Meet Laura Ikeji-Kanu: The Real Housewives of Lagos

Laura Ikeji-Kanu is a social media influencer, author, and entrepreneur. She is a mother of two, married to former Super Eagles star Christopher Kanu.

Laura is popularly known for influencing and bringing joy and laughter. She is also the author of How to Make Money on Instagram.

Get to know Laura

We caught up with Laura ahead of the launch of Showmax’s The Real Housewives of Lagos, and here’s what she had to tell us.

What attracted you to this franchise, and how did you feel when you got it? 

I was very excited. I thought it would be effortless, but it’s not easy having people come and see your space, mainly because I’m private. I don’t allow many people in my space. I’ve done that now, and they know what I’ve been hiding for years. People don’t know that I have my other side. I’m always laughing and playing, but I have another side. This show has brought me out, so I want to apologise in advance. 

In your own words, what does it mean to be a Real Housewife of Lagos?

I see the glam. You have to be rich and probably famous in your circle. You have to be very patient because you’re going to hang out with people you don’t like. People get to see what you don’t want them to see. You also have to own something, a business or something. Deal with people that you don’t deal with on a regular day. Hang out with people you don’t necessarily like and who don’t like you, and you lose your privacy.

Watch the trailer for The Real Housewives of Lagos

Can you describe your style?

My style is edgy. My style is not forced. I don’t care about the bling-bling; it’s not my thing. My style is futuristic, young, fun, edgy and vogue. 

What is the hardest part about being in front of the cameras? 

Having people know the other side of me is something I never wanted anybody to see. I lost my cool a few times, and I’m going to lose my cool somewhere, and it’s not something I enjoy. I just want people to know me for what I do, sharing happiness, beauty, laughter, joy. 

What are you 100% about?

I think I’m the only person that said to someone, “I don’t really like you, and I know you don’t like me”, and I said it in front of them. They are still going to hear about all this stuff eventually. So I don’t like to talk behind people’s backs. I love to say things in front of them. So, yeah, I’ve said some things a few times. I’ve told them, “I really don’t send you.”

Who in your life knows you the best and why?

My mom knows me even when I’m smiling because I cover a lot of stuff. When I’m sad, I’m probably smiling. My mom knows when I’m really smiling and when I’m crying. So, my mom, for sure. 

Why should audiences watch? What makes RHOLagos unique? 

You just get to see people out of Instagram and its glitz, glam, lies and what people want to show. On Instagram, when I’m mad, I still post happy videos, but on this show, when I’m mad, I’m angry, and you see it. Also, Lagos is full of lies, pretence, and backstabbing. I think you guys will see that on the show a lot. 

Catch Laura on The Real Housewives of Lagos on Showmax from 8 April 2022, with new episodes every Friday.

While you wait, be sure to catch the latest episodes of The Real Housewives of Durban S2, streaming first and exclusively at www.showmax.com.