Fathia Balogun: Biography, Career, Movies & More

Fathia Balogun is a popular Nollywood Yoruba actress, film-maker, producer and director.

She was married to popular actor, Saheed Balogun and their marriage was the toast of the industry while it lasted with the couple featuring in several movies together.

Things later went awry which led to their separation and eventual divorce after which both parties moved on with their lives.

In this post, you’ll discover many interesting things about Fathia Balogun which includes her life both within and outside the movie industry.

Early life & Education

Fathia Balogun was born on the 5th of February 1969 in Ukwara in Delta State. She hails from Okpara, Delta State.

She grew up in a middle class polygamous home. It was a family of 9. The actress disclosed that she had a catholic background. Her sibilings include Ken Williams, Anderson Williams, Charles Williams, Joseline Williams and Stella Willams.

The actress attended Olufunmila Nursery School, Ikeja Maryland Primary School and Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School before proceeding to the Kwara State Polytechnic where she received a national diploma in Law.

She revealed that she had to stay at home for some time before opting for the law program at the Kwara State Polytechnic. Prior to her admission she had wanted to study a course related to broadcasting as she wanted to become a broadcaster.

The actress also disclosed that she found it difficult coping with her law program and she couldn’t further her education after obtaining her National Diploma certificate.

Recently, Fathia returned to school due to an opportunity by the Federal Government through a scholarship.

Career

Before she began acting, Fathia spent some time at low-paying jobs. She worked as a receptionist at Chips Bit & Bit, a Computer Company in Ikeja, Lagos where she was earning N5000 per month.

After spending some time struggling with low paying jobs, Fathia was able to get into Nollywood Yoruba through her mentor, Alhaji Fatai Teniola in the early 90’s

Prior to launching out as an actress, Fathia had wanted to become a broadcaster but she couldn’t fulfil her dreams because she didn’t pass her JAMB exams.

The actress has starred in over 100 Nollywood movies since her debut.

Awards

In 2008, Fathia received the Africa movie Academy Award for the Most Outstanding Actress Indigenous. That same year, her movie Iranse Aje won the award for the best indigenous film of the year.

In April 2014, Fathia won the Africa Movie Academy Award for the Best Actress of the Year. Her colleague, Odunlade Adekola emerged as the best actor of the year.

The actress has also won the award for the Best Indigenous Language: Yoruba Award for the work done in the film Iya Alalake at the 2015 Africa-Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards AMVCA. 

Personal life

The actress was married to the veteran Nollywood actor and producer, Saheed Balogun. This was actually her second marriage although she has never revealed the details of her first marriage although the union produced a child.

Her marriage to Saheed Balogun produced two children, a boy and a girl. Their first child, Khalid was born in 2002 while their second child, Aaliyah was born in 2005.

Fathia separated from her husband, Saheed in 2006. But their divorce wasn’t concluded until 2014.

In an interview, Fathia associated her failed marriages with luck as she believes having a successful marriage isn’t her destiny.

She also revealed that her failed marriage was the lowest point of her life. Interestingly, Fathia has continued to maintain that she’s still married to Saheed Balogun despite the fact that the actor has revealed that they are officially divorced.

Movies

Fathia has featured in over 100 movies since her acting debut and some of her popular movies have been listed below:

  • Farayola (2009)
  • Aje metta ( 2008)
  • Aje metta 2 (2008)
  • Awawu (2015)
  • Teni Teka (2015)
  • Omo Ale (2015)
  • Agbelebu Mi (2016)
  • Basira Badia (2016)
  • Adakeja (2016)
  • Eku Eda (2016)
  • Shola Arikusa (2017)
  • 10 Days in Sun City
  • Kodi Ologbon Aye
  • Ishanna

The actress recently featured in the movie, ‘Shola Arikusa’ where she starred alongside Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Yinka Quadri, Remi Rebecca, Ijayagbemi Monsuru and Kazeem Bello. The movie was produced and directed by Segun Ogungbe.

The plot of the movie revolves around Shola Arikusa whose father was murdered over political appointment. Then, her whole family was wiped out which made her turn to the god of Ijamido for vengeance.

Controversy

In 2012, there were rumours that Fathia was dating Goriola Hassan. Hassan is the ex-husband of popular Nigerian actress, Ayo Adesanya.

The couple was seen together at the birthday party of actress, Mercy Aigbe on the 1st of January, 2012. It was said that Fathia drove Goriola’s Honda Element to the event.

In 2011, Fathia and Goriola were seen together at the end of the year party of lewd musician, St. Janet.

Reunion

During an interview after his 50th birthday, Fathia ex-husband, Saheed hinted that he and his estanged wife may be getting back together.

This speculation was further buttressed when Saheed was pictured dancing with Fathia and spraying her money. This incident occurred at the 40th birthday party of actress, Mercy Aigbe.

However, it is yet to be seen when both parties would be getting back together.

Project

Recently, Fathia revealed that she is working on her first cinema movie. 

Tattoos

The actress revealed she’s a lover of tattoos. She disclosed that her love for tattoos began when she was living in the United Kingdom

Pregnancy

Fathia turned 50 in 2017 but there have been pregnancy rumours trailing her as rumour mongers claimed that her tummy seem to show a pregnancy bulge.

Change of name

Recently, Fathia changed her name from Fathia Balogun to Fathia Williams but she revealed in an interview that the name change had nothing to do with her failed marriage to Saheed Balogun and that it was just part of a rebranding effort that she was undertaking.

Philantropy

Fathia is the founder of the NGO, Fathia & I. She uses this foundation to support underprivileged children morally and financially.

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