THEWILL DOWNTOWN April 16, 2023

Charting A Kindred Path

Whilerules are made to be broken, it is crucial to understand the rules thoroughly to know how to get away with breaking them. When men dress up, specific shoes pair best with certain outfits. Find out different men’s shoes and what outfits best work with them on pages four through five.

We continue the autism awareness with Ifueko Karibi-Whyte this week with parts two and three of her awareness articles. You’ll find the stories focusing on family and siblings on page seven. They have made such exciting reads so far; I urge you to read the articles this week.

This week we feature Kunle Remi on the cover of TheWill DOWNTOWN. In his interview, he opens up to his fans, which he calls Kindred, about many things, including rebutting claims that he entered the 2010 edition of Gulder Ultimate Search to piggyback ride his way to one day becoming an actor. Read his story on pages eight through ten.

The beauty world has come a long way, and technology has played a part for years but with every year, it gets better. The beauty page discusses new technology for skin and hair. You want to read this one.

As Nigerians, we tend to feel there aren’t many countries we can visit without a visa. That’s far from the truth, so we compiled a list of countries you can visit with your Nigerian passport with a visa on arrival or visa-free. Don’t wait until the last minute; start planning your next holiday now.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Dorcas Akintoye

Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty.  She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya

Writer: Kehindé Fagbule

Graphic Design: Oludemilade Aremu

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’

Onwumere Churchill Ikenna is a writer, poet, digital and social media content strategist. An Afro gen z clan member of kenga media. He is a movie critic who was amongst those who birthed the first movie brand; Feeem house brand. A full fledged member of the writers space Africa, Nigeria district and was part of the editing team of the second anthology issue by the writers space Nigeria.

He has written so many articles, stories and e books. An avid reader and a freelancer. You can check out his literary editing page @coidencreatives on Instagram and twitter.

His personal socials for both Instagram and twitter are : @ikennachurchill

Onwumere Churchill Ikenna - Contributing Writer

Men’s Shoe Guide

What to Wear With What

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Shoesare a very important part of our everyday fashion staple. We wear them every day, you cannot find your way around not doing so. Especially for men, whose fashion choices are already much smaller than women’s, shoes are usually the determinant metric when deciding how well they are dressed. In this guide, we hope to help you with the one-million-dollar question you always have whenever you have to dress up for an event. What should you pair your Chelsea boot with? Can you rock your brogues with a pair of jeans? Here are the ways to wear all the shoes in your closet.

CHELSEA BOOTS

You’ll know a Chelsea boot when you see one. They are close-fitting, ankle-high leather boots that look good under jeans or suit pants. What makes them a ‘Chelsea’ is the elastic side panel (technically their upper needs to be made from two pieces of leather, stitched together). For years, the Chelsea boot has been a favourite for rockstars and trendsetters. These days, it’s your go-to smart casual boot. Almond-toed suede Chelsea boots look great under jeans or chinos. If you want to match Chelsea boots with a suit, look for a chiselled toe, traditional leather, and clean, sharp lines.

OXFORD SHOES

CHUKKA AND DESERT BOOTS

People use ‘Chukka Boot’ and ‘Desert Boot’ interchangeably, but they’re actually different shoes. Chukkas traditionally have a leather sole, while Desert Boots are finished in crepe rubber. Technically, Desert Boots are a kind of Chukka, but both styles work pretty much the same way. They’re your classic weekend casual boot: with that iconic high ankle, rounded toe, three eyelets and thin laces. Styling these boots is incredibly easy, which is what makes them so versatile. Throw them under jeans, chinos or even shorts. Also keep an eye out for toe-cap, lace-up worker boots. These are chunkier, military-style desert boots, with thick rubber soles and high ankles—perfect for

Moving into the dress shoes now, we’ve got our old favourite: the Oxford. There are a bunch of different types of Oxford— Plain Toe, Wing Tip, Whole Cut, Cap Toe—but don’t worry too much about that stuff. Your basic Oxford is known for ‘closed lacing’, which means the two front bits come together underneath the vamp. This makes it look like the Oxford is forged from a single piece of leather. It’s your nononsense business shoe, dress shoe or black tie event shoe, with clean lines that suit a slightly narrower foot. If you’re going for versatility, look for colours like black, tan or dark brown. Odds are good they’ll match most of your suits.

FASHION

Derby shoes look pretty much like Oxfords, except in this case, the lacing is ‘open’. That just means the two halves of your shoe sit above the vamp. It also means Derbys aren’t quite as formal as Oxfords. They’ve got a more casual vibe about them (with some obvious exceptions). This makes them perfect for textured suits, linen blend suits, wool knit blazers and smart casual events. You can throw Derbys under a navy wool suit or tapered dress chinos—it’s really up to you. Because of their wider, looser fit, some people reckon Derbys are more comfortable than Oxfords.

DERBYS SHOES

Something to keep in mind for those weddings that drag on and

BROGUES

‘Brogues’ aren’t actually a type of shoe. ‘Brogueing’ just refers to the punched leather pattern on the shoe’s surface. You can have Oxford brogues, Derby brogues, and even brogued loafers. Some ankle and Chelsea boots also come with brogueing these days. Really though, brogues aren’t fancier than any other type of dress shoe—it’s more down to personal taste. You either like patterned leather or you don’t. The only time you should really skip is when it says ‘black tie’ on the invitation. Stick to simple, black, patent leather shoes for black tie events (Oxfords or Derbys are ideal). You don’t want flashy details to distract from your tux.

