interview
By Samuel Abulude
Vivien Ike is an actress and organiser of Blind Tasters reality show kicking off soon. She speaks to SAMUEL ABULUDE on her project and her experience in acting.
Tell us about your background?
I grew up in a family where family values lie in teaching the golden rule and practicing what we were taught. That golden rule, as my mum would say is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. For me, that’s true religion. Added to that, pray without season and have faith in God.
How is your relationship with Nollywood actress, Chika Ike?
She happens to be my sister and we are fond of each other. We have an understanding relationship and treat each other with much love and respect.
What is your new reality show about?
Blind Tasters is a healthy competition that celebrates family values, promotes the concept of love, friendship, and cooking. It employs blind tasting as a means of evaluating, promoting, strengthening and rekindling the bond between people. This healthy competition involves seven contestants and seven blind tasters. These blind tasters could be family relations or friends of the contestants. The contestants are assigned to cook while the blind tasters are to identify their contestant’s dish. If they fail, they send their contestants to the danger zone where each of them has to identify whatever is presented to them. They do this with their eyes closed and noses clamped. Any contestant that fails the test goes into the elimination room to face a celebrity judge and two other judges. There, they are judged based on the presentation and taste of their food. The contestant with the worst food is eliminated and the one that has the best food wins. The overall winner of the competition leaves with a cash prize of two million naira and a brand new car.
What is unique about Blind Tasters reality show?
Blind Tasters already speaks for itself as its format has been reviewed by top production companies like Buck Productions, which is a leading content creation company honoured multiple times on Real Screen’s Global 100 list as one of the most influential, inspirational, and world leading production companies in the world, and Eye Works Belgium, acquired by Warner Bros and is seemingly one of the leading independent TV and film production companies in Belgium, relatively Real, the television arm of Relativity media, that produced the hit shows MTV’S Catfish and The American Bible Challenge. Documentary Makers (NeonTV) and InTroubleZone Productions also reviewed the show. Also Blind Tasters is a show that celebrates family values, which includes social, political, religious and work values. All these strengthen the bonds families have and help kids make good choices. I am confident that Blind Tasters will appeal to a broad demographic due to its varied content and entertainment value. For example, a mother can be the contestant and her 7-year-old can be her blind taster. Blind Tasters has been able to attract international sponsors like Skyrun international company, and big name sponsors like Eleganza, and Tarzan Cargo services. We also had part sponsorship from the deck at Oba Elegushi beach. We are very grateful for their contributions as we look forwards to more sponsorship opportunities in the future.
Tell us some movies you have starred in?
I have acted in a couple of movies like ‘Monster Under My Skin’ and ‘Lost Trust,’ produced by Chioma Okoye and directed by Ekenna Igwe. Also, ‘Different Women’ produced by Lisa Onu and directed by Iyke Odife. I’m still awaiting more scripts that fancy me.
Which was the most challenging?
The character I played in Lost Trust. I was a mediator, whose only plan was to cause havoc and destroy my friend’s home. I was thrilled about my first role, but then I put myself in the other characters’ shoes and I became moody. So to avoid falling deep into depression, I reminded myself it was just a character and it would never be me.
What thrills you about your roles?
That I get to play out other people’s lives and learn from that experience.
You must have experienced some levels of heartbreak in the past, what did you do to come out of the pain?
Heartbreak comes in different forms but the best way to deal with such is to learn from it and move on. It doesn’t kill you, it only makes you.
What is your most striking prayer point?
“Lord, give me the strength to do your will at all times.”
What lesson has life taught you?
Life has taught me to walk by faith and not by sight.
Tell us the qualities of your ideal man?
(Laughs) He has to have the fear of God and be in alignment with his purpose and mine.
What is your style?
I believe I fall under the classy-chic umbrella. It’s timeless, effortless and elegant!
Are you a fashionable person?
I consider myself a stylish person, not a fashionable person and I will explain why. A fashionable person follows trends closely because he or she is concerned about keeping up with the latest fashion trend. A stylish person keeps an eye on fashion and only takes what he or she feels has that timeless appeal and is appropriate. For me, it has always been about the fit and not the trend because trends come and go, making it hard to keep up but I applaud those who can.
What fashion item forms a large part of your wardrobe?
Well… Jumpsuits. It’s simple and classic.
Who are the Nigerian fashionistas you admire?
Rita Dominic has a good sense of style.
What do you think is the general misconception that you believe some Nigerian ladies have about fashion?
Well, just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it fits or will look good on you. We, as women should not follow trends at all times but be independent and creative with our choices. Try getting something ordinary and make it extra ordinary.
What is your life philosophy?
This is my personal quote: I would rather sweat and smile now than smile and sweat later.
Who is your mentor?
Well, I am a perfectionist, so I will go with Jesus, because he is perfect. But if you had to rephrase the question and ask me the ones I truly admire, I would not mince words when I say Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey. I love people that think different and also those that are cheerful givers.
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