Tricia Eseigbe- Kerry is the CEO/Executive Producer of Treesh Affairs International Ventures (producers of Bold Faces and Celebrity Eye). The Ekpoma, Edo State born actress who holds a diploma in Social Works, BSc. in Sociology and Anthropology, from the University of Benin, opened up to YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine recently on her marriage, work and more…
Who is a good actress?
Funny question, but a good actress should be able to deliver a role very well and convince the audience or viewers that whatever character they are interpreting is real. They should be able to pull you into their world and leave you at the edge of your seat or emotions.
What do you look out for before you pick up a script?
I look out for a script that is unique and can captivate my emotions; something I can relate with and be involved in as well. I like intriguing storylines.
Why do you think most actors find it difficult to sustain stardom?
This is quite an unending question. Depends on the area you are referring to. Is it sustaining their craft, fame, money or career? Personally, I think it’s due to the audience and entertainment promoters; be it the managers, press and others that determine how you can still be relevant with your craft, because it’s like a trade. If people don’t like your wares, they will not accept or buy it. It’s not necessarily the best and most talented in a chosen field that gets noticed or accepted in the entertainment business.
People believe that actors live a fake life. What is your opinion about this?
Actors living a fake life is a pretty huge statement to make, because actors are trained to entertain the public, meaning most times they create smiles on people’s faces. So, I don’t know where the opinion of fake life is coming from. It’s hard to sincerely judge people when you don’t know them. I believe actors brand themselves and exhibit their craft. It’s part of show business; show your worth.
You are one of the founders of modern day Nollywood. How true is it that Nollywood is a gathering of prostitutes as some of your colleagues have said?
Again, you cannot really get much from me because I don’t like speculations. I have not been doing a lot of location filming for a while now, so it’s pretty hard for me to comment on something I don’t know much about. If truly my colleagues have suggested that Nollywood is a gathering of prostitutes, I can only hope our industry gives them a platform for rehabilitating them back into the society, for them to keep their human dignity and walk in the right path towards success. Loads of careers have given people that have strayed a better life and I can only pray for that as well, and I hope the government and administrators of Nollywood guilds can key into the positive and not the negative. Every human life and being is very important to us as a nation.
Why do you think most celebrities find it difficult to sustain their marriages?
Personally, I believe sustaining a healthy marriage has nothing to do with being a celebrity or not. Marriages crash in every profession. It’s always due to the individuals and what they want at that time, and they are the ones that can tell us what led to the crash of their marriages. Universally, I know when two cannot agree on something, there is bound to be crisis. So, I can say difference in opinion, life philosophy and execution can endanger a marriage. Not forgetting the fear of God.
What is the best way to handle scandals?
There is no proper template on how to handle an untrue story about you. Personally, I review the story with my team and my lawyers evaluate how it will affect my personality and brand. Then, we take it up legally, if we need to. In some cases, it leads to police arrest and even court. Most times you find these same people pleading for mercy and retracting the story, but I can say to my colleagues, be it your personal or professional life, always convert this negative energy into a strong positive force in moving your life forward.
Your relationship with actress Oby Edozieh was sometimes ago below par. Have you settled your differences with her?
Oby and I are very fine. We have been fine for a very long time. The press wanted to make out a story, which they did. Like every relationship, you have the good and the not too good moments, but we are fine.
You have been married for almost 6 years now. What would you ascribe to have made your marriage work, unlike some of your colleagues who couldn’t sustain their’s?
I built my marriage upon the solid rock of God. The secret to our happiness is simply God. We invested more time in understanding the Word of God, because it’s a manual on its own. If you fear, respect and honour God’s Words and commandment, you can only get it right in a relationship.
Do you think your hubby’s hostile attitude towards the media has anything to do with the below par success of your last movie, Prada?
Hubby’s hostile attitude towards the media, ha! Your question is like a movie script, full of suspense and intrigues. Where did you get that from? Where did you see him to suggest he has a hostile attitude towards the media? Also, Pradah was a success for him, financially and otherwise, and we are still benefitting from the production till date. Few days ago, we finally signed off the online rights of Pradah, after showing across the local stations since April 2012. Besides, he has a good relationship with his colleagues, be it press or film makers. Because he does not like to flaunt himself or appear on the pages of newspapers or every red carpet does not make him anti media. He likes his privacy and prefers to go about his business without much noise and attention.
What has changed about you since marriage?