LOAFERS

The monk strap shoe is one of the most enduring footwear styles of all time. Classy yet fashionable, they can be slipped on and off and are perfect for the laceadverse gentleman. The finely crafted nature of the monk strap lends it a dash of formality with a sophisticated note. Meanwhile, the straps themselves add a tone of playfulness to any outfit. This religiously named shoe comes in either a single or double monk, indicating the number of straps. The single monk strap is understated and has a cleaner silhouette, making it well-suited for business and formal attire. Meanwhile, the double monk strap provides the perfect opportunity to show some personality. Their edgier appearance works well for casual and business casual occasions, as well as weddings and parties. The monk strap shoes can be won with suit pants, chinos, jeans and shorts.

DRIVING SHOES

Driving shoes were made for driving. Makes sense, right? This is an umbrella term for any slip-on casual shoe made from suede, leather or Nubuck, usually with a grippy, rubber-grommet sole. The big ones you want to look out for are moccasins and driving loafers, but we could chuck boat shoes and even espadrilles under this category. The trick with driving shoes is comfort. You want to look breezy and casual. That means chino shorts, linen shirts, good-quality Ray Bans, or maybe some high-cuffed chinos. Wear these shoes on insanely comfy—more like foot gloves—and you

Loafer basically means ‘dress shoe without laces’. If you see a leather slip-on that looks like it belongs under a suit, you’re probably looking at a loafer. These shoes became the go-to business shoe in the 1960s, and they’re still very popular today. You can get ‘Penny Loafers’, ‘Tassel Loafers’ and ‘Bit Loafers’. They come in leather or suede, and you can find loafers that match pretty much every colour of the rainbow. We like these shoes for smart-casual event wear or Saturday at the lounge. They’re comfier than Oxfords and Derbys and they’ve got a sleeker, more contemporary shape. If you’re thinking of rocking loafers under a business suit, stick to sharp Penny Loafers. Loafers are also generally the go-to shoes for traditional attires.

MULES (HALF SHOES)

These half-shoes were the trend back in the ’90s and they were the shoes of the century. Considered luxury and dressier shoes with no platform bottoms, everyone who is either fashionable, stylish or classy wanted to have them in their shoe closet. They were made in many different types of materials like leather, suede and various fabrics and sometimes were decorated with buckles, beads, feathers, and colourful embroidery. Make no mistake, mules are neither dress shoes nor loafers, they are slippers and perhaps the most casual shoe in this article alongside sneakers. You can rock your half shoes with shorts or free-flowy suit pants. You can also wear it with your traditional outfit to a casual close-knit event.

We’d need a few thousand words to break down all the different types of men’s sneakers. But here’s the short version. Start with one pair of white leather or black leather sneakers. These are the most versatile shades, and you can wear them anywhere except weddings, funerals and job interviews. They even look good under a slim-fit navy or charcoal suits. Once you’ve got the basic styles nailed, branch out your collection and look at tonal leather sneakers (like the Toscella), chunky athleisure sneakers and suede casual sneakers. Styling these guys is a no-brainer: wear them under jeans, wear them under chinos, wear them with shorts, or wear them to the gym. Just remember to get your hem right: when it comes to sneakers, your pants should sit slightly higher on the ankle, neatly cuffed, without the natural ‘break’ you get with suit pants. Sneakers are made to be seen. Let your ankles get some breeze.

BY IFUEKO KARIBI-WHYTE

THE AUTISTIC FAMILY THE SIBLINGS

Parents

with an autistic child tend to have increased levels of stress because of the unique challenges and experiences that affect their daily lives. It may also strain their relationship as a married couple as they will need to provide extra support for their child with autism along with the challenges of navigating the educational system, accessing therapy services and advocating for their child’s needs. Siblings may experience mixed emotions, such as love and compassion, but also feelings of neglect or jealousy, as the focus is typically on the autistic child, therefore, having a profound impact on family life.

Autism will decide for you who your circle of friends and family should be, where and when the family will worship (or if you worship at all), and where you go for family outings and vacations.

Autism may test every relationship you ALLOW it to test.

Communication is one of the primary challenges if the child is not verbal. The entire family will need to develop or learn alternative communication methods with their child.

The safety, security and wellbeing of an autism family should be closely guarded. Your immediate community (family, neighbours, household and friends) should be understanding and accepting, knowledgeable and accommodating of your autistic child. Inclusion and acceptance are key in every aspect of your autistic child’s life. By excluding your child from family activities, you’re invariably ostracizing them from the world around them because having an autistic person in a family affects every single member of that family unit, so pay attention to everyone’s wellbeing including your autistic child.

Advocacy Group, Autism Speaks USA in 2021 estimated that it would cost between $1.4 -$2.4 Million to raise an Autistic child over the course of their lifetime in the USA. Many years back, I read an article that said the cost of one autistic child is the equivalent of the cost of raising 4 “allistic” children. An Allistic person is one that is not on the Autistic spectrum. Specialist education, therapies and care account for the additional cost.

Specialist schools and therapies are expensive. Here in Nigeria, it takes a village to raise a child. More hands on deck equals less expenses for care. There are many quacks out there, ready to take advantage of your vulnerability. The last five years have seen a real push for professionalism in the autism community, and most specialist schools and therapists now have the right mix of experience and international certification in Lagos and Abuja.

