I LIKE TO LOOK GOOD; NOT TOO SIMPLE AND NOT OVER DRESSED EITHER- MERCY AIGBE

MERCY AIGBE TALKED ABOUT HER LIFE, ACTING CAREER, SCANDALS AND MANY MORE 

How did you find yourself in acting?

I have always known that I have the talent since my days in primary school. Professionally, I started acting in 2006 I studied Theatre Arts at the University of Lagos after getting my Ordinary National Diploma in Financial Studies from the Polytechnic Ibadan. I did that because I believe it is not enough for me to rely on my innate skills. There was every need to brush it up because there are some things you cannot learn on the job if you want to be addressed as a professional actor. I was meant to go back for my Higher National Diploma in financial studies but I decided to pursue my dream. After I graduated from the University of Lagos, I worked for a while.

Were your parents supportive of your career move?

My parents did not want me to be an actor. My father, especially, thought acting should be a hobby and not a profession. He belonged to the school of thought that acting could not put food on one’s table. Then, the belief was that actors were layabouts and never-do-wells. My father always insisted I did what he wanted because he believed he knew what was best for me.  At some point, he stopped paying my fees but because I am also stubborn like him. I had to get my uncles to talk to him before he soft-pedalled.

How did you raise funds to pay your fees?

My uncle paid for my first year and in my second year, my father took over.

What was the first movie you took part in?

I had featured in ‘Super Story,’ and ‘Papa Ajasco’ even before I delved into Yoruba movies. I did soaps like ‘Images’ produced by Fidelis Duker and I did another soap whose title I cannot recollect now, which was produced by Chico Ejiro. The Yoruba movie that defined my brand is entitled, ‘Ara,’ which was produced by Wemimo Olu Paul, a prominent producer in Ibadan, Oyo State. After ‘Ara’ was released into the market, I just discovered that I was getting more scripts from Yoruba movie producers and before I knew it, my face was everywhere.

Were you intimidated in any way as a fresher in the industry?

One thing that sets the Yoruba movie industry apart is their warmth and hospitality. They do not care about your background as long as you are good at what you do. Therefore, when I came in, they embraced me wholly, especially the established ones. When I started, my Yoruba was not very fluent because I hail from Benin, Edo State. That notwithstanding, my colleagues were very patient with me on set and even helped me to brush up my knowledge of the language.

Has there been any time you felt like opting out?

When I started, it was not easy because it was difficult to find people who wanted to take the risk with you. Every producer wants known and celebrated faces and not just any new comer. It was frustrating having to go for auditions, where, even if they picked you for a role, they would later drop you for one reason or the other. It was particularly frustrating for me because I had to leave a good job with a good salary and a car. But because I believe there is a special kind of joy attached to doing what you love best, I gave everything up for Nollywood.

How did you survive those tough times?

Before I decided to resign from my job, I had a shop where I sold cosmetics because I knew it was not going to be easy. I also knew I was going to be financially challenged. Even at that, it was not easy because the sale girls I hired were dishonest. I was not there to monitor the sales at my shop. I spent more time at audition venues. Back then, I remember I was on a location for two weeks feeding myself and sleeping in my car and at the end of it, all I got paid N2,000!

Now how much do you charge per role?

Well, I will just say that I am doing well. I cannot tell you how much I earn but its good enough to put food on my table and for me to do other things comfortably because I have paid my dues. I am blessed because my husband is doing well too.

What was the first movie you produced?

So far, I have produced six movies. The first movie I produced was entitled, ‘Abimbola’. Others are, ‘Afe Aye;’ ‘Hajia Jemila,’ ‘Osas Omoge Benin,’ ‘Gucci Girls,’ and I have another one, which is still in the making.

Would you choose producing over acting since that seems to be more financially rewarding?

No, I will not. I will go for acting any day because I love being in front of the camera and not behind.

How did you meet your husband?

I met him through a friend and he is supportive of my career. He met me as an actor and he knows I love my job.

How do you juggle your roles as a mother, wife, and actor?

It is a lot of hard work and actually takes the grace of God. I thank God I have a very understanding husband and that alone makes things easier. I also have my domestic staff as well as my family.

How do you relax when you are not working?

I spend quality time with my family. I take my two children out or I go somewhere exotic with my husband because I am a romantic at heart. So, any time I am off work, I try to bond with them.

What is your definition of style?

It is a way of life, a way of selling your personality, so you should never get it wrong. Everybody should be able to put clothes and accessories together in such a way that you get the best out of them. It also has to be comfortable and age-appropriate. I like to look good; not too simple and not over-dressed either.

What is your fashion fetish?

I have a whole lot. I love bags, shoes, costume jewellery, clothes and everything that has to do with fashion.  Even my husband and daughter, who is quite grown, complain about my love for fashion.

How do you deal with scandals associated with your person?

It comes with the job and this is something I have always known even before I got into the industry. You learn from people who delved into the profession before you. As an actor, some people are going to hate you for no reason. People would always want to pull you down but I thank God I have a very good husband. Both of us have developed thick skin and my husband trusts me. Even if we quarrel over anything, it would not be due to some stories concocted by some idle minds.

SOURCE;: PUNCH