Gospel artiste, Mike Aremu, is married to Lara. They talk about their four-year-old union in this interview
How did you meet your wife?
Mike: I met her at a church in the United Kingdom, where I was invited to minister. Afterwards, we met again through a mutual friend and that was when we became friends.
Was it love at first sight?
Mike: We became friends and did not think we would end up as lovers. Initially, we spoke intermittently and I did not have marriage in mind when I met her. We saw each other whenever I visited the UK. She was born and raised in the UK. She had never lived in Nigeria.
Did he ask you out on a date formally?
Lara: I would not say he asked me out because we were already friends. It was like two friends going out and enjoying each other’s company.
What were the initial attractions?
Mike: I discovered that she is innocent and it was easy to talk to her. She was more like a friend and I told her everything.
Lara: When we started our friendship, I noticed his humility and love for God .I found those aspects of his personae attractive.
How did he propose to you?
Lara: It was amazing and interesting. He flew into London and I had no idea he was going to because he had told me he would not be around to celebrate my birthday with me. At midnight, on June 23, 2010, he showed up at my parents’ house and proposed to me in the presence of my entire family. I accepted his proposal and it was really special.
When did you get married?
Lara: We have been married since 2011.
How would you describe your marriage?
Mike: Although we have our usual little challenges, we still find ways to resolve them. We have not had a misunderstanding in a long time.
Lara: It has been fun, interesting and eventful. There is never a dull moment. It has definitely spiced up my life because I always stayed at home with my family before I got married.
Why did you not consider marrying a white man?
Lara: I was born and raised in the UK, but I only got to travel to Nigeria after I met Mike. It does not matter where you are born and love does not have a nationality or a place of birth. Our marriage was definitely ordained by God. We never thought we would get married. We were friends and still are. Love has no destination. I have been able to embrace my culture since I married Mike.
How did you adapt to marital life?
Lara: I was ready for marriage mentally and emotionally. I knew what I was getting into and what being a wife entailed. I learnt from my mum and sister. I think I can congratulate myself because I have embraced everything.
Has being married placed restrictions on you?
Mike: I would not call them restrictions, but as you would expect there are things that come with marriage. I never liked to stay at home, but now I enjoy the time I spend with my family. It is more of a responsibility and I enjoy it.
Did you consider getting married to an entertainer?
Mike: I am an entertainer already and I have always considered what would happen to our children if both my wife and I were entertainers. God has always seen my heart and never brought an entertainer my way.
How challenging is it to be married to an entertainer?
Lara: I am a private person and Mike has always known that. There has been no challenge. It sounds strange, but in all honesty, I do not have any problems with it. I know what he does and it would be silly of me to get married and want to change things. I have been prepared for that and as far as I am concerned, it is not a big deal.
Do you feel threatened by his female fans?
Lara: There are male, female as well as young fans and I have not had any cause for concern. Our marriage is protected and I know that no evil plan will succeed. We are a family that prays and I have nothing to worry about.
What would you like to change about your wife?
Mike: There is nothing I would like to change. Unlike poles attract and our differences complement each other. Some of my excesses have been aborted by her modesty. I like to do things as they come but she is more of a planner. I am at home with her being that way because I realised it is good for me.
What are the things your husband does that upsets you?
Lara: We have our differences but I would not say they get me angry. They are differences in how we do things. I am more of the planner and he takes things the way they are. We have learnt to adjust and accommodate those differences.
Do you have access to each other’s social media accounts?
Lara: There is really no need. Some things are trivial and we have no need for that.
Who apologises first when there is a misunderstanding?
Lara: It depends on what caused the misunderstanding and I think we are both good at knowing when we are wrong. We are always quick to apologise to each other. We are a good-humoured couple. He does things to make me laugh or break the ice.
What is responsible for the failure of some celebrity marriages?
Mike: Lack of communication could play a huge role in that. If both spouses are entertainers and are usually concerned with the fame that comes with their status, such a marriage could be on the rocks. Most celebrities are concerned about what people would say and forget to make themselves happy.
What tips would you proffer for a successful marriage?
Lara: Our relationship with God is utmost. We communicate constantly, check on each other and appraise ourselves. Also, we are intimate.
How do you protect yourself from scandals?
Mike: I am an entertainer and a gospel minister; life for me is really important and I try to live a faultless one. Some people will always have something bad to say about you but I try to be focused and not let what people say affect me. I try to do the right things to please God and be as private as possible.
What advice do you have for celebrity spouses?
Lara: They have to support their spouses and be patient with them; it is key. Constant communication should not be overlooked too.
What pet names do you call each other?
Lara: I think I would allow him answer that. I will not tell anybody what I call him because it is private.
Mike: That is left to us. If one sticks around us, the person could hear it but I do not want anyone copying our pet names. It is not the usual baby, honey or sweetheart couples call themselves; ours is unique.