‘Autism Burn Out’ is real. Pay attention to your mental health and general well-being to prevent feelings of hopelessness, guilt and isolation from creeping in. Create your own autism tribe. Join autism groups (like AMIN)

were you share your experience and learn from others with similar experiences. Have a life outside autism. Have a life with your other children and significant other. Families may face unique challenges, but they can find a way to thrive together with support, understanding and resilience. Finding a healthy balance between autism and everything else is very important. Keep adjusting as the situation demands. Just remember that stability and routine are the bedrock for the success of an autistic child and, invariably, the rest of the family.

Autism in the words of Autism

Mum, Kemi Babagbemi Autism led me to expand my understanding of Patience, Faith, Gratitude, Humility, and Grace. These have sustained me.

Patience

Some things will happen in their own time or not at all.

Milestones can be redefined. Any form of progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.

Faith

Despite constant frustration, unexpected complications, and unforeseen outcomes, believe even when it is hard to do.

Gratitude

Everything about your child is miraculous. Your child is a gift. Celebrate every win, no matter how small.

Humility

We are not superheroes.

It’s okay to need and ask for help.

Grace

Be gentle with yourself and your child.

Autism is not punishment. All emotions you have about it are valid as long as you don’t let any one thing consume you. Everything you are doing is enough.

I love my son. He is one of my many miracles. His most difficult days are also mine too, his best days are also mine.

Siblings play a crucial role in the life of their autistic sibling, providing acceptance, companionship, support, and acceptance. They are often the autistic child’s best friend, the one true friend. Siblings are their advocates and allies in navigating their immediate environment. They offer emotional and social support, help with communication and sensory sensitivities and provide the muchneeded sense of belonging to their autistic sibling. Inclusion helps to foster this bond. Through shared experiences, siblings can develop empathy, patience and resilience to contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life of their autistic sibling. Such bonding is invaluable and positively impacts the life of the autistic child in countless ways. Where such a bond exists between the siblings, if required, that sibling will naturally take over the care of their autistic sibling when the parents can no longer do so.

Living With my Autistic Brother by Toju Adelaja

Living with an autistic brother has taught me to look outside the margins. In our interactions with others, it can be easy to want to dismiss people you do not immediately understand. To wonder why that person on the underground has their fingers in their ears when the train screeches. Why this person you’ve met at a networking event isn’t the most astute at picking up on social cues. And I think that’s a shame.

Living with an autistic brother has taught me that there is a lot of beauty to be found in people once you get over not only yourself but what society arbitrarily insists on deeming ‘normal’. Society can often dismiss those it does not understand, and living with an autistic brother has shown me how much you truly shortchange yourself

sister and will always know that, but I pity those who don’t and will miss out on individuals like him just because of their insistence on remaining within the margins.

Living with an autistic brother has taught me to remain open to all kinds of people. To never count people out. To give grace, to ask questions. Living with an autistic brother has enriched my worldview in ways only few can understand, but I sincerely hope more grow to. I challenge you to take a peek outside the margins in your interactions with people. Trust me; it’s more fun over here.

Twin Connection, Tein Karibi-Whyte

My Mum made constant adjustments to my sister’s daily routines, communication styles, and social interactions. Consequently, I hardly saw her after school. Around my parents and I, my sister was very excitable, and as a child, I attributed this to playfulness. Now I realise it was a testament to her love for us. It wasn’t until our early teenage years that I found I could read her mind. Not in the Marvel, stereotypical Professor X kind of way. But rather, I discovered pattern in her ‘erratic’ behaviour, from the specific books she stole from my collection to the looks we share across a room. One day it all clicked, and I became attuned to her emotions in all their shades. Funny thing is I’m certain she can read my mind too. Probably a lot more fluently than I do hers. The connection I share with my sister lies beyond words.

Growing up as Akintade’s Sibling Being the sibling of a neurodivergent individual has been a challenging and enriching experience. As a sibling, watching your sibling navigate the world with social challenges can be heart-breaking and inspiring.

Growing up, Akintade received more attention from our family. This was very difficult to understand as a child. I understand now his needs were different to mine.

My younger brother and I have become a source of comfort for Akintade in recent years. I can communicate with Akintade in a way that others cannot. We share a special fraternal bond. Nonetheless, I have had to put my own needs aside; help support Akintade. I often resented him for the extra attention he got. I have come to appreciate the superpowers of my parents for raising us.

It is normal to feel frustrated at times; it is vital to discover healthy ways to cope with it. This could include seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. Akintade’s unique perspective on the world has made me more empathic and patient. By embracing the unique qualities of special siblings, one can build a deeper, more meaningful relationship with them that will last a lifetime.

It Helped Her 3 INNOVATIONS THAT HAVE HELPED WOMEN

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Whether made by man or woman, innovative technology has transformed the world and made for simpler living experiences. From basic tools, like a smartphone and the internet, that have become a part of our livelihood today, to beauty products that have helped us maintain our outward appearances, the impact of technology cannot be overstated.

1. BICYCLE

For women, technology has a completely different meaning. During a time when they were largely treated as second-class citizens, women have had to leverage technology, in real-time as they were innovated, to not only improve their living situation but to also fight the patriarchy. Here are three of the innovative technologies that have helped women’s fight.

