Joy Onuorah

Singer and chief creative director of Livespot360, Dare Art Alade, better known as Darey, the producers of ‘The Real Housewives of Lagos’, has said that marriage was not a requirement for the selection of cast members.

Darey made this comment as a reaction to the criticisms that followed the unveiling of the cast members, which include Iyabo Ojo, Carolyna Hutchings, and Chioma Ikokwu, who are unmarried.

Those who are married include Toyin Lawani, Laura Ikeji Kanu, and Mariam Adeyemi Timmer.

Speaking on Saturday at the show’s premiere, the star singer said those criticizing the selection process are unfamiliar with the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise.

He added that the basic requirement is being an independent and successful woman with a household and not necessarily someone who is married.

The series, which started on March 21, 2006, is an international reality television franchise that consists of 11 series in the United States and 21 international series. Most of the series document the lives of a group of affluent women residing in a certain city.

“As a franchise, around the globe. People usually have to audition and try to get on to the show but we spurned it around and we, alongside a team did some research. Understanding the entertainment industry and television and the requirement of the format, we decided to gather the most unique personalities, different individuals in their own rights.”

“Strong and confident women who are running their businesses and homes. We didn’t want the same kind of people on the show. We want a nice diverse mix of ladies but what really strings them together is that independence.”

“People that ask questions [about some of the cast relationship status] are people who think about ‘Real Housewives’ literally, if you understand the concept of the show itself, with what have been done in other countries and cities, you’ll understand it’s always a mix, and Lagos is not different.”

“We are bound to have people who are single, dating, who are in a relationship, who have a partner but these criteria is that at least you have a household. That household can be you and your dog but as long as you don’t live alone. Whether you have a boyfriend, a partner, whatever it is, that forms the basics. And on the show we have several married people.”