THEWILL DOWNTOWN April 07, 2024

Time Out with

FUNBI

R&B sensation Funbi was born and raised in llorin; it wasn’t until 2002 that he moved to Lagos and was in the choir. Having heard him sing, people told him to take it seriously, so he did. By the time he was in secondary school, he had decided to go into the studio for his first studio session, which was paid for by his dad. He admits he wouldn’t want to play that song. He was in and out of the music scene until he released his major single, Hallelujah. When it comes to experimenting with other genres of music, Funbi says that while he might dabble in other genres, R&B is his core, and he wouldn’t be Funbi without R&B. For those of you who know, Funbi has been out of the music scene for six years, but he is back and set to release a new single titled Distance. We are looking forward to listening to it soon. Read his journey into music and where he is now in life on pages 8 through 10.

Did you know that there is something called kissing etiquette? Before you engage in lip-locking, there are a few rules you should follow. The two that stood out for me are: Don’t put your tongue before your mouth and control your saliva. Downtown Confidential lists some rules of the kissing game. See page 7.

From resort wear to elegant evening attire, our fashion pages have a comprehensive list of the different outfits you should pack with you on a cruise. You’ll find this on pages 4 to 5.

Don’t forget to click on the instructions below the QR codes on page 16 to download our playlist. You’ll love the music selection.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

FASHION

The Ultimate Guide WHAT TO WEAR ON A CRUISE

1. CASUAL DAYTIME ATTIRE

Throughout the day, you will probably spend time aboard engaging in activities, touring the ship, or relaxing by the pool. During these events, wear breezy shirts, shorts, sundresses, or something else casual and comfy. Breathable materials like cotton or linen are great for keeping cool in warm weather. Packing swimwear is essential for relaxing by the pool and going on water activities.

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Setting out on a cruise is a thrilling journey that offers the possibility of discovery, leisure, and novel encounters. One of the most important things to plan for while travelling by water is what to take, especially in terms of clothes. A cruise offers a range of activities that call for various clothing, from days spent relaxing by the pool to sophisticated evening meals outside beneath the stars. We’ve put up the best advice on cruise attire to help you get ready for your trip so you can look chic, feel cosy, and be ready for any occasion.

2. RESORT WEAR FOR DINING

Many cruise ships provide various dining choices, from informal buffets to fine dining establishments. Resort clothing may be required for supper at certain places, while others may have a less strict dress code. This usually translates into collared shirts for males wearing khakis or trousers and dresses, skirts, or sundresses for women. To make sure you comply with the dress code, avoid wearing too casual items like t-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops.

FASHION

4. COMFORTABLE SHOES

3. EVENING ELEGANT ATTIRE

Themed parties, elegant meals, and live entertainment are common features of cruise evenings. Keep in mind that there may be special dress requirements for formal nights on the cruise schedule. Wear sophisticated evening wear to look your best at these important events. While ladies can choose cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or elegant pieces, males should wear suits. Scarves, ties, and jewellery may give your outfit a glamorous touch.

Comfortable shoes are a must-have item for any cruise, whether visiting port towns, participating in onboard activities, or just getting around the ship. Choose supportive shoes that can tolerate prolonged standing and walking, such as loafers, sandals, or sneakers. If you want to go on any water-related activities, consider bringing water shoes for more protection and grip.

5. LAYERING PIECES

The temperature of cruise locations could fluctuate, and the air conditioning on board might occasionally be cold. Pack adaptable layering items like cardigans, lightweight coats, or shawls to ensure you’re ready for changing weather. These elements are readily added or removed to adapt to shifting weather patterns and indoor, and outdoor contexts.

6. FORMAL ACCESSORIES

Remember to add the right touches to your outfit to make it stand out for formal evenings or special occasions. Men’s formal attire should be completed with dress shoes, cufflinks, and a tie or bowtie. Clutch handbags, bold jewellery, and sophisticated hair accessories help women look more put together. These finishing touches may improve the look of your ensemble and give you a more sophisticated appearance overall.

CONCLUSION

If you want to be comfortable, fashionable, and ready for any situation on a cruise, you must pack appropriately. You’ll be prepared to set sail on your cruise vacation with confidence and flair if you adhere to our comprehensive outfit recommendations. Wearing the right clothes will make your cruise experience even more enjoyable, whether lounging by the pool, dining in upscale restaurants, or attending lavish nighttime activities. Bon Voyage!

KISSING ETIQUETTE

Navigating The Dos And Don’ts of Intimate Lip Locking

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

A(1) ASK FOR CONSENT

Before you kiss someone for the first time, ask a question to ensure you understand the scenario right. From there, you can either use words and actions to create the mood or utilise body language, such as getting closer or pecking their cheek, to establish the moment. Apart from the fact that consent is necessary, it can also be pretty sexy.