A symbol of “free, untrammelled womanhood” as American women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony so eloquently put it, the bicycle gave women newfound freedom of movement, challenged stereotypes around women’s physical strength and transformed dress codes. Coinciding with the first wave of feminism, the invention of the modern bicycle, as we know it today, by an English engineer in the 1880s came about as an alternative to the now impractical pennyfarthing that consisted of a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. While not necessarily invented with women in mind, the bicycle ironically gave women independence: In some regions of the world at the time, this meant women could move around freely without having to rely on chaperones, carriages or horseback. Of course, it did not come without backlash: Women were warned riding bicycles was “immoral” and doctors even went so far as to say that it could lead to a terrifying medical condition called bicycle face — a special risk to women’s appearance and complexion. As wild myths circulated and the bicycle took off in popularity, women did not back down. Victorian women and reformists alike called for more rational clothing and baggier undergarments to ride bikes. And others, such as Annie Londonderry, a Latvian immigrant to the United States, challenged prevailing perceptions of femininity by becoming the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle from 1894 to 1895. More than a century later, the race for equality continues.

2. INTERNET

Similar to the advent of the printer, radio, television and phone, the internet has revolutionized how women and girls live their lives. Whether through websites, social media, instant messaging or email, it has opened up avenues for online activism, community-building, career opportunities and learning, increased awareness and engagement around women’s rights issues, and enabled women to set up businesses, political campaigns and more. From #MeToo to #NiUnaMenos to #TimesUp, social media movements in particular have exposed gender inequalities and violence against women unlike ever before and put pressure on public and private officials to enact change. Like any technology, the internet has its dark side: Offline inequalities, including misogyny, stalking, hate, harassment and trafficking, have permeated online. Misinformation on women’s rights threatens to roll back rights. And, for 49 percent of the world’s population without access to the internet, the digital gap leaves the poorest and most vulnerable in the dark and without the adequate skills and education needed to survive in today’s rapidly evolving techenabled economy. Addressing this divide will be critical in the years to come.

3. SANITARY PADS

What if you had to use wool, moss, animal skin, old rags, newspapers or a sanitary belt for your periods? If it seems outlandish, it is — along with the more outlandish myths that women on their periods should be in solitary confinement, are dirty, can make food rot or even get eaten by sharks while swimming. Yet, it was only more than a century ago that nurses in France created the first disposable sanitary pads, incidentally to control excessive bleeding among male soldiers. By the end of the 19th Century, the first commercially available disposable pads came out but took several decades before they evolved to become somewhat more practical for women to use and acquire (if they could afford it). The breakthrough invention improved women and girls’ hygiene and health, school attendance, livelihoods and economic opportunities. Yet, today, in spite of some efforts, sanitary pads still remain out of reach for millions of women and girls living in poverty and are taxed in several countries around the globe, including as a “luxury” item. Access aside, periods still remain a taboo topic. Stigma and discrimination surrounding menstruation prevents women and girls in some countries from entering physical spaces, such as their home, school, work or place of worship. If only there was an invention that could wipe out discrimination against women…

Lifestories have always been about perseverance and commitment. Although the final destination is glamorous and swoon-worthy for most people, the journey was anything but. Whether or not we will chart a particular course and just how successful and fulfilling that endeavour will turn out to be are two recurring questions we ask ourselves. They are two of the inquiries we may never have answers to until we embark on them, either strategically or by fate. In Kunle Remi’s case, although his present placement in the Nollywood hierarchy is not his final destination, his journey to the industry’s mountaintop was as calculated as it was fateful.

KUNLE REMI Charting a Kindred Path

PICTURES FROM KUNLE REMI’S TEAM

BornOyekunle Opeyemi Oluwaremi, the actor, producer, filmmaker, content creator, host, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and model, thrust himself into the spotlight in 2020 when he won the seventh edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search in 2010, one of the biggest family reality TV shows in Nigeria at the time. Just over a decade later, thespians in Nigeria and all around the world relish his performances in some of the most successful feature films in the country, most especially Kunle Afolayan’s Netflixdistributed epic fantasy, Aníkúlápó, and Toyin Abrahamproduced suspense thriller, Ijakumo

Kunle’s path to significant lead roles in Nollywood today was anything but linear. Despite being heavily involved in acting as a child and discovering his passion for acting as a teenage youth drama teacher in church growing up, Kunle saw his life compass point to Fisheries and Wildlife Management at the University of Ibadan and later Sheffield University for Tourism and Hospitality Management. When asked about the frustration of making those formal education stops on the way to his predetermined destiny of becoming an actor, he explained, “I am committed to the process... it’s a journey, and I want to experience every part of it. My process happens to cut across fisheries and wildlife management, tourism, and hospitality. With God, destiny will always be fulfilled.”

that I stay back, but I held onto an abundance mindset, not that of scarcity, which allowed me to return home with ease and confidence that I would shine in my home country and then represent Nigeria on the global stage. I am on track!”

Kunle would land his first movie role whilst in film school. His debut role came in 2012 in the movie, Heavy Beauty, two years after he won the Gulder Ultimate Search crown. “The in-between presented a fair share of struggles rooted in me not being wholly grounded in performing professionally then. I was an entertainer; I danced (had a dance group), planned events, and acted in church… but I needed reps in an actor’s mental, technical, and business orientation.”

