Eeefy is a successful model and actress who is today broadening her endeavors with a new book, a clothing line and a charitable foundation to aid burn victims around the world. Herself afflicted by terrible burns as a child, Eeefy has made creating more burn centers around the world, the primary goal in her life, even beyond her career in entertainment and fashion. Her New World Hope Foundation is today becoming a major force in bringing awareness to the need of medical facilities for burn victims in impoverished communities.
Eeefy was born in Nigeria. She’s the 13th of 17 children, six stepsiblings from father’s first marriage and three from mother’s first marriage. Her father is a retired mechanical engineer and politician, chief sir Wilfred Ike and mother, a retired fashion designer, Gladys Ike.
When she was just 3 years old, she sustained third-degree burns all over her stomach up to her chest area and legs in a violent attack. But due to the absence of burn centers in Nigeria and lack of funds to fly abroad for treatment, Eeefy was forced to live as an outcast with terrible pain and ugly scars.
Her zeal for life and eagerness to survive compelled her to eventually agree to get married at a tender age to a kind Italian engineer working on a contract in Nigeria. As soon as his contract ended, he acquired a visa for Eeefy and took her with him to Europe. That opportunity gave Eeefy a second chance for life and safety.
Although the marriage did not work out, Eeefy still sought to heal herself emotionally and physically, thus she came to the U.S. where she began medical treatments in early 2001. Soon she was encouraged to enter in the entertainment industry and quickly became a much sought-after model and actress.
Eeefy’s work included scores of television commercials for major brands such as Gillette shaving cream for men which aired in the U.S., United Kingdom, Europe and Africa for over two years. Other National television commercials included Burger King, Keglevich Vodka, Sauza Diablo Tequila, Comcast High Definition, Diesel Jeans and many others, including a Nokia International product launch. Most recently, her hands were also used for the Aroma product national infomercial.
Her work includes guest starring in the John Stamos 20th Century Fox television series, “Jake in Progress,” as well as a number of independent films.
Eeefy’s exquisite beauty has graced the pages of Beverly Hills Celebrity Society Magazine, Gazette Magazine-Montreal Canada, Getty Images, Wire Image and Flickr. Her memorable laughter was a ringtone for the “You Shake I Laugh” iPhone application produced by Roman Reyhani.
Eeefy’s strong presence, fusion accent and signature walk have also earned her several hosting and personal appearance engagements that range from hosting elite parties, exclusive private business events to sports events such as the Grand Prix, as well as appearances in several music videos. She has an excellent background as a consultant and spokes model for a variety of media projects including “Attitude and Catwalk,” “Lady Maxxa-The Golden host in Many Moons,” “Metropolis by Janelle Monae music video/short film with Anonymous Content/Treasure Entertainment.” She was a spokesperson and image consultant for “Catwalk Hollywood” project for Nigeria. She has appeared as a guest speaker in a “live” online talk show at outonline.com “The Real Zephyr” by Sidney Alvarez. Eeefy has also been a spokes model for world-famous jeweler, Ricardo Basta of Beverly Hills.
With an eagerness to motivate people and share her experiences in life, Eeefy has authored a motivational book which is in the process of being published and is finishing two other motivational books. She also wrote and produced a pilot of a TV show series and film named “Queen of the Jungle in Beverly Hills,” the story of an exotic African girl and her quest for fame and fortune in the Western world. Eeefy is also collaborating with a famous artist in Beverly Hills to design her own clothing and accessory line. In the near future she also plans to introduce “Eeefy’s doll” for little girls.
Excerpts:
Before we proceed, how about some history regarding yourself?
I was born in Port Harcourt. Grew up partly in Nigeria and partly in Europe and now I live in America but travel the world extensively.
How did a little girl growing up in Port Harcourt, had such a big dream, and got into entertainment and things like that. Where was the motivation from?
