ISSUE #1 | JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 | YOU.US.HELLO
DENOLA GREY BONDING
. SELF-DISCOVERY BEGINNINGS . . .
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CONTENTS Denola Grey Fashion and film industry sweetheart, Denola Grey on self-awareness, bonding with loved ones, self-discovery, life and new beginnings.
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Swanky Jerry hosts lifestyle industry’s Crème de la crème in the most dramatic private dinner and entrance.
The New Normal: Personalities holding it down for the Culture
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Up next-What’s next; A deep dive into the world of hype entertainment.
24 Ladipoe: Through the lens of fashion
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Self-acclaimed Cupid, Chiké talks “Dance of the Booless” and embracing unprecedented stardom.
Miss one of our favourite destinations? We have figured out how to still enjoy it from home.
Boo of the Booless
A regal dinner
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Quarancation
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Post Covid-19 Plans: Profitable Businesses You Should Consider
Faith Oluwajimi, on Taking an Inquisitive Look into the Concept of “Family” with its Sedjou Keita-Inspired SS20 Collection
The Box: Fashion, Diversity and Culture in Mens Fashion
All the books, movies, albums and TV series you totally need right now
Real talk: What women really mean when they preach consent
5 Skincare Hacks for Achieving that Shiny “Skin like Milk” Summer Goal
28 The ultimate Bali travel experience
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In quarantine Knitwear powerhouse, Studio Imo shares an intimate experience of quarantine fashion.
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Mercedes AVTR Smitten! Everything about Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR: The Futuristic Car Inspired By Avatars
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5 Restaurants We are Currently Placing Orders to This Season
You! Us! Hello!
True Perfection is a myth. Self-awareness, however, is a worthwhile achievement in the place of perfection. “Man’s journey to self-awareness depends largely on his ability to let go of untraveled roads, and take control of his present consciousness”, Sorple Sheed. The journey to self-awareness while navigating the dynamics of masculinity hardly comes with ease, especially with expectations and stereotypes that constantly present great fears. For us and for the men we write for, new beginnings are exciting, albeit, challenging, and new discoveries could be daunting. However, the beauty always lies in the journey, and the key is to take the first step. For our debut edition, we engaged in a cover interview with Denola Grey. Grey is a young man of great influence, who has garnered a great deal of experience in the areas of modeling, content creation, acting, among several hats he wears.
Entertainment and Culture continue to play monumental roles in the lives of our readers, hence we had a chat with the “Boo of the Booless” about his new project, “Dance of the Booless”. Chiké’s ferocious confidence and determination, have indeed set him apart as an artiste who is in a class of his own. We also highlighted Content Creators, who have held their own during the lockdown with viral videos and images, and featured music artiste Ladipoe, who has caught and retained our attention, lately. Men’s fashion and outlook have evolved as we see from a broad selection of pictures in our fashion lookbook series featuring fashion powerhouses, such as Bloke, Studio Imo, and Tuff Tayt. We further take a dive into matters of Consent and Skincare or men; Health and Fitness; the PS5 and the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR; and the go-to travel destinations and restaurants for fine dining, once “this period” is all over. We welcome you to MC! Magazine, the modern-day man’s journey to self-awareness.
Chima Paul Boluwatife
Team PUBLISHER XXV Management Agency EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chima Paul Boluwatife
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Philips Francis
DEPUTY EDITOR Jennifer Nwosu
HEAD OF EDITORIAL OPERATIONS Valentine Ofordum
PR & MARKETING XXV Agency
SECTION EDITORS ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE EDITOR Chioma Nmor
ARTS & LITERATURE EDITOR Enioluwa Adeoluwa
CONTRIBUTORS
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FASHION CONTRIBUTOR Providence Ozichukwu
HEALTH CONTRIBUTOR Dr. Chima Lawrence Odoemena
SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR Omosebi Enoch
FITNESS CONTRIBUTOR Barituka Agava
DENOLA GREY On Bonding, Self Discovery and New Beginnings
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Lagos-based actor, content creator and fashion consultant Denola “Grey� Adepetun has served as a beacon of inspiration and a torchbearer in Nigeria’s booming creative industry. Working tirelessly as he navigates the daunting yet potential space, one thing is evident with Denola, he gets it every time. 08
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COVER PROFILE
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egarded as a vanguard of the fashion and lifestyle scape, Denola has seen a very transparent and perpetual journey across the various media he has shared his art with. He continues to challenge the norms and break stereotypes while holding the forth. Setting out early at the age of 18 into the world of fashion, his career strides has catapulted him to a status that many dream of arriving at. Although it seems effortless with the Denola brand, still, passion and intentionality with the art are not far off.
to seek innovative ways to communicate and identify with their audience. While at its infancy stage, fashion enthusiasts such as Denola Grey spotted and leveraged on the good and potential of content-driven messages and conversations on these relatively new platforms. The result was the birth of content creation which has become the bane of the digital spectrum. Redefining the content space, Denola plunged himself to work, developing and crafting novel yet compelling ways to communicate his passion for fashion while dishing jaw-dropping content.
As a style icon and one of Nigeria’s most sought after Influencers, Denola has successfully struck a balance with his endeavours. A native of Ondo State, the story of Denola captures his will and doggedness to finding and carving a path for himself, disarming himself of what the world proposed for him. With an expansive experience in media, Denola has served as Tv host on EbonyLife TV and has writing credits on men’s fashion for platforms like BellaNaija and EbonyLife. Under his belt, some of his acting stints include working alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo and Eku Edewor in the acclaimed TV series - Castle & Castle, Bling Lagosians and forthcoming Nollywood film; DOD the movie. Having had primary working experiences at Fruition Image Consulting, PRC Consulting to mention a few, Denola elevated his passion further by launching his eponymous fashion consultancy firm-Denola Grey consulting, a boutique outfit that offers men’s fashion, lifestyle consulting & concierge services. Over the years, long before the dawn of new media, different forms of traditional media sufficed as a source of inspiration and a tool for driving conversations that transcended niches. On the arrival of digital media, industry practitioners had
Something as casual as playing dress up for the public was all business for Grey, a creation of credible and solid identity. For our debut issue, MC! magazine had a quick chat with Denola Grey about his career, self-discovery over the years, bonding with family and friends and life during these interesting times. MC!: Denola, several people know you to be a fashion god but not too many know the real you behind all of the fashion glory. How would you describe Denola Grey?
DG: The thing is, I am a pretty boring person in truth. I’m more of a homely person. I love my privacy very much. MC!: In your own words, what is style? DG: Style to me is about control. It is a personal thing. In my world, I believe it’s something I do for myself and by myself. MC!: Tell us about your style and what influences your style? DG: Simply put, my style is glam-themed. It is realistic and it is conscious. MC!: Your sense of style is unique and quite uncommon. What makes you stand out? DG: It is a matter of personality and individuality. My confidence. It’s a thumb print on me. I am also not big on trends. I wear what I feel like. MC!: People know you to be audacious, daring and expressive. Has it always been this way with you? Yes? DG: No. I wasn’t always that way. Life made me grow out of my shell. I am a shy person. I’m an introverted extrovert, if I can put it that way. MC!: What are your favourite fashion pieces? DG: My favourite fashion pieces would be gold jewellery, loose shirts, silks and well tailored trousers. I like them a lot. MC!: With the Nigerian fashion industry moving at a fast pace, do you think we have met up with international standards? DG: Honestly, I’d say not yet. It is slowly getting there but surely with the right capacity and infrastructure, brands can improve. There isn’t any reason, with the right structure of course, for it not to meet with international standards. MC!: Do you think it symbolizes the birth of a new beginning especially here in Nigeria, West Africa? DG: Yes. I think, especially in the past ten years, there has been a growth in the fashion industry in Nigeria. MC!: You can knock off any outfit with ease; Who are your top picks for Nigerian clothing brands? DG: I’m humbled that you ascribe me this much accolade, thank you! Right now, I’d go for Orange Culture, Kenneth Ize and Tokyo James. MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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“Success is relative. I’d personally say I believe it is a well lived life. It is not all about money. It’s more of having no regrets and taking care of my family.”
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COVER PROFILE
MC!: A typical Denola Grey day, what does it entail in your course of work? DG: A typical Denola Grey day. Let’s see.My days are sporadic. My itinerary includes acting, content creation and consulting. There is always something that could come up at any time. MC!: In your work, social space and other sphere of influence, what are your expectations? DG: When it comes to expectations, I don’t have a lot of that because being myself, believing in the truth; I take every opportunity that comes my way and I do things that I can create in an organic way. MC!: What is your philosophy on life? DG: For me, I would say failures are lessons to learn from and build on to make better things from. MC!: What is your definition of success and what does that mean to you? DG: Success is relative. I’d personally say I believe it is a well lived life. It is not all about money. It’s more of having no regrets and taking care of my family. MC!: How did you make that happen for you? DG: Through excellence. By taking advantage of opportunities that came my way and by doing my work well. I started with men’s columns and from there, I took every chance that I saw and built on it. It also went beyond my paradigms. MC!: You have been classified as one of the most successful fashion personalities in Nigeria, do you agree? DG: I don’t think so ( laughs). I mean, it is a primary thing for me but as a television presenter for six years and an actor also, I am not surprised that people think so. Being a content creator, a TV presenter and an actor sure does come with all that. MC!: What does it take to become a successful “Influencer” in Nigeria? DG: I don’t particularly like that word. It doesn’t capture the essence of content creation. It is about being influential in your craft. Organically growing your brand through ethical ways, operating on a global scale and being consistent. MC!: Speaking of Content Creation, it is a huge deal and gives one a whole lot of credibility and influence when done excellently. You have attained these. How do you do it? DG: Good work speaks for itself. I’m
synonymous with spontaneity so my ever changing ideas do it for me. MC!: Tell us, what is the hardest thing about influencing? DG: The hardest thing about what I do has to be coming up with never-beenseen content and getting creative with things around me to inspire complete innovation. MC!: Name one fact that most people/ influencers miss about influencing. DG: They get into it with the wrong objectives, seeing it as a means to an end; when they project everything as problem-free, being volatile sometimes and forgetting reasons for what they have established their brand. MC!: Where do you think you must draw the line as an influencer? DG: For me, it is saying no especially to anything against my ethics. MC!: Any “influencership” hacks or tips, you would like to share? (Some tea please) DG: Yes, be yourself and stay focused on what you do. MC!: Away from influencing for a bit, have you battled with skin care disasters, how did you rectify it? DG: I work on set with a lot of makeup and heat from lights and cameras. I make sure I take care of my skin constantly to avoid any breakouts. MC!: What’s your skin care routine? What products do you swear by for that gorgeous skin? What are your tips for a healthy skin? DG: Water. I drink a lot of water. I use Aveeno to moisturize my skin. I exfoliate twice a week with the ordinary glycolic acid. I use the body shop products ( drops of light and drops of youth) The ordinary alpha arbutin 2%+ H.A. MC!: Your pictures break the internet all the time....Whats your secret? DG: Lol! Do they? ( Laughs) I’m just pretty much myself. MC!: What’s your “game on” look? A suit? A well accessorized two piece?... DG: It depends on what I am dressing up for. Weddings, casual outings; every event comes with its unique look. MC!: What really is the DG element? If it’s not there, it’s definitely not DG. DG: I really don’t care about all that. It’s [always] a personal expression to me. MC!: Let’s talk about the Stay-at-Home,
WFH life; what have you been up to during this pandemic? DG: I have been having a lot of reflections and introspections on life. I have been fixing things about my life and work. MC!: How have you been keeping your mind and soul busy? DG: I have been doing a lot of Meditation and Reading. MC!: Any new discoveries about your self this period? DG: Yes, I need to live a fuller life. MC!: What has been your biggest lesson from this pandemic? DG: (Laughs) I don’t need a barber anymore. I’ve grown my hair and I’m thinking about how to make it a permanent thing. I need to be more present. MC!: Ahaa! New look alert right there. Who is your female fashion icon of all time? DG: Carrie Bradshaw and Bianca Jagger MC!: Two of them yeah? Nice! And, your male fashion icon of all time? DG: Tom Ford! definitely Tom Ford, the precision and attention to detail; just brilliant. MC!: How about your big boy toys. DG: I don’t really have any toys but I think watches and I’ll love to get a new car. MC!: What is your favourite and your next vacation spot? DG: The Bahamas is my favourite spot but I would love to visit Bali ( in Indonesia), Seychelles and Dakar(Senegal). MC!: What tunes are currently your summer favourites ? DG: So I’m Listening to Davido, DRB’s “pioneers” album, Do it, Do l leave her. MC!: Any books of interest? DG: I’ve also been reading “The Power of You” by Chris Michaels and “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself” by Michael Alan Singer. MC!: What two items can you definitely not do without while on a vacation? DG: They would probably be my phone and sunshades. MC!: Got any final words…? DG: Nobody else can be you!