Representing a station as the host of the Academy Awards nomination ceremony was a blessing I never saw coming, but I was in the right place at the right time. Speaking about wanting to stay back, people advised, as usual, that I stay back, but I held onto an abundance mindset, not that of scarcity, which allowed me to return home with ease and confidence that I would shine in my home country and then represent Nigeria on the global stage. I am on track!

Unlike his colleagues, the actor began performing stunts in the early stages of

saying it until it happens!”

After graduation, it wasn’t enough that he had learned how to act professionally, Kunle returned to the NYFA to study filmmaking and directing for another year. He talks about his biggest takeaway from the Hollywood setup at a time when the film industry back home was coming of age. “My biggest takeaway is that credence must be given to the distinct nature of the two industries and audience expectations. And with that understanding, I am building my ammunition for my major directorial debut—so I can’t say much more than that for now.”

Comparing Nollywood to its counterpart industries globally, especially in America, has always been a recurring theme. Courtesy of the world’s heavy consumption of American pop culture, Hollywood sets the bar not only in filmmaking but in entertainment generally. Today, however, the previously wide gap has steadily shrunk with each release thanks to the global dissemination of our titles on streaming platforms. The Hollywood appeal, however, remains intact. Kunle thinks this comparison is not only unfounded but it is also a distraction to our own growth. “Hollywood is not to be compared with our industry in any way or form. It’s not a competition. Nollywood is setting our bar, and we have everything we need to keep growing and raising the bar.”

Destiny always finds its way to manifestation, and although fate has a way of swinging events in and around it, we play a significant role in being alert to opportunities and signs in the form of epiphanies. Kunle explains his thought process for deciding to compete in the 2010 edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search “Remember, I am hungry but not in a hurry. Participating in the Gulder Ultimate Search was a path of exploring my adventurous side, not about being my breakthrough for acting. I am grateful for the unexpected doors it opened! Many don’t know this, but I am not competitive, I am committed to giving my best, and if it’s mine, it is mine.”

After stopping his prolonged interaction in courses unrelated to acting, Kunle finally decided to return to his long-time passion, acting. He would enrol at the New York Film Academy in pursuit of it. How was it like being temporarily away from the spotlight at a time he had just gotten a hold of it? “Believe it or not, I was focused on being fully present at school! I needed to take advantage of the preparation for the journey ahead.”

While at the New York Film Academy, Kunle got a chance not many Nigerians do—he hosted the Academy Awards nomination event in Beverly Hills in what was his first significant hosting appearance. He shares his experience hosting one of the most significant events in Hollywood while confronting a decision about his acting future, a question of where he will set up shop, back home or in Hollywood. “Representing a station as the host of the Academy Awards nomination ceremony was a blessing I never saw coming, but I was in the right place at the right time. Speaking about wanting to stay back, people advised, as usual,

COVER

He has played his part in raising that bar. In 2012, Kunle co-founded 1810 Empire Studios. Relaunching as 1810 a decade later (last year), the global talent management firm and production company create entertainment for a wide range of media platforms. The actor breaks down some of their operations. “1810 is a growing brand with a vision that has three verticals of expertiseManagement (Talent Brand), Studios (Original Creations and Productions), and Impact (MARV - Men Against Rape and Violence). Subscribe to my website, kunleremi.com, for more insights!”

On a personal front, Kunle’s rise to prominence came with its own struggles, particularly in mental health. Last December, in an intimate interview, he opened up on his mental health struggles during his come-up, revealing his suicidal thoughts at the time. He reflects on his early 20s. “Nothing additional to share here. I would love to remind everyone reading this to breathe. Live well, and live right and surround themselves with people that love them and people they can confide in and pray with.”

Nobody said life would ever be straightforward. Although celebrities, especially actors, grow to feed off the adulation of fans, an acclaim that can be fleeting and illusory, some of them were, at the early stages of their careers, at the mercy of senior colleagues seeking to exploit their vulnerability in the guise of helping them reach their lofty dreams. On a podcast episode, Kunle recounted his experience with a supposed male benefactor who wanted to have his way with him sexually. He said, “It’s a crazy wild space we are in. Morals, discipline, and the fear of God should always be a guide in every aspect of our lives.”

Two years ago, the 34-year-old’s TV career came full circle when he returned to the Gulder Ultimate Search as the taskmaster, further establishing himself as a multi-talented creative. He has also had a successful modelling career—one he started at 24— and has been featured in ad campaigns for top brands such as MTN, Airtel, DStv, and Diamond Bank, to name a few. Coming off his big year in Nollywood last year, the multifaceted entertainer updated his fans on future projects smiling. “My Kindred (which is what I call my fans) know the latest can be found on kunleremi.com, and if they have any questions, comments or stories, they can email me at kr.kindred@1810global.com.”

A beacon of hope for young creators in the country aiming for consistency with their craft, Kunle’s story is one with a bright light at the end of its tunnel, a real-life indication of what happens when we stay true to the cause and are purposeful enough to make our own destiny through the storm. Although he often plays down the effect of some of the pivotal decisions he made—competing in a reality show to satisfy his adventurous side or hosting an Oscar event just

because he was at the right place at the right time—one cannot help but recognise the sheer amount of dedication and discipline he has given to tilting the odds in his favour and set him firmly as one of Nollywood’s corps d’élite. Speaking about his casting decision on why he chose Kunle Remi the lead role in his movie, Anikulapo, ace director, Kunle Afolayan gave his seal of approval, “Now, Kunle Remi, why Kunle Remi? I worked with Kunle Remi on Naija Christmas, and he did amazingly well.”

