By Ayo Onikoyi

The new goldmine in the entertainment space is brand endorsements either as a brand influencer or a brand ambassador.

Some stakeholders in Nollywood have even cried out that many of their practitioners are abandoning making movies for brand endorsement. The simple reason is that it pays far more than acting or making movies. But what does it take to be a brand influencer?

“It takes a lot to be a brand influencer, ” says Raheem Abike Halimah a.k.a Papaya Ex who is presently living her dream as a brand influencer.

“It’s not just about wearing clothes, taking fine pictures and posting for people to see. It takes a whole village to be; hard work, consistency, prayer and intelligence,” she adds.

She continues, “Brand influencing is a successful business but the rate at which everyone wants to be one is high. But the first question to ask yourself is, are you ready for social media heat? And there are days you have to question yourself about fame? Besides the hatred and jealousy I think it’s really hard to be a brand influencer/public figure, because your business is out there in the public, personal or private.”

The beautiful entertainer from Oyo West local government area of Oyo State explains further that being a brand influencer is the same thing as being a celebrity. In fact she says once your brand is big enough for a corporate brand to want to associate with you, you are already a celebrity. And posits that the life of a brand influencer/celebrity or public figure is not a walk in the park.

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“Our personal and dating lives have become public news that even when we date, fall in love, have a lovers’ fight, get our hearts broken, or have family issues it’s all over the gossip sites as hot gists which is heartbreaking, why can’t normal life be normal in a celebrity’s life”? She queries.

“Public figures can’t live their normal lives anymore. There are restrictions, what and what not to say or do because it’d be taken personal. Before anyone even heard from you, rumors are everywhere already, then you’re left with “you are a celebrity, just ignore, don’t let it get to you” now you have the whole situation on one side in your mind that you have to live with a lot of bullies because you’re a celebrity? Imagine!”

“A lot comes with being a public figure, a whole lot of disadvantages. Mental state is one thing you should consider if you want to go into the field, because honestly, without growing thick skin, just don’t bother,” she explains.

Raheem Abike Halimah a.k.a Papaya Ex is a woman of many parts. She’s also an actor, content creator, beauty aficionado and expert, fashion model and of course, a public figure who lives out her life on social media.

She began acting in 2019, mostly short films and skits. In 2020, she made a big impression in a short movie titled “Two Way Street” which brought to prominence as a good actress and one to watch out for.

“I’m not yet fully into it like the likes of Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham and Mercy Aigbe but I have an unquenchable passion for acting” she says.

Vanguard Newspaper