Becoming Mummy Wa was my turning point

By Rita Okoye

Kemi Ikuseedun, popularly known on social media as Kemz Mama and widely recognised by comedy lovers as Mummy Wa, has become one of the standout figures in Nigeria’s online entertainment scene. She is best known for portraying the beloved character, Mummy Wa, the calm yet compelling wife of Mr Macaroni’s Daddy Wa, in his viral comedy skits.

In this interview with Sunday Sun, the versatile actress and content creator discusses her plans for Christmas, her views on marriage expectations, and what lies ahead in her personal and professional journey.

Christmas is just around the corner, how do you typically celebrate the festive season and what makes Christmas special for you?

I think just love celebrating it with my family and friends, nothing special. I’m just all about creating content for this festive period.

Can you recall some fun Christmas memories from your childhood?

I think the Christmas memory that I have is just drinking Malta Guinness and eating chicken. At least you have your own Malta Guinness to yourself basically, and my mom making swallow. We were always eating pounded yam on Christmas day and all of that. Now that she’s gone, uhmm, it’s been a bit sad, but it just helps me look back at those memories and cherish them really, really well.

Are there any Christmas projects, charity initiatives or special content that your fans should expect from you this year?

Yes, I’m launching my WA park and storybook line “Tales of Mummy WA’s Garden.” So yes, I look forward to it. And I have my own initiatives as well, my emergency kit so that is also there.

You’ve been a household name through the iconic Mummy Wa character. What inspired you to take on that role, and did you ever imagine it would resonate with so many people?

I did not know that it was going to resonate with a lot of people but I’m indeed grateful that it did. I’m just so happy that Mummy Wa is a character that’s loved by everybody and also Daddy Wa’s character.

Acting as an older married woman requires a certain depth and discipline. How do you mentally transition into the Mummy Wa’s persona before filming?

I think of my mom, I just imagine my mom, me being in my mom, and everything just makes sense, and it just flows.

What do you consider to be the biggest difference between acting in a skit and acting in full-length films?

For skits, I always play the same character. I’m just used to it now, but acting in films, you need to start that whole character building again, and you know, but it’s always very interesting to wear another character, like to take on another character, it’s always very interesting.

Looking back at your rise in the entertainment industry, what will you say has been your biggest turning point?

I’d say becoming Mummy Wa because that is what people know me for, and entering into other things. I’m trying to build on other things but definitely, being Mummy Wa is my biggest turning point.

A lot of your audience considers you a role model. How intentional are you about the messages you communicate through your comedy and acting?

I’m very intentional with it because I know that certain people look up to me. Inasmuch as I try to educate, I also try to entertain in my own way, and I pray people pick out the positive things from a lot of content that they watch. And yes, I’m still trying my best to bring out the positivity and educate people as well.

You portray a married woman so convincingly. Has that influenced your own views on love, partnership and what you want in a future marriage?

To be honest, yes it has. It has made me see marriage from a different perspective. To be honest, sometimes it makes me feel like marriage is one scary institution; the fact that my character is always chasing the other character makes me feel like, “eh God, I don’t want to be chasing my future husband like this.” I pray my future husband has only eyes for me and me alone.

Do you feel any pressure from fans or family regarding settling down?

I do feel pressure, but I’ve learnt not to feel pressure anymore because at least I’ve gotten married inside a film, I’ve gotten married in a skit, so they should please leave me alone.

Can you share the top three qualities you want in your Mr Right?

One, I want a man who is kind, not just financially but with actions. Two, a man who will put my needs before his, who will protect me. Three, I want a God fearing man.

How would you react if, after marriage, your husband asked you to quit the entertainment industry?

It’s not possible that my husband will ask me to quit the entertainment industry after marriage. No, it’s not possible because before marriage, I’m sure we’d have spoken well about it.

You are well endowed, do you think it sometimes takes the shine off your real talent?

I think I’ve learnt to accept and understand that I being endowed is still me. It’s still Kemi Ikuseedun, so I don’t even care anymore. If you love me no problem.

What are the disadvantages of being curvy in your industry?

I think it’s in all industries, it’s not easy as a woman, you know, eyes are on you all the time. Nowadays, I feel like things are changing. Women are more respected for their talents. We have a lot of talented women in the industry and I’m just so happy seeing them, you know. It just gives me hope that yes, I can also get to where they are. But it’s not easy, some men will want to take advantage of you, and even some women will also want to take advantage. Sadly, some women take advantage of other women; it goes both ways.

You have continued to evolve beyond the Mummy Wa character. What new projects of creative proceeds should your fans be looking out for or should look forward to?

They should look forward to the opening of Wa Park, Mummy Wa Garden and another movie.