Meet The Cast: Helena Nelson

‘Be you. Do you. Always…’

Helena Nelson will be setting our TV screens alight as ‘Diana‘ in the new season of MTV Shuga. The rising star has graced our screens before as an extra in MTV Shuga since season 3, featured on productions such ‘Clinic Matters’, ‘Until You’re 16’ and ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, and is going from strength-to-strength in the acting industry.

From karaoke vibes to overcoming difficult times, Helena reveals the person behind this acting force. With the new year fast approaching, 2018 is sure to be a big year for Helena and the new season of MTV Shuga Naija…

Describe yourself in three words…
Fun. Simple. Strong.

Where’s home?
Where the heart is. Lol.

Where’s your favourite spot in Naija?
Anywhere there is food and a large expanse of water.

What do you do to relax?
Read. Karaoke. Watch movies.

What’s your favourite song on your playlist right now?
Jennifer Hudson- Remember The Music.

What’s your favourite TV show?
Game of Thrones.

What made you want to become an actor?
I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I like the idea that I can take up any character I am given and make it so believable. I like the thrill of watching people relate to whatever character I’m given and that is what I enjoy about acting. Nobody inspired me to be an actor. I’ve always been the type of girl that talks to herself. Talks to her reflection in the mirror. Growing up there were lots of drama groups in church so it was easy for me though my mum didn’t want that.

If you weren’t an actor, then you would be…
I honestly have no clue. I don’t think I would have been better at anything else.

Best piece of advice you ever received?
Be you. Do you. Always. All ways.

How do you overcome day-to-day challenges in your life?
I overcome. I mean, sometimes things get really tough and I can’t sleep. I cry when I’m helpless then I stuff myself with food. I get fat when I’m stressed because I’d eat so much and won’t be bothered. But then I always remember that I’ve got me. It’s only me. If I do not push forward no one is going to do it for me. I have my life in my palm and the ability to change things. That is what keeps me going. Other times I try to take a vacation or leave town. Just go far away and not think about pressing problems.

What made you want to get involved in MTV Shuga?
What I’ve been able to relate to in the show is the social messaging. Shuga brought a new kinda flow that teenagers and young people could relate to. It’s like the everyday life. That is what I love about the show. The simplicity in passing messages across to billions of people all over the world.

What social issues covered in the show are close to your heart?
See, people are raped daily. But they cannot speak up because they have been conditioned not to. Everyday we share stories on the internet to educate people that some people are raped without even knowing it. The fact that you’re married to the man doesn’t mean he wouldn’t rape you. I have been actively involved in the issues of sexual assault, rape, molestation etc and the amount of people (male and female) who have been raped are alarming. I like the fact that the topic is brought to life in the show and people will not get scared of naming their rapists.

What are 3 things you wish to accomplish in your life?
Own estates in every city in Nigeria and beyond.
Own an intercontinental restaurant that cuts across the world
Own a charity hospital.

What are you most looking forward to about the new season of MTV Shuga in Nigeria?
The reaction of family and friends to the ‘Diana’ character.
The Diana character is very versatile. She is very relatable and gets whatever she wants. She has her own struggles but doesn’t know she’s been taken advantage of.

Want to know more about Helena? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Don’t forget to follow MTV Shuga on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the full scoop on the coming season, and keep an eye out for more interviews with our cast as part of the #MeetTheCrew series…