Zainab Balogun: A Beautiful Mind
Interview by Ope L. Akinyemi
Bright, funny and stunning, model turned actress and TV presenter Zainab Balogun is Nigeria’s rising It girl. Here, she talks about having it all: a booming career, a beautiful family and being at peace.
Q: What was growing up like for you?
A: I’d say I had a good childhood. Growing up was extremely fun, provided I didn’t push the limits with my parents. I definitely enjoyed school, hanging out with my friends and being able to see as much of the world as our little field trips would give us. I was pretty outspoken, fearless and stubborn. A little too stubborn I think, thanks to my mum.
Q: What is your educational background?
A: I graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree. Yes, you can all say it, “there goes another one.”
Q: What influenced your career decision?
A: I had always been the strictly academic child who had a flare for being creative. From acting to dancing -art you name it – I could do it! I managed to balance both right up until university but eventually had to pick one direction.
Things were getting too heavy for me to juggle and it seemed like my career in acting and modeling started to pay off and satisfied me more than anything else. I got a sense of fulfillment and a desire to be on set from 4am. There wasn’t anything or anyone that could ever drag me into an office that early. I simply went with what I loved.
Q: Did you find it hard for people (including your family) to take you seriously at first for being a young model? Or was everyone super supportive?
A: The first person to freak out was my mother as expected. It was definitely very difficult at first. My parents grew up differently with different sets of values and anything outside of that was a puzzle they didn’t want to figure out. Funny enough, my extended family and friends were very supportive in helping them to understand that the industry was credible. I was 16 and I’d be worried too if I were them.
Over the years, it got much easier as they got to physically see my achievements and could relate with it. I found my mother bringing out my portfolio, going through my editorials and sharing stories with her friends at gatherings. It made me smile to know that they finally got it.
Q: Have you ever struggled with creative control over both your image and work? Has anyone ever tried to mold you into something or someone you’re not?
A: Like any artist I’m sensitive about my work. The industry requires you to deal with feedback from others. I am not perfect and neither do I know it all. Therefore, there some things that I’ve had to sacrifice for the greater good of the work. However, never my integrity. Also, starting so young meant that my decisions weren’t necessarily all mine. I had to rely on experienced [people] and hung on to their every word, which you do when you’re young, impressionable and keen. The older I got, the more I got comfortable with myself and had my own thoughts. As I mentioned earlier, I was stubborn so I learnt to put my foot down. I am more than satisfied with my identity, and work. I’m happy being different!
Q: You have a unique sense of style and fashion. Where are your favorite places to shop and/or some of your favorite brands?
A: I absolutely love to shop online because of the convenience it provides. I’m hooked on all the major retailers like Zara, Net-a-porter, Asos, you name it! I particularly love 5th + Quansah because they bring African and international designers to one spot. I absolutely love vintage so if I’m heading out, I do the retrospective store in Lagos for this. My favorite brands don’t really tend to change much. I’m [also] a happy woman in Clan, Rebahia, LDA or Maki Oh… to name a few.
Q: Who/what inspires you the most?
A: I’m mostly inspired by strong individuals especially young people who are doing things differently. Not to give you the typical answer, but my parents start the list. I get my strong worth ethic front them.
Q: As a TV presenter, what do you love most about your job?
A: I love the fact that I get to speak to millions of people daily. It’s crazy! It’s something I can never get used to yet. It’s incredible that we can positively influence minds and make somebody somewhere smile.
Q: What are some of the challenges you face on the job and how do you overcome them?
A: Some of the major challenges I would say involve dealing with issues that are beyond your control such as technical problems. With this you simply get blessed with patience. I’d say the other would be scaling down creativity. When I’m brainstorming or creating, anything is possible until there’s a budget. I’m still learning to adapt.
Q: What does happiness mean to you?
A: Happiness means complete peace of mind, body and soul. That’s all I could ever want.
Catch Zainab Balogun and her co-hosts on The SpOt showing on EbonyLife TV weekdays at 8.30PM CAT