Kunle Remi offered a peppy piece of advice for up-and-coming actors looking to chart a similar course. “Enjoy the process, adapt, create, and

Hollywood is not to be compared with our industry in any way or form. It’s not a competition. Nollywood is setting our bar, and we have everything we need to keep growing and raising the bar.

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN A NIGHT AT DOMITILLA: The Reboot Premiere

BY BOLU ADESINA

It was a night of glamour and nostalgia on Saturday, April 1, 2023 as the Domitilla reboot held its premiere at the Filmhouse IMAX in Lekki. With a theme of “Nolly Futuristic Fantasy” and a grand prize of 750,000 Naira going to the best dressed, there was a huge array of very unique outfits on display. Many took the theme and ran with it and the event was chock full of very “out there” garb, much to the benefit of the spectacle of the event. Food was aplenty as were drinks, while music and places to take photographs headlined the activities at the premiere. There was also a showcase of a new SUV as a display model was present at the event as well.

With such a fine event, the film it was held in honor of couldn’t disappoint. Domitilla: The Reboot opened to oodles of fanfare and the premiere was a great success.

Yemi Cregx

Seun Ajayi

Elvina Ibru

Mariam Timmer

Dotun

Sophie Alakija

Stan and Blessing Nze

Segun Arinze

Noble Igwe

Teniola Aladese

Kate Henshaw

Uzoamaka

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE WAY WE UNDERSTAND SKIN AND HAIR

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Asaying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, meaning there is no set definition of beauty. Even with that, it has not stopped scientists from uncovering what beauty is, how it affects us, and most importantly, how we can use it to our advantage to be the most attractive and confident version of ourselves.

The science of beauty is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses all aspects of science, including biology, psychology, chemistry, and physics, to understand the concept of beauty and how it affects humans. The science of beauty also goes as far as combining a wide range of topics, including evolutionary psychology, genetics, neurobiology, sociology, and cultural studies, making it easier for scientists to study the features and qualities that make a person or object visually appealing, such as symmetry, facial proportion, skin tone, and hair texture. They also explore the role of emotions, social norms, and cultural influences in shaping perceptions of beauty.

In the cosmetic industry, a lot of research and experiments have been done on new products and ingredients to find out what will make us more beautiful. Over the years, science has been used to develop the most innovative solutions to wrinkles, pigmentation, blemishes, curly hair, and so on; after all, they are skin concerns that need to be removed to make us more beautiful.

If you look at the back of a moisturiser bottle, you will find out how much technology goes into the ingredients of the product. Names like alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, among others, are all commonly used.

Above all, the science of beauty seeks to understand the biological, psychological, and cultural factors contributing to our perception of beauty and how it impacts our lives.

Technology advancement has changed how we revolutionised the beauty industry, allowing us to

better understand the skin and hair, including the factors that contribute to their health and appearance. Below are some ways technology is changing the way we understand beauty.

1. SKIN ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY

Nowadays, new technologies have made it easier to analyse the condition of our skin. Devices like Visia Completion Analysis System use multi-spectral imaging to capture wrinkles, texture, pores, and sun damage data. Information obtained from the device goes a long way in helping beauty professionals make personalised recommendations for skincare treatments and products.

2. GENETIC TESTING

So far, DNA analysis has helped uncover the genetic factors contributing to skin and hair health. Genetic testing can identify genes that predispose individuals to certain skin conditions, including acne and eczema. The information gotten from the test can help individuals choose the right products and treatments to manage their skin concerns.

3. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

Apart from the fact that wearable devices like Fitbit or Apple Watch can be used for tracking physical activities, they can also be used for monitoring sleep patterns and stress levels. These factors can help impact the health of our skin and hair at the same time, help us make lifestyle changes that improve our overall beauty and wellness.

4. HAIR ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY

This technology is kind of the same thing as skin analysis technology. Hair analysis technology like the HairDX Genetic Test can identify genetic factors that cause hair loss and also help people choose the right products and treatments to manage hair thinning

5. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE KEY TAKEAWAY

Artificial Intelligence is used to create personalised skincare routines based on individual skin concerns and preferences. Algorithms are developed to analyse skin data, product ingredients, and customer reviews to provide personalised recommendations for skincare products that are likely to be effective for an individual’s skin type and concerns.

Technology has been changing how we understand beauty by providing us with new insights into the factors contributing to skin and hair health and appearance. With development, we can make more informed choices about the products and treatments we use, helping us achieve our desired look and feel our best.

Visa-Free Destinations YOU CAN EXPLORE

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Planning a short trip can be a bit tedious. In between the relentless research to get to know where your eventual destination would be and the hunt for the cheapest flight tickets, planning a trip requires a certain level of meticulousness, especially the visa application process. But not to worry, you can still enjoy your vacation abroad with little to no visa fuss. Here are six visa-free destinations you can explore.

VISA ON ARRIVAL

Getting your visa on arrival is mostly a hassle-free process. You may be able to get a visa on arrival for free in some

MALDIVES

Language: English

Top attractions: Veligandu Island Beach, Alimatha Island in Vaavu Atoll and Hukuru Miskiiy in Malé.