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A REGAL DINNER FOR CONNOISSEURS IN THE HEART OF LAGOS CITY By Oby Okeke Lagos is a city known for, among many other things, its penchant for hosting social gatherings where people converge to sip the finest of liquor and dine lavishly. One of such which has continued to linger in the hearts of many for its grandeur, is the private dinner hosted by stylist, Swanky Jerry to pre-launch Nigeria’s newest whisky arrival, Chivas XV. On a fine Monday evening, defying the usual Lagos traffic and post-Monday work lack of interest in parties typical of the Lagos working class, Jerry successfully hosted socialites at an upscale Lagos restaurant, Casa Mia. Some of the big names who attended the dinner are Oladapo “D’Banj” Daniel Oyebanjo & his wife, Lineo Didi Kilgrow, Annie Idibia, Ini-Edo, Kaylah Oniwo, Mary Edoro, Rukky Sanda, Ex-Big Brother Naija stars- Mercy Eke, Seyi Awolowo, Actors-Kunle Remi, Tope Tedela and a host of others.
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Also at this dinner, “Lagos” is introduced to team XV-a selection from the wealthy unconventional demography of ambitious socials of the society whose wealth is not easily and obviously attributed to family or social status and whom have been chosen to front the whisky Nigeria - Dewunmi Bankhead, Dubby Gustavo, Papi Gustavo, Francis Uzor and Dj TTB. As one would already expect of such gathering, guests witnessed a grand entrance of the host, Swanky Jerry who arrived in a Rolls Royce, amid fire sparklers. The brand’s in-house ambassador Dekunle Abudu fuelled conversations, acquainting guests with immersive discussions about the whisky. Elevating the moment a notch higher, the dinner transitioned to a high energy party on a rooftop featuring a unique mix of an onset DJ and Hypeman, Big N accompanied by the flowing strings of Dabyno the guitarist and a violinist. The evening glistened with life as guests were treated to tasting surveys of Chivas XV, lamb chops made with edible Gold served alongside Canapés and grubs.
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Inside Chiké’s Unguarded Role as the
“Boo of The Booless” On a journey that has seen several uncertainties, Chiké Osebuka Ezekpeazu has become Nigeria’s buzzing hearthrob whose craft and talent have seen him go from being the kid on the block to becoming an addiction to an ingenuous fanbase. For some, it is a tale of talent, timing and strategy but with the 27 year-old singer and songwriter; sheer talent, endurance and consistency have propelled his art. Centred on imprinting a mark and living free on expression, Chike’s career strides earned him a spot as “Ladies’ man”. 14
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When asked about the birth of the moniker “Boo of the Booless”, he describes himself as the harbinger of love, present like day, catering to starved hopeless romantics through his music. From the staggering days of auditioning to be heard, Chiké firmly moved from talent hunt show MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2015 to emerging first runner up on talent competition TV show, The Voice Nigeria Season 1. In April 2017, the singer made his acting debut as “Mayowa Badmus” on the Africa Magic Showcase telenovela - Battleground. Stealing hearts one song at a time, he gained international recognition with a heart-felt rendition of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” from The Proclaimers and furthered his artistic sojourn to claiming centre stage. An indie artiste, Chiké has shown in many ways that talent is not enough but a combination of character, vision and teamwork makes the dream work. Earlier in the year, he released his debut album titled “Boo of the Booless”, a body of work containing 14 tracks. The project drew unprecedented attention from music enthusiasts and critics, welcomed overwhelming reviews and a stamp on charts for months. Riding on the waves of the success of the album, Chiké follows up with a 6-track EP, “Dance of the Booless” Volume 1 which he released on June 19. As the self acclaimed “Boo of the Booless” continues to release more body of work, Chioma Nmor and Jennifer Nwosu caught up with “Cupid” to explore his life, his music and everything inbetween. MC!: Tell us about yourself; besides being the boo of the booless, who is Chiké? C: I am a Computer Engineer. I was born and brought up in Abuja. I also have three brothers and a sister. MC!: What’s one thing that people don’t know about you? C: The one thing people don’t know about me is that I am a very reserved person. A lot of people may find this hard to believe but I love my personal space a lot and I enjoy being by myself. MC!: What is your favorite song ever? C: I have quite a number of favourites but I’d safely say my favourite song is “Obianuju” by Duncan Mighty. MC!: How best would you describe your style and how does that translate to your music and personality? C: My style is basically a part of me. Primarily, my music is based on story telling which translates to personal stories. So, a part of me is incoporated into my music. MC!: What is your typical process like?
C: I start by imagining stories I have heard and also experiences I have had. I then call in an instrumentalist( guitarist) and we try to turn these stories with tunes to make music. MC!: How has COVID-19 affected your creative process? C: It has been dejecting I must say. Though, it has slowed down a lot of things around me, but in terms of my creativity as a person, it hasn’t really affected me. MC!: You speak a lot about influence on your music, having had family at your centre, was it definitive of your sounds? C: Yes, sure! But, it’s not just my family. Everyone around me has been a source of influence and I’ve learnt a lot from them. MC!: Your song writing is top-notch and it’s definitely not from around here. What do you attribute that skill to? C: Well, it has to do with people; content I listen to and research. These things go into my subconscious and as I process them, they come out with all those influence touching on them. Although, listening to Duncan Mighty and Dolly Parton influenced my song writing skills. MC!: You dropped your debut album “Boo of the Booless” on Valentine’s day this year after what your fans consider a long wait. Why? Was it premeditated? C: No. I had to wait till I was ready. So, I just put it out when I felt I was truly ready. MC!: The reception was amazing. We have seen great reviews splash the internet. Let’s talk about the reception. C: It was a good thing to see a lot of appreciation for the album. I mean a lot of people shared and connected to this without my prompt. I felt grateful and appreciative.
MC!: Your music in Nigeria is getting all the love and acceptance. Would you say the “Boo of the Booless” was a tipping point in your career or it is too soon to say? C: I recognize the progress and acceptance. I still wish for growth though. MC!: You have an impressive relationship with your producers looking at your projects and one evidence of this was from the album. Tell us about this. C: Yes, it’s about sharing common interests and having it in mind that we are building something that will last. MC!: Throughout the album, Deeyaso maintained a grip on the production. What was the chemistry like? C: Both of us had our heads and hearts together. He also played the guitar and piano. He’s not hard. We both built the sounds from scratch. There was some difficulty tweaking sounds to the level required but we worked together and so, it’s been a good experience. MC!: Did you know him prior to the project and what was your working experience with him like? C: No, I did not know him. We share the same enthusiasm. This works especially because we put in our best. I was happy working with him. MC!: The project is currently top-of-shelf on everyone’s list and is arguably one of the best to come out of 2020 so far. Did you see it coming? How does all of it make you feel? Accomplished? C: No, I didn’t see it coming honestly. When you put in your best, yes it has a feel good to it, so yes I feel accomplished but I know I’m still moving ahead. MC!: You have been identified as very different in terms of sound and MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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delivery,was this intentional? C: I was just being me. It’s my self expression. MC!: “Boo of the Booless” has been classified as an embodiment of values. What was the inspiration behind its birth? What was it like creating the songs on Boo of the Booless? C: I found inspiration through songs, business and personal experiences. It was a whole creative process. It was full of story telling, though partly fictional. Also, with the producer and I being ourselves, I can say it was a rich experience. MC!: You recently released a new EP, ‘ Dance of the Booless’. Tell us about it. C: Yes. I just released it following the album itself. As the name suggests, “Dance of the Booless” is really about Dance and conveying happy feelings to the Booless. We want everyone to go listen and have a good time dancing to the songs. MC!: From the Voice Nigeria to being one of the stars of the moment, how has the journey been? C: It’s been quite a ride. I have made that decision for originality in my work. It used to be about doing someone else’s song but I have established my own original sounds and voice. There has also been a lot of lessons on discipline, I’m happy to make original content. It has also been a process of learning and building my strengths. I’m still not sure I’m up there but I’m definitely in a better place than the days of reality shows. MC!: You’ve also had a few acting stints worthy of note. You played ‘Mayowa’ on AM battleground. Was that you experimenting? C: I simply took a chance I got. I am not sure I’ll say I was experimenting but as a job, it had to be done. I learnt from able hands and took the opportunity to learn and work. You can say I do have a thing for acting. MC!: Structure is a big issue in Africa. Do you reckon it as part of your challenges with the industry thus far? C: I think in regards to structure, people have it hard everywhere not just Africa. It is not at its best now but it can be and will be improved over time. MC!: What collaborations are you looking towards having in the future? We sincerely need you on more features. C: For now, I can’t mention any but they will be collaborations between myself and other artistes. You just anticipate. MC!: There is this surge of conversations around songwriting. Songwriters and other “creatives” being undervalued and not getting props for
their efforts. What is your take on this? C: For what I do, there has to be a line between relationships and contracts. There has to be a written agreement in black and white. It should go beyond oral agreements. Creatives should get due credit for anything agreed upon. Basically, ensure your intellectual properties are legally protected. Do everything you think you need to do to ensure you get your credit and that is by outlining it in the contract. MC!: Do you think Africa is getting ahead in terms of these conversations especially with the recent scramble for Afrobeat? C: Truth is we’re making progress but we are not particularly ahead. We are being given our due in terms of recognition, originality and efforts. MC!: Afrobeats is getting all the attention it deserves. How does this make you feel? C: It’s a good feeling. When you’re from a region that birthed the sounds, it’s a
good feeling. MC!: You seem to be very grounded on your identity with your brand. How is that working for you? Any criticisms? C: It’s challenging. I’ve learnt that you’ll be alright where you make your stand. MC!: Do you have any regrets as with your venture? C: No, I don’t. MC!: If you were offered the chance, would you do things differently? C: Yes, I’d do things faster. The knowledge I have now will aid me to do and achieve things faster. MC!: What song/ artiste are you currently feeling? C: If you want love by N.F. MC!: What’s the one advise you would give to upcoming talents trying to find their feet in the industry? C: It’s almost cliché but I’d say don’t give up. Strive and give it your best shot. MC!: Describe your life in one word. C: I’d give you two. Happy. Exploring!
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WHAT’S BUZZING
TUFF TAYT: Fashion house, Tuff Tayt‘s new campaign, “Finding Paradise” is a representation of young, aspiring and ambitious multicultural people who are indeed seeking “paradise”. Creative Director Victor Nja describes it as “super significant in our careers, all we had was the dream to set up a fashion brand”. With the aid of partnerships, alongside his team; he travelled, sourced for fabrics, started production and shot the campaign earlier in 2019. This season, he tells us, he is happy with releasing this collection at this time in 2020 because it was his intention “to put out the collection to show the world our growth.” This collection transcends the everyday fashion piece, with pieces for every gender; there is a certain grace to it, more than that which meets the eye at first glance. Photography: mrarilabadi Styling: @thevictornja @zpxnso for @zillism_ Models: @glowing_black @nelsonnonso_ @that.chocolate.boy @neylo__ Make up: @cynellah_makeovers
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Embracing & Finding Paradise This Summer
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WHAT’S BUZZING
LASISI ELENU Arguably, King of Comics. Lasisi is a comedy maestro who is known for creating characters out of the “everyday Nigerian” narrative. With his comedy skits, humour and nostalgia are takeaways for his fans and this is what he understands. The ability to interpret one’s daily struggles and experiences, balancing it with a stroke of relief, is essentially what Lasisi has done the past months.