A lot has changed. From my name to my work and a lot of positive influence in my life, because my husband is a very positive-minded person. We are deeper with our religion and I am grateful to my church, Redeemed, Promised Land parish and the pastoral team for their teachings. It’s nice when you are married to the right person, you wake up daily and feel uplifted. I am very grateful to God and my husband.
What lessons have you learnt since you got married?
Submission. The Bible instructs women to submit to thy husbands. It’s a regular scripture, you might say, but a strong weapon to fight against tribulation of modern day life in marriage. Some people might disagree with me, but I have dipped myself into the Word of God and it has made me a better person in my marriage. The Word of God is a tried and trusted operating manual towards a successful marriage.
It was said that your hubby’s family has been given you tough time to give birth for him. How’s true is it?
This is another part two of your scripting. It’s not true. I cannot wish for better in-laws. No pressure whatsoever. Children are gifts from God and they will come at His appointed time. If you want to ask about children and pressure, please ask directly. Do not drop my in-laws into it. We are fine, no pressure. Very soon, God will do His miracle in our lives.
You once alleged that some celebrities are pedophiles. Do you have evidence of this?
I did not allege and would not make such unguarded accusation or statement. It’s all about the headline making write up. The reporter used such caption to present his story. But when you read my interview, I did not state that celebrities are pedophiles. In reality, celebrities are human beings that showcase their craft and people celebrate them. We live in a society that has not been properly educated on ways to protect our young vulnerable children from sexual abuse and pedophiles, and that is what that statement is all about. It has nothing to do with celebrities alone.
What do you think can make someone to be in this position?
Position as in being a pedophile? From a Christian perspective, it’s demonic to abuse young vulnerable children. From research, you can say it’s a psychiatric disorder for an adult or older person to have sexual intention towards a child. This kind of sick behavior against children was first formally recognized in the late 19th century. No cure has been developed since then, but there are therapies that can help to reduce the incidence of a person committing child sexual abuse.
Your show, Psychologist, has been successful. What do you ascribe to its success?
God, of course. I know you might be wondering everything is God, but it’s the honest truth. When God gives you an idea and helps create the path for success, you cannot appreciate His goodness enough. Secondly, my husband’s contributions and our passion in advocating for young vulnerable children that need protection and rehabilitation as victims of sexual abuse. Also the former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar. God used him and the entire police force to run with the idea and fight against child sexual abuse. Not forgetting the efforts of the present IGP, Sulaiman Abba. Our success is God and a very good team we have been working with. We are just starting. There is still a lot of work to be done in our efforts to advocate and protect our children from pedophiles in Nigeria and across Africa.
How would you describe the experience since you started?
It’s been an amazing experience, an emotional roller coaster of a journey, physically and financially demanding, loads of air, road, sea travelling mileage. But above all, it’s self-pleasing to see the huge response and awareness we have generated within Nigeria and in the diaspora. Same as people across the globe who have embraced the idea, and our volunteers are amazing. To see people willing to come on board and fight to protect our children from this evil act of child sexual abuse. Authors are volunteering their books to be distributed to schools as part of the educational campaign, lawyers willing to take up cases and prosecute offenders. Also the federal, state governments and parastatals, civil society groups, media organizations, all doing their part to support the cause of advocacy and protection of innocent children against pedophiles. Not forgetting the social media and the encouraging words we get from our platforms. I am simply grateful for all the support we have gotten so far, and how people have embraced the project.
Do you plan to add any segment to it or improve on some of the segments?
Yeah, we already created the celebrities child sexual abuse special marshals and ambassadors. We are getting everyone involved because celebrities are parents as well. So, they have embraced the concept to join the team and attend city center rallies, town hall meetings, to add their voices to the fight against child sexual abuse. We are touring schools to educate children on ways to identify and protect themselves against sexual predators. Most importantly, to report any form of unacceptable behavior towards them.
What are some of your plans for 2015?
2015 is a continuation of 2014. We carry on with our work as usual, believing in God’s protection and provision. Also, we have the Boldfaces Governor Forum, a platform to appreciate good governance, and for people across the globe to express their opinions and views on our rulers. Soon, we will launch Boldfaces online blog site, where our esteemed viewers can roll back the last 11 years of our existence, all the exclusive interviews. They can watch and read their stars and idols we have covered. Also get updated on The Psychologist on the move team and activities. It’s coming very soon.
NB: First published March 2015