22 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2017
Comedy
@thevoicenews
voicenewspaper
8
www.voice-online.co.uk
QUICK Q&A: BASKETMOUTH
AMBITION: Basketmouth has big plans
The Nigerian comic has had to work hard to get where he is – and the mainstream is next BY LEAH SINCLAIR
F
ANCY SPENDING Valentine’s Day laughing your butt off? Basketmouth is offering just that, with his new comedy show #BasketmouthValentine taking place on Valentine’s Day at the SSE Arena in Wembley. The Nigerian comedian is known for his longevity in the game, and after 15 years of comedy success, Basketmouth is not stopping yet. As a pioneer of Nigerian comedy bringing his hilarious material centre stage in February, Basketmouth spoke to Life & Style about the show and the future of African comedy. L&S: What has the production process been like in
preparation for your show at Wembley Arena? B: The production process has been great; partially because I’ve been working with my team for 10 years and this is the project they’ve put the most into. Everything is going as planned, and I foresee a very successful show, as far as promotion, production and execution go. L&S: You’re definitely popular amongst the African and Caribbean community. Do you have an interest in branching out into the ‘mainstream’? B: Branching to the mainstream is the essence of the journey and struggle, but first I must learn how to crawl before I can run. Right now, I am still crawling, and I want to continue to cater to my core audience, because they are the reason I am where I am. But going mainstream will only make my people proud.
L&S: As one of the comedians promoting Africa further on the international stage, where do you see African comedy progressing in the future? B: As of right now, we’re doing quite well! We have an African comedian hosting the Daily Show [Trevor Noah] and some other African comedians writing on the show. It’s a gradual, organic growth, and I’m very proud. I see African comedy becoming accepted the world over, and it just means we have to continue pushing and working hard to get to that place. L&S: Who are some of your favourite fellow African comedians? B: I have a very long list of my favourites! In no particular order, some of them include: Salvador, Mpho Popps, David Kau, Ndumiso Lindi, Bovi, Buchi, Kenny
Blaq and there’s many more. African comedians are doing their thing right now, and I’m proud to be a part of that. L&S: For people who have never attended a Basketmouth show, what can they expect? B: They should expect exactly what they would from a wellplanned, well-executed comedy show: lots of humour, laughter and excitement. My style of comedy is highly eclectic, so expect anything and everything. At the end of the day, there has been an extensive investment of time and effort to create amazing content in order to deliver a world-class event for the most important people in my life, my audience. So yes, it will be a very good event that I would say you don’t want to miss. It will be a lot of fun, so come along.
L&S: As you’ve been in the industry for more than 15 years, how do you feel comedy has changed for you in terms of the material you use? B: My material is driven by information, especially as it is even more accessible in the digital age. This has made my material even more universal. I look to content globally, not just Africa. The way I see it, every single experience is possible material, so I keep my eyes open to everything. It’s been 19 years on this journey and there’s still a lot to learn, a lot to see and a lot of humour even in the strangest of places. L&S: How has social media played a role in your personal growth as a comedian? B: Social media has played a strong role in the entertainment industry in general, now that the connection between the artist and the fans is much more
direct. As a public persona, exposing your art to the world is even more accessible than ever before, and it means that the world is at your fingertips and you can be seen and heard at your convenience. That naturally allows you to grow, because there’s nowhere to hide. It means great talent can’t be hidden behind prejudices – if you’ve got it, you’ve got it. L&S: What other interests do you have alongside your career in comedy? B: All of my passions are linked to entertainment. One of the things I’m interested in doing is setting up a comedy club in Nigeria, owning a comedy TV station among many other things. The world is my oyster! #BasketmouthValentine comedy show takes place February 14 at the SSE Arena, Wembley.
COMPETITION EMINENT LIFE have partnered with worldfamous band UB40 feat Ali, Astro and Mickey to create a limited edition Red Red Wine Bordeaux Supérieur to celebrate the return of one of Britain’s biggest reggae legends and their forthcoming UK tour this summer. Lovers of the iconic band can raise a toast as they listen to their latest album, Unplugged featuring an acoustic smooth reggae sound. The Voice has an exclusive bottle to give away to our readers, and all you have to do to win it is answer this question: What year did UB40’s hit Red Red Wine reach number one in the national charts? A: 1983 B: 1993 C: 2003 Produced from a subtle blend of two grape varieties, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this
cuvée represents a perfect expression of the two varieties used in Bordeaux, with blackberry notes, enriched with ripe tannins, and a long and elegant finish. Vinified especially for UB40, Red Red Wine 2014 is best appreciated within the first few years after bottling, and can be cellared for up to 15 years. Red Red Wine Bordeaux Supérieur is available for order throughout Europe from Eminent Life and will be released this Winter alongside the new “Unplugged” album. www.eminent-life.com/ub40 Competition closes at midday on February 15. Send your answer to: competitions@ gvmedia.co.uk Usual Voice Newspaper rules apply.
FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2017
@thevoicenews
voicenewspaper
8
www.voice-online.co.uk
THE VOICE | 23
Valentine’s Day
DON’T GET DOWN IF YOU’RE SINGLE Take the Naija approach this Valentine’s Day BY JOEL CAMPBELL
W
ELL, IT’S that time of the year again! The time where shops are displaying all things red and heart-shaped on their window seals; a time where women anticipate being wined and dined by their significant others – or maybe not. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day. But not every lady out here can lay claim to their own ‘bae’ for this season of love – as they say in Nigeria, ‘bobo dey stuck for Lagos traffic’. Are you waiting for Baba God to pick up your call regarding your single status? Or perhaps you have one married chief that has been promising to leave his wife for 10 years now. On February 12, Rok Studios will air their brand new TV series Single Ladies, starring Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, Annie Idibia and Mary Njoku. The trio have told
Life and Style that they wish they could eradicate the spirit of singleness this Valentine’s, ‘but we no carry that kind power for here’. However, below are their top three tips – taken from the series for all single babes who want to survive this Valentine’s. 1. Avoid going on social media Let Valentine’s Day be the one day that you comot from all kinds of social media. The last thing you want to see is the car that Chioma’s husband gifted her with or that Sade’s boyfriend rented out a whole cinema to propose. We’re even sure that Bobrisky will flaunt that N10 Million that his wealthy ‘bae’ wired to his account. Valentine’s Day is the one day where social media will tell you that you are single and miserable. Single babe, respect your emotions by logging out of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat – even delete them from your phone.
2. Spend the day with your other single girlfriends Listen, truth of the matter is that you are not the only single babe out there! Gather your single ladies and paint the town R-E-D. There are lots of things you can do with your single girlfriends – from bowling to cinema to karaoke. You can even plan a singles’ dinner at yours or head to the club. There are lots of outings out there catered to the single folks. 3. Channel the energy of loving somebody into loving yourself Truth of the matter is that Valentine’s Day isn’t all about those who are in a relationship, it’s a celebration of all kinds of love – including parental love, sibling love and friendship love. But most importantly, self-love. Abeg! You must love yourself before you can love others. Go to the spa for some ‘me-time’, treat yourself with a nice gift. Or if you do not want to deal with the reality of single life, why
LADIES’ NIGHT: Mercy, Annie and Mary are bringing their new TV series to Sky this spring not binge-watch on a Nollywood series. TV provides a channel for those looking to escape reality. Get comfortable in your nightie and live life vicariously through the fictional characters. Rok Studios’ Single Ladies will no doubt remind you that you
carry your singleness better than the other single characters in the series. So whether you’re single or in a ‘situation-ship’, don’t let this Valentine’s Day be a miserable one. You, too, can enjoy small jare. Show love to friends, fam-
ily and yourself. No be by force to have boyfriend or husband. Show the world that single babes no dey carry last.
Single Ladies will air on Sunday, February 12 at 9pm on Sky 344
24 | THE VOICE FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2017
Valentine’s Day
@thevoicenews
BY CHANTELLE KIMBERLEY
W
ITH VALENTINE’S Day fast approaching, some of you may have already pulled out all the stops for that special someone in your life. But for those who are a bit more laid back, or just haven’t got a clue where to start, Life and Style have got some great tips for you. Whether you’re going out or staying in, we’ve compiled a list of some gift ideas and suggestions to get you top marks on this special day of love.
FOR HIM
If the London Sky Bar is a bit out of your budget and you fancy a cosy night in, why not sample Marks & Spencer’s dine-in offer? You get a starter, main, side dish, dessert, bottle of wine or fizz and a box of chocolates for just £20. Spa package If you feel like going all out why not throw in a spa day? Spa Seekers offer a number of Valentine’s packages starting from £62. Head to their website for more options: www.spaseekers.com Stay-at-home massage If you’ve decided to stay in this year, you can book a massage straight from your phone. Urban Massage have qualified therapists at hand, who will come to you at the click of a button: www.urbanmassage.com Set the ambience... If you decide to set the mood at home, there’s no better way than lighting a Daisy Anai rose-scented candle. If rose doesn’t take your fancy, there are plenty of other scents available at www.daisyanai.
