YOUTHVILLE ISSUE #142
Friday, August 4, 2017
08078068532
...young at heart
youthville@dailytrust.com
By Bamas Victoria @BamasVictoria
Music: Just do it, be true to H it, and you’ll produce results — Blessing Tangban Blessing Tangban is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. The 24 yearold folk music singer has performed in some African countries and in North America alongside notable icons in the music industry. Blessing who is showcasing her debut album, titled ‘Free’ spoke on what it takes to break even in this industry.
ow did you get into the music industry? I started playing music out of sheer interest. I learnt how to play the guitar by writing songs so I could remember the chords, and from there, I discovered that I had a talent for writing and that’s how it all began. Since then, I’ve gone on to release an album and also performed in major festivals across Africa and North. Who are your role models in the industry? My role models change as I continue to evolve in my art, but I’ve always looked up to Dido, Sade Adu, John Mayer and MI. Which of your songs is your favourite? M y favourite s o n g from my
Audacity is of all qualities the most youthful. – Ellen Glasgow
collection is “Pennsylvania” because it captures and tells the true story of a very sacred time in my life. It’s personal and immortal. What projects are you working on? I’m in the throes of promoting my debut album “Free” (currently available on all musical distribution outlets) as well as shooting videos, travelling with Strides, performing and collaborating with other great artistic minds. My followers should expect videos, concerts, and a lot of sharing from me. What are the challenges and gains of towing your line of work? The gain in this field is in the work itself, which is, creating and performing music. The challenges are numerous, and include publicity, funding, support… But with God on my side, I can do all things. Do you write your songs and how do you draw inspiration for that? I write and compose all my songs. It doesn’t take me much really because I consider the fact that I’m trying to tell a story or pass a message, and I do exactly that. I’m inspired my daily life, personal experiences and the need to provide solution to personal problems we all face in the areas of love,
family and personal growth. What is your advice to other aspirants for a music career? I believe we are all special. My advice to anyone who wants to do music, is just do it and be true to it.
The gain in this field is in the work itself, which is, creating and performing music
Hate speeches: Nigerian youth call for unity By Olayemi John-Mensah The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has resolved to set aside all ethnic, religious and political differences and work together to preserve the unity of the country. The group condemned hate speeches by some Nigerians, the eviction notice and the call for the disintegration of Nigeria.
Reading a communiqué from the meeting, the Benue Chairman of the Council, Frank Mbasiya said such hate speeches and agitations were not in the best interest of the nation. The youth also commended the National Assembly for passing the bill for an act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps, stressing that the bill when assented to by the President, would provide job opportunity for unemployed
youth. They upheld the mandate of the Murtala Mohammed led Caretaker Committee and called for a national management committee meeting to determine the fate of the national leadership of the Youth Council. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of President Muhammad Buhari while reaffirming confidence in his leadership and fight against corruption.
Sheikh Gummi Academy graduates excellent students By Mulikatu Mukaila & Abdullateef Salau It was a scene of joy and glamour at the Sheikh Abubakar Gummi Academy in Abuja last weekend where two out of the 50 graduating students were announced as top best in academic performance. At the graduation and prize giving day, Fauziya Yahaya, the outgoing head girl wrote her name in gold as she scored 286, way above the cut-off point for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The second, Umar Farouk scored 280 point as well. Chairman of the school’s governing body, Dr. Al- Mustapha Abubakar said the school has always displayed an award of excellence since its establishment despite the challenges. He added that the significance of the school is about grooming students in conformities of Islamic religion. “We teach
the students both Islamic and Western Knowledge and at the end of the day, students are so fluent in Arabic language,” he said. Dr Abubakar also advised the graduating students to imbibe and continue with the teachings of the school adding that they should be steadfast and be good citizens of the country. Commending the students, the principal, Mallam Suleiman Garba said the excellent performance of the students was a result of hard work noting that they should continue with the trend to excel even when they move to a higher institution. He said, “The students really showed interest in reading as they were placed in a special coaching for about five months and relevant software to the examination were also used to train them. “None of our students made less than
the cut-off point which is 175, and we have a lot of them that made up to 200 points. For us, this is the best record we have got,” he said. Suleiman advised the graduates to emulate a life of a role model adding that they shouldn’t forget all the good skills their teachers have taught them about life. “Wherever you go you should always exhibit good character and show the emblems of good practice of Islam” he added. Ms Yahaya, the 15 year old and overall best graduating students glorified the Almighty for making her dream come true adding that her sleepless night paid off. “I read my eyes out while others were sleeping; and I thank God for everything,” she said. She would love to study medicine at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to become a Medical doctor someday.
Moh’s Fashion CEO: I design fabrics to fit on you By Opeyemi Kehinde In today’s fashion world, young and savvy Femi Mohammed has carved a niche for himself. His fashion outfit, Moh’s Fashion House, has been catering for the fashion needs of young and energetic Nigerians as well as old classy men and women for over 4 years. “I’ve always had interest in fashion since I was a kid. I have always taken interest in what my mum bought for us when it comes to clothes,” said the bespoke tailor who rarely accepts to be called a fashion designer. “I started in 2012 while still in the university when I made basic shirts with Ankara designs for some of my friends. I was doing it for fun then but when I realised my friends were really patronising me, I decided to make a business out of it,” he added. Mohammed told Daily Trust YOUTHVILLE “I’m a bespoke tailor because I do what people really want, what fits them.” Though he draws inspirations from famous Nigerian fashion designers like Mai Atafo, Yomi Casual and Seyi Vodi’s works, the 26-years old CEO said “I’m basically into bespoke suits, natives and tunics which are basically my own personal designs.” With his unique classy designs, he believes he can compete favourably with top fashion designers, if he could raise more funds for expansion.