Former Tinsel star, Aisha Shaba, is gradually becoming one of the most sought after faces in Nollywood.
In this chat, the light-skinned actress talks about her ordeal in the hands of Nigerian men and how she can never fight over any man.
You were in Tinsel for a while, why did you leave?
I left Tinsel in 2011 to do a reality show in America called ‘Spirited Actor’. It is now called Top Actor on BETTV. We were the ones that started that journey back then. After that, I did a TV programme called Project Sworn on Spice TV and also did lots of short films with Mnet including a couple of television series.
You studied Economics, how did you end up an actress?
It all started one fateful day, I was in the living room with my sister and mocking her because she had failed an audition and she was sad. And here I was trying to play with her by showing her how she should do it next time. But then, she was like ‘do you know you can act?’ So, I decided to give it a shot. I heard about the Tinsel audition and went for it. I met about 3,000 people but I eventually landed the role.
You’re undoubtedly born with a silver spoon; tell us about growing up?
Yeah! I was born with a silver spoon! I am not ashamed to say it because that is how God made it. Meanwhile, growing up was fun. I have four amazing sisters. We live happily and have so much fun together. I schooled in England from the age of 10.
You practically lived all your life in England, what brought you back to Nigeria?
I came back to Nigeria hoping to get an office job or something like that. But I was still at it when acting found me and the journey has been interesting.
Which Nigerian actors do you admire?
I like Chris Attoh; he is one of my mentors. Then, Ireti Doyle and Ufuoma, I love them to bits.
Are you seriously beefing anyone in the industry?
Well, not really but it is just the Nigerian entertainment industry lifestyle. I won’t mention names but it is not good and doesn’t help at all.
Do you have a crush on any actor?
No! Not all.
What could break you and make you cry?
Lots of things. I am a very emotional person. Ask my friends and they would tell you ‘Aisha cries a lot’. I can’t really pick a particular reason why I cry sometimes, but I do cry a lot (Laughter).
Does heartbreak make you cry?
Of course, it does. I have been heartbroken several times and I cried my eyes out. Nigerian men break hearts anyhow and disrespect us. I can’t count how many times I have been heartbroken because ‘dem plenty’. It was hurting but I have since moved on.
Now, are you dating any Nigerian?
I’m not going to tell you more about my private life (laughter).
What is your ideal man?
We can’t help it sometimes; I love to love. I like smart guys; handsome, tall, intelligent, and of course, God fearing. My guy should love to read and also be very ambitious.
Will you ever fight a woman over a man?
No! Never! I can never fight over a man. I have no business with any lady. If my man decides to move on, fine. I believe moving to another relationship is the decision the guy makes and I have to respect him for that and just walk away. I have never fought over a man and never will. – The Sun.
