Two crashed marriages will not stop me from getting married again
Something big beckons on me in Hollywood
•I am single but not searching
•If you off my torch, I’ll light another
Anyim Joy, a prominent figure in Nollywood, serves as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fun Dollars Entertainment. She is a multi-talented individual, excelling as a producer, singer, and scriptwriter, setting the pace in the industry.
Joy Anyim who is also a motivational speaker is an indigene of Enugu State, she is well-versed in English and has a basic understanding of the French laguage. Despite being born in Akwa Ibom, she grew up partly in the region, allowing her to speak and translate the Ibibio language. She has a desire to learn Spanish in the future.
Unfortunately, Joy faced a challenging time when she lost her father in 2016 while she was sitting for her high school final exams, (WAEC). The loss affected her deeply, leading her to re-sit for the exams due to the emotional turmoil. Despite the trying times, Joy remains grateful for her mother’s presence and resilience.
Her mother initially kicked against her chosen career during her budding days, but to the glory of God, she is now a strong supporter of her flourishing career, now she proudly watches her daughter’s success in the movie industry, frequently visiting cinemas to witness her performances.
This talented actress is currently pursuing a management program abroad, holding a degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Uyo, as well as a diploma in Data Processing and Information Technology from Obafemi Awolowo University. Joy’s dedication to education is evident in her statement expressing her continuous pursuit of knowledge throughout her life.
As a producer and a lead actress, her involvement in the Stunt Street Dance Competition during 2017/18 led her to step away from the movie industry temporarily. Being the brain behind the street dance talent search, she reflected on her growth in choreography, which inspired her to invest in film production and support talented street dancers who often go unnoticed. Traveling from city to city and state to state, she scouted exceptional dancers and provided them with opportunities, drawing from her own background as a dancer before transitioning into Nollywood.
Upon her return to film production, she collaborated with renowned actors in the likes of Zubby Michael, Rachael Okonkwo, and others to produce a few blockbusters. Presently she pause other commitments to focus on her own projects.
Her production outfit, Fun Dollars Entertainment has expanded globally by partnering with actors from California to enhance her Epic movies, including upcoming thrillers scheduled for production in May featuring Nollywood stars like Babarex and other industry heavyweights.
The Nollywood trailblazer engaged in an interview with CREEKVIBES OLUWADAMILARE DANIELS, discussing her journey and future projects in the industry.
Excerpts;
Did you ever dream of becoming famous?
I am inclined to agree with this statement, as the events that have unfolded around me have consistently indicated that I am destined for fame. One particular incident that stands out is when I unexpectedly found myself on stage during an inter-school competition while in Primary-4, where I was supposed to participate in a quiz but ended up taking on a role in a stage play due to the absence of the participating student.
Despite the challenge of having to quickly learn a character from a large book, I managed to impress and even received a medal for my performance.
Throughout my academic journey, I continued to engage in various competitions, such as Javelin in secondary school and representing my university in different contests.
Despite facing obstacles, such as gender bias in a club where I was denied the presidency due to being a woman, I was expected to grow through the ranks to get to the top in an ascending order, after serving diligently as the vice president it became my turn to be the club’s president, then the men in group stood up against me with the notion that it won’t be right for me to Lord over them as the president.
I persevered by writting a letter to the club’s headquarters in the United State, and eventually I was made a chartered president in a new NGO club affiliated with the Leo club. This experience taught me to always stand up for myself and find new opportunities to shine, even when faced with adversity. If you off my torch, I’ll light another.
Although, I began my journey in the entertainment sector as a dancer, performing alongside famous artists like Mc Galaxy on the streets of Akwa Ibom State, before transitioning into the film industry. My daily life has always captivated strangers, and I still have many goals to achieve, which I am confident I will accomplish with the help of God by my side.
Love is a beautiful thing, are you in a relationship, how soon will you give love a chance by getting married again?