(2) USE YOUR HANDS

person can never know too much about kissing and love. As much as our lips convey a lot, there’s no better way to validate what we already know—that a kiss is more than just a kiss. It’s an underlying chemical signal and a complex aspect of courtship that helps evaluate and sustain a relationship. Even though a bad first kiss might turn a relationship into a bad one for both parties, men are more inclined to give someone who had a horrible first kiss another chance.

DONT’s

(2) STOP THINKING SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR NEXT MOVE

It is not a chess game. It’s a kiss. Although it can be tempting to obsess over what you believe the other person will likely do next in an attempt to be prepared, all it accomplishes is pull you out of the present, which is the last thing you would want to happen.

Place your hands where they feel most comfortable, even if it may initially feel a little strange. You can use one hand to brush your partner’s hair and the other to slip around their neck. You can always place your hands on your partner’s hips or lower back if you are not the same height as them but don’t overthink it.

(3) GRADUALLY INCREASE THE INTENSITY

There’s no need to rush into a heavy makeout session. However, you might not want to prolong a single kiss. Build the kiss up gradually to anything more. Never be scared to communicate your preferences to your partner through body language. It’s essential to communicate, even nonverbally.

(4) TAKE A BREAK FROM THEIR LIPS

Don’t be scared to move locations as the kiss intensifies. A sequence of kisses on their earlobe, collarbone, or jawline could constitute a good kiss.

(1) DON’T PUT YOUR TONGUE BEFORE YOUR MOUTH

It’s not good when people lead with their tongues. The tongue is a garnish; if it’s working well, keep it up and use more of it. If it is not, leave the training wheels on for a bit so as not to frighten her.

CONCLUSION

We kiss for several reasons, but primarily, it’s because it can feel amazing. Therefore, you would undoubtedly concur that the best kisses are those that you and your lover enjoy sharing. Remember that these tips are only ideas. You can use as many or as few of them as you choose.

(3) CONTROL YOUR SALIVA SO IT DOESN’T BECOME A RIVER THAT RUNS THROUGH YOU BOTH DOs

This is very important in kissing. Try as much as possible to control your saliva so your partner won’t need a cup to spit into because they are drowning in your spit.

(4) KEEP YOUR MIND FROM DRIFTING OFF INTO YOUR TO-DO LIST

You are sincerely in love with the person you are kissing. Consider how often that occurs. Trying to remember all the reasons why you wanted to kiss them in the first place will improve the kissing experience for both of you. Therefore, resist the urge to spoil the moment by thinking about pointless, random thoughts.

Creative Director: @purple_pastry

Time Out with FUNBI

When it comes to exceptional talents in the Nigerian music scene, we have continuously been blessed with the very best. From the Afrobeats genre to Highlife and R&B, the Nigerian music scene endlessly graces us with musical geniuses across various genres.

With many exciting artists producing good music, an honourable mention would be the R&B sensation Funbi.

Blessed with an amazing voice, Funbi Emiola started his musical career at the age of 14 when he had his first studio session, which his proud father paid for after he noticed Funbi’s artistic talent.

A multi-talented singer, songwriter, and performer, Funbi delivers a soulful sound that captivates audiences and lyrics that resonate deeply. Funbi still solidifies his name in the world of R&B music as he brings a unique blend of passion and raw emotions to his music, getting audiences all in on their feelings while listening. He has earned acclaim for his captivating live performances and heartfelt hits. He remains at the forefront of Nigeria’s alternative music scene, continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

With an ever-growing fanbase and dedication to his craft, Funbi is focused on significantly impacting the R&B genre and beyond.

In this exclusive interview, Funbi speaks with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke on his artistic journey, influences, and exciting projects we should look forward to.

Photographer: @chuchuojekwe

Stylist: @mruduku

Can you share a bit about your background and upbringing and how it influenced your musical journey?

First of all, I was born in Kwara state. I don’t speak about this often, but I am actually from Ibandan. I was born and raised in Ilorin, Kwara state. I didn’t move to Lagos until 2002, and from then on, music has always been a part of me in the sense that I was in the choir, as a lot of singers were. I used to do a lot of solos; they had picked me to do the solos, and even though at times I found it difficult to remember the lyrics, I still did the solos, and from then on, people would always tell me, “oh you can sing, you should probably take this seriously.” So, it wasn’t until I was in high school, I think, in ss1 or so, that I decided to go to the studio for the very first time; my dad actually paid for my first studio session. A friend and I recorded a song titled Best of Both.

“The thing is, I believe in staying true to myself and what comes naturally to me, although I am always open to experimenting with different sounds, but I wouldn’t be Funbi if I didn’t make R&B ”

Truthfully, I don’t think I even want to play that song right now. That was my first time having a studio session, but it felt great to be in the studio. The feeling I got while I was in the studio creating stuff, joining melodies together, the music was coming together, I was like, “Okay, this is something I see myself doing a lot more often”, and so that’s how it became more of something I wanted. I released my first song, but before I released it, I did a couple of features back in the day; it was called Beg for It, so yeah. So, I kinda have been in and out of the music scene from then on, but it wasn’t until I released Hallelujah, my first major solo single that a lot of things changed for me, and that was when I was like, “Okay we are serious now, let’s really get in”. So, that’s pretty much how it began.

