Model, fashion designer and budding actress, Blessing Patrick, is fast making a place for herself as one of Nollywood’s new talents. The indigene of Cross Rivers State who also doubles as the Editor,Infinity Fashion Magazine has featured in over 15 movies including World of A Prince, Enter The Place, Wave of Glory, Blast Of The Mafia, Sexy Vampires and Masquerade Dancer to mention a few. In this interview with CHRISTIAN AGADIBE, Patrick talks about her career, growing up and what she’d do to Ramsay Nouah if they were both locked in the same room for a day.
Excerpts:
Tell us about yourself?
I’m from Cross-Rivers State. I’m from a family of five but today we are four; my-self, my dad and two siblings. I lost my mum a long-time ago. I’m from a strong Christian home. I graduated from Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) where I studied Sociology and Anthropology a couple of years ago.
How was growing up like?
My growing up wasn’t that easy because it was just me and my mum. After I was born, it took my mum a while to conceive and give birth to other kids so it was just me. I was the best Arts & Drama students during my primary and secondary school days. If you ask any of my classmates, they’ll tell you that if Blessing was not part of any activity in school it wouldn’t be fun.
Were you pampered?
People think that when you’re an only child you’re pampered but that’s not true because you also gain a lot from being caged. You’re not allowed to play with your peers because as an only child everybody is scared; they don’t want to lose you. I wouldn’t say that I was over pampered but I was loved. I was not born with a silver spoon though; my parents just did their best to make sure we were comfortable.
How did you venture into acting?
I ventured into acting through a friend. It has always been my desire to act but the first time I actually took a bold step was when one of my friends said to me ‘Blessing, escort me to an audition.’ I followed her to the audition and I was auditioned and got a role. But on the day I was supposed to start shooting
the movie, my mum was not happy; everybody wanted me to go to school first.
What was your childhood dream?
My first dream was to be a doctor but my mum wasn’t in support of that either; mum wanted me to be a reverend sister so off I went to the convent. But my dad wanted me to be a Journalist. He always called me to sit with him in our living room every evening during news hour. He would tell me to watch the news casters closely and make sure to be like them when I grow up.
Why did you shy away from being a reverend sister?
It has to do with calling. I love God so much and I’ll do anything for God; trust me. But there are other ways of serving God and being close to the Creator without being a reverend sister. You see there are things that I do that reverend sisters don’t do…
How?
I never knew anything about sex then. I was a virgin.
So at what stage did you lose your virginity?
Did I tell you that I have lost my virginity (laughter)?
What I am actually saying is that as a young pretty girl, your sexual life must have been very active…?
I went to an all girls’ school so we didn’t have anything like that there. Like I said earlier, I was the only child. Growing up was just me, my mum, church and God.
There’s been talk of lesbianism in all girl schools. What was your experience?
I have never experienced it. During my own time there was nothing like that. It couldn’t have happened because I think I am spiritually fortified.
Have you been heartbroken before?
No, I’ve never been heartbroken before.
That means you’re still dating your first love?
Yeah…probably…
When are you settling down with this man in your life?
By the grace of God, soon, very soon.
Did anybody try to discourage you when you tried to become an actress?
My friends were never in support of me. Like I said, my mum wanted me to be a reverend sister while my dad wanted me to go to school, be a graduate and concentrate on being a news caster. They never wanted me to have anything to do with acting.
When you stumbled into acting, did you face any challenges?
One of the challenges was that everybody wants to be an actor or an actress so there are lots of people struggling in the industry. It has to do with knowing someone in there who can make things work for you. It’s quite unlike those days when people went for auditions and got the Jobs. The major challenge now is that if you are not connected, you will hardly get roles unless you give them what they (directors and producers) want!
Have you faced the issue sex-for-role?
I have always said that sexual harassment is in all other sectors including banking, Oil & Gas and even in the church; it’s everywhere so it’s no big deal.
What part of your anatomy do you consider the most attractive?
Every part of my body is sexy and attractive; from my head to my toes. Like I always say, ‘I’m beautifully made by God.’
Who are your favorite actors and actresses?
I’ll say Rita Dominic is one person I do admire so much. And there’s also Mercy Johnson.
What about Ramsey Nouah? If you had an opportunity to be with him and you were both locked away in a room, what would you do to him?
You want to know what I will do to him? I’ll make love to him (laughter).
We understand that you’ve lost your mum. At what stage did you lose her?
I lost my mum after I finished secondary school.
What was the best advice mum gave you before she died?
She told me that no matter what happens in life I should not stop moving;
I should keep going.
How many movies have you done to date?
I have done about 15 movies.
What do you dislike about Nollywood?
The directors we have these days are not ready to make and discover stars; all they want is to promote people that are loyal to them.
What’s been the unhappiest moment in your life?
My unhappiest moment was the day I lost my mum; it was so painful. When I started acting my father was scared that he was going to lose me as well.
Tell us about that movie role you can’t be caught acting?
I’ve always said that I cannot act nude even if I’m paid all the money in the world. I can’t act nude because I am here to make a difference. However I don’t mind romantic scenes. My romantic scenes are hotter than any nude scene.
Who’s your role model in Nollywood?
There are people I like but I have not picked anybody to be my role model. First and foremost, God is my role model then there’s my mother. Those that inspire me most include Rita Dominic and Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde.
What does sex mean to you and how regularly do you like to have sex?
Sex means mutuality to me; you cannot have sex with anybody you don’t share mutual feeling with.
How regular do you have sex?
I don’t think it is your business to know how regular I have sex. And besides, am I supposed to have sex? The Sun
