Ezinne Obi Okoli, widely known in the music scene as Iva Tracy and the daughter of veteran Nollywood actor Obi Okoli, has openly discussed her complicated relationship with her father.
In a recent interview, the singer revealed that she had only met her father once, many years ago, when she was in junior secondary school (JSS 1). “My father is Igbo from Anambra State, and my mother is from Taraba State. I grew up with her while my father was often on set working. I only saw him once when he visited my school. Growing up without my father’s consistent presence was difficult.”
She admitted that as a child, she frequently wished for a father figure in her life. “Sometimes, I wanted my father to be there for me. I often wished I had someone to confide in. Daughters tend to be closer to their fathers, while mothers share a special bond with their sons.”
Despite the physical distance between them, Iva Tracy expressed a strong affection for her father. “At one point, I began to post about my father on social media. I have a special love for him. Whenever I think of him, I feel happy knowing that I have a father and that I know him, regardless of what others may say.”
Reflecting on the dynamics between her parents and the lessons she learned from them, Iva shared some valuable insights. “From my mom, I learned that you should not love someone so intensely that you ignore all the warning signs. As a human, you always get a sense when someone isn’t being straightforward with you. Your instincts will usually give you a hint, but sometimes, love can blind you. The fear of losing someone can make you stay.”
From her father, Iva learned a different lesson. “From my father, I learned that too much of anything can be harmful, including love. Sometimes, you need to distance yourself from certain people to find peace within yourself. You are not meant to love everyone, and what isn’t yours will never truly belong to you.”