Helen Paul, also known as Tatafo, is a popular comedian, TV and radio presenter, voice-over artist, musician, writer, and actress known for her exceptional skills.
Here are some things you did not know about her:
Early life
Born May 1, 1978, Helen Paul was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and hails from Benin, Edo State. Born out of rape, she spent most of her early years with her mother and grandmother, both in Lagos. In many of the interviews she later granted, she would recall that her growing up was not easy, as it was filled with “ups and downs”—she was raised by two disciplinarians.
Education
She went to primary school in Fadeyi, Lagos (Omiyade School) and attended two high schools in Yaba and Maryland before going to a college in Ojo (Bejide Memorial College).
In 2010, she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater arts. In 2012, Helen received her master’s and, in 2019, a PhD, also in theater arts, all from the University of Lagos. She dedicated her Ph.D. to her mother.
ALSO READ: Helen Paul Dedicates PhD To Her Mum And Reveals Deep Truth
Career
She worked as a freelance and full-time presenter at various radio and TV stations over the years. The list includes LTV 8, CBS, Mnet, Radio and TV Continental, Eko FM, Naija FM, Metro FM, M-Net’s JARA, and several others.
She, however, shot into the limelight with her portrayal of the comic character “Tatafo” on the show “Wetin Dey” on Radio Continental 102.3 FM.
In July 2012, Helen released her debut album, Welcome Party, which contains Afro-pop songs such as “Boju Boju,” “Vernacular,” “Gbedu,” “God Forbid,” an Afro-R&B song titled “Children of the World,” and “Use Calculator,” an enlightenment song about the menace of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Endorsements
She has bagged various brand ambassadorial deals with top organisations, including Globacom, Harpic, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), GoTV, Multichoice, and Olumide Emmanuel’s “School of Money.
Business life
Helen opened a bridal and fabric boutique in Lagos in 2012 called “Massive Fabrics and Bridals.” She also had three other outlets of the boutique in different parts of Lagos. In 2014, she founded the “Helen Paul Theater and Film Academy.” The academy is equipped with the latest facilities in the world of technology. 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 who enroll for courses in the academy.
Personal life
Helen Paul got married to a legal practitioner, Femi Bamisile, sometime in 2010, and they have two sons.
In 2021, she relocated with her family to the United States. She was announced as the HOD of the Arts, Music, and Entertainment department at Heart International University in the United States in 2022.
ALSO READ: Double Celebration For Helen Paul And Her Husband As They Bag Academic Achievements In The US