With so many artists delving into Afrobeats, what is it about R&B that made you want to major in the genre?

Well, I am still a huge fan of Afrobeat and in a way, I still dabble into Afrobeat, but the core of my music is R&B. The thing is, I believe in staying true to myself and what comes naturally to me, although I am always open to experimenting with different sounds, but I wouldn’t be Funbi if I didn’t make R&B because it creates where I feel I do the best, so I can’t go somewhere else where it doesn’t feel like my core although I appreciate all genres of music, and like I said I experiment with different sounds. R&B is still the core for me; I feel I stay true to myself when I make music in that lane. Also, this is not to say you won’t hear me on a different beat cause I think I have done that before. I have delved into Afro, Funk, and even sometimes into House. To be honest, this new project is centered on R&B, and it has a fusion of other genres, but its core remains R&B.

How do you feel your sound has evolved since your last project?

Okay, my experiences have been a whole different one from where I was coming from. Like a lot has happened between the last project I released, which was in 2018, and now. My music has grown, as a matter of fact, I have started recording myself and mixing myself. So all of those things made me understand music better, understand how I want to fuse the melodies and the music better, that has helped to develop my sound, I would say it’s more mature basically, and it reflects in the music.

relationship but not on the same wavelength; you have one person wanting more than the other, so that’s what I am describing in the song Distance. We actually had musicians come through, people playing instruments, writers as well, the producer was there, we all just stayed there, we got a place where we stayed then we created a bunch of songs, and Distance was one of the songs we were able to start. I didn’t finish it there, it wasn’t until later I finished it, got the lyrics and recorded the songs. I think from the moment I played back what we had recorded, I was like, yeah, this has to be the one, and that’s how Distance came to life. So the song just focuses on the fact that, yeah, I understand that we are not in the same place right now, but give me time, don’t keep your distance from me; that’s pretty much what I am saying.

Could you describe what it has been like breaking into the music industry as an R&B artist, especially as it’s mostly dominated by Afrobeats artists?

When I first started, R&B wasn’t really a genre that was properly consumed by many people. However, over the years, Nigerian music has opened up to the world, and like different genres, it has progressed here. A lot of people are listening to it, and I would say that right now, people are more in tune with R&B than they were five to ten years ago.

Are there any collaborations or features you have planned for any upcoming project that you’re excited about?

It’s mainly my stuff. I have a feature on my project coming, and I have other stuff that I am working on, but that’s for later. I have worked with other artists, too, but I don’t think I can mention them right now until we are 100 percent sure these are the tracks that will be out. So, all I can say right now is that there’s a feature on my track with an East African artist.

Can you share any plans for live performances, tours, or other opportunities to connect with fans?

Yeah, those are in the works, as you know, I am just coming back with a single, so along the line, there are definitely plans of doing live shows, I personally like to do live shows, I like to have my band with me and sing, that’s my thing, so we are doing that for sure during the promotion of the song and also the E.P, so yeah, dates would be shared as we go along.

How do you stay motivated and inspired as an artist, especially during challenging times?

The thing is, I like music so much that even if I don’t listen to music for a long period and I just start hearing melodies, it’s a natural thing, my body and my mind just go into hyperdrive and I start to sing randomly. So, for me, motivation just basically comes from what I hear around me, and what I feel in that particular moment. I watch lots of TV shows and stuff like that so sometimes motivation and ideas come from things that I watch. I also actually dream music, sometimes I could sleep and wake up with a melody in my head so I quickly record it. Yeah, those are basically areas I tap into when I am trying to make music. I am pretty sure if you open a lot of artists’ phones, you would be surprised they also have recordings of themselves based on ideas that just came to them, that’s just how it is.

“Obviously, it would be nice to add a few awards to it, but that’s not the motivation; the motivation is getting in touch with people. For me, when I make music that people are talking about, and they show a different perspective from what I was thinking, that means a lot to me.”

What challenges did you face during your hiatus from the music industry?

While I was away from music, I was basically focusing on how to hone my craft, and honestly, I felt like the major challenge I faced was getting the music right, in the sense that getting the mixing and mastering had to be right, that part was challenging. I am very particular about how things sound; there are times I would sit with it for a few days and be like, yeah, this particular sound needs to go down, this one needs to go up, I go into every detail, some people might say I am a lot of work. At the end of the day, for me, I have to make sure the music is right, if not I won’t be satisfied and I won’t be able to put it out if it’s not how I want it to be.

“I am very particular about how things sound; there are times I would sit with it for a few days and be like, yeah, this particular sound needs to go down, this one needs to go up, I go into every detail ”

We are aware of a new single coming out, can you tell us about your new single and the creative process behind it?

Yeah, it’s titled Distance. It talks about relationships. You know how sometimes two people are in a

Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your time away from the spotlight?

