From the village streams that shaped her childhood and identity to the stages of Nigeria and the clinics of America, the life of Regina Askia-Williams has been a remarkable journey of culture, courage, transformation and resilience, spanning what feels like several lifetimes. In this interview, she recounts the experiences that shaped her, from her university days and pageantry to modelling, memorable acting roles and her iconic years in Nollywood. Ferdinand Ekechukwu brings the excerpts:
. MY CHILDHOOD — AT MY GRANDPARENTS’ KNEES
My first ten years were among the most beautiful and foundational years of my life. During the summer, we left the city to stay in my maternal grandmother’s village and my paternal grandparents’ village. We picked fruit, swam in streams, made earthenware pots, attended church, watched Christmas masquerades and listened to folklore and tales by moonlight. We were not silver-spoon children, but we had every comfort. Extended family surrounded us, aunties helped raise us, a driver took us to school, and we even had an Italian cook. From my parents and grandparents, I learnt culture, community and survival. I can sew, sculpt, make earthenware, keep a home and live from the land. Those early experiences gave me identity, values and personhood. Today, I thank God that my mother is still with us at 94.