Love is a truly remarkable phenomenon, as you may be aware if you are familiar with my personal journey. Despite the ups and downs, I have never given up on love, despite the opinions of others. Love has not always been kind to me, as I have experienced the joys and he@rtbreaks of two m@rriages. I vividly recall an interview I gave some time ago, where I confidently stated my intention to marry once more. This statement quickly spread like wildfire across social media, with people expressing their surprise and skepticism.
Yes, I am being confident that mine will come, I won’t stop trying because love is what we need in this life, two cr@shed m@rriages will not stop me from getting married again, forget what these people are saying; ‘I am a single mother,’ ‘I am a strong person.’ There will be a time in your life that you will look for love, ‘Ok?’ I wouldn’t wait for that time to come, I will start by growing with my love, and I’ll never give up on it.
As for my current relationship status, I prefer not to divulge too much at this time. While I am single, I am not actively seeking a partner. However, I am involved in a private relationship, and if my partner and I decide to make it public in the future, we will. I am aware that nothing can remain hidden forever, but for now, I am content with where I stand. I am committed to this serious relationship and pray that it will have a positive outcome. I remain open to the possibility of marriage once again, as I believe in the power of love and its ability to bring happiness into our lives.
How do you handle criticism and negative feedback from your relationships?
Being a celebrity comes with its fair share of challenges. A significant portion, around 70%, of the negativity that surrounds you is fueled by criticism. Once you step into the spotlight, your personal life becomes public property, and there’s no going back. The very same people who once celebrated your success will be the ones to criticize your every move. This phenomenon can be likened to the story of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, where the same people who hailed him as a triumphant figure later turned against him,
In my experience, maintaining a trusted relationship is crucial. I have a close friend who can vouch for my abilities and limitations. It is this trust that keeps our bond strong. I have learned from past mistakes and have vowed not to remain silent in the face of criticism. Speaking up is essential, as I discovered during my previous marriage when depression almost consumed me because I chose to suffer in silence. I vividly remember the year 2016 when my marriage fell apart. My ex-husband went to great lengths, even paying bloggers to tarnish my reputation. They spread false rumors about me, even going as far as sharing manipulated pictures to suggest that I was involved in illicit affairs. It was a dark time for me, especially considering that these were the same bloggers who once praised my talent and potential. They never bothered to reach out to me for clarification. However, I have always known my true self, and I was aware that the allegations against me were baseless.
In 2018, during an online interview, I made a statement about getting married again. Instantly, a popular blog picked up on that quote, and it spread like wildfire. Many tongues wagged against me, but I remained unaffected. I have learned to rise above the noise and not let it define me.
I endured unimaginable hardships in that marriage, where I was subjected to emotional abuse and infidelity. It was necessary for me to move on, disregarding the mere criticisms thrown my way. Although my current partner is not involved in the Nollywood industry, he possesses knowledge about the entertainment world and understands the challenges it entails. The rumors and speculations surrounding my personal life at that time were baseless accusations. I have never been romantically involved with anyone from the industry. If anyone speaks ill of you or me, it is crucial to speak up, as the internet never forgets.
Whatever false information is written about you will remain for your future generations to read, and you may not be there to correct it. If I had remained in that marriage and met an unfortunate fate, the critics would have questioned why I didn’t leave. This is precisely why I granted an interview in 2018, stating my intention to remarry. I have been in the public eye for eight years, until I met my current partner, with whom I share a strong bond and keep our relationship private. I confront my critics by presenting them with the truth, knowing that one day, the truth will prevail, and people will realize that I have always been honest.
Which country will you want to visit next, and why?
I have had the opportunity to explore several African nations, as well as a few European countries. However, my next venture will take me to the United States of America, specifically Hollywood. I am currently seeking a collaboration between my company, Fun Dollars Entertainment, and the talented actors in Hollywood.
There is something significant waiting for me on the streets of Hollywood, and I am confident that the World will soon become aware of my endeavors. With anticipation, I am eagerly looking forward to my upcoming journey to Hollywood, located in the United States of America.
Tell us what your parents were like, during your childhood days.
