BELIEVE IT OR NOT! Chika Lann compares her N40m hair to da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting, insists it’s not a publicity stunt [Photos]

A Nigerian model, Chika Lann, who said that her signature hair was made for N40 million, has described it as a work of art much like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting.

Speaking in a recent interview, Chika Lann, who got policemen to protect her after the cost of her hair went viral online, dismissed suggestion she lied and pulled a publicity stunt.

She said,

I am only responsible for what I say and not how people interpret it. It was not a publicity stunt when I said my hair is worth N40 million. I’ll say it again, my hair is worth N40 million and that’s that.

Asked the unique properties that make the hair so expensive, Lann replied

That is like asking why the Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci is worth so much. If you go to art galleries all over the world, you would find artworks worth millions of dollars. My hair is a work of art; so, there is no big deal about its cost.

See interview excerpts below

Some people say the hair is made from ordinary rubber. Is that true?

Let them say whatever they want to say. I don’t care.

Where did you make the hair?

I have been in the country for over three years, so I make my hair here. But I wouldn’t say how and with whom I made it.

When did you make it?

I have had the hair for a while now. However, it gets professional touches and attention regularly.

Some people felt you could have invested the N40m in business. Why spend so much on hair?

Why can’t I do both? I can invest in my hair and invest in business at the same time. That is exactly what I have done. I believe it is my money and I will spend it how I wish. I would repeat it again that it is a work of art and it is worth N40m.

Are you engaged in any other business apart from modelling?

Of course, I have a clothing line. Most of my dresses are my own creation. I also run an online lifestyle TV. I just finished producing a reality TV show titled, The Expatriates’ Wives, which is about my life and the lives of five other ladies married to expatriates living in Lagos.

What do you aim to achieve with The Expatriate Wives?

I have been asked on several occasions what it feels like being married to an expatriate. This show gives people a front-row seat view of the lives of women married to expatriates. Our pains, dramas…everything is exposed. You just have to expect the unspeakable and the unbelievable. There is also some humour to it.

It showcases the cultural differences and the unique challenges that we face. People always think that ladies married to expatriates are prostitutes; well, we are not. We are classy and this TV series is a truthful sojourn into our lives.

What were some of the challenges you faced while shooting The Expatriate Wives?

Shooting in Nigeria is not easy. In fact, doing anything in Nigeria is difficult. We had so many challenges from the crew doing mediocre jobs and expecting to be praised, to some people not just showing up. Also, I had some trying times with the shoot as I strived to keep it 100 per cent real. It’s a reality TV show after all. At the end of the day, I thank God that we were able to achieve something tangible. It is left for the viewers to assess the quality of the work that was done.

Where is your husband from and how did you meet him?

My husband is French and we met at a wedding ceremony in France. We have been married for 13 years now.

How would you describe the experience of living with an expatriate husband in Nigeria?

It is wonderful but it comes with its challenges. For example, making my husband’s meals is not a walk in the park as many required items are not easily available here in Nigeria. It also comes with the normal marriage challenges plus extra problems that are synonymous with interracial marriages.

Can you share some of the peculiar challenges that interracial marriages grapple with?

Our culture shapes us, even more so when we are from two different races. Challenges range from the mundane to the fatally serious. What holidays will be celebrated? Will both of us bring income? How will the children be raised? Those are some of the things that define interracial marriages.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learnt over the years?

The first and major thing is to believe in God. Believe in yourself and never be apologetic about who you are. You should also be straightforward and reliable. All these give your brand credibility.

How do you create balance between your career and family?

Firstly, I have a very supportive husband who understands my career path. However, irrespective of my busy schedule, I always make out time to attend to my family. I think my big secret is complementing the finances of the family and at the same time, attending to the needs of the ‘other room’.

What are your other interests?

I love being outdoors. I also love travelling and discovering new places.

How do you like to relax?

I do a lot of Yoga. I also love meditating very much. I just go to a quiet place away from all the stress of life and just have a ‘me’ time.

How would you describe your style of fashion?

I am a trendsetter. My fashion style is eclectic. I wear things that other people would find bizarre.

PUNCH