DON JAZZY The music boss has shown that beneath all the hardcore baritone voice that is synonymous with his career, Jazzy has a childlike personality. By supporting and promoting his talents using the viral app Tik-tok, he constantly shares imitation videos. His humility despite being one of Nigeria’s most revered entertainment personalities has served as a point of reference to many.
THE NORMAL By Chioma Nmor
Personalities holding it down for the Culture This has been an unprecedented yet interesting time, the break out of COVID-19 has called for retrospection and while the lockdown has taken full course, we have continued to see undiluted entertainment at its best.
KUNLE REMI
Nollywood actor Kunle Remi has been loosely described as the Lord of Tik-tok in Nigeria. With so many backings to this new title, his acting disposition has seen him interpret different personas and characters to the letter. Kunle is definitely getting more acting roles based on his grand gestures of entertaining the Nigerian Instagram community.
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The world literally moved online, from scripted Instagram live sessions, to Tik-Tok videos, down to short displays of boredom though random videos, and through it all Nigerians have shown resourcefulness. It is worth noting that the internet has never thrived the way it has during these times, and the engaging content has never been in more demand. Taking a stand against the fight, Nigerians have done a lot of good both in philanthropy and entertainment. Some of the personalities that stamped impressions and leveraged on the good of social media include: Don Jazzy, Kunle Remi, Bayo Oke-Lawal, Lasisi Elenu, among others.
BAYO OKE-LAWAL Fashion stylist and creative director of Orange Culture, Bayo Oke-Lawal stays providing fashion-related content and lockdown inspiration. With Bayo, things have gotten interesting. The obsession with patterns, fabrics, motifs has seen his page become a go-to reminder that the world will bounce back and there is still hope for fashion.
WHAT’S BUZZING
UP NEXTWHAT’S NEXT; A deep dive into the world of hype entertainment. By Chioma Nmor
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Before the squeeze of economic timelines, and human activities, the world of entertainment was rapidly buzzing in its operations and offering. Social engagement was on its way of becoming a lifeline of survival for many. The extroverts, ambiverts and introverts were well on their way to rock on the same stage and then it hit. The general notion that “hype is alive” was made evident and there seem to be structure and sense to the art. Right before the set of the pandemic, the acclaimed Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, Nigeria presented a domain where high energy came alive for all who assembled for therapeutic cheap thrills. Hype culture, though it is fastgrowing, found its spot in mainstream entertainment.With the breakout of hype men such as Jimmie the entertainer, Do2dtun, Special Spesh, Shodytheentertainer, and other vanguards on the rise, more industry entrants with a flair for music are realizing that “hype” is a viable area of the ecosystem they can branch into. Believe it or not, the hype is really alive. Music writer Mickey Hess expands the term as follows: “a hype man is a figure who plays a central but supporting role within a group, making his own interventions, generally aimed at hyping up the crowd while also drawing attention to the words of the MC”. The culture has been on for well over a decade or more, from the onset of hip- hop music, these individuals stay providing support and increasing audience excitement and engagement. Some of their techniques which includes exclamations and interjections call-andresponse chants, and momentary dance
Dotun at the AMVCA After party have led to the best social engagements and convergence. Live performance in Nigeria has had a whole new meaning in recent times and the place of hype culture has birthed spaces that allowed the stage to become a site for possibilities. As simple as coming into a gathering feeling moody, people now leave with newfound energy and verve for life. Sadly, hypemen rarely get enough props for their craft. In Nigeria, they are still looked upon as members of the crowd struggling to be heard and wanting to be identified. The solidity of their art has been reduced to mere backups or “assistant boys”, but not for long. There is hope, as conversations surrounding the discourse now poses a business side to the art, hypemen are now likened to comedians, the clear intent of both ventures is to create relief, either through humour for comedy or through energy for hype, which reveals its true structure. In Nigeria, the growth of this relatively emerging sphere will come from
AMVCA Afterparty 2020 acknowledging and understanding the place of what their talent gives and what the craft presents. It will also come from appreciating the art, technique, talent and dedication of hypemen to creating energies, as well as sharing it. Hardly can one find a Nigerian artiste without a hype man; in the clubs, at concerts, weddings or gatherings and so, there is a growing need for more music and entertainment enthusiasts to find their path and carve a niche where need be. The ripple effect of this is that in due time, the hype industry will arrive at an elevated status and the value they offer will go round. MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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WHAT’S BUZZING
LADIPOE Through the Lens of Fashion By Chioma Nmor
From the streets of New York, down the halls of North Carolina, to settling into the busyness of Lagos, with Ladipoe what you get is the best of both worlds. The richness of this artiste permeates through his craft and exteriors. With heavy influences from a Yoruba background and exploring more outside of his motherland, Oladipo has steadied to become one of Nigeria’s most endearing break out acts. Asides maintaining an unwavering stance of being, arguably, Nigeria’s best chance at a Grammy win, the Mavin frontline artiste has journeyed from a conservative sideline to claiming his name and spot in the hearts of many. The Hiphop head drives with a poking mission to serve lifelines to a fandom that is on a steady increase. One thing that sticks with this Nigerian rapper and lyricist is a sheer composure and range that has allowed him to mirror his art via different channels. A typical list would be
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through word puns, serving double entendres with heavy stroke bars, or in his space exuding high fashion sense. With the ace rapper, you get to continuously unlock new sides and levels to understanding and interpreting his art. Regarded as unconventional, at the heart of what Ladipoe’s music represents are innovation and audacity, switching up personas in his visuals. You can almost tell in his delivery that an element of intentionality is infused. The understanding of identity in art is as core as displaying the art itself, which makes it a tool that an artist can weave into storytelling. This is where boisterous expression is found and where freedom takes its place. We have seen it with Nigerian music artistes and how they craft an image that transcends their brand, and easily Poe comes to mind. Currently enjoying an eruptive embrace with the creative wave that he is on, his recent release “Know You” where he enlists powerful songstress Simi to deliver an enchanting number, the newfound gaze on the effervescent rapper is befitting and welcoming.
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WHAT’S BUZZING
Unreservedly, Ladipoe has shown that there is more from where the rhythmic patterns come, which also extends to the artistic and confrontational looks, he parades on a daily. A regular shot, an unplanned photo session, or one of those golden moments of capturing creative release, Ladipoe is always right on time with his fashion statement. Reckoned as one of those storytellers, creating and channelling creative energy to places where few will dare go, peculiar to his creative journey is knowing that there will always be more, and every time we see a frame that has Ladipoe in it, we know we will be met with passion, intention and direction. From a fashion spectrum, the narrative can be conveyed that the rapper Ladipoe, through threading stories and painting scenarios with music, embodies a canvas such that if at any point he considers a switch in career, the fashion scape will be waiting with open arms.
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LIFESTYLE
W
Quarancation Experience the Museums and Art Galleries of Dubai Virtually By Valentine Ofordum
With the ongoing global pandemic, international flights to our dream vacation destinations have been halted. Beyond that, it had become unsafe to be anywhere outside our homes, except it was absolutely important.
Being home for so long, therefore, makes us miss some of our favourite cities and one of them is Dubai. With the excitement of the city’s reopening to Tourists from July 7, we gradually begin to mentally to prepare for a visit, as soon as we are able to hop on outbound flights. Until then, there are several ways to experience the city from the comfort of your home. Be our guest dear Arm Traveller, as we show you how to experience Dubai from your home. DISCOVER DUBAI’S MUSEUMS Immerse yourself in regional culture through virtual tours of some of Dubai’s best museums. Housed in the oldest building in the city, Dubai Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the historical sights, sounds and scents of pre-modern UAE and discovering how Dubai’s great visionary leadership guided the city into becoming the vibrant place it is today. Etihad Museum is located in the exact place where the UAE was founded, making it the perfect place to explore the story of how it all began. This landmark preserves key capsules of
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contemporary UAE history, allowing visitors to discover life in the UAE prior to the unifying treaty of the seven emirates. Learn about Dubai’s traditional way of life by touring through the narrow lanes of Al Fahidi Historical District where visitors can soak up history and heritage of the city. A virtual stroll through this district will take you back in time, but very much sustain the city’s cultural essence as it houses and incubates a number of cultural activities including art, arts and culture societies and specialised museums. An old fort built out of clay, Al Naif Museum was once the headquarters of the Dubai Police Force, serving as the base of Dubai’s very first police station. Built in 1939, the building now consists of two showrooms and provides fascinating insights into how the city’s justice system and its’ journey into modernism. Home to one of the UAE’s most famous poets, Al Oqaili Poet Museum showcases beautiful aspects of a harmonious marriage between architecture and art. This heritage homeholds artistic ornaments and writings – an expression of its owner’s fine taste, but also houses important historical artefacts. A small but special historical monument, Umm Al Sheif Majlis served as the summer home to the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. This two-story structure, known for its peaceful surroundings, served as the perfect getaway from the bustle of the city, but is especially well-commemorated as a key place for decision-making for Sheikh Rashid and his
council (Majlis). ART GALLERIES Experience regional art through virtual tours of some of Dubai’s best art showcases. The Third Lineart gallery in Al Quoz, which represents and supports contemporary Middle Eastern art on a local, regional and global level, is giving art lovers their fix through online virtual
tours of its gallery. Virtual visitors can sign up with Art Basel to view the online viewing rooms.
art programmes, and can enjoy over 500 artworks across in its online art catalogue.
International favourite Art Dubai is taking its content online. The festival will come alive in the digital space and will feature its annual Global Art Forum which gathers original and contemporary thinkers into an intimate open space. Visitors will also be treated to a series of themed and curated performance
Renowned cultural district Alserkal Avenue is banding together in the spirit of community. To give audiences access to all of its new art exhibitions, the chance to get to know some of the contributing creators or simply to browse, the district is launching its 360-degree digital platform. MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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TRAVELS
The Ultimate
Bali
Travel Experience
By Valentine Ofordum
Bali is famed as a destination for relaxation and culture by travellers worldwide. Bali is home to many new sights and experiences to discover. In this issue, we are giving tips you to getting that ultimate Bali experience and making the best of your trip. GETTING A VISA If you have a US/Canada/UK/Australian passport, you can get a visa on arrival. If you have a Ghanaian and Kenyan passport, visa on arrival applies to you too. For Nigerians, a Calling Visa is required. This means you need approval from the Director-General of Immigration in Jakarta, Indonesia before you can apply.