Best time to visit: Between November and April

Visa duration: 30 days

Situated in the Indian Ocean is the gorgeous island nation of the Maldives. With over 1,192 coral islands, it is one of the world’s most dispersed countries, with a population of over

Language: English and French

Top attractions: Seven Coloured Earths in Riviere Noire, Île aux Cerfs island and L’Aventure du Sucre museum in Pamplemousses.

Best time to visit: Between May and October

Visa duration: 14 days

Situated in East Africa is the charming Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius. It includes over 1.2 million residents and is known for its picturesque beaches, reefs and lagoons. Mauritius offers you gorgeous nature, international influences and exceptional wildlife.

Language: French and English

Top attractions: Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri, Nyungwe Forest in Butare and Akagera National Park.

Best time to visit: Between June to September and December to February

Visa duration: 30 days

Rwanda hums to the sultry rhythm of East Africa. It is a country where emerald jungles quiver with mountain gorillas and the streets bristle with afro-beats and roasted coffee aromatics. Rwanda is home to ancient forests and over 12 million people.

Language: Portugal

Top attractions: Pico de Fogo, Santa Maria Beach, and Funana

Casa da Cultura.

Best time to visit: Between June and December

Visa duration: 90 days

Cape Verde (also known as Cabo Verde) is a mysterious island paradise off the coast of West Africa that is known for its beautiful beaches, lazy towns, and folksy rhythms. It is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands and is home to over 500,000 people.

MAURITIUS

CAPE VERDE

VISA-FREE

We love cheap flights, but what is even more appealing? Visa-free destinations! Selecting visa-free countries for your holidays is a smart way to save on travel costs.

TRAVEL

Language: English

Top attractions: Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown, Harrison’s Cave in Saint Thomas Parish and Dover Beach in St. Lawrence Gap.

Best time to visit: Between April and September

Visa duration: 6 months

With a population of just 284,000, Barbados is abound with natural beauty, crystal-clear waters and amazing beaches. Because of its long association with Britain, the culture of Barbados is probably more British than that of any other Caribbean island, though elements of the African culture of the majority population have been prominent.

Language: English

Top attractions: Trafalgar Falls, Boiling Lake, and Titou Gorge.

Best time to visit: Between January and May

Visa duration: 21 days

Widely referred to as a paradise for hikers and a dream destination for divers, Dominica is a place of incredible natural beauty and easygoing Caribbean charm. No wonder it is affectionately known as the ‘Nature Island.’ It is home to a sensational bounty of natural attractions and a population of more than 70,000 people.

Language: English

Top attractions: Pacific Harbour’s zip-lining opportunities, Sigatoka’s Natadola Beach, and Denarau Island’s Port Denarau Marina.

Best time to visit: Between July and September

Visa duration: 21 days

Situated in the region of Melanesia, Fiji is an island nation offering the quintessential coastal holiday experience. This archipelago of 330 islands is home to 898,760 residents. Fiji provides you with palmtree-lined beaches, underwater adventures and exceptional culture.

Language: English

Top attractions: Cockleshell Bay and Mount Liamuiga

Best time to visit: Between December and April

Visa duration: 90 days

Home to the first British and French colonies in the Caribbean, the two-island country inhabits a fusion of European architecture and calypso beats. Populated by 55,000 people, this country draws tourists to its idyllic beaches and landscapes.

Language: French

Top attractions: Lake Retba in Dakar and the Grand Mosque in Touba

Best time to visit: Between February and April

Visa duration: 90 days

Senegal is a bustling African country amidst scenic, rolling sandy plains. With a population of approximately 15 million people, it is inhabited by various ethnic groups. Senegal is a country with contrasting imagery from solitary huts in Savannah to the fast-paced reality in Dakar.

Language: English

Top attractions: Bojo Beach in Accra, Cape Coast Castle in Cape Coast and Wli Waterfalls in Hohoe

Best time to visit: Between November and March

Visa duration: 90 days

Ghana is rich in West-African history and has a melodious music culture and warm-hearted residents that make up a population of 27 million. An unlikely holiday destination for some, Ghana is filled with unrefined beauty and rich history that spans the entire West African region as it was once the port stop for the trans-Atlantic slave trade route. For a full historical breakdown, visit the seaside city of Cape Coast.

BARBADOS

FIJI

SENEGAL

DOMINICA

8. ST KITTS AND NEVIS

GHANA

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

Gangs of Lagos

the multi-level crime world of drug dealing, protection rackets, human trafficking, theft, murder and political corruption flourishing in Lagos state. While living comfortably under Nino’s roof, Obalola begins to have mainstream aspirations of an education and an honest political career.

His hopes are scuttled after his guardian, Nino, gets killed in a gang fight. The battle is the first of several set-piece action sequences in the film, a finely choreographed spectacle shot from multiple angles, with spinning bodies, knives, boots, pipes and hatchets.

WATCH OF THE WEEK

THE NIGHT AGENT

Nollywood

has long been one of the busiest local film industries in the world. Year after year thousands of films are churned out, yet few get any international recognition. That might be ready to change, as the home-grown industry has rapidly evolved from the low-budget video productions of the ‘90s to a polished, multi-genre popular cinema today. Even Hollywood is tapping in; recent African-centered movies (the two Black Panther features, The Woman King) have also been international hits. This year, director C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata was the first Nigerian feature from Nigeria to premiere at Sundance. Content-hungry streaming services, including Netflix, which has more than 40 Nigerian titles on its roster, and Amazon Studios, are anxious to do business with Nollywood.

