Superstar Status

Let’s cut the long story short, as a child I wanted to be a superstar. A 6 inch-heel-wearing, hair flipping, boss-behaving superstar. I mean; why not? I have been very self-aware from an early age. I knew I was multi-talented and intelligent, overachieving was my norm. Daddy’s little girl had a lot to say and my dream in life was to have everybody listen. My home tutor nicknamed me ‘Asoro Magbesi’. I can’t believe that baby boomer basically called me a radio throughout my childhood. The only issue was, that I was a Lion at home but an antelope in public.

I was a very shy child. At school, Anuoluwapo’s voice wasn’t heard unless she was asked a question. I was a self-starter and class captain many years in a row; I was a model student, but for some reason, I felt like an imposter. Whether or not I didn’t know who I was or wanted to be, I knew I wasn’t going to be told what to do or who to be.

My mum was convinced I would be a lawyer as I loved to question everything until I was convinced beyond doubt. Thoughts such as the oldest sibling picking food first, or getting preferential treatment didn’t just sit right with me I suppose. However, over the years I began to let my superstar light shine, in music, dance, literature, art and education.

I moved from not knowing if I truly could become a superstar to not knowing which superstar to be. At 13 I was sure I wanted to grace stages such as the Grammys and MTV Music Awards. My parents believed in me more than I believed in myself and to this day, my father asks why I stopped making music and I reply, “Uni came early, I had to grow up.”

If I must say my truth, I did not want to be in the university. I never liked it for a day, but I was there studying Business Administration with a couple of coursemates I did not like either. A year later, our educational system happened, and I was advised to move to Law. I couldn’t believe my mum was going to win after so many years of calling me ‘Agbejoru’, Lawyer. When I realised how many years, I’d have to spend in school I asked for another option and Mass Communication opened its doors to me. I found a field where I could hone my many skills and interests to tell a story or two. I could be myself through my words, lyrics, and art. My love for Media & Broadcasting allowed me to see the superstar I was born to be.

Today, I’m one of your favourite people whom you call MCC. The heroes who jump about at events with their iPhones ready to capture the moment. Beyond the cruise and laughter, I am the shaper of thoughts and narratives. I am the messenger who also crafts the message. I am your primary influencer. And though I struggled at being a jack of all trades and a master of none, I am better than a master of one.