COMPETITION LIFE AND STYLE have some special tickets to give away for the first major R&B concert of 2017! Grammy Award-winning singer, Ashanti and R&B crooner/songwriter, Joe, pictured right, will perform live at the O2 Academy Birmingham on Saturday, February 25 and in London at the Eventim Apollo on Sunday, February 26 for the R&B Legends concert. For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see two mega American R&B icons of the 90s and early 2000s, all you have to do is answer this question:
8
www.voice-online.co.uk
VALENTINE’S FOR HIM & HER
Aesop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Duet This luxurious shaving set includes the Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum, packed with ingredients that work on hydration and inflammation. This duo stops dehydration, dry skin and irritation for a good clean shave. Simply apply before shaving and lather up into a low foam for a smooth and easy glide-on shave. The Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion is an instant soother, hydrator and protector that calms irritated skin – no redness, no rash, no ingrowing hairs. It can be used in two ways: morning and night as a daily cleanser to purify skin, or twice a week as a three-minute purifying mask. www.aesop.com/uk
ON A BUDGET
voicenewspaper
What did Joe sing about being taken every time? A: His dinner B: Good girls C: The Mick Send your answers to: competitions@gvmedia.co.uk The competition closes at midday on Thursday, February 23. Usual Voice rules apply.
FOR HER
YSL Black Opium This provocative fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent is a perfect Valentine’s gift. The new glam rock fragrance is full of mystery and energy. An addictive gourmand floral, with notes of black coffee for a shot of adrenaline, white florals to instantly seduce and vanilla for sweetness and sensuality, it’s available to buy in all good high street perfume stores. Get your lady a makeover Make her feel special by organising a pamper session. Have a make-up artist turn up at the door to prepare her for what’s in store for the night ahead. She’ll have the choice of which look she wants to go for, whether it be a sultry smokey eye or a more understated, natural look. A good makeover can really do wonders for a woman’s confidence! Makeup by Chantelle.
FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2017
@thevoicenews
voicenewspaper
8
www.voice-online.co.uk
WE’RE SACRIFICING OURSELVES – VIOLA BY ANDREA PHOTIOU
S
ITTING DOWN with Oscar-nominated (not to mention Golden Globe, Emmy and Tonywinning to boot) Viola Davis on a rainy Sunday, the plush hotel and the appealing plate of luxury biscuits pale in comparison to the sight of the self-assured actor who oozes gorgeousness with a distinctive New England twang. In town to promote Fences, Davis is polished yet relaxed as we begin by speaking about her 2010 Tony award for her first portrayal of Rose Maxon in the original theatre version of Fences and what had to be done differently to bring Rose from stage to screen. “I just want to make it more intimate, make it more honest, make it more true and not beat anyone over the head with the character,” Davis enthused. She added: “I didn’t want people to be introduced, from the moment she comes on the scene, to a woman who was angry, in pain and somehow suffering… I wanted them to be introduced to a woman who was making her life work.” In the movie adaptation, we see Rose, who is married to failed baseball player Troy (played by Denzel Washington), hold down her family and her home, welcoming family and friends, diffusing arguments, preparing meals like clockwork and generally papering Troy’s many drink-fuelled cracks with an easy grace. Although Davis and Wash-
ington’s characters raised their family in the 1950s, Davis is adamant that women – and black women in particular – can relate to Rose today just as much as they would have been able to decades ago. “People are responding to the character,” Davis says steadfastly. She continues: “I think by the time she says, ‘I’ve been standing with you, I’ve been right here with you Troy’, I think a lot of women start to relate to that because we sacrifice a lot emotionally and the first thing we sacrifice – the number one thing we sacrifice – is ourselves, y’know? “I think it’s like a call to arms, almost.”
“People live unaware of their faults” Addressing the polarising choices that Rose made during turbulent times, Davis says: “I’m an actor so I have a different reaction than most people do, because we have to be more self-aware as actors and I think most people that come into the audience have a filtered-down version of what choices are, because in fact there are many women working today who are raising other people’s children. “There are many women today who are with men who are abusive and more abusive than even Troy – they are physically abusive.
“There are many choices that we make. “I never judged it, what I did do is think that Rose’s choices made her a liberated woman. “She also does one thing that makes her absolutely a liberated woman – she holds herself accountable to the downfall of her marriage and I think that is what people spend $100 an hour on, going to therapy to achieve.” Every bit as emotional as the trailers for Fences show, Davis tirelessly proves with every scene, just how much she deserves to win that Oscar for best supporting actress later this month. “The final scene I think is the hardest scene. “Rose tells her son, ‘Your daddy wanted the best for you, he made mistakes but your life from here on out is on you, so you have to forgive because forgiving is giving-up all hope of a better past and this is my part I played in it, I messed up so now go and live’. “That’s what I want people to take away from watching Rose, because that’s what most people do – they live in unforgiveness and they live blissfully unaware of their own faults.” Davis could easily be forgiven for being less welcoming in the middle of a busy schedule that involves filming for How to Get Away with Murder. As if that wasn’t enough, the mother-of-one reveals details of her forthcoming movie. “I’m doing the next Steve McQueen movie, Widows, that Gillian Flynn is writing – she wrote Gone Girl and…then me being on vacation, but you don’t look out for that, I’m looking out for that!”
TIME TO REFLECT: Viola Davis as family lynchpin Rose in Fences
THE VOICE | 25
Film SCREEN STARS: Viola Davis; inset, with Denzel Washington, who plays her husband in Fences