Memorable moments for me. Firstly, it would be that I have a family now, which is not what I had before. I am married now with two kids, a boy and a girl. It’s been amazing. I want to be very present with my family, so to me, it’s been the most memorable moment for me during this whole period, so it definitely would be my family.

Are there any specific subjects or topics that you explore in your music?

Well, to describe my music, I would say it’s smooth and sensual, a lot of times I explore the topics of love, relationships, and betrayal sometimes, those are the areas I can tap into.

What are your thoughts on the current state of R&B music, and where do you see the genre heading in the future?

I think that with the way music is, even speaking about genres being intertwined, I feel we are all experimenting with music, and even though they say there’s nothing new under the sun, it feels like there are some mixtures that haven’t been explored yet. So, I feel like R&B is not going to stand alone; it’s going to be fused with a lot of other sounds, like mixing a potion; so right now, it’s growing, and it’s still going to grow a lot more as we continue to have more exploits and people transitioning from being just Nigerian artists to being global artists. We have seen artists being able to do that from here being able to do that, just like Tems, so yeah, R&B can go a long way.

How do you define success as an artist, and what goals do you hope to achieve now that you are back in the spotlight?

Success for me would be first finishing the music and then being able to release the music. That is a level of success for me. I just want to see that music is getting to people and hearing their reaction, and how they perceive the music, I think that’s it for me. Obviously, it would be nice to add a few awards to it, but that’s not the motivation; the motivation is getting in touch with people. For me, when I make music that people are talking about, and they show a different perspective from what I was thinking,

that means a lot to me. For instance, when I made Hallelujah I got many messages about how the music touched them and how it meant so much to them.

That, for me, is a success; being able to connect with the listeners and having an impact on their lives is success to me.

What do you hope your legacy will be in the music industry?

Well for me, people have inspired me to even make music in the first place, so essentially, it would be great for me to be an inspiration to other artists to create their own stuff, be the one that motivates them, even if they are going to use my songs. Having them say yeah, Funbi’s music inspired me to jump into the studio. So inspiring artist to have a successful push in their music would be immense.

Finally, this feels like a whole new chapter

you are starting in your career, so what message would you like to share with your fans as you embark on this new chapter in your music career?

Yeah, so I want people to know that now, I am on a different level. My spirit is very different, and honestly, I feel so much positivity as I am about to put out this single that’s coming out soon. I have every intention to keep making music. I know a lot of times that I have disappeared, but sometimes it’s just to find inspiration to create again. So yeah, music is coming out, and there’s a lot more coming. What I am putting out isn’t everything I have, although I put in everything into making it, so yeah, there’s a lot more coming.

Q2 RESET

NORMALIZE SLOW STARTS

April 1st packed a big punch this year. It was the start of a new work week, the start of a new month, and the first day of a new quarter. It was also Easter Monday, the day after our Lord Jesus was resurrected, and yes, you guessed the last one, it was also a public holiday. That was a mouthful. I wish every Monday could be a holiday (well, technically, it is for me because I work remotely on Mondays, and my major meetings start at 8 am and end by 2 pm, so I kinda have the rest of the day off (but

that’s not the point), I just like slow beginnings to some things.

Yes, I’ll admit, I’m a slow starter sometimes, but truthfully, aren’t we all?

According to the Google search I just did, the general meaning of a slow starter is: a lack of success at first.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary further explains with an example that says: Despite a slow start at the box office, the movie’s popularity has increased steadily. The team got off to a slow start this season but is playing well now.

I think we’re all slow starters, to be honest. Think about it. You crawl before you walk, you walk before you run. As a human being, you can’t fly but even an airplane does a taxi run before it takes flight so I think you get my point now.

Even the bible says in Zechariah 4:10 NLT Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…. To see the [work begin]. Imagine that. If God rejoices in our work, starting in our small beginnings, then who are we not to rejoice for ourselves with Him? Embracing a slow start sounds like obedience to me.

This year, more than ever (in my circle, at least), almost everyone took January and early parts of February as a test run for 2024. And I don’t blame us, really; we’ve been scarred from the years prior, especially after the lockdown year of 2020. Back to my point. A year is a much bigger time frame to measure a slow beginning because even mornings are slow for me! The point I’m trying to make is that there’s something to a slow start. It may not seem like much in the beginning, you might judge yourself in comparison to others when you see their results, but just because you didn’t see their slow start doesn’t mean it never existed. Trust me, even the ones that seem farther along have had their slow starts. So, embrace it, sweetie.

Another super

important thing to take note of is the fact that you started. Starting requires vision and bravery, and there you are, with both. You also have the gift of life, to pursue your goals. I’m here wondering what’s stopping you.

Take Q2 as another chance to dust yourself off and try again.

Take your time. Yes, life is short, but it’s also for the living, and you can’t truly live if you’re always in a hurry to be somewhere, never slowing down and taking your time to appreciate where you are. Where you are now is just fine, so take your time and start slowly. Get a bottle of water, quiet your mind, and start. Start thinking, start visualising, start planning, and start seeing yourself as more than you think you are. Don’t forget to include rest days because productivity shows up in different ways, but we’ll get into that another day.

