Karen Igho - “I cannot marry Denrele and I was never a stripper”

 27-year-old Karen Igho, 2011 winner of Big Brother Africa’s Amplified Edition, is one of the most controversial but loveable Nigerian celebrity who always has a good story to tell.

Recently in an interview, Igho opened up about her lifestyle and the misconceptions that might have followed. She said she was still the same person but a lot had changed. “I am older and wiser now. You will not catch me doing certain things. I have seen life in a different way and I know a lot more now,” she said.

Igho admitted that she was hurt by the false reports that she was a stripper and being in the Big Brother House at the time made her feel defenseless.

“The one about me being a stripper was untrue. It still baffles me till date. I was locked up for 90 days with a sum of money at stake and as crazy as I was, I didn’t kiss or have sex with any guy and people could still write that I was a stripper.

“I have forgiven everybody involved. The things written about me were not only false and untrue but slanderous too. I was locked up in the house and could not defend myself. People believed these untrue stories, about me and it continued to spread but I thank God I won the show and I have been able to win the hearts.

I was never a stripper. People don’t even know anything about me but are quick to believe the terrible things they heard. My mom is a very strong Christian and she built my spirituality. People who saw me like a wild card girl do not understand what it is being locked in a room with lots of alcohol and nothing to do. It is impossible not to misbehave but once you are back into the normal world, things change. How many times have I being caught smoking in public?”

Igho said while she was in the UK, a trip aided by her uncle to study Business Administration at the Southwark College, she spent her time being productive and not stripping. “I took a summer class in Theatre Arts. All through my stay there, I survived in a legit way. I joined the UNICEF and other charity organisations, which had African countries in mind. I was also a sales girl for Karen Millen. I genuinely did the implant because I had breast lumps and two of my sisters have done the same (operations).

About love and relationships, the actress/model denied being romantically involved with MTV VJ Denrele Edun. “I don’t know the future but Denrele and I cannot get married. We have become one family… he knows the kind of guys I like,” she said then went on to describe her ideal man as “God fearing and down to earth man and there must be strong chemistry.”

See excerpts of the interview here:

Which Nigerian male celebrity will you date?

I know quite a few and would not want to call names. Besides most of them are married. If I mention anybody, you people (press) will be on my neck and once you see me with the person, another story begins. Nigerian acts are all wonderful people.

Tell us about your growing up

I am the first born of ten siblings. My family is a loving and caring one. They stood by me during the Big Brother days. My mother fought severally to defend me. I am from the Urhobo in Delta state, but I was born in Plateau state. I schooled in Jos and Warri. My growing up was not easy. My parents were separated and I had to live with my grand mum. It was not easy at all but I thank God.

What did you do with the money (from BBA)?

I built a house for my mum, another for my grand mum and I invested the rest. I am still hustling to make more money.

What is happening to your clothing line?

Karenified is still there. I rushed the first collection to meet with my birthday last year and because I wanted to raise some money for an orphanage, I planned to visit. It was successful but I want it bigger, so now I am taking my time and getting to understand the creative side of me better because I want it to reflect in the designs.

What is your relationship with Denrele?

God brought Denrele into my life in a funny way in 2008. I just came back for a holiday (from UK) and my cousins invited me to his birthday party. There we met and exchanged contacts and became friends. He has been instrumental to where I am today and I am very grateful.

How did you get the Naija FM job?

I got the Naija FM job through Collete Otusheso (MTV). She encouraged me and introduced me to my boss, Gbemi (Olateru Olagbegi), Deji Awokoya (Beat FM) and since then, its been fun for me. I love the Naija FM family.

How was your first day on air?

I was nervous. I almost peed in my pant. I was confused and didn’t know what to do, but thanks to Ifektive and my other colleagues, they made it very easy for me and now I am loving it.

What project are you working at the moment?

At the moment, I am working on a Rukky Sanda movie and I have also gotten an invitation to be a part of a soap opera that will be aired across Africa.

What is the update on your assault case with Simrnoff gig?

We agreed to settle out of court because at the end of the day, the deed has been done and the lesson learnt. I also hope that with this the government stands up and ensure that our force men are properly trained on how to relate with the citizens.