allure 07 October 2018
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
My Lagos:<br />
Monalisa<br />
Veteran actress and talk show<br />
host, Monalisa Chinda, takes<br />
us through her Lagos experience,<br />
from yummy treat to her favourite<br />
shopping venue and her danfo<br />
experience.<br />
Home Is…?<br />
Elelenwo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State but<br />
in Lagos, I live at Lekki, Phase 1.<br />
What are you up to right now?<br />
Promoting my show, “You and I with<br />
Monalisa” and working on a new film project.<br />
How long have you been in Lagos and how<br />
has it evolved since then?<br />
I have been in Lagos for 18 years now.<br />
In terms of growth, rural to urban area<br />
accounts for approximately 75%. In terms of<br />
infrastructure, it has tripled - fashion, social<br />
networking and it’s media. Everything balances<br />
up here in Lagos.<br />
How have you evolved since you arrived?<br />
I have indeed surpassed my expectations.<br />
My career has taken a different path. I couldn’t<br />
have started off any better anywhere else.<br />
Without a doubt, Eko is one of the most<br />
beautiful cities in the world; not just because<br />
it houses so many good looking and<br />
hospitable people but also because it has<br />
beautiful places that attract foreigners and<br />
tourists.<br />
What do you like most about Lagos?<br />
I love the way the people embrace change.<br />
The people know in their subconscious that<br />
Lagos takes the lead in everything. The Third<br />
Mainland Bridge still fascinates me.<br />
What is your Lagos secret?<br />
My Lagos secret would be when I first<br />
arrived and hopped into a moving danfo 18<br />
years ago, after standing by the bus stop for 4<br />
hrs. #newbie<br />
Your favourite shop?<br />
I love the Spar, located on Victoria Island.<br />
SPAR<br />
By - Remmy Diagbare<br />
Chinda<br />
Best meal you<br />
have had in a<br />
restaurant?<br />
Salmon, broccoli and<br />
roast<br />
sweet potatoes garnished<br />
with olive oil… Yummy!!<br />
Where do you like to go for entertainment in<br />
Lagos?<br />
Aside from being invited to private<br />
parties, I love to go to the cinemas or go to<br />
#Backyard for a live musical or to listen to<br />
jazz.<br />
What makes someone a Lagosian?<br />
You are always in a hurry<br />
even when not late for your<br />
appointment. You complain<br />
about the stress of living in<br />
Lagos but have never thought<br />
of moving out to another city.<br />
Lastly, you are probably on<br />
vacation, you are only one<br />
week into your holiday, and<br />
you miss Lagos. In addition,<br />
I love the owambes. That is<br />
a typical Lagosian lifestyle.<br />
denzel washington<br />
Have you ever had a run-in<br />
with a policeman?<br />
Naturally; this is Lagos, so<br />
yes I have.<br />
What was the best thing a<br />
fan ever said to you?<br />
Someone once walked up<br />
to me and said: “Hey Lisa, I<br />
love what you are doing with<br />
the less privileged children.<br />
Can I support you in any way?”<br />
Now that got me. I think that<br />
was the best thing I have<br />
heard as I have never really<br />
been the type that announces<br />
my passion projects and my<br />
foundation. Many celebrities<br />
have passion projects they<br />
care about outside of what<br />
they’re famous for but hardly<br />
make headlines. I’m sure<br />
some of us would love a little<br />
recognition for projects that are<br />
close to our hearts. But for me,<br />
it doesn’t really matter. God<br />
sees it all.<br />
What was the last movie you<br />
saw?<br />
“Merry Men” by AY and<br />
Mabel Makun.<br />
Who is your professional<br />
hero/heroine?<br />
Denzel Washington, Lanre Olushola and<br />
Ibikun Awosika.<br />
Ibukun aWosika<br />
LANRE OLUSOLA<br />
<strong>October</strong> 7, <strong>2018</strong> / 11
Change language