Zechariah

NTIANU OBIORA

CURATED CHAOS

BLACK TO THE ROOTS

Beyoncé, Country Music, and the Reclamation of Black Musical Legacy

Beyoncé’s recent release of country-influenced singles 16 Carriages and Texas Hold’ Em marks a bold departure from her established pop diva persona. With a career encompassing R&B, hip-hop, and dance, Beyoncé’s latest creative pivot spotlights the often-overlooked Black historical roots within popular music genres. It also highlights her determination to combat the systematic erasure of Black cultural contributions.

“Beyoncé has solidified her status as a cultural architect…a manifesto for Black empowerment,” observes Idara Idemeko, Label Manager, West Africa at The Orchard, and lifelong Beyoncé fan. Her recent country music incursion aligns with Idemeko’s view of the Harlem Renaissance’s echo within Beyoncé’s artistry. That renaissance embraced artistic innovation and historical continuity, emphasising the profundity of Black influences within America’s music landscape.

This deliberate reclamation of black musical heritage couldn’t be timelier. Genres like disco, house, and even country music are deeply marked by marginalised groups that sought musical escape from an exclusionary society. In the 1970s, disco evolved from underground Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ spaces. Its repetitive “four-on-the-floor” beats were the lifeblood of the genre.

However, as disco was propelled into the mainstream, a backlash spearheaded by a largely white rock audience culminated in the infamous “Disco Demolition Night” at Chicago’s Comiskey Park.

Witnesses say this wasn’t merely a protest against disco itself but a visceral backlash against its Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ origins.

Disco’s commercial demise coincided with the re-marginalisation of its creators.

Electric Dance Music (EDM) has a similar trajectory. Emerging as house and techno in underground queer spaces, it evolved into today’s chart-topping sound. Ironically, while EDM artists reap global fame, a study by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reveals that racially and ethnically underrepresented artists account for only 5% of EDM hits. It’s no surprise

that the most celebrated EDM acts remain disproportionately white.

artificial genre boundaries. White “hillbilly music” got marketed to broader audiences, while black blues faced significant hurdles. Yet, crosspollination happened – white acts learned from black artists, but mainstream opportunities largely went to white performers.

This pattern persists. Though white country artists regularly incorporate hip-hop influences, there’s significant pushback to the mere presence of black country artists. It’s worth questioning why songs like Sam Hunt’s Body Like a Back Road, evoking imagery often attached to blackness, get chart-topping success while black artists singing country have their work routinely dismissed as “not country enough.”

With her country music exploration, Beyoncé not only pushes genre boundaries but forces a necessary dialogue. “This reclamation and celebration…serves as a poignant reminder of [Black Music’s] enduring influence and importance worldwide,” reflects Idemeko.

Beyoncé’s legacy will surely include re-centering marginalised black artistry and narratives, shining a light on the systemic neglect within popular genres. In the words of Idemeko: “Black History Month…is being retold, reshared, and rehonored.”

However, this work remains ongoing, Beyoncé’s journey acts as an example, urging everyone to delve deeper into the history of black musical innovation and restoring the legacy of black art.

Country music also has a complex and layered history with black involvement. Before commercialisation, “country” simply referred to folk music of the American South. Black blues artists played a foundational role, with a lasting influence stemming from the banjo, an instrument of African origin. Radio and recording in the early 20th century created

In her latest single, 16 Carriages, Beyoncé sings, “For legacy, if it’s the last thing I do You’ll remember me ’cause we got somethin’ to prove In your memory, on the highway to truth Still see our faces when you close your eyes.”

In these poignant lines, she declares her commitment to leaving a legacy defined by resilience and the fight for recognition. Knowing she stands on the shoulders of countless unsung black musical pioneers, her journey serves as a powerful clarion call. These words signal that Beyoncé’s work does not seek mere fleeting fame. Instead, it aims to establish a lasting tribute to black cultural achievements, ensuring the memory of lost artists is immortalised within the music itself.

In claiming her place as heir to this legacy, Beyonce forges a path for future black musicians to reclaim their rightful ownership of musical traditions, honouring the past while propelling the music industry towards a future where black creativity sits at the undisputed centre.

Dead Skin Buildup

Causes And Removal Tips

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Anormal aspect of the body’s rejuvenation process is dead skin. Dead cells on the outermost layer of skin can appear as flaky, dry, or rough patches. Calluses may result from build-up in more extreme situations, particularly on the soles of the feet. Using different exfoliation methods can help the skin shed more efficiently. Dead skin is not a particularly sexy term, but that doesn’t imply it has no meaning. Although excessive amounts of dead skin might seriously damage your complexion, they are essential for healthy skin. The secret to preserving dead skin for function rather than damage is to remove it safely before it becomes too thick. This is where exfoliation comes in handy, but it’s not an easy task to remove dead skin. This article covers the causes of dead skin cells, followed by tips on safely removing them.

