After South Africa's Real Housewives of Johannesburg and Real Housewives of Durban, Real Housewives of Lagos is the third iteration of the franchise on the African continent - and the first for Nigeria.
With Real Housewives of Lagos now streaming to international audiences through Hayu, we sat down with one of the show's stars, Chioma Ikokwu, to find out what it means to her to represent not just her city, but Nigeria on a global scale.
Plus, she tells us what she was most excited about, going into the experience.
Chioma Was Excited To Connect With Like-minded Ladies In Lagos
Chioma Ikokwu is the first to admit that when it came to the greater "Real Housewives" franchise, she was far from an avid viewer.
In fact, she jokes, "If I'm honest, I had zero expectations."
However, once she was approached to do the show, the excitement set in.
"The thing that excited me the most was the prospect of meeting other like-minded women in Lagos - women who may come from affluence, lifestyle, luxury, fashion, and were entrepreneurial as well. Seeing other women that I could possibly learn from and interact with - and even become friends with - is what excited me."
Representing Nigeria Was Another Major Drawcard
Networking opportunities aside, another major factor in Chioma signing on to do Real Housewives of Lagos was being able to represent both her city and her country on a global scale.
Especially because, as she pointed out, she would play a part in dispelling myths about the African continent, in general.
"On the international scene, when people think of Africa, they think of mud huts and lions and zebras, and it's not just that. There is so much more that makes us who we are, and to think that I was able to be one of the people to showcase some of the core values and the beauties of Nigeria makes me super, super proud. I hope I did well in that respect."
As for what she's most excited for international audiences to learn about Nigeria on the show, she continues, "Nigeria is such a beautiful country. It's rich in culture, fashion, language, and heritage. All these great components make up this country that a lot of people don't often get to see."
The best part, though? This is just the beginning of more Nigerian representation on a global scale.
"The truth is, there is so much more to see. We show you guys a snippet of what there is to see about Nigeria, and there's so much more where that came from. It just fills me with so much pride and joy to know that I was one of the pioneers of showing what the essence of Nigeria is to the international community."
We'll be waiting in anticipation!
Chioma Shares What She's Excited For Fans To See From 'RHOL'
So, aside from seeing a new side to Nigeria, what can fans expect to see from the very first season of Real Housewives of Lagos?
"There's so much to see, oh my goodness!" Chioma laughs, trying to pinpoint her top picks.
"So, one thing I'm not excited for them to see is the drama - but I know that's what everyone lives for ... and trust me, there's a lot of it!" she jokes.
"What I am excited forpeople to see, though, is the fashion, definitely. Nigeria is made up of three major tribes: Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa. Three very different tribes with some similarities, but you'll definitely see the different tribes showcased both food-wise, and fashion-wise. Fashion-wise, especially. Even at the reunion, we all dressed up in our different cultural attires."
On top of that, she's excited for everyone to see the city itself.
"You'll also get to see the vibrancy of the Lagos metropolis," she promises.
"The luxurious beaches, the mansions in Ikoyi and Lekki, the fast cars, the hustle and bustle of the people."
However, she also points out that viewers can expect to see a full and accurate depiction of the city.
"You'll see a little bit of the slums, like with my foundation, the Goodway Foundation. I went to one of the slums in Lagos, one of the communities that my foundation had adopted, so you'll see that, and see us speak to some of the ladies. It just gives a good general insight to the nitty-gritty of Lagos."
"So," she concludes, "You'll see the good, the bad, and the ugly."
We couldn't be more excited!
Catch up on episodes of Real Housewives of Lagos every Saturday on Hayu.
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