Veteran Nollywood actress Tina Mbah has shared candid advice with colleagues who feel torn between maintaining their acting careers and sustaining their marriages.
She urged fellow actors to be vigilant and not ignore early warning signs of a partner who may not be supportive of their professional journey.
Referencing her own experience, the mother of two encouraged others to follow her example and not allow marriage to derail their careers.
Speaking in a recent episode of Lights, Camara – It’s My Turn, Mbah said, “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.’”
She emphasized that the red flags are usually present early on and advised individuals to have open discussions with their partners—and even consider a formal agreement—before tying the knot.
“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 said.
Mbah acknowledged the value of marriage but maintained that it should not come at the cost of one’s passion or dreams.
“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.”