WHAT CAUSES DEAD SKIN TO ACCUMULATE?

Dirt from the skin can build up and negatively impact your complexion and skin health, but it can also play a significant role in the natural cell turnover process, as we have discussed above. Various factors, including weather, lifestyle, skin care products, age, sun exposure, and dehydration, can cause a build-up of dead skin cells. The skin becomes lifeless, flaky, and occasionally even dry if those cells are not adequately sloughed off— either naturally or through manual exfoliation. Here’s where regular exfoliation becomes useful.

HOW TO SAFELY REMOVE IT >>>

1. SCRUBS

The most well-known and instantly satisfying exfoliating method is undoubtedly using a skin scrub or physical exfoliant. For those unaware, physically scrubbing the skin with an abrasive is known as mechanical exfoliation. Usually, this is done with beads, sugar, salt, or shells to assist in sloughing off dead skin. Selecting a formula with tiny, fine particles is advised if you decide to use this technique to prevent the skin from developing small tears. And go lightly; don’t exert excessive force.

2. SHOWER POUF AND SPONGES

The delicate pores in these shower items softly buff your skin smooth, making them one of the gentlest exfoliation methods. It’s also likely that you already own one of these in your arsenal. To ensure proper drying and prevent bacterial growth, hang your sponge. Not only is this exfoliation method safe to use regularly, but it also has the added benefit of making your body wash lather wonderfully.

4. EXFOLIATING GLOVES

Let us introduce you to the popular shower accessory, the exfoliating glove, if you haven’t used one yet. These mitts are designed to remove dead skin, increase circulation, and even prevent ingrown hairs. They come in a range of textures. Just put on the glove, move in circular patterns, and bid undesired dead skin cells farewell.

CONCLUSION

BEAUTY

3.DRYBRUSHING

This age-old Ayurvedic method can remove surplus dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. In addition to being a self-care practice, dry brushing has been shown to help with circulation in the body. Working from your toes to your neck, stimulate the lymph to flow toward your upper torso and chest. This exfoliating method is best used on the body, though you can also use it lightly on the face.

5. CHEMICAL PEELS

To begin with, not everyone is a good candidate for chemical peels. However, if you’re ready for the task, you can determine which peel is ideal for your skin type by visiting your neighbourhood physician or esthetician. Higher acid concentrations are used in these in-office procedures to assist in exfoliating accumulated dead skin cells, reduce fine wrinkles, and enhance the skin’s natural brightness.

Not all dead skin cells are harmful, but many can be. To maintain the best possible condition for your skin, identify your ideal level of exfoliation and stick with it. Maintaining the equilibrium between exfoliation and hydration is essential to maintaining the skin’s natural process and achieving youthful, beautiful skin without accelerating or decelerating it.

Enchanting Honeymoon Destinations

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

Embarking on a journey together as newlyweds is indeed a memorable experience for every couple, and choosing the perfect honeymoon destination sets the right atmosphere for the romantic adventure that awaits you and your better half. Whatever tickles your fancy and seems like your ideal type of honeymoon, the world has more than enough options for you. From tropical ecstasy, cultural immersion, or breathtaking landscapes, whatever destination gets you riled up, the world bursts with magnificent sites to create the unforgettable memories you deserve. Lucky for you, we have curated a list of delightful destinations that are certain to ignite those flames of love.

Santorini, Greece

Of course, you wouldn’t be surprised that we have started with the ever-enchanting island of Santorini. A wonder of nature nestled in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a romantic haven adorned with iconic white-washed buildings, descending bougainvillaea, and panoramic views of the caldera. With a sunset view, known to be as romantic as it gets, fascinating villages and monuments to be explored, and, importantly, relishing the Mediterranean’s exquisite cuisine, you can’t go wrong with this destination.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Surrounded by sand-fringed motifs, Bora Bora is an exotic resort on the South Pacific Island in French Polynesia renowned for its overhead bungalows and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef. Bora Bora is a tropical paradise that is ideal for the romantic atmosphere you want for your honeymoon. Get involved in its water activities, relax on the immaculate beaches, and enjoy an intimate ambience with your loved one.

Kyoto, Japan

This is probably the most underrated place on our list and possibly in general. If you seek a blend of traditions and serenity, Kyoto is your go-to option for an adventure. Historic Buddhist temples, enchanting bamboo groves, and imperial palaces are just a few of the mesmerising places to visit in Kyoto. Get captivated by the colourful nightlife and the beautiful traditional attire.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Nicknamed the “Divine Coast,” the Amalfi Coast boasts a breathtaking natural beauty and picturesque landscape. One of Italy’s best holiday destinations, it is a 50-kilometre stretch of coastline with sheer cliffs and a rugged shoreline dotted with small elegant beaches and pastel-coloured fishing villages. Spice up your honeymoon with delectable local lemon-infused dishes.

Maldives

You didn’t think we wouldn’t recommend the stunning islands of Maldives, did you?

