{{Short description|Nigerian comedian and actress}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} {{Unreliable sources|date=February 2017}} {{Infobox person | name = Helen Paul | image = Helen_Paul_(cropped).png | caption = Helen Paul in 2016 | birth_name = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1983|05|01}} | birth_place = Lagos, Nigeria | other_names = Tatafo <br> Helen Paul Bamisile | known_for = | alma_mater = University of Lagos | occupation = Comedian, actress, singer | spouse = Femi Bamisile | children = 2 | website = {{url|helenpaulacademy.com}} }}
'''Helen Paul''' (born 1 May 1983) is a Nigerian comedian, singer, and actress.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/saturday-magazine/weekend-treat/entertainment/47940-a-list-comedians-for-%E2%80%98helen-paul-%26amp%3B-tatafo-live%E2%80%99.html|title=A-list comedians for 'Helen Paul & Tatafo Live'|last=Akande|first=Victor|date=27 May 2012|accessdate=11 November 2012|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The Nation}}</ref><ref name="pmnews1">{{cite news|url=http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/08/06/growing-up-was-tough/|title=Growing Up Was Tough|last=Adetu|first=Bayo|date=6 August 2010|accessdate=11 November 2012|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref> She is also a stand-up comedian, known as '''Tatafo''',<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-03-29 |title=Comedian Helen Paul bags a Ph.D |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/03/comedian-helen-paul-bags-a-ph-d/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-03-16 |newspaper=Vanguard|language=en-US}}</ref> characterized by a voice range that makes her sound like a child.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/nov/02/worlds-favourite-stand-ups|title=The rising stars of world standup|last=Kettle|first=James|date=2 November 2012|work=The Guardian|accessdate=11 November 2012|location=London, UK}}</ref>
She graduated with a doctorate in Theater Arts from the University of Lagos.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsliveng.com/2019/04/celebrity-helen-paul-was-born-out-rape/|title=Celebrity Helen Paul was Born out of|last=babtunde|first=Saka|website=newsliveng.com|access-date=9 April 2019|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418092517/https://www.newsliveng.com/2019/04/celebrity-helen-paul-was-born-out-rape/|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Online |first=Tribune |date=2022-09-03 |title=Helen Paul bags presidential lifetime achievement award in US |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/helen-paul-bags-presidential-lifetime-achievement-award-in-us/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |newspaper=Nigerian Tribune|language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Career== Paul has worked and served as a freelance and full-time presenter at several media houses in Nigeria. These include Lagos Television (LTV 8), Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS), and M-Net (where she currently co-presents ''JARA'' on Africa Magic).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://africamagic.dstv.com/video/jara-helen-paul|title=Jara: Helen Paul|website=Africa Magic Official Website – Jara: Helen Paul|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>
Paul broke out as a naughty comic character on the radio program ''Wetin Dey'' on Radio Continental 102.3FM, Lagos. She was known on the programme as "Tatafo", a witty kid who addresses and lampoons societal issues in a satirical manner. She also presented programmes on TVC and Naija FM 102.7.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.legit.ng/1112868-helen-paul-biography.html|title=This is why we ♥love♥ Helen Paul|last=Falae|first=Vivian|date=13 July 2017|newspaper=Legit.ng|access-date=9 April 2019}}</ref>
In July 2012, Paul released her debut album ''Welcome Party'', which contains Afro-Pop songs such as "Boju Boju", "Vernacular", "Gbedu", "God Forbid", an Afro RnB song titled "Children of the World", and "Use Calculator", an enlightenment song about the menace of the HIV-AIDs epidemic. She subsequently released some singles, including "Take It Back". In 2018, she released the audio and visuals of her single titled "Never Knew", an inspiring song about her developmental years and career progress thus far.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/07/20/tatafo-veers-into-music/|title=Tatafo Veers into Music|last=Amoran|first=Moyosola|date=20 July 2012|accessdate=11 November 2012|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/08/helen-paul-drops-boju-boju/|title=Helen Paul drops Boju Boju|last=Ogunjimi|first=Opeoluwani|date=11 August 2012|accessdate=11 November 2012|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref>
Paul opened a bridal and fabric boutique in Lagos in 2012 called Massive Fabrics and Bridals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ariyatoday.com/?p%3D2096 |title=Helen Paul Opens Bridal Boutique in Lagos. - Ariyatoday.Com |accessdate=26 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226042709/http://ariyatoday.com/?p=2096 |archivedate=26 December 2014 }}</ref> She has since proceeded to open three other outlets of the boutique in different parts of Lagos.
