I’ve grown thick skin against controversies —Actress Mina Horsfall
The first intriguing thing about you is your name, Mina Horsfall.
Yes, I get that a lot. Mina is short for Iminabo. I was named after my aunty, Mrs Iminabo Benibo. Then Horsfall is my family and surname. I am a Nigerian from Buguma in the Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State.
When exactly did you start acting?
I have been acting professionally since 2004, but I got registered in 2003 into the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter. I took some time off to finish my education. I also had some health challenges at some point. So, I was away for a long time.
How long exactly?
I was away for four years. So, it wasn’t so easy relaunching myself because the industry was already flooded with beautiful and talented young people when I came back. But I was just lucky because my past works were commendable. Some of the producers I had worked with easily took me back. I was however doing more of TV series when I got back. I played a number of lead roles in the television series until I gradually wormed myself into the movies and now I am in the big screen.
What did you study in the university?
I studied English at the Lagos State University.
It’s been nine years since you came back, do you think you have arrived?
(Laughs) I never blow o. I am still working hard. I haven’t arrived yet.
How do you define fame?
Yes, fame can be defined relatively. Some say it means being known or popular. For these people, doing anything, even getting into controversies is acceptable. And fortunately, controversies make people popular. But for me, I see fame as what you get when you have affected the lives of people positively. People should celebrate me for something positive.
What would you say of people who became famous ignorantly but through controversies?
I try not to judge people. Sometimes people get into controversies as a result of a false rumour blown out of proportion. I know they wouldn’t feel good about it. Trust me, no one feels good when they read negative things about themselves or when people criticise or judge them especially people who do not know them well or have the full story. So it feels bad. What I say is, if anyone feels uncomfortable being controversial, they should rebrand themselves. But it is sad and true that controversy has helped a lot of people become successful and famous.
There are people who are really focused on their jobs, very hard working, yet no one knows them and they are perceived as not being rich or famous. You know, even when people abuse or criticise you, they also want to know what is happening in your life; they follow you and talk about you. And you know that endorsements and deals depend on how popular you are and the number of followers you have on social media. So, a lot of people try to do things to make them heard, whether good or bad.
Do you think that at some point in the life of a hardworking actor you might need to court attention?
Well, there is usually that temptation. After taking a careful overview of how people have risen in the past and even at present one might want to join the bandwagon. Some controversial people have a lot more than those who live quiet lives. Yes, some celebrities contemplate the idea. However, it depends on what we all want out of life. I am a Rotarian. I have my dignity and personality to protect. I do not want to dent the image of my club. So, in spite of being in the entertainment industry, I have to be very careful about the choices I make. So, that helps to guide my life. I can’t do certain things because I want to be famous. I only want to be famous for humanitarian activities. And not just because I want people to know that I am doing it but because I want to genuinely impact positively on my society.
If you weren’t a Rotarian and looking at the trend, would you have considered it?
No.
I just laughed at it because people who are not quite creative sometimes laugh at other people’s creativity. Some people also criticise people who feel good about themselves because they are sad and don’t feel good about themselves. And don’t forget that we are all entitled to our opinions so such things don’t bother me. It was a photoshoot and sometimes you just want to be very creative and unpredicted about it. And provided it was not an eyesore, I am not bothered.
You’ve certainly grown a thick skin for controversy.
O yeah! I have.
Does it mean you can welcome it?
Yes, I can.
Can you have a bikini shoot?
Yes, I can have a bikini shoot. I was once a model. I am a former beauty queen. So, I can have a bikini shoot. I don’t care what anyone says. Provided you’re not going to see my boobs and bum, I am okay with it.
You are a beautiful woman with a curvy body. You will certainly draw attention when you wear a bikini. What would you have to say about that?
I don’t have a problem with wearing a bikini.
Given the role, can you act a s3x scene?
No, I would not do it because I am African. I have nephews and nieces and I wouldn’t want them to see that.
What would you say about actors in Hollywood who interpret these roles?
I admire them, funny enough. Sharon Stone and Angelina Jolie are two of my favourite actresses in the world. I love them. I love the way they interpret their roles to the fullest. But we are in Africa and our culture just about permits certain things. For instance, there was a time I wanted to go for Big Brother. But when I thought about the fact that I had to take my bath and the whole world would watch, I decided not to go. It didn’t feel good because in the end everyone would have seen what should be private between you and your partner.Your partner’s brother would have seen your nakedness on the screen, his friends, his father, your church members, you know, that sort of thing. It doesn’t feel right one bit.
But people go and do these things anyway?
Yes, because they have the heart for it.
Is it that they didn’t think it through?
Well, I can’t say. I have nothing against it. I am not judging them. It is okay if they can handle it.
You mentioned that you were a model?
Yes. I am a former beauty queen. I was in school when I won the Miss Values Nigeria in 2004, after which I represented Nigeria at the Miss Leisure World in China in 2008.
How many movies have you been featured in?
I have lost count.
Is it true that some marketers don’t pay up and coming actors?
Yes. Most times.
Did it happen to you?
Yes. These are the challenges and sacrifices you have to go through in the industry before you get to the top.
How many movies were you featured in for free?
When I was up and coming, I did almost all my movies for free up until 2012. I got paid for my very first lead role. The movie was produced by Andy Best. He was the first marketer and producer to pay me. Emem Isong also paid me. That was in 2005. That was basically it. But now, I have kind of paid my dues so I make my negotiations.
What role(s) do you secretly want producers to feature you in?
I want to be featured in epic movies, local settings. I want to play a local or village girl. I will kill that role if given the opportunity.
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