It was never a part of my aspiration to pursue a career in the entertainment industry; however, I heeded advice from friends to explore the industry because I realized it could be a vehicle I needed to achieve my ultimate goal, which is to build burn centers in countries that are lacking burn centers.
Your first book, “Peering Through The Depths Of Life” seems to be quite fascinating. Can you tell me about it and the idea behind it all?
“Peering Through the Depths of Life” is an inspirational book that covers relationship problems and life’s challenges. I choose to peer into various issues because they are everyday, common struggles that hinder and depress people and need to be addressed. The book is an easy read as the topics are brief and straight to the point, and the reader does not have to start from the beginning of the book, as every page tackles a new issue. The book is additionally perfect for references and it is also integrated with beautiful images of me that reflect my spirit, passion and style.
Why did you write “Peering Through The Depths Of Life” and what message are you sending to your readers?
I wrote Peering Through The Depths Of Life” out of the eagerness to help those that are struggling; by sharing my experiences that have allowed me to understand the causes and effects of pain in different aspects – those that are not normally recognized or dissected due to an individual’s confused state of mind during times of crisis. I’m hoping that my insight can help them to deal with their own problems effectively, so they can live a more meaningful life. What is the meaning of life when one’s soul is stifled?
I have learned that problems are inevitable parts of life and our experiences are the integral element of our mental growth and we must all confront those problems, no matter how difficult they may seem, by peering through the depths of their causes and objectively seeing ourselves and our actions as they really are in, order to find true solutions and ultimate peace.
What’s the most crucial thing a first-time writer should know?
As a writer, your vision must be clear.
I’d imagine with all the shows that you do – TV, radio, movies and other related events in Hollywood, it’s obvious you love what you do. Could you have done something differently assuming Hollywood was not a success story?
I’m also pursuing other interests that are unrelated to the entertainment industry. I’m collaborating with other people for skin care products and clothing line. I’m also making “Eeefy doll” for little girls.
In my case, I have heard too many bizarre stories about myself. What are the bizarre stories you heard about yourself and how did you take it?
Africans have labeled me mammy water (goddess of the sea) – they even go as far as writing things like “mammy water has left the sea where she’s supposed to be” under my photos on Facebook. Some even doubt I’m a real woman because my features are perfect. They have said that my accent is abnormal for whatever reason and that I dress too sexy to be a motivational speaker and ought to emulate Oprah’s style of dressing, since I’m like her – I assume the latter means my wisdom is compared to hers. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion; however, I’m immune to other people’s negative perception of my personality. No one governs my soul with his or her ignorance. It’s unfortunate that a person would invest so much time and energy in criticizing other people while he/she has flaws… It would be more beneficial for that person to channel that time and energy in looking into their life and improving on where there’s a lack.
Eeefy believes that if you invest time and energy speaking ill of someone else, that means that person is very significant to you and powerful enough to consume your time, energy and thoughts! Eeefy is not fazed by malicious criticisms because those that are swift to cast aspersions on others are weak spirits that aren’t worthy of acknowledgment and their intentions are usually to elevate their stifled soul, which may likely only be for a minute because when the laughs are over, they would revert back to their miserable state again. I DO NOT acknowledge such evil critics because they are of no consequence. I need time to apply my makeup, leggings and bustier and no time for the nonsensical. (Laughs!)
It’s ignorant of Africans or anyone to attribute beauty to a mermaid. As long as your beauty is uncommon, the spirit of a mermaid or an ogbanje spirit or any other spirit that they choose possesses you and you must have supernatural powers that they believe may be used for evil. It seems as if Africans expect everyone to look like the girl next door or to have a over-sized head, large lips and huge bum or big nose and walk like a duck. A woman is not allowed to possess extreme beauty and move with grace; else she’s labeled a supernatural being or even a witch, if they so please and perhaps a prostitute if the critics are extra intoxicated. Very distressing also is the fact that the majority of Africans do not like to see their fellow Africans happy or successful, so the wickedness and jealousy rooted in them is often provoked at the site of another African that seems to be happy and succeeding, whether that person is beautiful or not though it is worse if beauty is added to the package. Very sad indeed!