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This may be a strenuous process for you and takes a longer time to process but the experience is worth it. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO? Bali has two different seasons - Wet and Dry. The wet season falls between October and April while the dry season falls between May and September. Your preferred would determine the best time to make the trip and of course, when it is finally safe to travel. ACCOMMODATION In Bali, there is always a place to stay regardless of your budget. Ubud and Seminyak are excellent places to base out from for all your tours and
sightseeing. VILLA IN UBUD: Tanadewa Ubud Resort and Spa This is a great place to stay, it features some magnificent views. For a great experience, Courtyard Villa is great for your stay, it costs $250 per night and has a private pool. You could also opt for the suite which costs $100 per night. The suite doesn’t have a private pool. They both come with complimentary breakfast. There is an infinity pool there. It is beautiful. VILLA IN SEMINYAK. Seminyak is a great place to stay. It is perfect for group travels. We recommend
free” bylaw went into effect across Bali in 2011; smoking is now forbidden in most public areas, including restaurants, hotels, temples, and tourist attractions. the suites. It costs $455 per night, a little pricier but worth the splurge. With Bali generally, there are so many things to do! So, don’t try to see everything all at once. Ubud is a great place to base out from as it is centrally located. Ubud is zen, green and quiet. Seminyak is a party city built for a faster pace, shopping, dining. Both places are worth checking out. MOVING AROUND IN BALI If you plan to do a fair bit of sightseeing, the most honest t axis in Bali are the blue taxis marked “Bali Taxi” (known as Blue Bird Taxis). They always follow the meter and will not impose any additional charges. They’re so honest, other taxi operators hate their guts and collude with some hotels to exclude Bluebird taxis from their area. Catch a Bluebird taxi in Bali, if you can. From taking taxi rides, some people may choose to move on to hire a chauffeur to take them around Bali. Getting a driver in Bali is cheap and reliable, while the cost of getting a driver and a huge passenger car will most probably cost you 500,000~650,000 a day (app. $50 to $60). If you do hire a personal driver, you may want to keep an eye out for bogus commissioned drivers. Generally, if you’re travelling long distances, such as from Kuta to Ubud, make sure to discuss all details with the chauffeur beforehand and check if there are any surcharges.
Make sure that you are clear on the places you want to go, and if s/he is able to follow your itinerary, even if it means that it will cost a little more. Do your own research, do not expect your chauffeur to plan the itinerary for you, or to recommend places to go to even if he gives all sorts of excuses to specifically go to a certain restaurant or shop. CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIPS Travellers who try to get their money changed in Bali run the risk of being fleeced by dishonest money changers. Fortunately, there are several establishments where you can change your cash without worry. Try changing your currency at one of Bali’s more reputable banks, or even better, try using their Automated Teller Machines to withdraw cash directly from your credit card or bank account. Some hotel front desks often permit currency exchange, but with lower exchange rates compared to banks and money changers. Trust only money changers who are recognized by Bank Indonesia; these establishments advertise their status as Pedagang Valuta Asing Berizin or PVA Berizin (Indonesian for “Authorized Money Changer”) with a green PVA Berizin shield where customers can see it. THINGS NOT TO DO IN BALI • Don’t smoke in public areas. A “smoke-
• Do not carry drugs like marijuana and other “highs”. Be wary of people who may try to sell drugs to you, some of them are undercover cops. Indonesia has very strict laws against drugs and offenders may get a couple of years in jail or capital punishment, depending on the quantity found in possession. THINGS TO DO IN BALI Here are some top things to do get that ultimate Bali experience; • A Floating Breakfast: Most hotels with pools will organize this for you. It costs about $30 for a basket at hotel Tanadewa. Just make sure to arrange in advance. How comfortable and practical is a floating breakfast? Not very practical but it’s a lot of fun. Definitely a once-ina-lifetime experience. You’re in Bali, why not? The food is also completely edible (and tastes amazing). • The Tegallalang Rice Terrace: When in Ubud, visit the Tegallalang Rice Terrace in Ubud. Entry fee is $1. (15,000 Rupiah) TIP: Go between 7 am and 9 am OR 4pm and 6pm to beat the crowds. • The Bali Swing Of course, you have to! There are lots of swings in Bali but do your research and go to the “original” one. It cost $35 and you can stay for as long as you want. It’s such an exhilarating feeling. You get to overlook the beautiful rice fields. This place has a 100% safety record, so you have nothing to fear. They strap you in nicely. All you have to do is enjoy your ride. MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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TRAVELS
• A Flower Bath You’ll want to end your day with this unique spa treatment. Lots of places offer for $30 but we recommend Udaya Resorts and Spa. It is a luxury spa and one of the best in Ubud. Ask for the celebration of flowers treatment. • The Wanagiri Hidden Hills. One of the most picturesque places in Bali. It is located about two hours away from Ubud. Entry is $1.5 (20,000 Rupiah.) Tickets can be bought at the gate. It’s a stunning place to visit when in Bali. • Balinese Waterfall: End your day at a Balinese waterfall. This one is called Banyumala twin waterfall and it’s in Northern Bali. Free entry but donations are welcome. • Kelingking Beach: Take a day trip to Kelingking beach. This beach is beautiful. A little unreal. It cost about $80 to get there. • Diamond Beach: About an hour away from Kelingking beach, you would find the Diamond beach. We recommend spending more time here as it’s even more stunning. The hike down is intense but it will be worth it. Oh! Also, you can’t go to Bali without treating yourself to a luxury spa. Sundari Day Spa, Seminyak is a great place. It costs $119 per couple for the traditional Balinese massage. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is it. GATES OF HEAVEN, BALI : Hate to break your hearts but this place is an illusion. There’s no reflection or a lake as it may seem. What there is, is a photographer holding a mirror directly under a phone camera to create that illusion. (Disappointing huh?) It is up to you to decide if you want to go there or not. Details about the place • It’s a three-hour drive from Ubud • women have to go wearing a sarong to go in (you’ll be given one when you get there for a small fee) • You go in and pick your number • You wait your turn When it’s your turn, hand over your phone to the guy and take your shots. You only have four poses to make until it’s the next person’s turn. • It can take up to three hours until it’s your turn. There’s a seating area, so you can be comfortable while waiting. You can also pick a number and go to Tirta Ganga or explore the area and come back.
Essential Travel Must-Haves: 1.) A universal travel adapter 2.) Bug spray 3.) Sunscreen (the sun is brutal) 4.) Those portable hand fans will come in handy. 5.) Travel insurance 6.) Comfortable walking shoes 7.) A scarf for the ladies. For temples. WHAT TO BUDGET FOR BALI: Most likely, the most expensive part of your trip will be flights out there. It can be upwards of $1500. When you get there, cost eases up. There’s an available accommodation for every budget, as mentioned earlier, and
as you can tell, entry fees are between $1- $5. If you go with a group, it’s even cheaper as you can split the cost of accommodation, transportation, etc. A chauffeur (recommended) costs $60 per day. You can easily split this with your friends or take turns paying. Check out travel booking agencies such as booking.com and filter based on price. You’d most likely find something that fits your budget. Also, Airbnb has some great villa options. Just be sure to read the reviews first. Safe flight to Bali and be sure to make the best of it!
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FINANCE
Post Covid-19 Plans: Profitable Businesses You Should Consider
By Enoch Omosebi
Year 2020 has witnessed and still is witnessing a lot of unfavourable financial situations – almost a snafu. No thanks to the Coronavirus! The Coronavirus also called COVID-19 was initially found in Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019. The Chinese government initially put a quarantine measure in place to curtail the spread of the virus.
H
owever, the virus spread like a wildfire to other continents and countries of the world turning it into a global pandemic which resulted into a dire economic crisis worldwide. Notable among these worldwide financial downturns is the sharp decrease in crude oil. The lowest it has ever been. Below $2 per barrel (June 2020).
It looms worse for Africa. The existing economic, commercial and governmental challenges creates many weak points for the Corona caused financial issues to hit. The African Union (AU) analysis shows an estimation of Africa’s GDP shrinking by 0.8% under a “realistic scenario”; while contracting by 1.1% under a “pessimistic scenario”. AU also forecasts 20 million job losses across Africa.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), represented by its Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, stated on March 27 that the global economy has slid into recession.
Concerning what the Post-Covid-19 will look like, economists have a lot to say. In a concise and a bit euphemistic manner, it all goes down to how long and tedious it may take several regions of the word to get back on their feet financially.
Averring this claim is the report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that points out the looming decrease in its GDP to be as low as 2.4% - the lowest since the 20082009 global economy recession.
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However, amid all the panic, there are businesses one could delve into, during this Coronavirus pandemic and hopefully, after it.
Below are five businesses that are viable this period period and Post-Coronavirus.
Delivery Service: The situation that followed the Coronavirus pandemic in many countries is a lockdown or quarantine order from the government of those countries. It becomes incredibly uneasy to buy things, even groceries. The resultant effect of this is that people are willing to pay for services that offer house delivery of desired goods. Professional delivery services are getting very high demands.
FINANCE
Goods ranging from the most basic needs like foods to luxury ones like furniture are being purchased and handed over to logistics companies by the suppliers to deliver to the buyers. This business may require an amount of investment in money, skill and experience. For instance, someone who would run a delivery service should have a vehicle or a motorbike and a good driving experience. Being that this is on high demand currently, the returns are commendable. It is also a business that will keep thriving after the coronavirus period. Lots of persons like to go shopping but do not like the stress of carrying things about. So “Hello delivery person, I have somejobs for you.”
E-Learning and Teaching: For some, the pandemic has marred their chances of continuing their studies – but they want to continue despite the resultant restrictions. For some others, the lockdown is a rare opportunity for self-development and improvement and career development – they want to start new classes and courses. One business fills these gaps and get the bills from it. That is the e-learning and teaching facilitators. This currently is a booming business. Even pre-lockdown, it has always been booming and will continue to do just that – booming. Several career enhancing courses that are known worldwide are constantly taken by millions of people. The likes of Human Resources Management (HRM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Cybersecurity, and many entrepreneurship skills. E-learning is not limited to this alone. E-learning also caters for basic subjects, classes and students. Subjects such as English, Mathematics, Literature, Physics,
Chemistry and Biology are offered on many websites and taken by many students. With students unable to go to school because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the demands for these services are on an all-time high.
loads of still and moving images; some graphics are animated, some feature humans. This is a business not bound by geographical boundaries. Your clients could be a thousand miles far from you, and you may never get to meet them. All that matters is how creative you are. And, this is a business with large demand. More need for digital arts rise on the daily; ranging from entertainment to the educational and even to the political spheres.
Grocery Stores: Food is certainly essential. Plus, Corona is temporary, hunger is forever. The most demanded group of goods during the lockdown is food, food and more food. It seems like a biorhythmic thing, the more one stays at home without much tasks to attend to, the more food one consumes. The Coronavirus has little negative effects on this business. Hence, during or post Covid-19, this is a business with good returns. In most cases, you do not need to engage in a lot of publicity. People look for food, food is quite a snub: it does not look for people. Keep that in mind always and you just mind be spurred to get started on the new business.
Digital Arts: Are you an expert in the use of CorelDraw, Photoshop, Light Room or any application that allows you create digital images and designs? Well, get in the market and make some money! This generation has seen a large influx of digital arts. Consider the channels through which Covid-19 awareness is heavily communicated. There are
Writing Services: Letters, resumes, proposals, dissertations, copyrighting, articles, creative writings and a whole lot of opportunities await a writer. Content development based on writing is a skill always in demand – pre, during and post Covid-19. This is a business one could comfortably engage in from home, hence the lockdown does not hamper work flow. In lieu, professional writers have claimed there is an overwhelming demand for their skills during the lockdown period. It seems there are more reasons to write – ranging from entertainment, business, educational articles, most especially for awareness purposes. Several middle-men platforms create a haven for writers and those who need their services. The likes of Fiverr and Upwork serve this purpose. This list does not represent the limit to business that thrive during this pandemic and afterward. There are many other businesses that will also thrive during these periods. Some of them are professional cleaning services, IT, game making and sales, and virtual event planning. MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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studio imo q u a r a n t i n e MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
Over the last three months, fashion houses across the universe have had to recalibrate what it means to create clothing for an audience. They have had to re-examine who this audience is and how the needs of this audience have evolved in light of recent world events. For Studio Imo, an artisanal knitwear brand, the events of the last 3 months were a relief, a chance to create outside of the punishing fashion cycle, for with a singular goal of creating clothes that flatter a woman’s body and delights her sensibilities. The brand shared its newest collection with us. The clothes that have come from this unexpected but cherished window of creative freedom is Studio Imo’s “In Quarantine” collection, “fashioned in our signature iridescent yarn, and sculpted to flatter several body types. We experimented with unconventional colour blocking and nontraditional ombre silhouettes, rejecting the monochromatic, casual wardrobes that define extended periods of isolation”. “Our quarantine is colourful, our corridors our runway, our clothes this season, a portent of a colourful future that waits at the other end of this spell of waiting,” Studio Imo’s creative Director, Edwin Okolo writes in his statement.
