Etinosa… Cool, comfy in jumpsuits

Etinosa Idemudia is an actress, social media influencer, filmmaker, and Internet celebrity. She is known for her online skits that enjoy rave reviews, bringing her success in the entertainment industry. She is a winner of the Best Online Comic Act award at the 2016 Scream Awards.

The Warri-born actress later enrolled at the Royal Arts Academy, Lagos, Nigeria, where she obtained a Diploma in Performing Arts, after which she quit her engineering job to pursue a full-time career in entertainment. She speaks with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA on her life and style.

Share with us your growing up?
I grew up in a loving Christian home. My father, a career engineer, and my mother, an educationist, were both disciplinarians. At that time, socialising with friends and other people was not much. In fact, reading our books was the most preferred activity in the house. As the first daughter, I was brought up to care for everyone, including my elder brothers and even my parents. We were not filthy rich but we lacked nothing. Looking back now, I’m grateful to God for giving me such a warm and loving home in which to grow up and be nurtured.

What does fashion mean to you?
To me, fashion simply connotes appearance

What is your style?
The Rich Aunty Vibe gets me all the time. (Laughs)

What’s your favourite piece of clothing?
Jumpsuits

Who are your role models?
My parents are my first and primary role models in all things in life. Zeroing into my career, my industry, as a woman in the film, the following women, among others, inspire me a lot: Funke Akindele Bello, Mary Remmy Njoku, Ruth Kadri and Judith Audu. These women have been forces of positive revolution in the Nigerian film industry in my time, despite numerous challenges.

What’s your favourite local dish?
Starch and red fresh fish pepper soup

What is your most cherished possession?
My mind (if I can call it a possession)

What is your most expensive item?
As for material things, I have none that is most cherished because I have programmed my mind to know that these things are transient-can be lost at any time. But then, if I am to say, it should be my land.

Share with us your happiest moments? The moment I held my healthy baby in my hand, my offspring, my essence, my blood, my world! Best moment ever.

What are your turn offs?
Turn off? Injustice, unfairness and disrespect for humanity

What is your turn on?
For me, it is honesty despite its bitterness, genuine love for a fellow man, goodness, brilliant ideas, art, comedy and food.

Who’s your favourite designer?
I don’t have one
Describe yourself in Etinosa’s words? Spontaneous, honest, playful

What are your hobbies?
Dancing, acting, eating, playing and laughing.

What is your philosophy of life?
When I do well, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad – this is my religion.

If you were given an opportunity to change Nigeria, what will you do?
To be honest, I wouldn’t know where to start. Nigeria is really big and her problem keeps compounding from year to year for so many years. Please forgive me when I say I don’t have a good answer to this.