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Veteran Nollywood actress Tina Mbah has shared powerful advice for women in the entertainment industry, especially those grappling with the tension between love, marriage, and their acting careers. In a heartfelt moment during a recent episode of ‘Lights, Camera – It’s My Turn,’ the seasoned actress urged her colleagues not to sacrifice their dreams and passion for the sake of marriage.
Mbah, who has built a decades-long career in Nollywood and is known for her strong character roles, opened up about the red flags actors, especially women should look out for when choosing a life partner. Drawing from personal experience, the mother of two stressed the importance of observing a partner’s attitude toward one’s profession before saying “I do.”
“He met you an actor, he married you an actor, there was no issue of you are going to leave this job because I am insecure or because we need to raise our children. No discussion or whatever. Then you got married thinking that now you are going to fly, and then the man comes and tells you, ‘No, you’re going to sit,’” Mbah said during the show.
She emphasized that the signs of a potentially unsupportive partner are often visible early on, and ignoring them could lead to regret later. Her advice? Have honest conversations, and if necessary, secure your career with firm agreements, even legal ones.
“See, the signs are always there. Don’t ignore it. Watch him, watch her. You need to have a discussion with the person. If need be, you need to sign an undertaking that you would not make me leave my career. Because did he leave his job?” she added.
Tina Mbah also highlighted the need for self-worth and discernment in choosing a partner, advising her colleagues not to settle out of fear or societal pressure.
“Marriage is important but nobody put a gun to my head or to your head to do it. There are so many people in this world. If this didn’t work, another may work. You will meet a soulmate, someone who will be supportive. Just be true to yourself. Don’t go for the dazzles, be an antique babe like me.”
Her candid remarks have resonated across social media, sparking conversations around gender roles, marriage, and personal ambition in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many fans praised Mbah for her wisdom and for speaking up on a topic that is often avoided or sugar-coated.
Tina Mbah’s message is clear, a fulfilling relationship should not come at the cost of one’s career or identity. And in her words, staying authentic and focused might just make you an “antique babe,” a rare and timeless gem.