It’s with this framing that the crime drama, Gangs of Lagos, comes to town. It is the first Amazon Original film made in Africa, as part of a three-year deal with filmmaker, Jadesola Osiberu as part of an overall investment in future Nigerian cinema.

Gangs of Lagos starts with a traffic jam in the neighbourhood of Isale Eko (aka Lagos Island), the heart of Lagos. Midst the rows of stalled cars and yellow cabs, two adolescent boys boldly snatch a purse from the car of a rich woman. After the theft, the boys - Obalola, his friend and his friend, Ify - meet up with their tomboy friend, Gift (All played by members of the Ikorodu Boiz child acting troupe, which I must say is pretty intelligent child actor casting). And as they admire the wad of cash they have stolen, they vow to be “street brothers” for life. Obalola, whose father was from a traditional ruling family, believes he’s destined to be a leader.

The rich woman soon gets her purse back from the local crime boss, but Obalola gets noticed, and is adopted by enforcer, Nino (An excellent Tayo Faniran), despite the boy’s mother’s fierce objections. Nino is fatherly and generous and, as a bonus, Obalola meets Teni, the cute daughter of another enforcer, Kazeem (Olarotimi Fakunle) who lives next door.

The kids grow up, played by an attractive group of adult actors Tobi Bakre (Obalola), Nigerian singer Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka (Ify), Adesua Etomi-Wellington (Gift) and, Bimbo Ademoye as the love interest, Teni. The adult Obalola tells the story in voice-over, introducing us to

Obalola and his friends are put to work by Kazeem, a man who has a meat-packing business and does particularly nasty things to people who cross him. After he sends his own daughter off to university in the United States, he puts the young people to work in his protection racket, squeezing payments from the disdainful local market women.

Later, Kazeem’s daughter returns from the United States, now a pampered young woman, whose daddy sets her up in an elegant condo. Obalola is assigned to be her chauffeur and bodyguard, though the old spark remains between them, despite their difference in status. Meanwhile, Ify aspires to leave the gangster life behind and become a musician. Before that though, there’s some dirty work he’s obliged to do first. After a complex double-cross that might require a PowerPoint demonstration to fully grasp, all hell breaks loose and a battle between rival gangs for the soul of the state ensues

Gangs of Lagos is only the second feature film directed by Jáde Osiberu, though she has producer-writer credits on previous films. She’s clearly studied the films of Martin Scorsese and Francis Coppola, both in the voluptuous violence and the quasi-Shakespearian themes of birthright and betrayal.

What cuts through are those generic elements that feel specific to Nigeria, both the celebratory aerial shots of the bustling city, and the film’s blunt critique of the political criminal complex. When one character expresses a desire to leave a life of crime, he’s told by his boss there are just two ways out: 6 feet under or he goes into politics.

On TV screens through the film, we see a woman gubernatorial candidate (Toyin Abraham) who is running on an anticorruption platform. On a TV news show, she looks at the camera and asks how rich politicians can send their children abroad while leaving other people’s kids to die in the streets. It’s a poignant, almost timely question.

Available on Prime Video on April 7. 8/10

HongChau — the Oscarnominated actor, who’s appeared in The Whale, The Menu, and Downsizing — is an interesting element on Netflix’s new series “The Night Agent,” and a revealing one. To cast Chau, a gifted and hardworking performer who’s been elevating projects for years, is to announce a certain ambition. Here, she’s playing the determined White House Chief of Staff, a figure close to the heart of various intrigues on a political thriller with schlock in its DNA. And yet she does it so elegantly, so excellently that she elevates the whole thing.

So it is with “The Night Agent,” created by Shawn Ryan of “The Shield,” and based on a novel by Matthew Quirk. Here, Gabriel Basso stars as Peter Sutherland, whose employment at the FBI is at such a low level that an offer to stand by and monitor a rarely used emergency hotline on the night shift comes to feel attractive. Wouldn’t you know it — one evening, that phone rings, and the caller is a tech founder who has found herself drawn into a drama she barely understands when her aunt and uncle were killed. Peter and Rose (Luciane Buchanan), his unlucky protectee, must piece together what happened on the fly, as they attempt to keep her

safe and, just maybe, redeem Peter’s unfortunate family history of perfidy.

There are little touches throughout The Night Agent that make clear its writers and directors are really

trying — a welcome, and too-rare thing. Chau is excellent — steel in her spine underneath a solicitous exterior, but Basso and Buchanan have real chemistry; so, in an askew manner, do Eve Harlow and Phoenix Raei as a pair of assassins for whom murder is an aphrodisiac. And the far-reaching conspiracy goes genuinely surprising places, ones not worth spoiling here.

The show isn’t perfect: Much is resolved, toward the conclusion, with a dump of exposition, and there are moments when the dialogue isn’t as sharp as the performers. Still, it’s a pleasure to see a show better than it might have been, when so often the opposite is true: The Night Agent sparks with curiosity and intrigue, a richly detailed show that propels viewers forward with a relentless pace.

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Crayon; Yaba Buluku BoyzThe One (Chop Life) Asake - Yoga

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Duncan Daniels; Yadima; DEMOLAStrong Ting Davido; Musa Keys - UNAVAILABLE (feat. Musa Keys)