MY LOVE LIFE IS BORING – SAYS MERCY FLAWLESS!

America-based On-Air-Personality (OAP), actress, scriptwriter, blogger, compere, red carpet and talk show host, Olufunke Mercy Tanimola aka Mercy Flawless, in this inter­view with an Online Entertainment Platform opens up on her acting career, love life and how she is promoting up-and-coming Nigerian talent in the US among other issues.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Lagos State. I attended Surulere Girls’Secondary School and studied Mass Communication at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after which I studied Theatre Arts at the University of Benin. However, I quit school one week to my final semester exams for the United States. I am presently a communication student at the Dallas County Community College.

At what point did you become a radio show host and what is your experience like working in America?

It started when I met a dance instructor/movie producer at a movie premiere in Dallas, Texas. He told me about a radio station looking for people with either broadcast experience or certification. I did the audition and the rest is history. The experience has been great. I host red carpet events and I also co-host award shows.

What exactly is your show about and how did you come about the concept?

I host a show every Friday tagged Thank God It’s Friday on Root Radio in Washington DC. I promote up-and-coming artistes by bringing them on air to talk about their careers. Sometimes I pair them with popular names. I came about the concept when I re­alised that most Nigerians in the Diaspora do not know anything about Nigerian emerging talents because the main focus is on the popular artistes. The objective is to give them a chance to be heard. The show is all about promoting Nigerian music and raw talent.

While growing up, did you ever think of be­coming an On-Air-Personality or actress. And how do you cope with both jobs?

As a child I used to watch the likes of Tokunbo Ajayi of blessed memory, Comfort Okonkwo, Ruth Benemesia Opia and Eugenia Abu on NTA Network and I remember telling my parents that I would love to be a newscaster/reporter when I grew up and I eventually studied Mass Communibe a newscaster/reporter when I grew up cation. I started acting at age six when I played the role of Mary, mother of Jesus in my school play. Afterwards, I joined my church drama group. Coping with the two of them is like a piece of cake for me because I have passion for them.­

What would you say are the chal­lenges of your job?

Combining school with my regular job and balancing that with showbiz. But I enjoy my job a great deal especially helping young talent grow.

How many movies have you featured in as an actress? And we understand that you are working on your own soap opera. When do you intend to release it?

I have featured in a few movies like Ariwo Ola, Inawo Ojo Kan, Gbewiri and Majemu America (American Covenant), a soon to be released movie here in the States. I also played a minor character in the popular TV series, I Need To Know among several stage plays. My soap opera should be out before the end of the year by God’s grace. All of them were shot in Nigeria, except Majemu America (American Covenant),which was shot here in the States and it will premiere in Dallas, Houston, and Texas, later this month.

Among Nigerian actors and film makers, who are your favourites?

Bimbo Akintola, Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe Etim and Ramsey Nuoah.

How will you rate Nigerian mov­ies and fashion? 

We are almost there promoting our culture and I appreciate Nigerians for embracing our traditional attires.

You must be very busy, how do you find time to unwind?

l love going to the cinemas and listen­ing to good music.

When last did you visit Nigeria and what do you miss most?

It’s been a while and I miss my folks.

Have you had any experience in life that made you cry?

I lost my dad on November 11, 2011, while I was making plans to come home after my exams to support my family. Then I lost my mum 10 months after my dad’s demise. I was so devastated because I spoke to her a few hours before she passed on. It was such a painful experience. I still cried this morning be­cause of the bond late Mr & Mrs. Samuel Tanimola shared with their four kids. I am the third child; we are two boys and two girls.

What do you miss most about them?

Honestly, there is nothing as good as a parent’s prayer and encouragement.

Could you talk about your love life?

My love life is boring.

Are you saying you have not fallen in love before?

I was actually engaged to an actor before I left Nigeria.

Why did you break up with him?

I met him after a stage performance in Ilorin and we became friends. Though, it took us time before we started dating because I didn’t want to date an actor. He assured me that he wanted to take me home to mama. However, I told him about my plans to travel outside the country but he said he didn’t care and he would always be there for me because he loves me so much. He even promised he would wait for me to come back after my studies even if it took 10 years. We had a wonderful relationship while it lasted. He actually proposed to me with an engage­ment ring on my finger, proclaiming his love for ever. Initially, when I relocated, we were always communicating but you know as time went on, things began to happen and we just drifted apart.

What has life taught you?

Life has taught me to be courageous even in the face of adversity and challenges.

Who is your fash­ion icon in Nigeria?

Deola Sagoe is my icon.

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About Unknown

Deji Sadiq, a.k.a DEJI OF LAGOS is a LASU trained Economist turned freelance journalist, a Blogger, an information strategist, a public affairs analyst and a committed activist with a passion for equal opportunities.