When I look at my son, I don’t regret getting involved with his father - Black Queen

Dark-complexioned and gregarious Queen Blessing Ebigieson, popularly known as Black Queen, is a Nollywood actress and movie producer. The ex-model, who studied Mass Communication in this interview with www.angeladaviesblog.blogspot.com, speaks about her career, relationship and other issues.

How did your journey into acting begin?

I got into the acting world in 2000. I saw a movie jacket, I think from OJ Production, and I decided to call the number affixed to it. The person who answered the call was very friendly and. He said to me, you can- n o t make it as a n actress in Niger State. I was in Bida, Niger State then with my mum and schooling. I had to come to Lagos. In Lagos, I was told about a job in Enugu State. He told me they cannot foot my bill to Enugu State but if I can find my way there, he can assure me that I would get a role. Because I was determined to make it, I spent about N25,000 including transport, hotel and feeding to go to Enugu for that job. I did three scenes which people call Waka Pass in Ashes to Ashes, that is the title of the movie and I was paid N3,000 while I spent about N25,000. That was how the journey began.

Did that not discourage you from being an actress?

No, it did not because I actually got what I wanted. It gave me an opportunity to act, to face the camera for the very first time and the movie was directed by a big director, Andy Amenechi. It also opened doors for me to meet people. That way I didn’t have to go back to Enugu again. When I went back to school, I called people like Segun Arinze and some other actors who usually told me when I can come for auditions. For me, it was like an open door. If you don’t take a step, you will not know how many miles you can cover. I was not discouraged at all.

Talking about steps, what motivates you in life?

My motivation is that I always want to do the right thing. I always like to impress my mum and the people around me and the fact that I have a son I don’t want to be a disappointment to. That is the biggest motivation for me. It keeps me going and saying I cannot afford to fail.

Are you married?

I am not married, I am a single parent.

What challenges do you face as a single parent?

It is not easy, it’s been difficult because you have to pay bills and my son is seven years old now. You have to singlehandedly do a lot of things because the father does not care. At the end of the day, I am not complaining, God has been fateful to me and I have a man in my life who is trying so much. Even though the child is not his, he has been taking care of him like he is son. I don’t have any reason to complain, life goes on.

 Do you plan to settle down with this man, and is he in the industry?

The man is not in the industry. For me, marriage is not a mere formality. I’m enjoying my relationship right now and we have agreed not to pressure each other in terms of marriage. If he says let’s get married today and because I love him so much, of course, I would. We are in a pressureless relationship and we love each other so much, that is the bottom line. Some people date for seven years, they get married and break up the next day. Some people are just in a relationship and they are better than those people who call themselves married couple. The bottom line is that be happy, life is too short for anyone to make anyone sad. For me, marriage is not really a priority but if it comes fine, if it does not, I am not bothered.

What misconceptions do people have about you?

I granted an interview some years back and the journalist addressed me as Mrs Okosun in the story. It wasn’t his fault because in 2006, my ex-fiancée, Chief John Okosun, published me in the paper as Mrs Okosun but I didn’t say anything for five years. So it was as if I actually accepted that I was Mrs Okosun. When it dawned on me, I had to clarify the issue and make people understand that I was never married. The truth is that we were engaged but we never got married. However, we have a son.

Are you still friends?

We are not friends; we don’t talk but it is not a big deal. He wants it that way and I respect his decision.

Do you specialise in Yoruba movies?

I am actually an English actress but I crossed over in 2010. I produce Yoruba movies because the people are friendly, nice and encouraging to work with. I still act in English movies. I don’t produce English movies because I don’t understand the English market for now so I don’t want to run the risk of putting my money there.

What movies have you produced?

My latest movie is called Lori Ere (On the Run). But the previous movie I produced is called Borokini and it was released in June, 2011.

What language does your style speak?

My style speaks glamour, sexy, hot, a diva, nice and simple. I like to be comfortable in my outfit. I don’t wear things because people are wearing them but because I feel they suit me. My style is my language, the way my body understands it.

How do you balance your work and spending time with your son?

My son understands the fact that I love him very much and we spend time as much as we can. Sometimes when I am taking a vacation out of the country, I go with him. He knows that when mummy is not around, she is busy and talks to him on phone all the time. He understands that he is the best thing that ever happened to me. He is my best friend and we love each other. He also understands that mummy has to work to give him the kind of life she wants for him. If I am not with him, he understands.

Have you ever taken any decision in life which you later regretted?

The decision I had ever taken in life that I would have said I regretted was ever meeting my son’s father. For a long time I regretted that but when I look at my handsome son, I tell myself it was never a mistake. It didn’t work out, yes but it was a good thing I got involved with him because I have a handsome son I love so much. I would say I have never taken a decision that I regret. I decided to stretch it like this because I have said in the past that, that is the only thing I have ever done that I regretted. But now when I look at my son, I don’t regret that anymore, so for me, no regrets.

How was growing up?

Growing up for me was not too juicy because we didn’t have plenty. In the midst of nothing, however, my mum took care of us and I am grateful. My dad was not really the type who believed in taking care of the home front but we forgave him. He is a good man now, so we love him regardless.

 How do your parents feel today, especially your father, with what you have become?

My dad surprisingly is actually the one who is so proud of me. He is the Seki of my town, Okpella in Edo State. I remember the last time I went there when my foundation, Queen Blessing Foundation for the less privileged, held a programme for widows in February, and we gave 200 old women and widows wrapper and fed 500 people. It is my own way of giving back to the society. In the midst of so many people, my dad stood up and said ‘that is my daughter, I trained her’. But you know I can’t just go and tell people that he did not. I just smiled and said that is my father, I am proud of him. At least he brought me into this world.

What is your philosophy of life?

Life is live each day as it comes. You can plan for the future but don’t step on people’s toes to get what you want. Allow them to come naturally.

You are a well endowed woman, how do you handle your male fans?

Apart from being a celebrity, men always want to have a test of my body. But I know and believe they want me because of my success, name and beauty and that has made me stick to one man who I love and respect with all my heart. I just tell my male admirers and fans that I am not available. While some understand and let me be, others don’t. Because I don’t want to be rude, I calmly tell them to let me be. When they become too stressful, I stop taking their calls or block them from my facebook and Whatsapp. For me, it is not a problem to handle my male admires. They have a right to ask me out after all I am still a single woman, and I also have a right to say no.

What is the most embarrassing thing a fan has said or done to you?

The most embarrassing thing would be when a fan said to me at an event, “BQ I like your boobs, can I feel it?” I just said to myself it’s one of the insults you get as a public figure. Anyone can just walk up to you and say anything and you are expected not to get angry.

 What is your assessment of the Nollywood industry?

My assessment of Nollywood as an actress and a producer is that it is better than what it was before. I have been in the industry for 13 years now and I would say the productions are getting better in terms of quality. The market is getting bigger too. The only problem is piracy. My movie Lori ere came out on August 12 and as I speak it is already pirated. You can find it in those sevenin-one CD, it is that bad. However, those of us who love the industry are not giving up as I strongly believe things will get better. This industry has opened our great country to the world at large.

What did you study?

I studied Mass Communication at Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State and graduated in 2006.