Even though I did agree with them, the heart chooses
who, what and when it wants. There was also the
issue of the distance- Chris was based in Ghana at the
time and that was also something we had to consider
and not take things too seriously too soon. But in spite
of all, we always found our way back to each other. We
just couldn’t stay apart for too long. (Blushing)
Chris: The first hitch was that we weren’t allowed to
date. You weren’t allowed to date on set. It was one of
the rules and part of the contract. It was something
that wasn’t encouraged because it could get in the
way of work. But I think it was something we always
handled well when we were dating and like I said
earlier we were very good friends for a very long time.
The reservations that we first had was to make sure to
keep it quiet but beyond that we shared reservations
that everyone else shares when they are getting into
new relationships. But ultimately all our reservations
have been clarified, we’ve made it this far, still here
and loving each other. I’m still very much in love with
this incredible woman; I probably don’t say it enough
but the truth is I’m truly blessed with Damilola as my
wife. She is my mantle and strong parts of my reasons
for being; she gives me purpose and I love her.
What did your families think about the
relationship and eventual marriage?
Did you have any initial reservations about the
relationship?
Dami: Naturally yes! We had just met each other and
had our individual stories and baggage. He is Ghanaian
and I’m Nigerian, two totally different cultures and
traditions. We both had to think and see how we felt
about that. Also initially when we met, Chris had just
come out of a nasty relationship, so he wasn’t looking
to be in another relationship anytime soon and I also
didn’t want to be a rebound either. Then there was
also work and all the rules involved. We didn’t think
it was proper to mix business with pleasure. Tinsel
was a great platform that launched or boosted a lot of
people’s career, no one wanted to mess things up for
themselves at the time. I remember when some people
began to sense the chemistry between us and getting
advice from people at work about focussing on the job
that I was there to do and not get distracted.
Dami: From my end we didn’t suffer any setbacks! My
mum already knew about him from the first day I told
her I had met someone I felt weird about. I literally
said to her ‘mummy I think I found my husband’ and
she was like ‘really? That’s cool’ she didn’t mind that
he was Ghanaian because at the time she also had a
very close friend who was also Ghanaian. She loves
Ghana and often visits when she needs a break. So
from day one she knew how I felt about him even
when we had some very trying issues. Chris and I have
had our fair share of stormy weathers- we honestly
have. Even during those times, my mum was so
supportive. She would always say that I should hold
on and pray to God and believe in the love that we had
for each other and believe that the love would surpass
whatever situation we found ourselves. My mum
always said Chris was such a proper gentle man; she is
very fond of him. My dad is late now, but even though
he knew about Chris they never actually got to meet
because Chris was away for a while before his demise
(bless his soul).
Chris: Also, by the time we were ready to get married,
both families were already familiar with each other.
We had all the encouragements that we needed and
here we are building another part of the big family.
It is no longer a Ghanaian or Nigerian thing but an
African family. I’m feeling my half- Nigerian side
already. Our son is a perfect representation of both
worlds- he is definitely the best of both worlds.
MAY 2015 | BLANCK MEGAZINE | 59