Keppy Ekpenyong Reveals Mother’s Unconventional Habits: Smoking And Drinking

Keppy Ekpenyong Reveals Mother’s Unconventional Habits: Smoking and Drinking

In the captivating realm of Nollywood, there’s nothing more enthralling than the private lives of the stars that grace our screens. They dazzle us with their compelling performances, but have you ever wondered what these luminaries are like off-screen? Keppy Ekpenyong, the venerated actor who has been a part of the Nollywood dynasty for decades, recently peeled back the curtain on his own life to reveal a vivid picture of his family background, rife with the high spirits, love, and even a fair bit of unconventionality. He spilled the beans in an expansive tell-all interview with the renowned media guru, Chude Jideonwo, and boy, did he have some intriguing revelations up his sleeve!

For anyone acquainted with the name Keppy Ekpenyong, you would know that he is a man of great character and discipline. But where did this discipline come from? As Ekpenyong delves into tales of his childhood, he sets the stage with a description of his father, a stern military man. A firm disciplinarian by any standard, his father would often find himself in tears while reprimanding his children. Keppy painted a poignant picture, “My father was a military man through and through. Our household was one guarded by military men; we had guards at the gate and lived comfortably. But, you see, my father was the kind of man who would discipline you and shed tears in the process. His love was so fierce that he couldn’t help but show his emotions as he was teaching us right from wrong.”

Keppy also recounted how his father’s emotional investments in his upbringing weren’t just limited to scolding or traditional forms of discipline. “My father was a multi-faceted man, and I think that’s where I get my depth from. He was more than just a stern man in uniform; he was deeply emotional, often shedding tears while correcting us. His favorite line while spanking us was, ‘Why did you do that? You shouldn’t do this.’ He was the epitome of a man whose hard exterior masked a sensitive soul. Those dualities in him intrigued me as a young boy, and they are traits I appreciate more as an adult.”

However, while his father was busy being the embodiment of military discipline, his mother was the polar opposite. “Ah! My mother? She was a complete rascal, and that’s putting it lightly,” he quipped with a hearty laugh. “Everybody in my circle, from childhood friends to university buddies, they all knew what my mother was like. She was the life of the party! Can you imagine, while I was studying at the university, she’d show up at my off-campus residence bearing not just love and affection, but bottles of brandy and rolls of cigarettes!”

That’s right, you heard him correctly. His mother would often show up at his tertiary institution accommodation and effectively transform it into a buzzing social hub. “She would come through the door, and the atmosphere would change instantaneously. Here was a woman unafraid to live life on her own terms. She’d light a cigarette and literally call out to everyone, ‘Come, let’s have a drink.’ It was surreal, but also incredibly liberating. The idea that my mother could seamlessly blend into my social circle while still commanding the respect due to a parent was enlightening.”

It’s not just about the quirks and oddities of his parents, though. Keppy was quick to point out that his peculiar family setting created an environment that encouraged open communication. “You see, what my parents were doing—consciously or unconsciously—was setting the stage for open dialogue. Because of this, I’ve always been comfortable talking to them about anything and everything,” he explained, a wistful smile spreading across his face.

“We’ve always had a family where you could walk up to anyone and speak your mind. That culture of open dialogue has been handed down to my children too. For example, my son feels free enough to jokingly grab my ears and say, ‘Hey, old man with your big ears!’ And I absolutely love that. He feels free to express himself, and that’s because of the environment we’ve created. A culture of repression can do more harm than you’d expect.”

Keppy also explained how the openness he experienced has influenced how he relates to his children and their friends. “In my home now, we host some of my children’s friends who prefer talking to us than their own parents. It’s not a competition, but it does make me wonder what’s going on in other households. Because I can tell you for free, if you shut down channels of communication with your kids, you’re setting yourself up for a surprise. Kids are incredibly perceptive and expressive beings. If you put barriers in front of them, don’t be surprised when they find alternative ways to express themselves, and often, it’s not in ways you’d be happy about.”

In the enchanting landscape of Nollywood and Nigerian pop culture, Keppy Ekpenyong stands as a testament to the multifaceted nature of the human condition. His life, both on-screen and off, serves as a source of inspiration to both his fans and fellow celebrities. “In the grand tapestry of life, our parents sow the first threads. Those threads may be of varying colors—some strict, others more laissez-faire—but they all contribute to the rich design that eventually becomes our own individual tapestry,” he mused.

So, the next time you find yourself watching Keppy Ekpenyong delivering another powerhouse performance on the silver screen, remember that the man you’re watching is the product of a life filled with complex characters, both in the movies and in his own life. A life where discipline and rascality comfortably coexist, where a military man’s stern face is softened by tears of love, and where a mother can be both a parent and a comrade in the adventures of youth. Keppy’s story isn’t just a tale of Nollywood glamour; it’s a heartfelt narrative of family, individuality, and the beauty of open communication.