from the intro I did in Psquare’s song,  Tell Us a Story, in 2005. My voice stood out in that track  and that’s what I consider my major breakthrough in the entertainment industry.

Other interests

Being a comedienne doesn’t stop me from doing other things. It is the same way being a journalist doesn’t stop you from getting married or pursuing a career.  My clothing business is part of the other things that I’m involved in aside from comedy, acting, presenting and music.

Competition

Based on the training I received,  you do not differentiate  between a male and female comedian .We all have equal rights. Just like what obtains  in the military, both female and male soldiers go to war. Sometimes, society makes one  feel intimidated. Notwithstanding, I just do my thing and I don’t feel frightened by anyone. In fact, I am friends with most of my male colleagues. From time to time, I get advice from them.

Producing

For now, I’m just an actress. Maybe I will produce my own movies in the future. I am a thespian and I can express myself in any medium.

Fame

I have been able to manage fame with the grace of God. It has not been easy  but I do not lose my head because I am known. I am polite to my fans and we have a good relationship.

Benefits

What I love about being a celebrity is that you  can be identified easily. I mean people can easily assist you if anything untoward happens. The other side of it which I don’t enjoy is people prying into my private life As a public figure, everybody wants to kow what is happening in your home. People you don’t know are interested in your private life. Secondly, the fact that people think that because you are on television, you have millions of money rolling in your account can be quite annoying.

Motherhood, marriage and career

It takes the grace of God to manage these responsibilities but I have managed all three successfully.

Relaxation

I relax whenever  I am with my husband. I also enjoy gossip.

Style

My mood determines how I dress but I love to look good.

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