10 Questions For TV Host & Actress Stephanie Coker.
Stephanie Coker is as smart and tenacious as they come. A quick internet search of her name will show that she just might be one of the hardest working women in showbiz today. Her resume is a literal who’s who of prominent media outlets, having worked for Cool FM, ELTV, and MTV. She regularly interviews (and hob nobs with) celebrity A-Listers. TW Magazine recently caught up with Coker between her hosting and acting responsibilities to chat exclusively about her life in front of the camera, her burgeoning career and many more.
Interview by Ope L. Akinyemi
TW: What was growing up like for you?
Stephanie Coker: I was born in Lagos. However, moved to the UK with my parents at the age of 1. My mum is originally from Abeokuta and my dad is from Badagry. At the age 5, my mum decided to surprise me with a little baby brother, who is the total opposite of me, which meant I didn’t really have to share the spotlight.
I was shy as a child but at the same time an extrovert. My mum made sure there was an element of art at every stage of my education. I loved listening to different types of music. In fact, there was nowhere music was being played and I wouldn’t be moving. At home, I was nicknamed “Alajo ta.” My mum would come home from work and catch me dancing to the likes of Queen Salawa Abeni, Kwam1, Plantashun boys, Destiny’s Child and Pet Shop Boys. I didn’t care as long as it had a beat that I could move to. I’d attend birthday parties just so I could take part in the dance competitions. Growing up in my house was like a stage play, everyone had their own character and there was never a dull moment.
TW: What was your very first job?
SC: My first job was in the summer of 2006, I worked as a waitress at the Arsenal Emirates stadium in North London.
TW: Have you always wanted to become a presenter? How did it all start?
SC: After graduating from Brunel University with a degree in Media and Communications, I pursued a career in TV presenting. I have won numerous competitions including the MTV UK presenter campaign. I was also shortlisted to present on BBC’S hit youth show “Newsround.” I made a decision to visit Nigeria for three months and ended up staying and it’s going on three years now. I have worked for brands including Pepsi, Cool FM and now present for MTV Base, ELTV, Baileys Radio and act on Tinsel. I am also excited about taking on new projects. I love talking and showbiz seems to be the only way I can get paid for my special talent. (Laughs)
TW: You are also an actress. When and how did you get into acting?
SC: I have been acting since primary school. It’s something that I am very passionate about and enjoy greatly.
TW: What drives you?
SC: I love entertaining and making people smile. When I get messages from people saying how much they love my style of presenting and aspire to be like me, I am driven to give 101{54d2fcdcd494adb6982253be6fe8d5492e5f586157f419110131714f9092ec60} all the time.
TW: Mention two funniest things that has happened to you on camera.
SC: I think that would be forgetting my name and interviewing someone that doesn’t speak English. I interviewed Fally Ipupa at the MTV Awards in South Africa and didn’t understand a word he was saying. (Laughs).
TW: What does originality mean to you?
SC: I think originality is being a fruit loop in a world full of Cheerios.
TW: How would you describe yourself?
SC: Free spirited, spontaneous, quirky, ambitious and strong. I dislike people who pretend to be something they are not.
TW: What has been your greatest achievement so far?
SC: I have been privileged to interview some amazing celebrities including Dionne Warwick, Kelly Rowland, Nelly, D’Banj, Genevieve Nnaji, Trey Songs, Miguel, etc. Covering the BET Awards for MTV Base in Los Angeles was also a dream come true. The opportunity of interviewing A-list celebrities on an international red carpet has been amazing.
TW: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
SC: With 3 Grammy nominations, 1 Oscar….. I’m just kidding. It’s hard to say. Nigeria is such an unpredictable place, but I would like to become somebody African youth can identify with.