FASHION
CREDITS
MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Edwin Okolo @Studio.imo
CREATIVEDIRECTION
Deola Adebiyi @D3ola
MUSE
Deola Adebiyi @D3ola
STUDIO IMO STUDIO IMO QUARANTINE MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
STUDIO IMO
FASHION
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FASHION
STUDIO IMO STUDIO IMO MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
Bloke SS20 “Family”
When Bloke released its SS20 lookbook earlier, we were exposed to the brand’s love for the concept of family, but beyond that, the brand’s active portrayal of it through its pieces.
“This collection is an inquisitive look into what family means to me and the seemingly unsuspected effects of the concept of family on individuals in the society in contemporary times using my family as a scope of reference”, he tells us.
While we await the self-proclaimed genderless artisanal label’s next lookbook, we take a look at its previous lookbook “Family Portrait” and speak to its Creative Director, Faith Oluwajimi.
The brand’s message on the concept of family and its relevance, presents a relevancy at this time more than ever. “Family is everything [...]And, there is no
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better time to look after Family than NOW more than ever...” - Faith Oluwajimi. On the inspiration behind these pieces, Oluwajimi says, “...drawing inspiration from photographs of Sedjou Keita in the 70’s, and recent paintings of Joy Labinjo which both focus on the theme of family through an African gaze. He continues, “Using the family tree
” Collection
diagram, and family anagram as a print on garments to depict the interwoven intricacies of the concept of family and a homage to the respect of ancestors in the African culture”. On the aesthetics of the pieces, Oluwajimi explains that “The colour palette utilised the complete spectrum of colours, to show the diversity and complexities in a family regardless of the
BLOKE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, FAITH OLUWAJIMI, ON TAKING AN INQUISITIVE LOOK INTO THE CONCEPT OF “FAMILY” WITH ITS SEDJOU KEITA-INSPIRED SS20 COLLECTION
unifying bond and similarities they might share as a family”. The Nigerian knitwear label’s creative Director continues to take us into the intricacies of his creative process. “...diffusing the idea [of Family] through an artisanal approach; for fabrication, the use of fabrics with different textures such as cotton, linen, lace, satin, for the tailored garments with an interesting
blend of yarns which includes rayon, metallic, cotton, and polyester for the knitted offerings. As an artisanal label, Bloke employed techniques such as knitting, hand dying, applique, hand stitching, silkscreening and patchwork for the creation of the garments in this collection which points in the direction of accentuating the differences and the unifying similarities which bond a family. MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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FASHION
THE BOX:
Fashion, Diversity and Culture in Men’s Fashion
By Providence Ozichukwu
have also been very instrumental in leading this vanguard for diversity; a language that has helped in stretching the narrative of fashion aiding and enhancing human sociology, thus effecting world growth and a deep sense of globalization. You would agree with me that fashion has never looked so beautiful, save for these spectrum exhibit of extant possibilities of expression that surround Mens fashion, as now.
If you’ve been pretty much “alive” through this last decade, you’d agree with me that the world is eventually embracing a new order of renaissance and gradually putting everything in perspective. In fact, current happenings are succinct pointers to this truth. This truth, which has also ordered the re-evaluation of menswear and men’s fashion in general, is shedding a global appraisal of the subject especially in this part of the world(Africa). It’s no news that within the past 5-7 years, Men’s Fashion has evolved tremendously, cutting dogmatically through age-long embraced ethnic and cultural stereotypes and stigmata. Men are beginning to adopt more soulful and expressive approaches of identity via fashion and rewriting antique cultural history. More and more recent designers like Orange Culture, Emmy Kasbit, Kenneth Ize, Rich Mnisi, Sisiano and a lot others who are learned on the subject of diversity are sewing in these ideals into collections, look book campaigns and fashion presentations. Style influencers and content creators
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Now, Play Me the Tape! Photographer Ikenna Ideh and a Time Travel to Highlife Music of Old. It’s 1990, you lift the dust cover of your turntable, remove the dust from the platter and place your vinyl record on it. You put your platter in motion, cue your tone arm and position your tone arm at the beginning of your record. You lower your stylus onto the record.
moment. The sound, the manner of dressing, the candour expressed in the lyrics and the poise of the singer; it all came together. One had to be deeply cultured to understand this and revel in it. One had to cherish the memories so much as to recreate it.
His sonorous voice and rusty lyrics come on .
Photographer, Ikenna Ideh is the lead on this time travel, beautifully captured in these images.
It’s bliss. It’s Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe alongside his band, the Nigeria soundmakers International. The late singer is one of Eastern Nigeria’s favourite highlife singers. With projects like “Okpaku Elieli”, “Osondi Onwendi”, “Makojo”, “Ejike Eme Uwa”, “Ana Amasi Ife Uwa”; you could not forget easily, the icon who died of respiratory insufficiency in 2001.
He speaks to us on his inspiration for these photos, “We are trying to highlight the impact of Nigeria highlife music on fashion and Afrobeat in recent times”. He speaks further on the influence of highlife music and his desire to be intentional with his recreation hence, “this is why the props were curated from the past. We had to use cassettes, tapes and records of the highlife singers.”
You listen and immerse yourself in the
“Now, play me the tape!”, he exclaims.
Credits: Muse from My Booker Models - Eze Meju and Philip Owoju Photographed and directed by: Ikenna Ideh Styling - Chigozie Aguocha MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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ARTS & LITERATURE
NEW ALBUM RECOMMENDATIONS
by Enioluwa Adeoluwa
Listening to a brand-new album for the first time from start to finish is a unique and magical experience. You are either stuck with it or you are not, and even when you enjoy it, it could be a song or two. It is definitely a task to have a full album that appeals to everyone. Here are some albums that have caught and retained our attention for a while now.
“Everything you heard” is true by Odunsi Literally, everything you heard is true, as the alternative album produced by TAB has kept all of its listeners earbuds on. This is some intense listening, in the best way.
“Nostalgia” by Dua Lipa The funk-pop queen is back with her second full album and listeners are definitely vibing to the new tunes by the artist.
“After hours” by the Weeknd The album is a manifestation of The Weeknd’s persona. It is a blend of hip-hop and dream pop, but slower tracks like “Too Late” lean more toward R&B.
“Rare” by Selena Gomez Rare, the third solo studio album by the American singer, is a pop and dance album with influences from electronic, Latin pop and R&B. Lyrically, it deals with themes such as self-love, empowerment and acceptance.
“Changes” by Justin Beiber We all know Justin does it again and again, especially if you heard 2015 album, “Purpose”. Changes is not all that you may expect it to be but this album has a few “eargams” worthy of your time.
NEW SHOW RECOMMENDATIONS
by Enioluwa Adeoluwa
If you are looking for a TV series to binge on this period, we have got the perfect list for you especially now that you are home. Here you go!
Game of Thrones
Pose
How to Get Away with Murder
Hollywood
Let me say that if you have not seen this, do not be the duff and go see this as soon as possible. It raided the internet with people setting up meetups for the season finale.
The thrilling law drama that stars oscarwinning actress Viola Davis has just completed its final season, with the season six thrilling everyone who has seen it.
Sex Education
The second season of the teen show is the biggest highlight on Netflix in 2020 so far, if I do say so myself. Sex Education is set in England. Sex Education explores issues related to intimacy and identity issues in a smart way that will dredge up your emotions.
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The LGBTQ drama is definitely one to fall head-over-heels in love with created by the star himself, Ryan Murphy. The era-defining drama is about voguing and the world of underground ballroom, in late 1980s New York. It is a classic tale for these times.
Hollywood, is an American drama web miniseries. The series was created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. The miniseries focuses on a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers who, during the Hollywood Golden Age, are making all efforts to make their dreams come true.
The end of the f***king world
“The End of the F***ing World” is a British dark comedy-drama television programme, based on a novel of the same name. It is definitely a series to binge.
ARTS & LITERATURE
NEW SHOW RECOMMENDATIONS CONTINUED Queen Sono
“Queen Sono” is a South African crime drama series that premiered on Netflix. It is the first African original series made by the popular web television channel, Netflix.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS by Enioluwa Adeoluwa What is your current read? Already wondering which would be your next? Or, you aren’t reading anything yet? Whatever category you belong, this is the piece you should be reading. Let’s get you sorted. Here are 5 Nigerian books you should definitely be reading, if you have not read them. 1. “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives” by Lola Shoneyin is an engrossing tale of sexual politics, polygamy and family strife based in Eastern Nigeria.
Euphoria
“Euphoria” is an American teen drama television series. It follows a group of high school students through their experiences of sex, drugs, friendships, love, identity and trauma. The series stars Zendaya and premiered on HBO.
2. “Stay With Me” by Ayobami Adebayo tells the devastating and intriguing story of Yejide, her fragility in marriage and search for motherhood.
Stranger Things
“Stranger Things” is an American science fiction web television series created on Netflix set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The first season focuses on the investigation into the disappearance of a young boy amid paranormal events occurring around the town, including the appearance of a girl with psychokinetic abilities.
Never Have I Ever
“Never Have I Ever” is an American comedy-drama television series. The comedy is partially based on Kaling’s real childhood story, growing up in the Boston area. It premiered on Netflix and has taken the internet by storm. The series has been described as a watershed moment for South Asian representation in Hollywood and has been praised for breaking Asian stereotypes.
3. “BINTI” is a science fiction novella written by Nnedi Okorafor about a young woman named Binti who is the first member of the Himba ethnic group on earth to be accepted into the prestigious intergalactic University Oomza Uni.
4. “The Smart Money Woman” by Arese Agwu tells the story of an African girl’s journey to financial freedom.
5. “We Should All be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a book-length essay, it talks about the definition of feminism and what it should be in the 21st century.
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ARTS & LITERATURE
NOLLYWOOD MOVIE AND TV SERIES RECOMMENDATIONS by Enioluwa Adeoluwa
Are you looking for movies to watch, especially in the Nigerian space? We have compiled a list of five Nigerian movies you should totally see on Netflix right now, if you still have not.
Light In The Dark
The Set-up
The Delivery Boy
Castle And Castle
The film released recently on Netflix stars Rita Dominic, Joke Silva and Ngozi Nwosu. It tells the story of an intertribal couple, who are faced with the societal odds against them, struggling to build a happy home, and they continue to thrive until one night when a singular incident threatens to change their lives forever.
The Delivery Boy is a thriller that stars Jamal Ibrahim, Jemima Osunde, Charles Etubiebi, Kehinde Fasuyi and a host of others. It is tells the story of a teenage orphan boy, who runs into a young girl while trying to escape a mob. Their journey takes them through the underbelly of the city exposing the hidden side of the African society and its dangerous culture of silence amid evil.
The Set-Up is a story of two young ladies Chike and Grace played by Adesua Etomi and Kehinde Bankole. The film has been praised for its storyline and production quality. It is definitely one to see at the moment.
Castle and Castle, Nigeria’s first legal drama series is about a pair of high-powered successful lawyers played by Richard Mofe-Damijo and Dakore Egbuson who find themselves defending opposite interests of the justice system causing a strain on their happy marriage.
Love And War
Love and war is a Nigerian comedy-drama directed by Omoni Oboli. It stars Omoni Oboli, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Jide Kosoko, Akin Lewis, Bimbo Manuel, Toke Makinwa, Femi Branch and a host of others. The film is centred around a married couple who run against each other for governor in the same state. The film explores the themes of love, family and ambition.
