Juggling between being an actress, a dancer, an entrepreneur and a student seems like a daunting task, yet young Mimi Quaker is able to do all these or so it seems. In this interview with FLORENCE AMAGIYA, she tells how she is coping and the strength behind her consistent push. Enjoy!
How l came into acting

Acting began for me when l met Chico Ejiro on facebook, we became friends and chatted, he liked my photographs and my personality and  invited me to his office and my visitation became an audition.  I got my first script from him and starred in the movie titled  Evil Mind which was shot in October, 2011 and I have starred in over 10 movies since then .

The challenges

New faces are not considered in the industry. They are never given prominent roles except the extras and ‘waka pass’ roles.  I had to move to Surulere from Ajah to prove l was ready for acting. I was advised by Chico Ejiro to move closer to the Mainland if l am really interested in acting.

This l later learnt was for accessibility sake.  I moved to Surulere not minding the cost and the pay. Meanwhile, l am still a student ,hence l am mixing studies and acting which is very stressful. As an up coming actress, you practically don’t get paid for what you do. Personally, I haven’t been paid more than a thousand naira for acting, sometimes, l don’t get paid at all.  A friend of mine travelled all the way from the University of Benin, Edo state for a role she played in Lady Gaga. It was her first movie and her last.

I also featured in that same movie. After the shooting, it was time for payment; we were given a thousand naira each as payment. My friend wept bitterly. She travelled back to school and refused to act again. Another huddle we face in the industry is the fact that a particular characteristics might be needed and if you don’t have it, you won’t be considered for the role no matter how good you are. A producer might want a fair  lady while you are dark skinned. There’s nothing you can do to change it.

Coping without any pay in acting and my business

Acting is my passion and l am waiting for the big break, when the money would start running in and also the recognition.  It happened for the known faces in the industry, it would happen for me one day. I am young and l am patient. While waiting for that break, I am getting myself prepared by getting a formal education – a degree.  I am also a dancer and I am paid well dancing in musical videos.

Mimi Quaker

I featured in Brymo’s video ‘Ara nbe’. I was also in Psquare’s, ‘e get as e dey do me’ and EL PHLEX- ‘am in the mood’. I also make wigs and beads. I have been wearing wigs for three years straight and people around do not even know. Gone are the days that wigs are made for grand mums or so. We have trendy wigs these days done with Brazilian weaves and Peruvian also. It is a matter of giving me your weavons and it is made or buying one from me out rightly.

These wigs turn out so beautiful that no one would believe you didn’t fix it on your head. I got into this business when l noticed my hair was over processed and breaking. Besides, you could be given a role  and a particular hair is prescribed for that role. No matter what you have spent fixing your hair as an actress, you would have it loosen when you have a role in another movie.

I came to a conclusion that you can have the best of both worlds if you have several wigs at your disposal.  In Nigeria the weather and power situation do not help. So, it is funny and stupid to carry  a weavon all day outside your home and still carry it at home and in bed. Having different kind of wigs in your possession is the best way of changing one’s look without sweating .

The next level for me

The next level for me is to have recognition in the entertainment industry and in Nigeria as a business person. Those who have gotten to that level do not have two heads. At the moment, I am building myself in such a way that I can be the best in my game. Education is very important and it is also an edge for any one.

I am growing myself educationally and otherwise so that l can get to the top. Yes acting is my first love and l am not quitting any time soon, but l have to survive the short comings of the trade until l have a bargaining power.

Coping with acting, studies, business and  dance rehearsals

I prioritize my schedules, it helps me in planning. But to be honest, one aspect of your life might suffer when you multi-task yourself and one in mine is suffering. But l am adjusting  others to make room for the one suffering.

My background

My name is Misan Lahave; Mimi is Misan’s abbreviated form.  My dad is from Adamawa state and my mum is from Delta state. In Delta state, l am from Itsekiri, but l bear my mum’s maiden name because my parents have being separated since l was a child.  I lived and grew up with my mum and her people in Delta state. Quaker is my mum’s maiden name.

Advice for up coming actresses

Have passion for what you do, forget about the pay. Have some form of patience, talk to God about it.  When the time comes for recognition, the sky would be your starting point. Of course you have to be living on other stuff like l am today before the big break.

Growing up without dad

I am an only child and I really cannot say I missed my dad because he wasnt there. My mum is a dad and mum to me and also a sister. But when I mess up, she didnt spare the rod any day. Perhaps, I would have missed dad if he was once present in my life. Mum did all she could to make my life beautiful , so there was no void.

My kind of man

I love to date a tall guy who is God fearing and loving. His colour is not so important, but l do not like it when my man is extremely fair in complexion. Average does it for me.

What l would go for in a strange land

If l am in a strange land and l am asked to choose between a blackberry phone, water and a bible, I would take the blackberry phone; download the Bible and a map to get water. When l can get water, then l would survive and perhaps meet people.

My best fashion item

My wigs are my best because they are handy any day, l have them in all styles and shapes. With them l can never be under dress.