Helen Paul

Helen Paul is a Nigerian comedian, singer, and actress.^[1][2] She is also a stand-up comedian, known as Tatafo,^[3] characterized by a voice range that makes her sound like a child.^[4]

Helen Paul
Helen Paul in 2016
Born	(1983-05-01) 1 May 1983 (age 41) Lagos, Nigeria
Other names	Tatafo Helen Paul Bamisile
Alma mater	University of Lagos
Occupation(s)	Comedian, actress, singer
Spouse	Femi Bamisile
Children	2
Website	helenpaulacademy.com

She graduated with a doctorate in Theater Arts from the University of Lagos.^[5][6]

Career

Paul has worked and served as a freelance and full-time presenter at several media houses in Nigeria. These include Lagos Television (LTV 8), Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS), and M-Net (where she currently co-presents JARA on Africa Magic).^[7]

Paul broke out as a naughty comic character on the radio program Wetin Dey on Radio Continental 102.3FM, Lagos. She was known on the programme as "Tatafo", a witty kid who addresses and lampoons societal issues in a satirical manner. She also presented programmes on TVC and Naija FM 102.7.^[8]

In July 2012, Paul released her debut album Welcome Party, which contains Afro-Pop songs such as "Boju Boju", "Vernacular", "Gbedu", "God Forbid", an Afro RnB song titled "Children of the World", and "Use Calculator", an enlightenment song about the menace of the HIV-AIDs epidemic. She subsequently released some singles, including "Take It Back". In 2018, she released the audio and visuals of her single titled "Never Knew", an inspiring song about her developmental years and career progress thus far.^[9][10]

Paul opened a bridal and fabric boutique in Lagos in 2012 called Massive Fabrics and Bridals.^[11] She has since proceeded to open three other outlets of the boutique in different parts of Lagos.

In 2014, she opened a film and theater academy, the Helen Paul Theater and Film Academy.^[12] It consists of a dance studio, a makeup studio, a recording studio, a rehearsal studio, a photo studio, a mainly digital library, an editing studio, and a hostel for students.

Personal life

Paul is married to Femi Bamisile and has two sons.^[13]

In 2019,^[14] She obtained her doctorate in Theater Arts from the University of Lagos, which she dedicated to her mother.^[15] In 2021, she relocated with her family to the United States.^[16][17] In 2022, she was announced as the HOD of the Arts, Music, and Entertainment department at Heart International University in the United States.^[18][19][20]

Filmography

• 2011 – The Return of Jenifa – role of Tunrayo^[21]
• 2012 – A Wish^[22] – lead role, a woman who battles cancer
• 2011 – Damage^[23] – cameo role
• 2012 – The Place: Chronicle of the Book^[24]
• 2014 – Alakada2^[25] – supporting role
• 2014 – Akii The Blind^[26] – supporting role
• 2012 – Osas (Omoge Benin)^[27] – comic act
• 2012 – Igboya^[28]
• Mama Put^[29] – lead role
• 2016 – Jacob's Mansion
• 2016 – Full House
• 2017 – Samba
• 2018 – Ghetto Bred
• 2018 – The bridal shower
• 2019 – Kasanova

Awards and recognition

• 2022 Professor and Head of Department Music, Art and Entertainment Heart Bible International University, U.S.A.
• 2012 African Film Awards (Afro-Hollywood, UK)^[30] – Comedienne of the Year
• 2012 Exquisite Lady of the Year Award (Exquisite Magazine)^[31][32] – Female TV Presenter of the Year
• 2014 Exquisite Lady of the Year Award (Nominated)^[33] – TV Presenter of the Year (Jara, Africa Magic)
• 2014 Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) – Outstanding TV presenter (Female) (Entertainment/Talk Show)^[34]
• 2011 City People Entertainment Magazine Award^[35] – Female Comedian of the Year

References

1. Akande, Victor (27 May 2012). "A-list comedians for 'Helen Paul & Tatafo Live'". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
2. Adetu, Bayo (6 August 2010). "Growing Up Was Tough". P.M. News. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
3. "Comedian Helen Paul bags a Ph.D". Vanguard News. 29 March 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
4. Kettle, James (2 November 2012). "The rising stars of world standup". The Guardian. London, UK. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
5. babtunde, Saka. "Celebrity Helen Paul was Born out of". newsliveng.com. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
6. Online, Tribune (3 September 2022). "Helen Paul bags presidential lifetime achievement award in US". Tribune Online. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
7. "Jara: Helen Paul". Africa Magic Official Website – Jara: Helen Paul. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
8. Falae, Vivian (13 July 2017). "This is why we ♥love♥ Helen Paul". Legit.ng – Nigeria news. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
9. Amoran, Moyosola (20 July 2012). "Tatafo Veers into Music". P.M. News. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
10. Ogunjimi, Opeoluwani (11 August 2012). "Helen Paul drops Boju Boju". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
11. . Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
12. "Helen Paul Opens Multi-Million Naira Film Academy". bellanaija.com. 15 October 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
13. Ikeji, Linda (24 November 2014). "Popular comedienne Helen Paul gives birth to baby boy – Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog". lindaikeji.blogspot.com. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
14. "Helen Paul Reveals She Was Born Out of Rape". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 6 April 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
15. "...everything Late Oshofa said about me is coming to pass - Helen Paul". Vanguard News. 6 April 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
16. "People predicted I won't get MC jobs when I relocated to America — Helen Paul". Punch Newspapers. 29 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
17. "I Have No Plans To Return To Nigeria – Helen Paul". thewillnews.com. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
18. "Helen Paul Appointed Professor At US Varsity". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 30 May 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
19. www.premiumtimesng.com https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/533606-helen-paul-appointed-professor-at-u-s-university.html?tztc=1. Retrieved 3 April 2023. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
20. "I Have No Plans To Return To Nigeria – Helen Paul". thewillnews.com. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
21. . Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
22. . nigeriafilms.com. Archived from the original on 30 December 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
23. "Damage | African Movie | Nollywood Forever Movie Reviews". nollywoodforever.com. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
24. "BFFs Uche Jombo and Desmond Elliot produce 'The Place' – Nigerian Entertainment Today". thenet.ng. 30 May 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
25. . Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
26. "Akii the Blind Nigerian Movie [Part 1] – Family Drama". nigeriamovienetwork.com. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
27. 9aijabooksandmovies (11 July 2012). "Osas (Omoge Benin) on VCD". wordpress.com. Retrieved 12 February 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
28. . Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
29. "Mama Put by Helen Paul". Nigeria news live. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
30. "Tonto, Helen Paul with Afro Nollywood awards – Vanguard News". vanguardngr.com. 27 October 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
31. "Exquisite Ladies of the Year (ELOY) Awards 2012 brings all the glamour to Lagos (PHOTOS) – YNaija". ynaija.com. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
32. "BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: Who is Nigeria's top Comedienne, Singer, Actress, Compere & Presenter all rolled in one? It's Helen Paul, the Lady with Many Talents!". bellanaija.com. 22 September 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
33. "Seyi Shay, Toke Makinwa, Mo'Cheddah, DJ Cuppy, Others Nominated". Pulse Nigeria. Chinedu Adiele. 20 October 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
34. "DJ Xclusive, Helen Paul, IK Osakioduwa & More Emerge Winners at Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) 2014 -Full List of Winners". bellanaija.com. 17 November 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
35. "Helen Paul in Nigeria". mydestination.com. Retrieved 12 February 2017.

 

Wikiquote has quotations related to Helen Paul.