The eighth season of Dancing With The Stars is underway, with model and former Miss Universe Ireland Aishah Akorede among the famous faces taking to the dance floor to compete for the glitter ball trophy. She was crowned Miss Universe Ireland in 2023 and holds a Master of Laws in International Corporate Governance from Queen's University, Belfast.
And following on from her Miss Universe Ireland win, Aishah — who is currently pursuing a qualification in Chartered Governance — founded the non-profit social justice initiative, Recrowned Ireland, which strives to make a lasting impact on key societal concerns. The organisation works to create a safe space for women in Ireland who have suffered various forms of abuse, to feel comfortable, confident and aware. As the series continues tomorrow night on RTE One, Chic caught up with Aishah to find out about some of her favourite things in the world….
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Best Memory:
The first time I held my little brother, my angel, in my arms. I was only 10, but in that moment, I felt something I had never felt before, the instinct to protect. It’s a feeling that has never left me and has shaped who I am today.
Best Actor/Actress:
Dakota Fanning. She’s been brilliant since she was a child, and she’s the lead actress in my favourite movie! There’s just something about her performances that feels so timeless.
Best Gig:
Plantain Papi at The Academy. He’s been my friend for years, and while I’ve never been one for concerts because I used to get super claustrophobic, I couldn’t not support him. The show was sold out, he performed so well, and I sang my absolute heart out (literally every lyric of every song!). It felt like such a full-circle moment. There was so much joy, pride, and a little bit of disbelief at how far we had all come.
Best Song:
I have two, and they couldn’t be more different. The first is Live Through It by James Fortune. After going through a traumatic experience in 2022, this song became my anchor. I wasn’t myself, and it felt like there was no way out. Listening to it now reminds me of just how far I have come. It’s a quiet victory every time I hear it. The second is Miss Independent by Ne-Yo. Growing up, I remember hearing it and thinking, “Yes, that’s who I want to be!” It’s such an anthem, and to this day, it reminds me of the woman I aspire to be. I want to be strong, self-sufficient, and soft enough to let love in.
Best Book:
The Secret Life of Bees is my answer every single time. It’s emotional, beautifully written, and tackles such important topics. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I could reread it forever.
Best Movie:
A Nollywood classic, Pretty Liars. If you’ve ever seen the “Why are you running?” meme, this is where it comes from. Early 2000s Nollywood comedies are a cultural treasure. If you understand the humour, you’ll be laughing so hard you can’t breathe. Sometimes, we don’t need polished movies. We just need something familiar yet silly.
Best Holiday:
Jordan with my best friend is hands down the best trip I’ve ever taken. It was magical. From Petra and the Dead Sea to Mount Nebo and the Baptismal Site of Jesus, it felt like walking through history. Even though we stayed for a while, we still didn’t get to do everything. I would go back in a heartbeat. It’s one of those places that stays with you forever, best holiday and the best company!
Best Restaurant:
Here’s the unexpected truth. I’m not a fancy foodie at heart. I do love Fire Restaurant, but if you want the real me, it’s an extra spicy spice bag with curry sauce or an extra spicy house special fried rice from Charlie’s 3 on Westmoreland Street. No chicken for me, beef, prawns, and pork all the way! If you spot me there midday, just pretend you didn’t see me. The staff know my name, and I’m not proud of that fact. Okay, maybe just a little.
Best Beauty Product:
Hyaluronic acid, without question. My skin thrives on moisture, and let’s be real, with a name like Aishah, it would be way too easy for someone to call me “Ashy” if I get caught looking dry. I’m not taking that risk!
Best Friend:
Maryam. We met in uni during our undergraduate days, and we have been inseparable ever since. She’s my sister, my soulmate in friendship, and honestly, I don’t know what life would look like without her. She’s family.
Best Advice:
The best advice I ever received is to lead a life with joy at the centre of it. For me, that means finding gratitude even when things are hard and letting joy coexist with the struggles. It doesn’t mean you pretend life is perfect. It’s just knowing that the tough times don’t have to consume you. It’s the reason I can look back on the hardest moments and still smile, knowing I found my way through.
Dancing With The Stars airs Sunday nights at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
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