In addition to one having his or her own identity, there’s something called ‘image’ in the entertainment industry that is an integral component of an artist’s career, which must be adopted if one wants to have a long lived career. An artist does not have to fit into your box or conform to a conventional method of speaking or dressing, however people learn to respect the artist’s image just like they would expect their ways or personality to be respected by others. Everyone is unique in their own way, thus everybody cannot sound, look or think the same. No one is in this world to live up to anyone’s expectations. It’s only by chance that one person’s spirit resonates with another. Besides, what would stimulate our mind if we were all the same breed? Why do you gravitate to artists unless the simple fact that their personalities/careers intrigues or provokes your thoughts? Were they like you, you would not raise an eyelid or have gossip to peddle. Unfortunately many Africans are mostly inclined to the ignorance of not appreciating an artist’s image, and that’s simply because of their primitive mentality that I pray changes with time, so that they can support their children so they can thrive and not discourage their growth and deter their success with remorseless ignorance.
The Westerners are more appreciative of uniqueness because they understand image. Not that there aren’t Africans who appreciate me because I have very loving African fans as well. But my bizarre and even evil experiences have been with Africans… right from the tender age of 3. I was afflicted by the ignorance of African tradition, which is a common practice in Africa. They would kill you if you were singled out as an abnormal breed. Africans know what they do to children believed to be witches. The so called saints who kill or harm these children believe they are doing the right thing but they refuse to realize that destroying another person’s life is another form of witchcraft.
My accent is fusion and has been derived from extensive travel, living in different countries and speaking a few languages. It would be almost impossible to remain the same after all my experiences. Africans want you to be like them because you’re an African and if you’re not like them, then something is wrong with you. Ludicrous!!! I love who I am and would not change for this world that consists of people of various backgrounds, culture and mentality because pleasing everyone would be impossible. God has created me unique for my purpose in life and I WOULD NOT apologize for it. I relish my image, in spite of whatever flaws I may have.
I’m very honored to be compared to Oprah, who has been a big inspiration to my life. Having said that, I would not emulate Oprah’s style of dressing and personal presentation because I’m a different breed that possesses a different type of body. My style of dressing is in harmony with my personality and my physique and my lifestyle and career. It would be ignorant of me to adopt a style that does not suit me just to please others. I’m not one of those people that trudge through life swaying to the drumbeat of others and drowning in misery. I dance to my own music, so I can understand the rhythm that’s pleasing to my soul.
Furthermore, I’m born into a new era; a progressive world with evolution in technology that influences our viewpoints, interactions in business transactions, in the work environment, and even in social areas with others from different background and mentality. Personal presentation dictates other people’s instant assessment of one’s personality, thus diminishing or elevating one’s credibility. As a motivational speaker with eagerness to inspire the youths that are going astray or are broken, I have to also be welcoming and relative to them, at least in appearance. These types of youths can be found in many different types of areas – they are usually ensnared into environments that should be forbidden for their built-in dangers. For instance, I can walk into a whorehouse, a drug haven or a drinking bar, etc. and fit right in, even though I do not indulge in such destructive lifestyles. I would fit right in because my personal style and appearance would appeal to them, which is the kind of reception that would ease my mission to go and motivate them to unshackle themselves from such bondage and destruction. I walk in as a friend and make a positive impact in their lives. Do you think looking like Oprah would gain me the same reception?
Have you ever imagined that God created you the way you are for a reason? It’s important for you to know that everyone has a purpose in life and when you find your purpose, you ought to walk the walk, talk the talk and present yourself in the light that would lead you to fulfilling that purpose, Anything else would only steer you in a different direction or deter you from achieving your goal. When you pretend to please others, you’ll be hurting yourself in ways that are oblivious to you. Lack of self-awareness also hurts no one but you. Living in illusion is akin to living in exile from yourself.
