Nigerian actress and content creator Kemi Ikuseedun, popularly known as “Mummy Wa,” has opened up about the challenges of being typecast and misunderstood because of her famous online persona. The actress, who gained national recognition for her role in the popular skit series alongside comedian Mr. Macaroni, said that while the role brought her fame, it also blurred the lines between her real self and her on-screen character.
In a recent interview, Ikuseedun revealed that many people struggle to separate her real-life identity from the “Mummy Wa” character she portrays — a conservative, often dramatic wife figure who frequently engages in humorous exchanges with Mr. Macaroni’s character, “Daddy Wa.” She lamented that the public’s inability to distinguish between the two has led to unfair judgments and misinterpretations of her personality.
“People tend to forget that there’s a real person behind the character I play,” she said. “They see me and assume I act the same way in real life. But Mummy Wa is just a role — she’s not who I am off camera.”
The actress explained that while the success of the skit series has opened doors in her career, it has also subjected her to stereotypes and harsh online criticism. According to her, some fans take the jokes and on-screen dynamics too seriously, often leaving insensitive comments or making assumptions about her personal relationships and lifestyle.
“I’ve had people approach me in public and call me ‘Mummy Wa’ like they actually know me,” she recounted. “Sometimes it’s funny, but other times, it gets overwhelming because they expect me to behave like the character. When I don’t, they think I’m rude or proud.”
Ikuseedun, who also works as a stage and screen actress, said she has learned to navigate fame carefully by maintaining clear boundaries between her personal and professional lives. She emphasized that acting is her craft, not her identity, and that viewers should remember that characters are fictional creations designed for entertainment.
She also spoke candidly about the pressure of social media visibility, describing it as both a blessing and a burden. While the digital space has amplified her reach, it has also exposed her to public scrutiny, with every post, outfit, or statement being dissected and debated by followers. “The internet never forgets,” she noted. “So, I’ve learned to be more intentional about what I share. I protect my peace now more than ever.”
Reflecting on her journey into comedy skits, the actress credited her collaboration with Mr. Macaroni as a pivotal point in her career. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity but said she is now focused on expanding her range as an actress. “Comedy brought me visibility, but I don’t want to be boxed into just one role,” she said. “I want people to see me in dramas, films, and even action projects. Acting has so many dimensions, and I’m eager to explore them.”
Ikuseedun also used the opportunity to encourage young creatives to pursue their dreams with resilience and authenticity. “Fame is beautiful, but it shouldn’t define your worth,” she advised. “Stay true to who you are, and remember that people will always have opinions — what matters is how you see yourself.”
As one of the leading women in Nigeria’s fast-growing skit industry, Ikuseedun’s story reflects the broader challenges faced by entertainers in the age of digital fame — where boundaries between reality and performance are increasingly blurred. Yet, despite the misunderstandings, she remains determined to evolve beyond her viral persona and carve out a legacy defined by talent, not typecasting.
