'My racism experience in Malaysia'

How is life in Malaysia?

Well, to start with, Malaysia is a developing country and its moving at a very very fast pace and in some few years to come, it would be principal in nature. Malaysia is a very beautiful country and i am enjoying every bit of it. it can be weird at times but it’s all part of the adventure. Life here is easy and i can say that with God by my side,  more things to come. Malaysia is a country where the well being of the citizens comes first.. A 3 square meal is guaranteed in this country. as far as I am concerned, food is the cheapest thing here. It’s so relieving and easy. When you wake up, you don’t need to think about what to eat or where, with 10ringits Malaysia, you are very okay for the day.  There are so many different aspects but I choose to stop here. Food is an important aspect of life and if it can be so affordable, think about the rest.  Lol.

How long have you been there?

I have been here for quite some time now and it has been fun all the way. As each day passes, I get to learn new things but to be very precise, I have been enjoying my stay and I must say I don’t regret it.

Why did you go to Malaysia and not Europe or America?

Right from my early years in the secondary school, I have always loved the Asian part of the world. I was so happy when the opportunity came. I was shooting a TV commercial back in Lagos and during the course of this shoot, one of the oyinbo guys picked interest in me and we got talking, Along the line, I discovered he was from Malaysia. We spoke a lot and that was how it started. God was so merciful that he arranged all and even paid part of the cash. Lol, it was like magic but I give God the glory. Malaysia is developing everyday and there economy is on the fast rise, moving at a light speed. All this European /American economy is crashing and to be very sincere, education and life in general is so expensive.  Here in Malaysia, education is balanced and there economy is improving everyday as they are heavily influenced by china. Education is fast, more of practical it is quite affordable.  Life is easy and very interesting here in Malaysia.

What’s the difference between life in Malaysia and Nigeria?

My brother, the difference between both cannot be measured! The difference is just too much. Where should I commence from. Is it there economy or the power sector or security of life and property? The difference is big and cannot be measured. But all the same, I am still an arrogant 9ja boy to the bone. Repping my country 24/7.  It cannot be compared but life continues. There is this slang you would find on every 9ja bois tongue, when they talk about our economy and its demerits. We just tell them O strong~, which implies no matter how bad our economy is or would become, we believe it would be better one day. Oshi strong....

Tell us about the racism you have experienced or observed.

To be honest, Racism is on the low side here in Malaysia. The only one I have experienced was in the train on my way to the university. There was an empty sit and I made attempt to sit on it but the Malaysian guy told me not to sit near him. I was so annoyed and embarrassed, while we were still arguing, another Malaysian woman told a Malaysian guy to sit on it. I knew they were silly racists. I just stepped back and accepted my faith. Another fact is that they don’t like Nigerians. If any black skinned human being does any bad thing, the first country they mention is Nigeria, even if the individual is from Angola, they would still shout out Nigeria.  It can be funny and painful. Even when you make attempt to talk to some pretty malay girls, the first question they ask is, where are you from?  And if you tell them Nigeria, that is the end, they just walk away. It is always funny and adventurous but can be very embarrassing. Apart from this my little experiences, your free to walk around and live life the way you desire. It’s a cool country.

How does it feel to be in an environment that has 24-hour electricity?

Laugh out loud! Bro, when I was in Nigeria, our generator was always on 24/7 but to speak generally, its real fun and endless joy. You can imagine cases like watching a movie and our own PHCN takes off the light, its different here! No dead laptop, no darkness, no dead phone, you can walk around anytime you want. It’s a very beautiful experience. You can do whatever you wanna do at any point in time.

What do you do over there?

I am schooling, modelling and also doing photography! I snap pictures up and down. What I mean is, you call when you need me. I work with some night clubs and all! Another thing is, I snap and cover exclusive events here and send to my colleagues and bosses in Nigeria! Modelling is different here and very profitable, I have not done any major job, i get extra roles here and there but I am praying and I know God will surprise me soon. I am hoping on God and I believe with time, he would answer me.

What is their perception of Nigeria and Nigerians?

