People thought I was a lesbian – Maria Okanrende

Background

My name is Maria Okanrende, I am an actress and On-Air Personality. I am from Ogun State, but I was born and raised in London. I am the first child and growing up was fun.

Acting

I did not plan to act at all. I did not have any acting experiences. Somebody recommended the audition for ‘Shuga.’ I did not want to go because I was not an actress and did not want to embarrass myself. I wanted to stick to my radio and TV job. She forced me to go because they asked for me. I got the scripts, played my roles and I got the job. My dressing also helped because the part was for a tomboy; I dressed the part and portrayed the character as well. It was challenging because I combined it with presenting, but it was fun. I also learnt so much.

My love for camera

Ever since I was a teenager, I had always wanted to work in front of the camera. I always wanted to be a radio and television presenter. I started the work experience back in London when I finished schooling. The experiences prepared me for the entertainment industry. I was doing a bit of free work everywhere and eager to get my hands on bigger things. I was enjoying it, did it for free for some of them but later changed my mind. I could have gone into production, but I wanted to be in front of the camera. Every year, I visited Nigeria with my family and on one of such visits, I was introduced to Olisa Adibua. He told me to come to the station and have an audition. They liked my voice and I got the job.

Challenges

Everyone is out to get something; they do not want to help you. Considering that I am a woman and I did not grow up here, I felt like I was not learning or nobody wanted to talk to me. People wondered where I came from but I told myself that I was here because of the job and to make something of my life. Things have changed; I have been more outgoing and confident now. The weather was bad too and I sweat a lot.

Competition

The entertainment industry in Nigeria is growing and more opportunities are coming up. Keep your ears to the ground. People want to go in and get it. Everybody wants a piece of the pie. I cannot blame them because if you do not get it, someone would eat it before you turn around. You have to stay on top all the time and maintain good network.

Fame

My friends in London call me and tell me I am doing well. It is so funny they think I am a celebrity. I am just someone doing my job and because my face is out there, people recognise me.

Relationship

I do not want to talk about my personal life. I am not married. When someone puts a ring on my finger I will talk about it. But I like a guy who has ambition and is hard working. I like attention a lot too but I do not like a workaholic. Money is immaterial, it could come and go. When it goes, he has to know how to make the money back. I like to be looked after; he has to be caring and funny.

Hobbies

I like to read and listen to a lot of music. I like old school music and I feel like I am stuck in the past. Whenever I like something, I stick to it and I do not like to change the formula.

Style

The industry is competitive and it is good that I do not look like other people. I have had my short hair since I was 19 and I am used to it. I am scared that if I let it grow long again, I would get used to it. It is easy to maintain. When I relocated to Nigeria, I was mistaken for a lesbian. This was due to my tomboyish dressing. I am not a Cinderella type of girl that wears long flowing gowns, maybe when I go for weddings. I also like nice big earrings—it stands out.

Credit: Punchng.com