Take a trip to the alluring paradise and get treated to luxurious resorts, culinary delights, and every unparalleled beauty that nature offers.

The choice of a honeymoon destination is a personal one. You and your loved one have to decide on what you both have in common when it comes to holiday preferences, and that will help both of you decide where the best spot for your intimate moment will be.

AI-Driven Cars

Special Features and Impact in Transportation

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

Our present world continues to make great strides in every area of life, and one of the biggest means used to attain these achievements is by incorporating technology into almost every aspect of life. One of these aspects of technology is improving the transportation sector. Now, with the plans for AI-driven cars to become a reality, we are about to witness mobility being revolutionised in one of the most efficient ways possible. This article will draw attention to some of the intended features these cars are expected to have and how they plan on making life easier.

AI-POWERED AUTOMATED DRIVING

Of course, the main objective of integrating an AI system into cars, is to get the cars to drive themselves. The AI system enables the vehicles to navigate roads and make decisions without human intervention. With the help of sensors, cameras, and a machine learning algorithm, these vehicles can understand their surroundings and interpret traffic conditions to react swiftly to ensure safe and efficient travel. More of these smart vehicles on the roads can potentially reduce the risks of accidents and greatly minimise traffic congestion.

CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATION

With smart vehicles able to communicate with other vehicles close by and even compatible smart devices, these vehicles can exchange information about different road signals or traffic flow to navigate different locations with minimal effort.

DRIVER-ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

When a human chooses to take control of the wheels instead of leaving it to the AI, these smart cars have systems that boost the driver’s capabilities behind the wheels, enhancing general safety. Features such as cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking are poised to help lessen risks and accidents on the road.

PERSONALISED USER EXPERIENCE

One of the exciting features of these AI cars is their ability to personalise their systems to suit their owners’ personal preferences. With the help of AI algorithms, the car can learn how the user prefers his vehicle to be in terms of seat adjustments, temperature, preferred routes when going to a familiar location, and so on. This adaptive feature makes the car seem tailor-made just for its users and improves the general driving experience.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT

One of the expected features of smart cars is making these vehicles become electric vehicles. Having more electric cars makes the environment healthier as it reduces the chances of carbon monoxide being released into the air, thereby making the environment free from pollution and irritation that comes with carbon monoxide being produced by burning fuel in cars and the like.

There’s no doubt that technology continues to make advancements and tries to make life better as much as it can. These smart vehicles are a transformative force that has to become a reality sooner than later. Such innovation creates even more room for improvement in other aspects of life.

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

You might want to evacuate the city because Godzilla is taking his victory lap, and everyone is going to get smashed. It’s been less than a month since, for the first time in 70 years, a Godzilla movie won an Academy Award. Godzilla Minus One is one of the greatest films in this storied franchise, a dramatically satisfying and thematically potent story set in Japan immediately after World War II. It was a welcome reminder that these Godzilla movies, though fun and often ridiculous, can also be powerful works of art.

Which brings us to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, a welcome reminder that there’s nothing wrong with being fun and ridiculous, too. The fifth film in the Legendary Monsterverse has little in common with serious Godzilla films like Minus One, Shin Godzilla and the original Gojira

Godzilla x Kong takes place in a world divided. (Side note: Are we supposed to say the “x?” Is it silent? Does it just mean “and?” The world may never know.) After the events of Godzilla vs. Kong, the two monsters split the world down the middle, like a settlement in a divorce. Godzilla rules the surface of the planet and fights any other titan that starts wrecking his stuff. Like the city of Rome. That’s Godzilla’s stuff. Only he’s allowed to wreck it.

Meanwhile, Kong rules over Hollow Earth, a vast and unexplored wilderness underneath the Earth’s surface, which is also full of monsters. Kong hunts monsters and builds Home Alone traps because he’s got a lot of time on his hands. He’s also very lonely and hopes to find more giant apes down there somewhere.

The plot kicks in when Kong gets a toothache and crawls up to the surface because that’s where the dentists are. No, really, that’s real. Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecall Hall) calls a veterinarian named Trapper (Dan Stevens) to rush Kong into oral surgery and replace his giant tooth with a perfect replica, which somehow they already had, on the same day. King Kong has better dental insurance than you reading this review right now.

Dr. Andrews and Trapper follow Kong down to Hollow Earth because a mysterious psychic signal has been sent to the surface and it’s got something to do with Dr. Andrews’ adopted daughter, Jia (Kaylee Hottle), who gets to tag along. Joining them is conspiracy podcaster Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry), not because he

has anything to contribute, but because the screenwriters had to direct all their exposition at somebody.

Down in Hollow Earth, the team uncovers evidence of a lost civilization of giant apes led by a creepy despot named The Scar King who wants to wage war on humanity. Kong is not on board with the whole “killing humanity” thing and stands up to The Scar King, fighting a bunch of giant apes in the process. He also meets one young giant ape and although they become friends, he uses that baby ape as a club to fight off his enemies, which is completely hilarious and worth the price of admission on its own.

