Wofai Egu Ewa, professionally known as Wofai Fada, is as multi-talented as they come. She is an entrepreneur, social media influencer, skit maker, author, compere and a whole lot more. She speaks with SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN about her work and how she has been able to combine all her roles successfully. Excerpts:
How has the journey to content creation been?
It has been fun and quite challenging, but it got easier over time because of different apps and technological innovations. Right now, I have other things that I am focusing. It got easier with time because of the innovations, especially with different editing apps. The advent of different editing apps, which I must say are a handful, has made life easier. So I can say it is better than it was at the beginning.
How easy was it gaining acceptance and visibility for your contents?
I started creating content in 2016. It was easy for people to accept my content because it was humorous and organic. Those factors grew my following and I was motivated and intentional about creating more fun and interesting contents based on the good reviews I have received over time and the passion I have for comedy. It is easy for people to notice the talent as my contents are quite interesting.
How and when did you get into mainstream acting?
I am a thespian and my foundation is solid. I studied theatre and media studies in the University of Calabar. It was easier for me because I had a background in all the elements of theatre. The Instagram exposure pushed me to different directors and producers. So far, I have done a couple of Africa magic /Netflix movies and series.
Which series or movie gave you the big break?
I can’t really say because each character I played had its fans.
Aside being an actress, content creator, you are also an entrepreneur, sport enthusiast, MC. How do you find the strength to play all the roles and excel in them?
Like I said earlier, I have a strong foundation in Theatre Arts and I have a dedicated team that is passionate about the Wofai Fada brand. I will also say that my strength comes from God. He is the giver of all good things and talents.
You wrote a book titled, ‘Yogiegee Culture.’ What is the book about?
‘Yogiegee Culture’ is a recipe book. It is basically about learning how to cook our traditional/local delicacies, especially for people in the Diaspora and it is available for purchase on Amazon.
What inspired you to float a restaurant?
My love for cooking, passion for service and the appreciation from people who have tasted my food is what inspired my cooking and that is what hospitality is all about.
There was a time you closed down the restaurant. What actually happened then?
The property owners had and still have some pending legal issues that affected my business. It was a heartbreaking experience. Some of my belongings are still stuck in the building. We were illegally evicted. It was tough then, but I just had to move on.
You wanted to start your own show a few years ago.
What happened to that dream?
I actually did start a show called ‘My fiancé and I’, starring Deyemi Okanlawon, the actor and myself. I also produced another YouTube series called ‘Kada girl’ and many more. I have them on my YouTube channel and also other exciting and interesting contents too.
You have worked so hard to achieve success. To what do you attribute your success?
I attribute my success to God and my family. They have been very supportive. My background prepared me for everything, that is and is to come.
If you were to choose your favourite among all the things you do, which would you choose and why?
I would say hospitality because it’s a different industry. I love cooking and I love to serve people. I grew up in a family that loves cooking. But I haven’t thought about quitting every other thing for cooking. The fact that I love cooking does not mean I don’t love others. I would like to invest in the restaurant and hospitality thing as much as I am still doing the acting and content creation thing. The other ones are just like hobbies but this is the primary.
How would you describe your journey with Super Sport?
It’s been an awesome experience, an exciting one. It feels good to be seen on a big stage talking about my passion for football. Football is a game that I love and also play. My dad is also a sports person. I used to follow him to the football pitch and also to the tennis club. I watched him play and learnt a lot from him. I guess Super Sport saw the interest I show to sport on social media over time and they reached out to me.
How challenging has it been combining it with other things that you do?
Maybe when I first started it was challenging. But I have a full management and dedicated team that takes the stress off me while I focus on other tasks.
Some people believe that most young actresses sleep their way through to riches. What is your take on that?
It is very common to believe that when a woman is successful, there must be a man behind it, especially in Nigeria. It is okay for a man to be behind your success, but a lot of women worked hard to become what they are today. That is why I find that assertion so disrespectful to women.
What are the things that can be done to the content creation and movie industries to make them better?
More technological innovations and content creation. Content creators need to be more serious and be more professional when creating content. The industry is saturated right now which is why professionalism should be our watch word.
You are a very fashionable lady. What influences your style?
I used to be a runway model and I have worked with many designers. So there is a fashion background. My mother is also a very fashionable woman. I am taking after her. If you dress well, it makes you feel good. I love to look good.
You were once a model. Do you see yourself going back to modeling anytime soon?
Yes, but not as a career as I initially intended. I have a lot of friends who are designers. I support them anytime they’re having their fashion show by wearing their clothes.