What’s your impression of how Nollywood fits into the world stage of the entertainment industry?
Nollywood is very dramatic in African appreciation but not yet at the stage to resonate with the Western world, so Nollywood still has a lot of work to do to even assume any position on the world stage of the entertainment industry.
Yes Nollywood is growing; nonetheless, growth is extremely slow due to the following obvious reasons;
1. Lack of support from the Nigerian government is definitely a major hindrance for Nollywood. They need funds and a well-structured system to nurture the industry.
2. Their production quality is very poor, perhaps good enough for the African audience who would have to consider the economic situation of the country before casting criticisms at production quality. However, if Nollywood wants to appeal to a global market, then Nollywood needs to enhance its production quality. There are a few aspects I believe they can improve on to enhance the movie and elevate their standard, such as:
a). Actors should wear the right wardrobe that suits the role they play and that is integral to the scenes. This aspect of a production is an important instrument in telling the story
b). Makeup and hair should be in harmony with the characters as well.
c). Editors should re-evaluate their methods of editing. For example, their scores always overwhelms the conversations between actors in the film and viewers have to try hard to filter through the loud music to understand what is being said.
d). Your audience does not need to know every irrelevance during filming, hence the need to cut out the extra mile in editing. The audience is traveling a journey with you in the subconscious mind while you’re narrating the story so go straight to the point to avoid losing them along the way before you arrive at your destination.
e). The yelling is unnecessary. Film differs from theater, thus the range of tones and body language needs to be controlled. For film, an actor needs to be subtle in delivery, as the camera tends to magnify every little movement. Theater is an open space, hence the requirement to be extra dramatic and even lurid in delivery, in order to fill up the room.
3. Piracy is drowning the industry. How can the industry possibly grow when she’s persistently robbed? Nigerian government desperately needs to take control of that piracy.
4. Nollywood lacks originality. Perhaps they should tell traditional stories if that’s what it takes to refrain from reenacting Hollywood stories and in such mediocre forms like they do. They ought to stop using names of Hollywood celebrities to identify their characters. Naturally, as Africans, we are very dramatic -- our lifestyles and mannerisms are enough to fill up the screen and intrigue the audience, thus we do not need to redo Hollywood stories. There are many aspects of our tradition that are equally worthy of projecting unto the screen just like Hollywood stories.
Let’s talk about Nollywood acclaimed to be the third movie industry on the face of this planet, after Bollywood and Hollywood. How could with only home videos and no theatres? What’s your take on that?
Nollywood is the third movie industry in the world even with the lack of theaters and quality production simply because they dish out thousands of films every year unlike the other industries that are more inclined to quality instead of quantity.
What was the highlight of the radio interview on “What’s Cooking Today”?
The highlight was the good questions they asked about my inspirational book “Peering Through the Depths of Life” that is set to be released on the 21 July, 2011 on Amazon.com.
Let’s talk about “Ask Ify.” If you were to stop doing it suddenly, what do you think the fans’ reaction would be?
I stopped the experimental videos already because I got what I wanted from them and you’ll understand in a short time. Though my fans are still sending in questions and expressing disappointment for my sudden retreat. I have kept “Ask Eeefy” alive through my blog posts on Facebook because my soul delights in inspiring others.
What projects are you working on now?
I’m working on 3 inspirational books that will be released 6 months apart. My foundation “Eeefy’s New World Hope Foundation --- preventing further injury and death from superstition” will be launched this Fall! I’m also working on a comedy film, ‘The Queen Of The Jungle In Beverly Hills’, and my line of apparel and skin care products. I do wear some of my designs “Eeefy by Giorgio Tuscani”. My designer is a famed artist in Beverly Hills, known for immortalizing celebrities on canvas. He actually immortalized 2 gorgeous angel images of me and donated them to my foundation. They will be unveiled during the launching of the foundation.
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