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5 Platforms Where You Can Stream Nollywood Content
1. Netflix 4. Red TV 2. Iroko 5. Accelerate TV 3. Ndani TV
LIFE
Navigating the New Masculinity, Self-Awareness, Expression And Embracing Body Positivity by Enioluwa Adeoluwa
What really is the new masculinity we have heard about so many times? There is no denying that we live in a world where men are more aware of themselves, their emotions and the people around them than ever before. Nevertheless, the lives of boys are still constricted by traditional gender norms: being strong, athletic and stoic; and when you are not, you are told to man up. This is why masculinity is not just a global conversation for women; men are needed in the conversation, necessarily because men can help break the cycle. The boys’ movement which was recently launched and had its first year experience this year on the 16th of May, has opened the eyes of society to understand that we need a redefinement of the men we have around us. It has also made us understand that the needs of boys in our society are essential and should not be neglected. The society should be filled with men who dare to be different. Men who dare to become better fathers, the ones who are present for their friends and family. What do we need to do? We need to consciously make men better, by raising boys the same way the girls are raised. Toxic masculinity is usually subtle and unconscious. Hence, men find out they have grown and inculcated these unhealthy traits too. They include the following “codes” but are not limited to them: Suffering pain in silence Having no desires or needs Never losing Showing no emotions other than bravado or rage Never having to depend on anyone Never do anything that could be construed as weakness Never snitch At some point, we have to decide how to redefine manhood and masculinity for ourselves and then pass it on to those around us. It is not ‘unmanly’ to be passionate, having the need to show strong emotions, be sentimental, have moments of weakness or be defeated. Being a man is essentially embracing your humanity and being self aware to the
point of developing oneself for service, resilience and selflessness. It’s about boys growing into men who are not afraid to explore, attain happiness and be fufilled with their lives. As each person is uniquely built, so should self-awareness and personal
expression be different to each person. There is no new war on men, and there is no need for anyone to prove their masculinity through aggression. It is time to put an end to toxic masculinity and redefine what masculinity actually means to the boys.
NAVIGATING VIRTUAL RELATIONSHIPS: HOW MUCH MORE MEMOJIS WILL BE ENOUGH? by Jennifer Nwosu Dating is one phase in taking friendship to the next level. This, usually, is the result of bonding overtime and realizing that something concrete may come out of this. Now, people meet for the first time in various ways. It could be through a mutual acquaintance, family, in the course of work, at a restaurant, in a bus or wherever the day takes you. With the way society continues to revolve, dating is not as conventional as it used to be. People are hooking up via social media and dating apps, and the opportunities are endless for people looking to find love. However the friendship is established, it requires deliberate efforts from both parties to keep the fire burning. Sometimes, one of the things that hinders these efforts is distance. Being an exciting stage, dating requires constant and consistent contact, through communication. It works better when there is some level of close proximity between the partners. Unfortunately, the global pandemic has also taken a hit on the social lives of humans especially on Interpersonal relationships where we are forced to have more virtual interactions that physical ones. Budding relationships do not have it easy this period but I believe where there is a will, there is a way. There really should be nothing stopping you from making the best out of your relationships especially if you started dating recently. Didn’t someone say, “Effort is sexy”? There you are, hooked up with someone you think might just be the one and it hits you that this person is not close by, but you want this one person in your space. It’s great but before long, it will seem like a routine doing the same thing every other day. You long for some physical attachment but right now, it may not be feasible. How do you go about this to keep the fire going and get the best out of what you can’t handle physically? How do you keep momentum going in a Virtual relationship? How many more memojis will pass across the right sentiments? The first thing is to never let it fizzle out with monotony. Chats and text messages are cool and cheaper to keep in touch but they never convey the depth of our messages. Even the emojis never do enough. In a sea of grey text messages and chats, a surprise and additional pep up can be done with voice notes. Sending a voice note in the middle of a chat actually adds colour to the conversation through your voice. It leaps off a screen and into the person’s ear. That is attacking a different sense that has not been the usual. It is highly
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LIFE
welcome and appreciated.
little talk sure gets across.
Secondly,the infusion of a voice note in a chat, makes you say more. Regular writing, can make you feel invisible and almost all conversation seems the same. Think about how much more nuance, context and more of yourself that emerges when you talk. You’ll be literally gushing and effervescent when describing things you’re doing at that time . Written messages can’t convey any of this.
You must note that a voice note must not be a response to every chat. No,that’s missing the point. The point is the contrast. Once in a while, let them get a taste of who you really are and what you sound like.
Thirdly, you cut across humanity. Your real self surfaces. Conversations are more realistic and honest. Those are the times your micro- personality moments come up. You know the moments of the awkward silence, a little nervous laugh that comes with breaking the ice? No matter what you write in your chat, that
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Video calls are also a hit. It makes it more life-like. You can actually see activities you’re both involved in and sometimes, the unpreparedness of you taking the call can be zesty. The general rules are still the same as dating in reality. Be real and truthful. Don’t make yourself to be who you are not. Make sure you don’t become obsessive about calls or chats. It can be a huge turn off. Make sure you ask for appropriate times to start conversations.
Do not solicit nor send explicit messages unless you both have an understanding about that. Try and research on each other’s interests; it makes for lively talk. This “Stay Home” season is a time for self improvement. Whatever the person sees in you, can be enhanced and sharpened to make a better version of you. Lastly, don’t forget that you’re still at the dating stage and everybody has options. There are people who could come closer to your date physically or online. Some persons can actually keep up active chats with ten others. Never forget that you’re connecting with someone with the greatest asset you have. That asset is you.
LIFE
REAL TALK:
WHAT WOMEN REALLY MEAN WHEN THEY PREACH CONSENT
by Jennifer Nwosu
It’s a great time when two people come together to be in a relationship. Everything revolves around both of them at this time and really, it seems like nothing could ever go wrong. Or could it?
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For men, they are ruled more by their heads unlike women who apply more of their emotional intelligence in relationships. Don’t get it wrong. Women are very perceptive and guided by their intuition. Therefore, how can you know for certain that a woman you’re with, has given total consent to you in her life? The world has evolved, people have become more aware and expressive of their boundaries in relationships. Moreso, appropriateness in relationships is preached now more than ever. As I said earlier, women are highly emotional and so, more often than not, it’s the manner in which they express their feelings at the time they’re together with their partner that brings these emotions into play. A man who truly respects people, will bring that same idea into his relationship. For many men, it is desirable to hold a lady’s hand, call her up at any time, want to embrace her or be bold enough to make sexual advances. If a woman accepts you, she will give you access to her life. It may seem unlimited, but really, everyone deserves some space and a say. Consent from any woman, must be given expressly. Never take any implied terms as consent. It will never be acceptable to any woman if a man behaves inappropriately towards her. On the contrary, such attitude will repel her. If at any time, you are in doubt of what she means as opposed to what she says, please never hesitate to make clarifications with her. When a woman says no, she actually means no. Do not try and pressure her due to your own desires. This backfires almost all the time. It could be worse, you could be setting yourself up for sexual harrasment or related charges. Also, this is a betrayal of trust on your part towards the woman. Empathy from a man also guides him to judge in an unbiased way, how a woman feels and even the unspoken words. Each woman is unique and special in her own way. There is no general structure
on all things consent but basic rules are applicable. When she says no, she really means no. Never try and coerce her into changing her mind. She may be attracted strongly to you but it does not mean she wants to be physically involved with you. A woman needs you to build up her confidence and trust in you. This may take a while or may happen instantly. You should be focused on building up these traits with her. You might say “Hey, she decided to spend time with me in my home!”. True, that may happen but it is no license to act untoward to her. In its true ontext, consent should be mutual from both the man and his partner. When a man shows utmost restraint and respect, he builds up trust in the relationship and the woman would be bold enough to outrightly express to him, her consent. As a man, never use a woman’s situation of helplessness to entrap her to get her consent. This is a very dicey situation because an act of Goodwill may elicit reciprocation in kind. However, it is safer to be out of such moments, to be able to have a better sense of judgement as opposed to assuming that consent has been given.
felt content snuggling up to him without any other form of affection. He was not comfortable with this initially, as he felt that more intimacy would be needed to strengthen their relationship. They argued and a brief moment of separation happened between them. He learned to make adjustments for her because after a lengthy conversation, he realized that she had set boundaries that she expected him to respect. She told him also, that when she felt her heart was right, she would take it to another level with him. They had after all, made a promise to be together and that promise still stood. Another strong area in knowing what women preach about consent is understanding the mindset of both partners in a relationship. A developed mindset, that envelopes values, self control, respect for the next person and also appreciating that each person deserves their right to their own opinion, presents a clearer perspective on consent.
Oui! Even if you adore her helplessly, you need to give her, her own time and space as she permits you to. You do need her consent to visit her, you need her consent before making major decisions that affect both of you, you actually need her consent even in the most minute details concerning her or both of you. The consideration of any man to understand how a woman feels and what she wants, is a step in the right direction for their relationship. There have been many situations of men who misconstrued a woman’s action or inaction and confused it as consent to get access to them. There is no need to rush anything. A man once told me that his fiancée MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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HEALTH
Dear WFH Community, You May Be Hurting Your Eyes by Dr. Chima Lawrence Odoemenam
As part of efforts by businesses to adjust to the new normal, the Working from Home approach has become an imperative aspect of the corporate culture. While we continue to do this, however, to get our jobs done; it is important to also pay attention to the underlying health hazards and take precautions. Working from Home means you are also getting more screen time than before because you don’t “shut down” at 5pm to go home home anymore and don’t even get us started on the never ending Zoom meetings. This means that you may need some guide on eye care while you are at it. We spoke to an optometrist, Dr. Chima Lawrence Odoemenam who shared helpful quick tips on eye care practices while working from home. 1. Use the “Harmon Distance” while reading, writing or doing any other close work. The Harmon distance is the distance between your elbow and your middle knuckle, and can be measured by placing your fist at the tip of your chin and placing whatever reading material you have at your elbow. They shouldn’t come closer than this. 2. Observe the 20-20-20 rule. The rule says that for every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, a person should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And, remember to blink continuously while looking away. BLINK!! 3. For those working with digital screens, always wear your blue light filter spectacle. 4. Stay Hydrated. 5. Stay Safe. Dr. Chima Lawrence Odoemenam is an experienced optometrist with a strong commitment to serve in the eye care sector. He is dedicated to developing quality eyecare to patients and passionate about making the very best eye care practice become the common eye care practice.
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HEALTH
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Skincare Hacks for Achieving that Shiny “Skin like Milk” Summer Goal
by Enioluwa Adeoluwa The summer is coming and one thing everyone likes to do is to keep their clothes open, to enjoy the breeze that comes with the season. I love the idea of it as well and that is why I am here to share these five skincare tips to leave your skin looking flawless. Skin products could be expensive but we often forget that the basics are the most important. Change your pillowcase We have made this a skincare hack because a lot of people certainly falter at this, changing your pillowcase is basic guys! A lot of people forget this but you shouldn’t be using the same pillowcase for weeks when you sleep, we sometimes sweat and this can build up germs on our pillowcase. You should have a change of pillowcasesat least, once a week.
Avoid touching your face Most of us are guilty of touching our faces through the day. It is either we are touching our face reflexively, or trying to burst a pimple. We often find our hands on our face. Touching your face is a serious skincare no-no and you shouldn’t be doing it. When youtouch your face, you’re spreading that bacteria to your skin, which then can trigger breakouts and other skin problems.at least, once a week.
