Renowned Nollywood actress Tina Mba has offered advice to her fellow performers on preserving their careers after tying the knot.
Speaking on a recent episode of the talk show Lights, Camera – It’s My Turn, the mother of two emphasized the importance of spotting early warning signs in partners who may not be supportive of an acting career.
Tina recounted how many actors enter marriage with the understanding that their professional life will continue uninterrupted—only to find themselves pressured to give up their craft.
He met you an actor, he married you an actor, there was no issue of you leaving this job because I am insecure or because we need to raise children, she said. Then you got married thinking that now you are going to fly, and the man comes and tells you, No, you’re going to sit.
To avoid this pitfall, Tina urged actors to have frank discussions with their partners before marriage—or even draft written agreements—to ensure mutual respect for each other’s careers. 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?
Stressing that marriage should be a partnership of equals, Tina reminded viewers that no one is obliged to stay in a relationship that stifles their ambitions.
Marriage is important, but nobody put a gun to my head or to your head to do it, she said. There are so many people in this world. If this doesn’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.
