Annie Idibia on 2Face’s Other Kids, Divorce, Motherhood

Long before Beyoncé and Jay Z dropped what it means to be “Crazy in Love”, we already had 2Face and Annie Macaulay-Idibia to present that version of love.

It is undeniable that the pair have had a whirlwind relationship. Right before our eyes, we’ve seen the highs and the lows, the baby mamas drama, the break-up, the make-up, the proposal, the grand wedding, “dem babies” and living life in the spotlight.

Annie who is always open in interviews, gives the world an insight into the private relationship, balancing work and motherhood, her parents’ divorce and laughing about all those crazy cheating reports.

Read excerpts from her interview with The Sun

On being humble despite being married to 2Face Idibia: “Thanks for the compliment. I am a very playful and down-to-earth person though, there are times I prefer keeping to myself in order to avoid people taking advantage or abusing me. However, I am a very simple person. I am from Eket, Akwa Ibom State. I am from a family of four children; three brothers and myself, the only daughter of the family. My mum and dad divorced 20 years ago.”

On how her parents’ divorce affected her: “My mother bred us from childhood to adulthood because of the divorce. I was almost a tom boy growing up with my brothers. It’s heartbreaking when you live with your parents happily and suddenly, they part ways. Sincerely, we were terribly affected emotionally. It was especially tough where it was only our mother that was attending functions in school and taking care of our needs. It was emotionally sapping and my brothers have their own fair share of memories. It affected me so much while in secondary school because I was always sad going home after school hours to see my mother living without my father. But mum tried her best to make life meaningful for us; she is my hero. And I appreciate God for being there for us.”

On sacrifices and losing her brother: “I was always running home during lunch break to prepare lunch for my younger brother but unfortunately, we lost him at 15 years of age. It was really tough! I had to assist my mother in her shop which was very close to our house after school. She was also working to make ends meet.”

On how her experiences growing up shaped her life: “It made me stronger and independent as a woman. As the only girl, my mother taught me to do domestic chores. Today as a married woman, I have domestic staff but I still cook and do house chores. I started working immediately after I graduated from secondary school at age 15. I worked as a sales girl in a boutique and two other places before I got admission to study, leading up to my diploma. I also worked part time as an undergraduate of Computer Science at the Lagos State University when I was 18-years-old. Thereafter, I got admission into the University of Lagos where I bagged a degree in Theatre Arts. Growing up wasn’t easy, my sister. I have never shared this before in the media but I think God wants His name to be exalted in my life.”

On couples who plan to divorce: “Honestly, divorce is the worst punishment any parent could subject children to because it’s the children that will face the consequences of their actions. Divorce shouldn’t be considered as an option when couples face-off. It is advisable to settle rather than divorce. Why did you get married if you cannot forgive and reconcile with your partner? I don’t wish my kids to pass through my experience regarding divorce. I always use my parents-in-laws as an example and I try to emulate them in my marriage. After all these years, they are still deeply in love with each other. Even at their age, they still enjoy each other’s company and that is amazing.”

On motherhood: “I enjoy being a mum. God has blessed me with two wonderful kids. It’s wonderful though, tasking, stressful and sometimes depressing, especially when you are a working mum. But I try to create time to be with my kids no matter my busy schedule. I make sure I am always involved in my daughter’s school activities. It would interest you to know that I am my daughter’s lesson teacher. And I must appreciate my lovely mother for making life meaningful for me by teaching me so much; she has been a wonderful mother and grandmother.”

On crazy 2Face Idibia cheating reports: “I really don’t pay attention since I am married to a man that understands me. In fact, most times we laugh over these rumours. Any time such rumours come up in the media, my husband calls me immediately on the phone asking if I have seen what was written. And I reply that I have and we laugh over it and move on because we know that those rumours will not tear us apart. On the recent rumour about him impregnating a banker, I don’t know what they stand to gain with idle gossip. I had just delivered my baby, Olivia. She was barely two months old but we overcame it.”

On her step children: “I don’t have step children; they are my kids. They are innocent, smart and adorable kids. We have a good family relationship with our kids in America and Nigeria. Zion has a great sense of humour, he is always attached to his sister, Isabel; they are age mates and they always disagree to agree in love. It’s fun watching them stay together whenever they come to their family home. Honestly, we want our children to enjoy their childhood by the grace of God in unity and love. And I really appreciate their mothers for their great understanding and their father, for making our children his priority in life.”

On rumours that 2Face physically abused her: “None, I just want gossips to leave us alone to enjoy our blissful lives together. We don’t disturb them, why are they disturbing our peace? And I also want to appreciate our fans for being there for us.”