Wear sunscreen The importance of sunscreen cannot be overemphasized. Wearing sunscreen every day should be an important part of your skincare routine. It helps you avoid sunburns and skin cancer. Make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face after your moisturizer has dried. After you apply your sunscreen, wait at least 15 minutes before heading outside or putting on makeup so the sunscreen can absorb properly into your skin. Moisturize your skin Moisturize, dear. That’s the tweet. Moisturizers are essential and you should moisturize your skin twice a day. After your morning shower and before you go to bed. Moisturizers are most effective if you use them while your skin is still damp because damp skin absorbs the product more readily. That also gives the moisturizer the chance to lock in that hydration. Moisturize your skin Your face is probably the first part of the body people see when they look at you, therefore you want your face looking its best every time. It is important that you wash your face in the morning and before you go to bed, this helps to keep the face looking fresh, young and smooth.
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SIP N’ DINE
FIVE RESTAURANTS WE ARE ORDERING FROM THIS SEASON By Philips Francis
Nothing beats the feeling of ordering your favorite meal from your favorite restaurant in the comfort of your home and since we are all confined to our houses, it is alright to spoil yourself a little bit and order-in instead of cooking. Hey! It’s alright, you deserve a little treat too. These are the restaurants we’ve been treating ourselves to while snuggling with the teddy bear, pillow or le boo. Oh! And yes, we have included their details as well so you can place a phone call or drive by if you decide to opt for a drive-through.
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You’re welcome! 1. NOK by Alara 12a Akin Olugbade, Victoria Island, Lagos. TEL: +2349085614815 PhotoCredit: Nokbyalara.com 2. Eric Kayser 9, Osborne Rd, Ikoyi, Lagos 864, Bishop Aboyede Cole, Victoria Island, Lagos. TEL: +2347052288001 PhotoCredit: Obinna Ukwuani
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3. Eko Hotel and Suites 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos TEL: 012772700 PhotoCredit: Hotels.ng 4. Atmosphere Rooftop Lennox Mall, Lekki Phase I, Lagos PhotoCredit: Foodieinlagos.com 5. Craft Gourmet by Lou Baker 14, Idowu Martins St, Victoria Island, Lagos. TEL: +2347032652069 PhotoCredit: African City Guide
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SIP N’ DINE
RESTAURANT REVIEW:
THE WAREHOUsE KITCHEN
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By Philips Francis icking a go-to restaurant is more than just the food. There is a lot to consider from ambience to aesthetics to the location to customer service before you even think of or so much as taste the food. For me, I usually do a quick assessment ( which is about fifteen minutes) of a restaurant to decide if I should sit and wait or make a quick exit. However, my experience at the Warehouse Kitchen is worth recounting. Stepping through the front door, you cannot help but take a second look at the door again. The rich dark wood paneling with the white bull head crest, takes you from the hustle and bustle of the Lekki metropolis straight to the magical gate of Narnia. For me, you cannot find a more dramatic front door entrance.
The WareHouse Kitchen takes minimalism and fine taste, to a whole new level. It is evident that every single furniture, lighting fixture and window is deliberately positioned to further highlight the serenity and sophistication of the restaurant. The slow jazz music playing from the background, is in absolutely perfect harmony with the environment. If you’re still not sold at this point, then you should know that the walls on the top floor are covered with very tasteful artworks and have the most comfortable sofas. I cannot help but take in detail of every piece of decor. Comfort and serenity make the ambience perfect for meall. If you’re not careful, you just might dose off after a meal! The staff are some of the friendliest you can ever encounter. During my first time at the Warehouse kitchen, I couldn’t decide what I wanted (I am always lost for options at restaurants). The staff were extremely patient and even gave me a few pointers on foods to try out. The Manager is also very friendly, ‘hands-on’ and always available to attend to questions or reservations. Finally, the food! It is hard for me to decide on what food to
talk about seeing that every meal from the WareHouse Kitchen is a treat but I settled for the Burger and Chips. I may be exaggerating but the WareHouse Kitchen has one of the best Burger and Chips you can get. This combo is pocket friendly and worth every penny.The filling in the burger is divine. The vegetables are crisp and fresh; the cheese was made in heaven ( okay! Maybe I am pushing it.) but trust me, if you have a bite, you’d feel the same way. The chips are the perfect texture, fluffy and golden without that burnt look or soggy feel. To top it up, it comes with a complimentary can of soda. If you’re not particularly hungry, this is the meal to go for. But as we all know, with every good thing comes the bad and in this case, I can say that The WareHouse Kitchen is found wanting in just one aspect. The timing of the food. If you’re extremely hungry,and not patient, you’d lose your cool. Then again, I guess perfection takes time. In summary, I will give this restaurant an 8/10 which I think is pretty amazing, it is a go-to restaurant for me ALL DAY EVERYDAY. PhotoCredit: Foodieinlagos.com MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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TECH
Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR By Valentine Ofordum
A Futuristic Car Inspired By Avatar
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ercedes-Benz has unveiled a new autonomous concept car at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, debuting what it calls the VISION AVTR as part of the Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Ola Källenius’ keynote speech. Inspired by James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster film Avatar, MercedesBenz went so far as to partner with the film’s creators to design the AVTR, which stands for Advanced Vehicle Transformation, it is a fully hi-tech car that Mercedes says embody the next chapter of sustainable luxury. Think ecologicallysound mobility mixed with awe-inspiring, futuristic design that tries to highlight the interaction between humans and machines. Intended as a look at ‘mobility in the distant future’ the goal was a vehicle that seamlessly interacts with its occupants. Equipped with an advanced AI, the VISION AVTR comes to life by sensing the heartbeat and breathing patterns of the driver and passengers. The design features no conventional doors as its doors are fully transparent and they open gracefully upwards to mimic the gestures of a flying insect and its rider. Together with those interactive and movable flaps, the car seems eager to interact, much in the same way a doggie gleefully wags its tail in the presence of its master. The Mercedes-Benz AVTR also comes with no steering wheel, rather it relies on the driver to place their hand on a central control unit, activating the vehicle via their own heartbeat or breathing patterns. The driver will have access to the car’s key controls through a menu projected
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directly onto the palm of their hand. The seats too, are tied into the life-forces of the person sitting in them: they feature haptic feedback, recording vital data by measuring the driver’s breathing patterns. The VISION AVTR still looks like a car, but it aims to replicate the aura of a living, breathing creature. For instance, there are 33 multi-directionally movable “surface elements” or flaps as Mercedes describes them, spread across the rear hood. Reminiscent of a reptile’s scales, they flutter and undulate to add gestural communication; Mercedes also envisages them as helping to add energy to the EV in the form of solar panels, instinctively angling towards the sun like flowers as the vehicle moves. Finally, the flaps can be utilized to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, increasing driving dynamics and improving braking. According to Mercedes-Benz, the car can also crab-walk sideways thanks to “the possibility to drive the front and rear axles in the same or opposite direction,” allowing the VISION AVTR to “move sideways by approximately 30 degrees”. “There’s another area of technology where the car has made great progress and still has amazing potential: connectivity,” Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, says. In his CES 2020 keynote, Kallenius highlighted that vehicles of the future should do so much more than simply pair with our smartphones. “What I want to focus on is the bond between human and machine. The more natural the connection gets, the better,” Kallenius added. “I don’t know how many people have a nickname for their smartphone, but we all know that many cars are treated like friends or family.” This philosophy is the guiding principle in
creating the advanced human-machine interface of the VISION AVTR. Because in the future, cars are not just separate machines; you or the driver will become one with the car. The interior of the vehicle is supposedly inspired by the Na’vi (a fictional people from the film) and their connection with their natural surroundings on the fictional planet of Pandora. The triangular centre console symbolises the Tree of Souls, a sacred place referenced in the film, with the unusual design extending to the cocoon-like backseat and hammock-adjacent front seats.
The car can also detect when a family is inside, allowing the parents in the front seat to monitor the wellbeing of their children in the backseat through display projections, as well as offering a socalled “Magic Pool” of “learning-oriented gaming and a child-friendly augmented reality experience”. Similar to other concepts, it’s the level of detail and ambitious features that most wow. Even if the idea of a harmonious fusioin between man, machine, and nature don’t resonate, Mercedes’ VISION AVTR is making waves in electric drive technology. It’s four high-performance and near-wheelbuilt electric cars embodies a particularly
agile implementation of the vision of a dynamic luxury saloon. With a combined engine power of more than 350 kW, the VISION AVTR sets a new benchmark for EQ Power. Thanks to the intelligent and fully variable torque distribution, the power of the four fully individually controllable motors is not only managed in the best possible way in terms of driving dynamics, but above all in a highly efficient manner. In addition to an exponentially high energy density – compared to today’s battery systems with up to 1,200 Wh/ litre – the technology also impresses with its exceptional fast charging capability via automated, conductive charging technology. This means that the battery
will be fully recharging in less than 15 minutes. The innovative technology also allows maximum flexibility with regard to the construction space: with a local minimum of 94 millimetres, the battery adapts ideally to the shared space vehicle concept, thus maximising the multifunctional interior. With a capacity of around 110 kWh, the VISION AVTR enables an electric range of more than 700 kilometres. By recuperating during roll-out and braking, the high-voltage battery can be recharged with a higher efficiency than established systems while driving and thus contributes to the high energy efficiency of the overall system.
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TECH
Rumours, Specs, Price and more! by Enoch Omosebi
Over the last decade, Sony has revolutionized the gaming experience, with its PlayStation gaming console series. It started out with the PS1 and more recently, the much anticipated PS5 which everyone has been raving about. The PlayStation 5 is the nextgeneration PlayStation, with a release date planned for late 2020. The PlayStation has always offered more to the AV world than just games. It has scored well with DVD playback, Blu-rays and 4K streaming over the years. Sony hasn’t released much info about the PS5, but some piece of concrete information we know is the PS5 controller, called the ‘DualSense’ controller. A thing of beauty it is. It boasts of some impressive sound features such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and a built-in mic. What is, arguably, most interesting about the DualSense controller is its radically different look and spaceage black-and-white color scheme, which suggests that the PS5 design will look something similar – and will be a big departure from its predecessors. The controllers also incorporate adaptive triggers in the L2 and R2 buttons. If developers choose, they can program resistance into the triggers so you can feel a “tactile sensation” of drawing a bow, accelerating a vehicle off-road and more. It makes games more immersive overall.
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DESIGN At the recent Future Of Gaming stream, Sony finally unveiled the PS5 design and it is indeed beautiful. “With PlayStation 5, we are making a significant leap to deliver a truly new generation of transformative play experiences that will redefine expectations for what games can be,” said Jim Ryan, president, and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. “Worlds will be richer and more beautiful, they’ll captivate your senses in ways you didn’t think possible, and you’ll be able to experience them much more seamlessly, with lightning-fast loading. Today’s showcase is just a glimpse of what’s to come in the next generation, and we want to thank our community for taking this journey to PS5’s launch with us.” he added. The most important news about our new favorite console? Sony is offering two different versions, a standard model with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, and a digital model without a disc drive.
PRICE
Sony hasn’t officially confirmed a PS5 price yet and, according to the company, that’s because it hasn’t actually decided how much the next-gen console will cost but rumours going round suggest that it would cost between $499 - $650. The cost to manufacture one is reportedly $450, according to a Bloomberg report in mid-February. One contributor to the steep cost is the low supply of DRAM and NAND flash memory that’s also used in smartphones. Even so, Sony may still
give the PS5 a lower price tag in order to compete with Microsoft and its upcoming Xbox Series X.
RELEASE DATE
Last October, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO, Jim Ryan, offered up new details about the PS5, including the 2020 holiday season release window. The company has recently confirmed the PS5 release date is still on course for a ‘Holiday 2020’ release in the US, meaning it should be out between October and December 2020 and would not be delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PS5 is going to be in direct competition with the Xbox Series X, which is coming also in Holiday 2020.
PS5 PRO
Sony has not released any report about a PS5 pro. At this point, it’s not certain if the PS5 Digital Edition is the Pro and there is no strong indication that the tech giant may be releasing one anytime soon.
WILL PS4 AND OLDER GAMES WORK ON IT?
