I’m Starting A New Chapter With ‘The Real Housewives of Lagos’ –Carolyna Hutchings
Carolyna Hutchings, formerly known as Carolyna Danjuma or Ekanem, is no new name in the entertainment space. Following the debut of her first film, Deadly Care, in 2004, Carolyna became a household name in the Nigerian film industry until she decided to leave and focus on her family
Hutchings is the CEO of Hutchings Limited, a real estate, oil and gas, and agriculture company. She is also the founder of Hopeville Foundation, an NGO that caters to women and children.
The mother of three has been quiet over the years. Her comeback to the entertainment scene with Showmax’s The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOLagos) has caused quite an interesting conversation on social media as people can’t wait to see what she’ll be bringing on. She speaks with our correspondent
What attracted you to this franchise, and how did you feel when you got it?
What attracted me to this franchise was the name of the show itself, “The Real Housewives of …”, an international show I’d watched before. I was happy when I was called upon to be one of the cast, even though I was a bit skeptical because the other housewives were not revealed to me. I looked forward to meeting women from different industries and cultures, women I could learn from when it comes to business and etiquette. Overall I was happy to be on a new adventure and starting a new chapter in my life.
In your own words, what does it mean to be a Real Housewife of Lagos?
A real housewife in modern terminology is a boss lady, a woman who is the neck of the home, supportive to her husband and his business, a virtuous woman who cares for her kids and domestic staff, runs a successful business – all of this she does seamlessly. She knows her worth and is focused on positive goals and her legacy. She believes in self-development. She keeps redefining the word “housewife”, changing the narrative that a woman’s place is only in the kitchen or bedroom. A housewife is a combination of all the departments a successful organic organization desires to have as well as being a good mother and a loyal partner. Lagos women have redefined the word “housewife” like the queens that they truly are.
Can you describe your style?
My style is classy, clean, elegant. Due to the nature of my work – oil and gas, and construction – I am mostly seen in comfortable clothes, but for special occasions, I certainly make heads turn in awe of my fashion sense.
What is the hardest part about being in front of the cameras?
The hardest part about being in front of the camera, there’s nothing hard about it, really. I won Best Actress and I am also a multiple-award-winning producer. Being in front of the camera is a part of me. Though since starting the show it sometimes feels invasive, but I am getting back to my first love gradually which is entertaining my audience.
What are you 100% about?
I am 100% certain that the show will be entertaining, motivating and educational.
What has been your highlight since you started shooting The Real Housewives of Lagos?
Since we started shooting, my best part was when we first went to the beach for a Housewives event. That was my best part. It was very organic, positive, and everyone was friendly. So, that was my best part of the show so far. I like positive vibes.
Who in your life knows you the best and why?
My kids know me best, they have been through it all with me. When I am silent, they know my thoughts, that is how well they know me.
Why should audiences watch? What makes RHOLagos unique?
The Real Housewives franchise is not just entertaining – you get to see how women from diverse cultures strive hard each day to keep their homes and businesses together. You get to see strong, determined women who have walked through the hurdles of life break every glass wall they encounter. Regardless of what life has thrown at them, they chose to be happy, successful, supportive and determined to dispel the myth that women do not support women. The Real Housewives of Lagos is a must-watch. You will be able to relate to one or two ladies. You learn a thing or two, are entertained, realise life’s too short and you have to make the world your runway. Turn those lemons to lemonade. On what makes RHOLagos unique? Real women, real-life stories, real drama, real pain and laughter. Women that are determined to rise, women who believe in women empowerment and supporting their home. The fashion, the luxury – everything is real and undiluted.
Catch Carolyna on The Real Housewives of Lagos on Showmax from 8 April 2022, with new episodes every Friday.