Like I said earlier, most of them don’t feel comfortable when you say you are a Nigerian. They believe Nigeria is full of dubious and heartless individuals because most of their girls have been heart broken by many Nigerian boys. They don’t trust Nigerian boys and they also believe we are capable of doing anything weird thing at anytime. On the other hand, some of them love Nigerians to the bone and they support you even when some people say shits to you in there dialect. Some girls also love Nigerian boys and would do anything to date one. So, I feel the Nigerian likeness depends on individual and amount of exposure he or she has got. And the funniest thing is , you meet some people and they express innermost love for Nigeria. They have read so much and would love to visit one day . so, its different. 

As an actor and model, have you been getting jobs?

The number one issue here is that, the modelling arrangements here is entirely different from Nigeria. You need to get an agent that would link you to a company that would always use you for their brand. Gotten an agent and I have been attending casting calls but have not gotten the big job. It’s just a matter of time and as for acting, the language is one big barrier. They mostly speak there dialect in their movies unlike Nigeria where the major language for most films is English, here it is strictly bahasa Malaysia and you hardly find soap operas or films in English. It’s always there language. But sometimes, they call on strictly English speaking actors but the turnout is always mad and scary.  Lol, but God go do am.

What can you say about their acting and modelling industries?

It’s a very mighty industry and it’s growing. There acting industry cannot be compared to Nollywood. Nollywood is ahead of them and all because there is less emphasis on that sector but for modelling, it is better than that of Nigeria. They pay well and a model would continue to be relevant even after the contract and when a company selects you here, you become there brand ambassador accompanied with super benefits and all. Its better here.

Was it sensible for you to leave your fledgling modelling and acting career in Nigeria for a country that you will just start newly?

I specifically decided to upgrade myself. I love entertainment and cannot delve away from it. Due to this fact, I decided to do courses that are in relation to it. i am studying Business information system here in Malaysia and planning to do a diploma in marketing and balance it up with masters in advertising. I love advertising and have endless passion for it. in our world of today, computer background is needed at all levels. I am a natural actor and can always model anytime, any day but you cannot just say you’re an actor without concrete educational achievements. Acting with professional qualifications in other fields will definitely stand you out. I have participated in so many commercials but I just realised at a point that I need to upgrade myself.  I love AKIN LEWIS and he is one of the individuals i believe in so much. Before I left Nigeria, we were always together because he acted as my dad in the soap I shot. Two sides of a coin. He is an actor and at the same time an advertiser.  He was working with Globacom telecommunications before he retired finally to acting. I am coming back to acting but on a better level and adequate exposure.

How did you get into the soap?

I heard about the audition and attended as usual. I was picked for a role with only two scenes but I was called after two weeks to come and play a bigger role.

How was the recording?

The recording was fun filled. The production crew and everybody involved made it interesting. I had so much fun.

Tell us about your role in it.

I played a 16 year old boy.  I come from a very rich family and all. Along the line, I developed love for music and decided to kick aside my education and morals. I was also influenced by a friend of mine who advised me to leave the house to face the music squarely! Lot of things happened along the line. It’s a very interesting story and thanks to one of the best directors in Nigeria. Daniel Adenimokan who made it easy and fun filled for me.Tell us all your achievements in Nigeria as an actor and modelWoow! I actually don’t know where to start from but a lot happened to me and I can’t but give all the thanks to God for everything. I entered the industry with modelling and later commenced acting that lead to journalism and finally photography. I featured in countless commercials and all. I acted alongside Funke Akindele, Akin lewis,  Pa kasumu, lola idije, Ronke oshodi oke, felix omokhodion and the list goes on, still a journalist with Nigerian Compass News Paper and now a professional photographer. Also tell us why you ventured into these professions.To be realistic, I just followed my heart. I thank God for my ever supportive and loving parents that encouraged me.  I just loved showbiz and was always on top of my game. I derive joy writing, acting, posing for photos and taking pictures. It’s just something that is in built.

What are Nigerians doing over there in Malaysia?

Nigerians do loads of stuffs here.  From lecturing to club managers, complex owners, actors, models, pastors and it goes on. We have bad eggs and there is nothing we can do about that but there are loads of positive Nigerians here affecting lives in their own perfect ways

How are Christians treated there, since it's an Islamic nation?

They treat Christians appropriately. They don’t condemn religions and all. Many of them believe in one God disregarding the fact that you are a Christian, Muslim or Buddhist etc

Do they have churches there?

Yeah! More than enough churches but Christianity is on the very low side. We have RCCG, Winners chapel etc attended by Nigerians and the locals too.