For our May 2024 cover, we’re thrilled to feature Idia Aisien, a remarkably resilient and tenacious woman whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up as the youngest of twelve children, Idia learned the values of hard work and seizing every moment from her entrepreneurial parents. Her diverse career spans modeling, broadcasting, and acting, showcasing her incredible versatility. From raising funds for UNICEF on the catwalk to captivating audiences as a TV host, and rigorously preparing for her role in Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Idia exemplifies a relentless commitment to excellence and impactful storytelling. Dive into our exclusive chat with her to uncover more about her extraordinary journey.
Let’s meet Idia. Who is Idia?
Idia is resilient and the most tenacious person you will ever meet. My experiences in life have continued to shape who I am, so I work hard and I don’t believe in giving up. I grew up as the last of 12 children, so it was a full house and there was never a dull moment. My father was into the champagne business and my mum is a jeweler—so I grew up learning from entrepreneurs, and we always had to travel because of my dad’s work. My family shaped my values on religion, a strong work ethic, and making every moment count.
You have had such a diverse career, from modeling to broadcasting to acting. How did you navigate the transition and find success in both industries?
I believe in timing and for me, it always gets to a point where my intuition tells me that it’s time to morph or transition into something else. Modeling is still one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done because it taught me discipline and I also got to work with so many brands. However, with broadcasting, I was always pushed more to the front of the camera even though I could write, shoot, edit, and design, and I had a knack for all things media; because that was the art of my educational background. After I lost my dad, It just came to a point that I needed to try something new; that was when I was offered the opportunity to audition for my first role.
As a model, you’ve worked with numerous renowned brands and designers. Could you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time on the catwalk?
My very first fashion show in 2006 was a show to raise money for UNICEF, I remember a piece I was wearing being auctioned for one million naira. I was so excited because somebody bought that dress to make a difference in the lives of children, and that started to make me think more about how fashion, beauty, media, or any industry, can be a channel for impact in our societies and Africa as a whole.
With your background in journalism, how has it influenced your work as a television presenter and host of shows like “Style 101” and “You Got Issues”?
While being in front of the camera is a dream and an honor for any anchor, being a journalist has nothing to do with a pretty face. My background in journalism has equipped me to be able to write my scripts, shoot my content, and produce my shows. These are skills that set you apart and show you are good at what you do.
Being featured in magazines like “Vogue” and “Elle” is a remarkable achievement. Can you tell us about a particularly exciting or surreal moment from your magazine features?
I recall my PR team, reaching out to Elle South Africa with my profile in 2016; we wanted to do a fashion diary. When they read about my work experience and educational background, they asked me to do a full interview. That moment meant a lot to me because although I had transitioned into fashion and TV presenting, people were still acknowledging what I had built. So It was a very humbling and special feeling.
Your big-screen debut in Nneka the Pretty Serpent must have been an exciting experience. How did you prepare for it, and were there any specific challenges or highlights you experienced during the filming process?
Aside from months of filming, I had an acting coach, took swimming lessons, and dance classes, had an Igbo language coach, and took kickboxing classes with fitness trainer Uzi Kwendu to ready her for the intense combat scenes and much more. It was a really exciting process and it proves how much the movie industry has evolved. Another major highlight was working alongside other talented actors such as Hon. Ndidi Obi, Kenneth Okolie, Chioma Akpata, Bovi, and many others, which made me more comfortable playing the role.
Now, let’s move on to some lighter questions.
What is your favorite way to unwind and relax after a long day of work?
Anyone who knows me knows that I love to stay home and watch movies. After a long day of shooting or interviews, I like to unwind at home with my phone on DND, some comfort food, and catch up on new movies or shows.
If you could have dinner with any public figure, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with any public figure, I would have dinner with Barack Obama. I was in college in Washington, DC, when he was elected the first black president of the United States. And I also I remember my friends and I driving around and screaming with the roof of the car open. I cried so much that day because his win felt personal— suddenly I felt I could achieve anything in the world if I put my mind to it. Barack Obama is one of the most inspiring people in the world, he’s a problem solver, he gives great advice and he has made such an impact all over the world.