During my childhood, I was fortunate to have not only strict parents, but also protective brothers who acted as my personal bodyguards. Being the only girl and the youngest in the family, I was always treated like the baby of the house. I never had a reason to feel regret or shed tears, as my brothers were quick to intervene and ensure justice was served, even if it meant delivering a few punches to those who crossed the line.
What do you love doing during your spare time?
When I am not on location, I derive immense pleasure from the act of writing. I possess a natural inclination towards creative writing, where I narrate stories in a poetic manner. My scripts tend to be extensive in length, and I also engage in the art of singing and composing gospel songs. However, I am not one to take travelling lightly, as it holds great importance to me. Additionally, I have a keen interest in experimenting with various dishes that I come across on the internet. This allows me to gauge their taste and determine whether they are worthy of inclusion in my menu. If they fail to meet my expectations, they are promptly discarded. (Laughs) Oh, and I mustn’t forget to mention that I make regular visits to the gym. (Yeah)
Give 5 relationship does and don’t to a lady falling in love for the 1st time?
I believe I am well-equipped to offer a professional solution to this topic, as I have a background in guidance counselling and hold a degree in the field.
•My advice to any woman falling in love for the first time would be to prioritize honesty. It is crucial to be honest with yourself and with the person you have feelings for.
•Transparency is key as well; your ‘Yes’ should mean yes, and your ‘No’ should mean no. Before diving into a relationship, it is important to address any hidden issues and be transparent. This will help build confidence and trust over time.
•When falling in love, it is essential not to lose yourself. Maintain your self-worth and carry yourself with dignity.
•Love is most beautiful when it is balanced, and both partners contribute equally. Avoid being overly clingy, as men generally do not appreciate that. Make an effort to understand each other’s backgrounds and be willing to be submissive when necessary.
•A successful relationship requires genuine love and effort from both sides. Furthermore, focus on personal growth and career development. Let your partner’s love be a source of support, but also bring something valuable to the relationship. Avoid the mentality of being ‘The table’ and instead strive to contribute positively to the table.
It is important to have a backup plan, so avoid being overly clingy. I once had a conversation with an individual who expressed disgust with his lady he said; ‘I care deeply Joy, and I believe she feels the same way about me. However, I am the one financially supporting us and I do not want a partner who causes me stress. Joy does not work or contribute in any way. I cannot tolerate arguments where I am the sole provider.’ Therefore, a woman is likely to receive more respect if she is employed.
This is my personal theory, and others may have differing viewpoints.
How has it been approaching, collaborating, or working with people who have different perspectives or values lower than your own?
I have had the opportunity to collaborate with individuals who possess different perspectives and values than my own. One notable collaboration was with Rammy, the current top actor in Tanzania. We worked together on a movie project, and I also had the pleasure of bringing in Yvonne Nylson from Ghana for another collaboration. These experiences have allowed me to appreciate the diversity and richness of other cultures. In fact, I am excited to share that a renowned actor from California will be joining me in Nigeria for a few projects starting next month. I believe that learning from different perspectives enhances my skills and creativity. Currently, Fun Dollars Entertainment is leading the industry, and I am not aware of any other company that can rival its success.
Name of your best 5 movies where you starred exceptionally?
Currently, there are five popular movies that are making waves in the industry. One of them is “Her Shoes,” a production from my own stable, featuring a Tanzanian actor who made a mark on the set. Another film, “Anointed Sin,” is also available for streaming on YouTube. Additionally, there is a movie currently airing on DStv, and a couple of others.
Despite taking a break from the industry in 2020 and returning in 2021 for a few projects before another hiatus, I made a full comeback in September 2023 and have been consistently delivering quality work since then. Keep an eye out for my movies as I continue to establish myself as a leading figure in Nollywood. Some of my projects may have undergone name changes, but rest assured, the essence of the content remains intact. Joy Anyim is the name to watch out for in the world of cinema.
Ever had to make a decision that went against your values or beliefs, how did you handle the fall outs?
I refuse to engage in actions that compromise my principles and beliefs. While tempting opportunities have arisen, I have declined them in order to maintain my integrity and avoid potential negative consequences.
•Photos/Videos: From Joy Anyim Instagram handle, @joyanyim