Adam Wingard returns for his second giant monster flick after Godzilla vs. Kong a film with all the right mayhem and all the wrong subplots. Godzilla x Kong doesn’t feel nearly as padded. It’s an efficient monster fight delivery system, with dense and exciting set pieces, and interesting creatures. There’s just enough plot to push this film from one brawl to another. And while that plot is often total nonsense, it’s nonsense in service of making monsters fight each other while looking awesome.

By this point in the Legendary Studios’ Monsterverse both Godzilla and Kong have been developed as much and, frankly, more than all the human characters. They’re not inscrutable gods; they’re heroes with life goals and responsibilities. The CGI performances of these creatures smartly and empathetically convey their inner journeys. They aren’t complicated, but by God(zilla) they are conveyed through movement, expression and action. And that action tells a story. There’s a third-act battle sequence that’s basically an extended, dialogue-free riff on (and borderline satire of) the titular bout in Batman v Superman. Except in Godzilla x Kong, it makes more sense and has a bigger and less comical impact.

It would be nice to report that great actors like Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry and Dan Stevens were given interesting things to do, but they aren’t. They’re here to class up the joint, have a little fun and collect their well-deserved paychecks. This is Godzilla’s movie. This is King Kong’s movie. And it’s the best of their three canonical team-ups, and easily the most entertaining(ly silly) film in the Legendary Monsterverse.

You can’t be mad at this film for being silly because it’s not pretending to be serious, and also because its silliness is presented with creativity and panache. You can’t be mad that it doesn’t make sense because you saw on the poster that it’s a film where King Kong gets a giant robot boxing glove. You should’ve known darn well what you were getting into.

Brainless escapism is easy to produce badly and too often audiences are forced to settle for mediocrity, or worse. It’s no small compliment to say that Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is expertly crafted drivel. When Godzilla x’es Kong — whatever the hell that means — everybody wins.

great, dumb fun.

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CONSTELLATION

Constellation, the new drama series, starts in outer space, with an astronaut struggling to survive and return safely to Earth after things go horribly wrong.

This has long been familiar film territory, from the malfunction in Apollo 13 and the deadly stowaway in Alien, to the twisting perceptions of reality in Gravity. Constellation, created and written by former Doctor Who writer Peter Harness, borrows a bit from all of those. It’s a very tricky story to follow –but in the end, and by the end, it’s a very moving one.

In Constellation, the International Space Station, with a handful of astronauts aboard, is in orbit when it collides with an unidentified object, crippling most of the onboard systems. That’s the Apollo 13 part. An emergency evacuation leaves a single astronaut waiting behind to repair and pilot the craft, while time, space and memory seem to shift – as does reality itself. That’s what Sandra Bullock’s astronaut went through in Gravity. And finally, there’s something mysterious and otherworldly on board –something potentially lethal. So there’s Alien, sort of.

But in Constellation, while the spacebound scenes are thrilling and creepy, there’s less frantic action in this series overall and more underlying tension. It’s a slow build and takes several episodes to establish what may or may not be really going on here. But

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WATCH OF THE WEEK

the clues make more sense as you go along, and the more you watch this Constellation, the more profound and disturbing it becomes.

Noomi Rapace, from a previous outerspace thriller, Prometheus, stars here. She plays Jo Ericsson, an astronaut on the space station who, in an early scene, is communicating with her 10-year-old daughter, Alice, who’s back on Earth. The daughter, Alice, is played by twin actresses, Rosie and Davina Coleman, who rotate in the role. That’s somehow fitting because, after a while, Jo begins to suspect that her daughter isn’t the same little girl she left behind.

Jo isn’t the only one with suspicions or identity issues. Jonathan Banks

from Breaking Bad co-stars as a former astronaut named Henry Caldera, who’s now a scientist with a top-secret experiment aboard the endangered space station. At times, he acts like two different people, and there may be a reason. Psychologists in the space program believe that both Jo and Henry suffer from “high altitude psychosis,” which explains – to them –the astronauts’ post-mission bouts of confusion, memory loss and paranoia.

Complicated? Absolutely. Over the eight installments of Constellation, perspectives change. Stories change. Even people change. Scenes that look one way, and mean one thing, in episode one are turned inside out when they return in episode six or seven.

It’s a story full of unreliable narrators and a TV show in which the images are more important and revealing than the dialogue.

Watching Constellation takes commitment, patience, and attention, but you’ll be rewarded for that effort with a haunting story about the love between a mother and a daughter. It really touched me—at least it did in this universe.

Beyoncé; Rumi CarterPROTECTOR

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Khruangbin - Pon Pón

SiR; Anderson .Paak - POETRY IN MOTION

TitoM; Yuppe; EeQue; S.N.ETshwala Bam (feat. S.N.E, EeQue)

Burna Boy - Big 7

Raedio; Flozigg; Luxury Lane - Free

WSTRN - Wonder Woman