Posted by By Ijeoma Ogwuegbu on
Many Nigerians first saw her when Big Brother Nigeria was first launched, when she took centre stage, along with the 12 housemates and her co-presenter, Olisa Adibua, on the show.
Many Nigerians first saw her when Big Brother Nigeria was first launched, when she took centre stage, along with the 12 housemates and her co-presenter, Olisa Adibua, on the show. She sparkled as she bantered with the housemates before they went into the house to begin their three-month stay in pursuit of the prize of $100,000.00.
While it was a turning point in the lives of those twelve people, Michelle says that moment was a major one in her own life as well.
'The achievement I'm most proud of is getting picked to be co-presenter for the very first Big Brother Nigeria. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to work with Big Brother Nigeria. I'm in love with the Big Brother franchise, I was watching the last Big Brother UK and I was really hooked especially because of the Zimbabwean girl Makosi, I was in love with her, and now to find out that I'm a part of the big brother show is an honour to me especially because it is in Nigeria my country, it's a great honour to me and I'm very glad so I thank God for that."
Being the daughter of a diplomat probably means a lot of things, but one the major side-effects is definitely a well-stamped passport. It also means not staying home much. Michelle admits as much.
'I haven't spent much time in Nigeria, the most time I've spent is a year.
My earliest memories of Nigeria were when I came to visit my elder sister Najite in Ibadan when she was in boarding school, it really was very exciting for me then because I had to be with her and learn the latest dances, and the latest Naija slang, so it was fun for me as a young girl."
Fashion fanatic
Born in Germany, Michelle holds a Post Graduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing, Barchelor's degree in Fashion Marketing( The American College in London). So what's a fashion marketer doing being a presenter?
'I became a fashion design marketer because I was obsessed with fashion, which I still am, I desperately wanted to become a designer as a kid. How designing is related to my being a presenter? Well, when I was in high school, I used to do a lot of dance, singing and presenting on stage, then I went into the fashion scene in Ethiopia.
There were some people who came to me, the people who own the first modelling agency in Ethiopia, who wanted to put together a Miss Addis Ababa contest, which had not been done since the late 1970s, so we talked and exchanged ideas, and they asked me if I wanted to present it. I wasn't only presenting I also did some public relations for them. After that I went back to London, worked in fashion for a while, when the market wasn't doing well, I basically decided that I wanted to be in the entertainment industry, be it television or radio, so my aim was to work with a television, music or film, so I ended up working with a record label, Universal Studios and then a phone company.
It was when I came for a visit that I went for the auditions for Big Brother and to my surprise, I was chosen." Being so widely travelled, its no surprise she might have many cities to choose her favourite from. But ranking high on her list is one from home.
'My favourite place in the country is Lagos. I love Lagos. The people are alive, the music, film, entertainment and fashion industries are growing from strength to strength. Australia, Brazil and especially Ethiopia as they are the countries I spent my childhood in, and have the fondest memories of. The people, my friends, the food, the culture and the people. If I could live my live over, I would spend more time appreciating everything about these three countries again and again."
Being Nigerian
Being a Nigerian can sometimes be considered a disadvantage when travelling abroad. Not what with the prejudices many hold against Nigerians. Michelle however believes it's not something peculiar to people who live abroad. 'There are a lot of prejudice against Nigerians, I've experienced it a lot of times but you don't have to live outside Nigeria to experience it, even Nigerians who live in Nigeria experience it, when you see a foreigner you already sense what is going on in their head, how they think of you as somehow beneath them. But it doesn't have to bother you because you know who are and you are very confident in yourself, of course some of us are bad but we don't all have be judged by other peoples actions.
I love the fact that Nigerians are very proud of being Nigerians. That is the best thing about Nigerians. My strongest impressions of Nigerians is that we are hard working, when we put our minds to it, and we don't believe that some things can not be done, when u tell a Nigerian no, they tell you that no I'm a Nigerian so it will definitely be a yes, if its possible I will do it and probably do it better than any body."
A fashion fanatic by her own admission, Michelle seems to have fallen in love with the designs of contemporary designers.
'I think Nigeria's fashion style is off the hook, I love Tiffany Amber, I went into her store some weeks ago and I was awed, I was really into her vibes, Tiffany Amber if you're listening please I want some free clothes,{laughs}, I love Dakova as well, I think the thing I love about Nigerian designers is the fact they are now being recognised, not only at home but also outside the country and I'm so supportive because its long overdue.
I really am happy when I hear about the development going on in Nigeria especially when I'm in London because it feels good to hear people outside the country say we are becoming as good as the Valentinos, Armanis of the world and we are becoming recognised, not only in the fashion industry but also in the music, entertainment, even Nollywood is becoming recognised. It's wonderful, it's long overdue and I'm happy for it."
Personal Style And her personal style?
'My fashion style, I'll say is a little of everything, I'm funky, I can do classic but never conservative. I think my style comes from being a fashion student, you know, once a fashion student always a fashion student. I love everything about fashion, I'm a former fashion student! At present, my favourite fashion item is jewelry, specifically large Murano glass (Venetian) rings, I never go out without one on."
The other thing that she's crazy about, after fashion, is music.
'My taste in music varies, from jazz, Zaiko, rock and R&B to afro-beat, Zouk love and world music. I love house music and garage. For something mellow, I listen to Gotan project. They are a Franco-Argentine group who fuse Tango and French accordion music to create a sound that is truly unique. And nothing beats listening to the Buena Vista Social Club's album for relaxing. Ibrahim Ferrer is a legend."
Influences
Najite Dede, a well-known comedian, is Michelle's elder sister and she says she is very important.
'My sister Najite has been the most influential person in my life. She is a shoulder to cry on, my guidance counsellor, my relationship adviser, my therapist, my friend. She inspires me to continue to strive for what I really want. The best advice I've ever been given is not to judge people by your own standards. If you do you will continue to be hurt."
So who does she think will win Big Brother Nigeria?
'I don't know if a woman or man will win Big Brother Nigeria but who knows. I'm always happy when a woman wins, as long as she really deserves it."
She says her future holds something for children, but not just in the conventional manner.
'The issue utmost on my mind for the last few years has been children. I hope that I will be able to one day do something about helping children that are abandoned, orphaned, abused, poor and in need. Several years ago I watched a documentary about children living on the streets of Moscow, all of whom sniff glue to curb hunger pangs.
When it ended, I swore that if God ever gave me the opportunity and the financial means to raise awareness about the atrocities relating to children I would do everything in my power to make a change."