Sony says the PS5’s chip was designed to incorporate the logic and features of the PS4’s, making it natively backward compatible with older games and in addition, it says that an “overwhelming majority” of the 4,000 PS4 games will work on the PS5. The faster components will probably deliver a speed boost to those existing games as well. We don’t know if older games will get a quality boost automatically, along the lines of the Xbox Series X’s HDR reconstruction.
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: AMD Zen 2-based CPU with 8 cores at 3.5GHz (variable frequency) GPU: 10.28 TFLOPs, 36 CUs at 2.23GHz (variable frequency) GPU architecture: Custom RDNA 2 Memory interface: 16GB GDDR6 / 256-bit Memory bandwidth: 448GB/s Internal storage: Custom 825GB SSD IO throughput: 5.5GB/s (raw), typical 8-9GB/s (compressed) Expandable storage: NVMe SSD slot External storage: USB HDD support (PS4 games only) Optical drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray drive Sony claims that the PS5 is 100 times faster than the PS4, all thanks to its speedy SSD.
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A PARALLEL UNIVERSE WHERE ANOTHER “YOU” EXISTS? by Enoch Omosebi The possibility that a parallel universe exists is intriguing. Isn’t it? Movies and comics of the 1960s have explored the theme of another universe different to this. Recently, the discussion on the possible existence of a parallel universe where time goes backwards took over the internet. The basis is a discovery first made in 2006-7 and later also observed in 2014-15. A usual particle in our atmosphere called neutrinos was observed to defy the laws of physics in an anomalous occurrence. NASA’s Antartic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) was created by experts working on an experiment in Antarctica. It is designed to pick up cosmic ray signals and neutrinos. ANITA made up of 5,180 optical detectors stays over the frigid continent at an altitude of 121,000 feet defying gravity with the help of helium balloons. Neutrinos are known with the features of being low-energy subatomic particles. This makes them able to slide through the solid matters of earth up. Only particles with these features can escape through the solid matters. Particles that have opposite features as higher-energy can only be detected coming down from space. However, ANITA on two different occasions recorded higher-energy neutrinos coming up from earth. This means an unusual occurrence of higherenergy particle escaped the earth solid
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matters. This remains an inexplicable event for physicists. What, however, seems to be agreed upon by physicists is that the finding implies that the particles are traveling back in time. A very distinct difference from how things work here. This discovery has been used as the basis for many hypotheses. Peter Gorham of the University of Hawaii and colleagues on the ANITA team discussed that the only possible way this could have happened was that the neutrinos picked up by ANITA were not in their original form. They hypothesized that the neutrinos, possibly, were products of interaction that happened within the earth – either in or just below the massive Antarctica ice. But, this is just an unproven hypothesis. The New York Post examining physicists, take on the inexplicable phenomenon and states the simplest explanation for the occurrence which is that at the moment of the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, two universes were formed. The universe we current inhabit and another one in which, from their own point of view, is going backwards in time. Then, the shocking part is that if there are any inhabitants of this other universe, they would construe us as the ones going backwards. Certain interesting takes on the concept of life are attached to the possibility of this parallel universe. An intriguing one
is that since the time in both universes are directly opposite of each other – one moves forward and the other backwards – the human life could be a continuous cycle lived and relived between the universes. That is, once a person dies old in this universe they go to the other universe and start living from an old person till they turn to baby and then find themselves in this universe again living from a baby to an old person. De javu is used as a point for this argument. Do not get swooned by the philosophies and hypothesis, remember no part of these is definitely proven. In an article released by Forbes on the phenomenon, the conclusion in an academic paper written by the teams that study the findings of ANITA is discussed. A summary provided states that an astrophysical explanation of these anomalous events under standard model assumptions is severely constrained regardless of source spectrum. This easily means that the source of the particles observed are unknown and no conclusions can be made yet. Researches, findings and analysis on the phenomenon are still at hand and there are no conclusive claims yet. We could all just feed our minds with wonderful imaginations of what possibilities could be or just let it slide as another discovery with no significant changes to the universe as we know it. The choice is yours.
SPORTS
CARS, SPEED & BALLS! By Enoch Omosebi and Jennifer Nwosu
Did you know the first international polo competition took place in 1886? The equestrian sport precedes basketball, and even Formula One. However, it started out as a game of the royals and nobles – and is even often referred to as “the sport of kings”. Polo is the oldest equestrian sport, history traces its beginning back to around 6th century. At that time, it was mainly an activity for royalty and other members of the elite. It was also a somewhat military endeavour as it was often considered a miniature battle to those who invented the sport. The invention of polo is attributed to Persians (now Iran). The game later spread to other regions of the world. The British were the first Europeans to play polo. They had several informal matches with Indians who had been playing the game long before them. James Gordon Bennett, a sportsman and newspaper publisher, introduced the game to the United States in 1876. 10 years later, the United States challenged Britain to the first international polo competition for the Westchester Cup. The British emerged as the winners. Dogs may be man’s best friend, but in polo, horses win this title. Hence, the rules of polo are written to protect both players and their horses. The sport is played by humans mounted on horses, with two teams of four players each hitting a small ball with mallets trying to score off opponent’s goal post. A single game lasts one to two hours. The games are divided into periods called chukkas. There is a four-minute interval between chukkas; players often use this time to change horses. There is also an
elongated ten minutes half-time break. Today, over fifty countries play international polo. Britain, USA, and Argentina first come to mind when one talks about the champions in the game. Other countries that are in polo’s limelight include China, South African, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. In Africa, Nigeria engages in the polo through tournaments such as the annual Lagos International Polo Tournament, the Ibadan Polo Tournament and the PortHarcourt Polo Tournament.
international organisation Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA). The organisation reviews specifications for allowed cars and schedules a calendar for seasons. A Formula One season consists of a set of races called Grands Prix. The most inherent features of cars in Formula One is that they are openwheel single-seater cars. The standard weight of the cars is also regularised. For example, come 2021, a new specification for the minimum weight of cars will be implemented. The current minimum
Want to see a beautiful allegiance between humans and other animals? Watch a polo game today. Now, it is time to talk about engines, tyres, speed and brake. Would you be shocked if the name had not always been Formula One? Well, there isn’t much to be shocked about because the previous names were similar. It was first known as the World Drivers’ Championship. Then in 1946, prior to the 1950 inaugural F1 World Championship, it was considered that it should be called Formula Internationale; some had also suggested the name Formula A. The word “formula” stands for a set of rules to which all players’ cars must adhere to. Formula One events and other activities are within the purview of an MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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weight is 746kg. But next year, it will be increased to 749kg as revealed by RaceFans. There are expectations of the weight increasing again in 2022 to possibly as much as 778kg. The primary reason for this is to put in place larger impact-absorbing structures when cars crash. The FIA authorised a series of races for the year 2020. Although some have been cancelled because of the pandemic, some were just postponed till when it will be safe to hold large gatherings. The games expected to come up this year are: • • • • • • •
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Bahrain Grand Prix, initially slated for March 20-22. Vietnamese Grand Prix, initially slated for April 3-5. Chinese Grand Prix, initially slated for April 17-19. Dutch Grand Prix, initially slated for May 1-3. Spanish Grand Prix, initially slated for May 8-10. Azerbaijan Grand Prix, to come up on June 5-7. Canadian Grand Prix, to come up on June 12-14.
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Belgian Grand Prix, to come up on August 28-30.
All these are still under speculation. Whether the events will finally take place or not depends on how the pandemic situation has been managed in the several countries where the races are scheduled. Football seems to be the most popular sport. Going by the 2018 FIFA World Cup, 79 countries participated in the competition. In most cases, it is a sport that needs no introduction. Several categories for football events exist. Some deal with intra-nation competitions, others with international competitions within a continent or just worldwide participation and there are those that focus on leagues. While football competitions between nations often have an interval of several years between them, league focused competitions take place all year long. The most popular football leagues are the English Premier League (EPL), Bundesliga, La liga, Ligue 1, Serie A,
Eredivisie, Turkish League and Scottish Premier Leagues. Several football tournaments happen worldwide. However, a number of them have been observed to thrill football audiences more. In an article released by Bleacher Report, a sport-focused news outlet; ten tournaments are ranked from least thrilling to most thrilling based on their global reputation and sporting challenge. They are Copa del Rey, Confederations Cup, Fa Cup, African Cup of Nations, UEFA Europa League, Copa Libertadores, Copa America, UEFA European Championship, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA World Cup. So, if you did not know which competition would get your adrenaline high, now you do.
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Nutritional Habits that Would Boost Your Gains by Barituka Agava
Following a workout plan is tough but it doesn’t compare to the mental aptitude required when following a diet guide. A self-acclaimed ‘fitness coach’ would instruct you to have both covered. Incredible! Well, what if you don’t have to? It’s absolutely right to follow both especially if you have real issues with fat; I adjoin you to definitely step up your game. However, it is often unrealistic to stick to a diet plan for a long time, unless the plan is a ‘balanced diet’. Irrespective of where you are on your journey, these seven habits are a sure bet to help you maintain your workout gains and diet plan, or scale through a workout journey without a rigid diet plan. As you acquire the habit of exercising, these habits work as ‘add-ons’ to boost your gains. Prepare Your Own Meals: The sure way to eat healthy is by preparing your own meals, even if you would have to cheat or snack, do so at home with home cooked ‘snack recipes’. If you follow a healthy recipe guide, you’d have all the fun with plantain chips or pop-corn without growing your calorie bank. Cook for your entire week and stock up so you’d never have to take out. Track Your Food Intake: So you’ve cooked up for the entire week, How do you know what’s right for each meal? While portionguides may seem too critical, using helpful apps like Fitbit or Myfitnesspal can give you an idea of the calorie count in each meal measured in cups or grams. Your daily target should start at 1200 cal to 1800 cal for a weight loss goal. You’d be surprised as to what you’ve consumed on each day after filling out your diary. Eat Slowly: Most high calorie foods have a high value for absorption rate. It is in fact the one of the reasons they have been assigned higher calories. The absorption rate for most foods change
when consumed with other foods. How they are prepared and served can also affect this rate. As a general rule, liquids or semi-solid foods have a higher absorption rate than solid foods. Eating slowly helps reduce the total calories consumed overall when foods with high absorption rates are consumed. By eating slowly, you afford your stomach some time to signal your brain. This signal is received when you begin to fill full which happens in 20 minutes. Eat Until 80% Full: How do you know when you are full? For most people, when they can no longer eat or when they full stuffed. Feeling stuffy is a sign that you’ve already over eaten. It takes 20 minutes for the stomach to signal the brain about you feeling full. If you eat too fast, you’d probably end up eating too much. By tracking your meal intake or following portion guides, eating slowly and sipping water in-between bites. You can achieve a partial filling , about 80% which is ideal to avoid excesses. Drink Only Zero Calorie Drinks: The best drink ever is water. Drinking water in-between bites during your meal would help prevent excess consumption. Also, since fluids have higher absorption rates, it would be wise to look out for zero
calorie drinks . You can check the calorie count of any drink on myfitnesspal or Fitbit. Abstain From Alcohol: I already mentioned ‘drinks’ but oh no I had to highlight alcohol. Whether you follow a diet plan or not , most likely, alcohol would negate everything you are trying to accomplish on your journey. Avoid this ‘sweet-evil’ in a bottle, thank me later. Practice Intermittent Fasting: The last but absolutely not the least. Intermittent fasting is a very important habit to have if you want to achieve some level of fitness. You should have a 12-14 hour gap from your dinner to the next breakfast. This can only be achieved if you have an early diner. Which is why it has been preached that one shouldn’t have dinner after 8pm. There you go! The conclusion is this, whether you hit the gym or try to stay fit , whether you follow a diet plan or not; these habits would absolutely have a positive effect on your overall health. Try building these habits daily, taking it all a step at a time! MC! Magazine | www.themodaculture.com
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