When and how did you meet?
Kevin: We met in 2009 on the Big Brother Africa reality show.
When did you decide to marry her?
Kevin: I took the decision as soon as I stepped out to the real
world looking at the new status, the need to be more responsible and focused.
She was a perfect match to make my dreams come true. I would say I am the most
favoured housemate that Big Brother has ever produced. I did not only win, I
found fame, fortune and a life partner. What more can I ask for? My wife is the
best thing to ever happen to me.
Elizabeth:
His proposal shocked me because I
felt it was too soon and we dated for only three months after BBA. Initially, I
thought it was because of pressure from our fans and I wasn’t too sure he knew
what he was doing. I kept asking if he really wanted to settle down after the
fame or if we will just get into the marriage and get out.
Why
did you agree to marry him?
Elizabeth: I am a risk taker and none of my friends knew what was
going on. My first trip to Nigeria was for his show and till date, I sometimes
don’t even know why I agreed. I thought it was one of those things you do and
later regret. But here I am, happy I made the choice. It is the best thing I
have done, no regrets.
Were
your parents supportive of the union?
Kevin: We enjoyed mad support from our families.
Elizabeth:
My father is late and my mum was a
huge fan of Kevin while he was in the BBA house. In short, she was angry when I
kept turning down his advances in the house and had to ask my closest friends
who the serious guy I was dating outside the house was.
How
do you manage cultural differences between Nigeria and Tanzania?
Kevin: There have been a lot of adjustments because culture shock
will play a role. My wife has had to adjust a lot since she left her country,
Tanzania, to live with me here in Nigeria. These adjustments include food, our
driving method, and language.
Elizabeth: I am very adventurous with food and I cook one of the best Egusi, Kuka and vegetable soups. When people eat it they
don’t believe I cooked it. I make his local delicacies very well but I am
still trying to adjust to how aggressive people can be in Nigeria, not in a bad
way though. Back in Tanzania, we are slow and a bit laidback but there is this
drive in Nigeria. It is sometimes overwhelming and I am trying to catch up. I
drive on the right hand side in Tanzania and on the left hand in Nigeria.
Sometimes, I go blank while driving in Nigeria and I will ask myself what side
I should be on. Apart from these reasons, I have adjusted well.
When you were courting, did it cross
your mind that she might disappoint you?
Kevin: It is always possible to have such thoughts but faith always
supersedes every negative thoughts.
Elizabeth: When some Nigerian ladies got to know we were dating I was
actually getting threats and stinkers. I heard statements such as, ‘You are
reaping where you didn’t sow,’ and so many more. These lasted for a while but had
stopped now.
Are there challenges working
together as a couple?
Kevin: Nothing serious because everyone faces challenges in
marriage.
Your union has been waxing stronger and
shut down naysayers. What is the secret?
Kevin: Well, here is someone the whole world said was not interested
in me or wanted me while we were in the House together. They didn’t see what
could lead to marriage between us after Big Brother. But here we are. She has
been in Nigeria since then and adapting very well. She is doing really well.
Our union has surpassed expectations of many.
Elizabeth: I feel proud and happy to be married and still remain in
love. Our marriage is a great achievement.
But do you think relationships chanced
upon on the BBA show can last?
Elizabeth: Yes, it can and all depends on the background of the
parties involved. Unlike when you were dating for three years, both of you get
to see the good and the ugly side of each other in the house for three months.
How do you react to tales that you
agreed to marry him because of his BBA $200,000 prize money?
Elizabeth: Initially, it bothered me but not anymore after I realised
that I am the only one who understands me best. Whenever I am asked this
question, I reply, ‘Does any woman want a broke man? Yes I went for the rich
guy.’
What are the most valuable gifts you
have shared?
Kevin: Everything I own belongs to her and the question of sharing
doesn’t even come up.
What qualities do you admire most in
your partner?
Elizabeth: I love the fact that he is very spiritual and focused. He
also helps me to grow spiritually.
What are some of the Nigerian
stereotypes you have dropped since your wedding to Kevin?
Elizabeth: Since I married Kevin, four Tanzanians have called me and
they were seeking advice because they are dating Nigerian men. We have hosted
some here in Nigeria, seen their relationships grow and now they are married.
In fact, East African girls are crazy about Nigerian. They are dying to have
them.
Why the preference for Nigerian men?
Elizabeth: They say they are very caring and you can’t find this
anywhere else.
How do you handle differences?
Kevin: We handle it maturely and lovingly correct each other.
Elizabeth: I am first to apologise because I can’t stay angry for so
long even if he is wrong.
Do you run a joint account?
Kevin: Yes we do and it was a mutual agreement.
How do you handle advances from the
opposite sex?
Kevin: You always have to draw a line whether married or not. I
guess that line has helped us manage our fans.
Elizabeth: He makes it easier for me because he takes me along and
makes sure I know about them. My love for my husband is rock solid.
What gives you the assurance that he
will not fall into temptation?
Kevin:
The
only assurance is in the grace of God.
Elizabeth: I love and absolutely trust my husband. My love for him is
rock solid.
Do you share same friends?
Kevin: Yes, we do share some close friends but not all the way.
Who is stricter as parent?
Kevin:
I think I am.
What adjustments have you made since
marriage?
Elizabeth: Priorities have changed. Now, when there is money on the
table it’s the kids and Kevin first before I think of myself.
What don’t you like about your
husband?
Elizabeth: He likes keeping quiet about certain issues and sometimes
it works but there are things we need to address as a couple.
Do you still have date nights as a
couple?
Elizabeth: Yes we still go clubbing and travel occasionally.
Kevin: Yes, we do but the frequency dropped as kids started
coming.
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