Helen Paul is a Nigerian comedienne, entrepreneur, and professor. Her famous comic act was Tatafo, a child character she personalised thanks to a voice range that made her sound childlike.

Early Life
Paul was born on 29th January 1978 in Lagos State, Nigeria, and was raised by her grandmother. She was always a go-getter and knowledge seeker.

Being with her grandmother for most of her childhood instilled in her a disciplined spirit that proved beneficial, and her expressive, carefree nature became evident upon going to live with her mother in her teenage years. She grew up as an only child of her mother, who became an influential figure. Upon gaining a doctorate in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos, Paul wrote - 'I, Helen Paul dedicate this to my mum….’ 
Education
Paul attended Omiyade Primary School and Jibowu High School, both in Lagos. She later went to Maryland High School and finished her secondary education at Bejide Memorial College, Ojo.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos and went on to acquire more degrees: a master’s and doctorate in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos, a master’s in Business Administration, and in Public Administration from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State. She became a professor and head of the Arts, Music, and Entertainment department at Heart International Bible University after moving to the United States.

In addition, Paul has a certification in Media Enterprise from the School of Media and Communications, Pan-African University, Lagos. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria. 

Career

As a receptionist at Eko Realmix Studio, Paul was nicknamed "Tatafo" by a friend, and she began building a brand on it. She started hosting events accidentally; once, the expected MC failed to turn up at a party, and her friends suggested she try to be the MC. Her attempt was a success, and she began to connect with big-name MCs such as Alibaba and Bunmi Davies.

She also worked as a backup singer for P-square and a voice-over artist for major brands in the country like Cowbell, Peak Milk, Indomie, Jik, Globacom, Keystone Bank, and Ajinomoto. Her broadcasting gigs spanned clients such as Lagos Television, TV Continental, Naija FM, Max FM, and DSTV.

Paul has also worked as a musician and an actress. She has released notable songs and featured alongside well-known actors in major Nollywood movies over the years. 

Her feats do not stop here. Another seemingly less-known fact about her is that she is a successful entrepreneur. Paul is the founder of Massive Fabrics and Bridal, a chain of stores that sell wedding gowns, traditional attires, and accessories.

In 2014, she established the Helen Paul Theatre and Film Academy, which offers courses such as audio, film and television production, editing, and other courses allied to the film industry.