Helen Paul Talks About The Controversial Hajib Video...

Recall that Paul had faced criticism shortly after she released a video skit in which she wore hijab. Rapper, Falz, had also faced backlash from Muslim groups for using dancers dressed in hijab in his video, This is Nigeria.

Paul told Sunday Scoop, “The criticism doesn’t affect my creativity; rather, it promotes it. As an actor, you’re taught never to be afraid to take up any role. You just step into it and do it. Of course, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set certain standards for yourself. If you have no qualms about issues of morality about certain roles for example, you shouldn’t be concerned about criticism. Criticism should rather encourage you to do better. And when you do things that get noticed by the world, it means that God has given you a voice and some sphere of influence and that’s a good thing.”

Commenting on the criticisms that trailed the skit, Helen added, “I have been doing skits about religions (particularly Christianity and Islam which are the two leading religions in Nigeria) and other things that border on our lives as well as our differences and diversities. Doing these skits is a way of identifying with such groups of people. I have friends who are Christians and those that are Muslims. I have also handled events for both groups. 

I relate well with both sides. As a thespian, it’s easy for me to bring my experiences into acting and when I do that, it’s a way of identifying with the particular group to which the skit relates. So, it’s not in any way done to castigate of any people or practice. You will notice that in the skits, there is no castigation of any sort. It’s all for fun or excitement. It’s the same way you will see me using materials on the church (and the various denominations).”

From Punch