Obasanjo’s Internet – Mimi Chaka

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Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide? This makes the internet, one of the greatest tools and catalysts for the advancement of humanity. Our new column, Obasanjo’s Internet documents the internet habits and methods of some of our favourite creators and thinkers. 

Today, we are joined by actress Mimi Chaka best known for her role as Tumini in the web series The Mens Club as she discusses how she uses the internet.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I say a prayer. A very short prayer, but I do that before I move or do anything else. 

How do you use the internet: for work or pleasure?

I use the internet for a bit of both 

What moment or episode in your life would you say captured the essence of the internet?

The End SARS moment. Just watching young Nigerians in Nigeria and the diaspora gather together and form the smallest version of a system. It was beautiful to watch. 

Your favourite social media platform and why?

I think my favourite social media platform is Twitter. It’s more real and more entertaining and it has become a voice for people, so it’s hands down my favourite. 

What was the last meme you saved?

Do you remember the first time something you posted went viral? What was it? How did it make you feel?

I do. It was a picture of myself, but it was at a time when a show I was in was airing, so I think there was a lot of momentum and frankly it made me feel very nervous. I put my phone on aeroplane mode for a while, I physically could not be with my phone because every time I got notifications I just thought Oh God this is getting bigger than I thought. 

What’s the most outrage you have ever generated over something you posted? How did you react to it?

One time last year, I was in traffic and I was just watching people. Then I noticed that even as tough as things can be, Nigerian women keep themselves and I posted something along the lines of men learning to keep themselves too. Nigerian women are actually trying to stay beautiful, stay healthy and just keep themselves physically, so I thought why not the men too? When I tell you that they came for me. Initially, I tried to reason with the first five people but in the next half hour, I looked at my phone and I actually deleted the tweet. My intention wasn’t to spread hate or anything but it’s just to say that on average, the women are trying, considering how difficult the conditions are and the guys should match up. Honestly, I still think they should. My friends kept sending me screenshots and telling me about how I was being cooked and I just deleted them. I found it funny, but then it made me realise that sometimes people don’t take things how you mean them, they take it way worse. 

What rules do you live by on the internet?

Have fun, spread love, and have a good time. I find that people actually take their problems to the internet and I think it’s the most hilarious thing. Generally, I’d say don’t take things too seriously because we are just here for a good time. 

What is your guiltiest online pleasure?

My guiltiest pleasure is self-improvement Tik Tok. I just love the fact that people want better for themselves and it goes beyond manifestations to actual self-improvement. You’ll find me there all day every day. I was there right before this interview even. 

Would you say you have an online persona? What’s it and how did you arrive at it?

I sort of. Most people think I’m shy but I’m actually the exact opposite, it’s just the way I use the internet. I grew up knowing a lot about stranger danger. I used to read a lot of crime magazines so the internet has never been a place where I felt like I would meet people that I don’t already know. It wasn’t until I started acting that I began seeing social media as a medium to reach out to my fans. 

What’s your favourite emoji and why?

😝. I honestly feel like I make that face when I laugh a lot, or when I get compliments. 

Are you particular about your feed?

I wasn’t for a long time but I am now.

YouTube or TikTok?

TikTok. I’m desperately late to the club so my TikTok is like my baby. I’m trying to perfect my TikTok because it’s the one app where I’m allowed to express myself creatively.

Which Nigerian creator do you think the world needs to see and hear more of? 

Elozonam.

Who is the coolest person you follow and the coolest person who follows you? 

I follow Itunuoluwa of DermaspaceNG, she has really great content, I learn so much just from following her, and she has a very authentic online presence. I also follow Eku Edewor, she keeps me on my fashion, Jola and Fkabudu also. I love ISWIS, it’s beyond entertaining!

Sophiologyofficial is one of my favourite YouTubers and she follows me. Weruche Opia also follows me and she is an amazing actress!

What is your favourite Nigerian podcast?

I Said What I Said. 

Have you ever hooked up with someone you met online? 

No

5 people you’d love to see answer these questions

Nissi Ogulu

Toni Olaoye 

Efa Iwara

Eku Edewor

Mr Macaroni