In 2014, she opened a film and theater academy, the Helen Paul Theater and Film Academy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/10/helen-paul-opens-film-academy-says-i-have-always-looked-forward-to-a-day-like-this/|title=Helen Paul Opens Multi-Million Naira Film Academy|work=bellanaija.com|date=15 October 2014|accessdate=12 February 2017}}</ref> It consists of a dance studio, a makeup studio, a recording studio, a rehearsal studio, a photo studio, a mainly digital library, an editing studio and a hostel for students.
== Personal life == Paul is married to Femi Bamisile and has two sons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lindaikeji.blogspot.com/2014/11/popular-comedienne-helen-paul-gives.html|title=Popular comedienne Helen Paul gives birth to baby boy – Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog|first=Linda|last=Ikeji|date=24 November 2014|work=lindaikeji.blogspot.com|accessdate=12 February 2017}}</ref>
In 2019,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-04-06 |title=Helen Paul Reveals She Was Born Out of Rape |url=https://guardian.ng/life/whatsnew/helen-paul-reveals-she-was-born-out-of-rape/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-03-17 |newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref> She obtained her doctorate in Theater Arts from the University of Lagos, which she dedicated to her mother.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-04-06|title=...everything Late Oshofa said about me is coming to pass - Helen Paul|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/everything-late-oshofa-said-about-me-is-coming-to-pass-helen-paul/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2021-02-09|newspaper=Vanguard|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, she relocated with her family to the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-04-29 |title=People predicted I won't get MC jobs when I relocated to America — Helen Paul |url=https://punchng.com/people-predicted-i-wont-get-mc-jobs-when-i-relocated-to-america-helen-paul/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |newspaper=The Punch|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-22 |title=I Have No Plans To Return To Nigeria – Helen Paul |url=https://thewillnews.com/i-have-no-plans-to-return-to-nigeria-helen-paul/ |location=Nigeria|access-date=2023-04-03 |newspaper=The Will|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, she was announced as the HOD of the Arts, Music, and Entertainment department at Heart International University in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-30 |title=Helen Paul Appointed Professor At US Varsity |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/life/helen-paul-appointed-professor-at-us-varsity/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-04-03 |newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-US |archive-date=23 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723082720/https://editor.guardian.ng/life/helen-paul-appointed-professor-at-us-varsity/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/533606-helen-paul-appointed-professor-at-u-s-university.html?tztc=1 |access-date=2023-04-03 |newspaper=Premium Times}}</ref>
== Filmography == *2011 – ''The Return of Jenifa'' – role of Tunrayo<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8240334/fullcredits/ |title=The Return of Jenifa (2011) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-07-28 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> *2012 – ''A Wish'' – lead role, a woman who battles cancer *2011 – ''Damage'' – cameo role *2012 – ''The Place: Chronicle of the Book''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thenet.ng/bffs-uche-jombo-and-desmond-elliot-produce-the-place/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=BFFs Uche Jombo and Desmond Elliot produce 'The Place' – Nigerian Entertainment Today |date=30 May 2013|access-date=12 February 2017|newspaper=The NET}}</ref> *2014 – ''Alakada2''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ariyatoday.com/?p=2075 |title=Toyin Aimakhu's New Flick 'Alakada 2′ Set to Hit Cinemas. - Ariyatoday.Com |access-date=26 December 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226042622/http://ariyatoday.com/?p=2075 |url-status=dead }}</ref> – supporting role - as Ibidun *2014 – ''Akii The Blind''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriamovienetwork.com/akii-the-blind-nigerian-movie-part-1_ddcd2c512.html|title=Akii the Blind Nigerian Movie [Part 1] – Family Drama|work=nigeriamovienetwork.com|accessdate=12 February 2017}}</ref> – supporting role *2012 – ''Osas'' (Omoge Benin) – comic act - as MC *2012 – ''Igboya''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.e-expressnigeria.com/blog/2012/05/bimbo-oshin-returns-with-igboya |title=Entertainment Express Nigeria • Bimbo Oshin returns with Igboya | Blog |access-date=26 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226033948/http://www.e-expressnigeria.com/blog/2012/05/bimbo-oshin-returns-with-igboya |archive-date=26 December 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> *''Mama Put''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsliveng.com/2019/04/celebrity-helen-paul-was-born-out-rape/|title=Mama Put by Helen Paul|work=Nigeria news live|accessdate=12 February 2017|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418092517/https://www.newsliveng.com/2019/04/celebrity-helen-paul-was-born-out-rape/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> – lead role *2016 ''– Jacob's Mansion'' *2016 ''– Full House'' *2017 ''– Samba (TV Series)'' *2018 ''– Ghetto Bred - as Debby'' *2018 ''– The bridal shower'' *2019 ''– Kasanova - as Teacher'' *2019 ''– Your Excellency'' *2022 – ''Stay - as Grace'' *2024 – ''Recompense - as Dupe''
== Awards and recognition == *2022 Professor and Head of Department Music, Art and Entertainment Heart Bible International University, U.S.A. *2012 African Film Awards (Afro-Hollywood, UK)<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/10/tonto-helen-paul-with-afro-nollywood-awards/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Tonto, Helen Paul with Afro Nollywood awards – Vanguard News|date=27 October 2012|accessdate=12 February 2017|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref> – Comedienne of the Year *2012 Exquisite Lady of the Year Award (Exquisite Magazine)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/09/bn-saturday-celebrity-interview-who-is-nigerias-top-comedienne-singer-actress-compere-presenter-all-rolled-in-one-its-helen-paul-the-lady-with-many-talents/|title=BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: Who is Nigeria's top Comedienne, Singer, Actress, Compere & Presenter all rolled in one? It's Helen Paul, the Lady with Many Talents!|work=bellanaija.com|date=22 September 2012|accessdate=12 February 2017}}</ref> – Female TV Presenter of the Year *2014 Exquisite Lady of the Year Award (Nominated)<ref>{{cite web|title=Seyi Shay, Toke Makinwa, Mo'Cheddah, DJ Cuppy, Others Nominated|url=http://pulse.ng/events/exquisite-lady-of-the-year-eloy-awards-seyi-shay-toke-makinwa-mo-cheddah-dj-cuppy-others-nominated-id3211248.html|website=Pulse Nigeria|date=20 October 2014|publisher=Chinedu Adiele|accessdate=20 October 2014|archive-date=3 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703235859/http://www.pulse.ng/events/exquisite-lady-of-the-year-eloy-awards-seyi-shay-toke-makinwa-mo-cheddah-dj-cuppy-others-nominated-id3211248.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> – TV Presenter of the Year (Jara, Africa Magic) *2014 Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) – Outstanding TV presenter (Female) (Entertainment/Talk Show)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/11/dj-xclusive-helen-paul-ik-osakioduwa-more-emerge-winners-at-nigerian-broadcasters-merit-awards-nbma-2014-full-list-of-winners/|title=DJ Xclusive, Helen Paul, IK Osakioduwa & More Emerge Winners at Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) 2014 -Full List of Winners|work=bellanaija.com|date=17 November 2014|accessdate=12 February 2017}}</ref> *2011 City People Entertainment Magazine Award<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adeyemo |first=Adeola |date=2012-09-22 |title=BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: Who is Nigeria's top Comedienne, Singer, Actress, Compere & Presenter all rolled in one? It's Helen Paul, the Lady with Many Talents! |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/09/bn-saturday-celebrity-interview-who-is-nigerias-top-comedienne-singer-actress-compere-presenter-all-rolled-in-one-its-helen-paul-the-lady-with-many-talents/ |access-date=2025-06-25 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}</ref> – Female Comedian of the Year
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{authority control}} {{wikiquote}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Paul, Helen}} Category:Living people Category:Nigerian businesspeople in the entertainment industry Category:Nigerian women comedians Category:Singers from Lagos Category:Actresses from Lagos Category:University of Lagos alumni Category:Nigerian voice actresses Category:Nigerian radio actors Category:Radio actresses Category:1983 births Category:Nigerian film actresses Category:Nigerian women singers Category:Nigerian stand-up comedians Category:Nigerian women radio presenters Category:Nigerian radio presenters Category:Nigerian television presenters Category:21st-century Nigerian businesspeople Category:Nigerian businesswomen Category:Comedians from Lagos