THEWILL DOWNTOWN August 20, 2023

UBOSI’S CHRISTOPHER

Impact on the Nigerian Radio Scene

Whobetter to come on the cover of TheWill DOWNTOWN for National Radio Day than Chris Ubosi? Ubosi has twelve radio stations and four successful brands—Beat FM, Classic FM, Naija FM and Lagos Talk, each catering to its audience.

It’s interesting how far radio has come; back in the day, it was very one-dimensional, with the on-air personality doing all the talking and not hearing back from the audience. A lot has changed since then. Now we have live interactions on the radio where people call in to talk about one thing or the other. And things will change even more with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI). Ubosi mentions that a radio station in the U.S. already uses AI in that there is no one on-air, just AI doing its thing—and he notes that they kind of use AI as well for algorithms. They haven’t gotten to the point of using the voices of the on-air personalities for different shows.

Speaking of shows, although Chris Ubosi doesn’t host a show if given the opportunity, his choice of whom he would like to host a show with is very interesting. See pages 8 to 10 for his enlightening interview.

When Dorcas, our beauty writer, said she would like to write about masks, my immediate thought was pregnancy masks, and then she clarified that it was beauty masks. It turns out that you can break out in acne if you use masks the wrong way. She shares tips for combating mask-induced skin issues on page 5.

I recently decided to have my phone on silent when I go to bed, but a friend said there could be an emergency and someone could be unable to reach me. Well, now I’m torn because there are downsides to sleeping with your phone next to you. Read all about it on page 11.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

05 BEAUTY

06

LIVING

07

Maskne Management Tips For Combating Mask-Induced Skin Issues

Digital Detox Finding Balance in A Hyperconnected World

Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Editor-at-Large: Danielle Loth

Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

DOWNTOWN

CONFIDENTIAL The Sensual Spice Rack Ignite Your Passion With These 6 Aphrodisiac Foods

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.

Onwumere Churchill Ikenna

- Contributing Writer

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

Maskne Management

Tips For Combating Mask-Induced Skin Issues

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Maskne, a combination of “mask” and “acne,” refers to skin problems caused by continuous mask use, such as outbreaks, inflammation, and redness. Do not be afraid! This article will provide six practical techniques for combating mask-induced skin concerns, ensuring your skin remains healthy, radiant, and maskne-free. You can confidently enjoy mask-wearing while caring for your skin with caution and the proper attitude.

1. PRE-MASK PREPHYDRATION IS KEY

Make sure your skin is wellhydrated before applying your mask. To prevent scratching and irritation, apply a thin layer of non-comedogenic moisturiser to your skin before applying the mask. To seal in moisture and keep your skin moisturised throughout the day, use products that contain compounds like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

2. CLEANSE AND CLEANSE AGAIN

To combat maskne, cleansing is essential. Start your day with a moderate cleanser to eliminate any pollutants and extra oil that may have accumulated overnight. Take brief mask breaks throughout the day to wash your face and reapply moisturiser. After wearing a mask all day, wash your skin once more to remove any debris and bacteria that may have become trapped.

3. (3) MINDFUL MASK SELECTION

Use masks made from breathable, natural materials like cotton to lessen heat buildup and perspiration accumulation. Avoid using masks with textured surfaces that might scratch or irritate the skin. Choose masks that comfortably fit, properly covering your mouth and nose without being unduly tight.

4. SKIP THE HEAVY MAKEUP

Even though makeup is a terrific tool for self-expression, wearing a mask while applying thick foundation and concealer can clog your pores. Instead, adopt a more natural makeup look that highlights your brows and eyes to give your skin more breathing room.

5. TARGETED SPOT TREATMENT

Use spot treatments with salicylic acid or tea tree oil for troublesome maskne regions. These ingredients aid in reducing inflammation and battling germs, hastening the fading of those irregular blemishes.

Applying these treatments excessively might cause dryness, so only use them where they are needed.

6. NIGHTTIME NOURISHMENT

Incorporate a bedtime skincare regimen to nourish and restore your skin while you sleep. To fight free radicals and promote skin renewal, use products that include antioxidants like vitamin C or retinol. A calming nighttime mask or mild face oil can add an additional layer of hydration and healing.

CONCLUSION

You can embrace using masks while maintaining the health of your skin with the help of these six practical and proactive techniques. Don’t forget to give your skin hydration, cleanse gently, and select masks and skincare items that encourage comfort and care. You’ll reveal the beauty of clear, glowing skin by adopting these habits, even while wearing a mask. With some dedication, you can confidently handle skin problems brought on by masks, and you may maintain your radiance despite whatever difficulties life may present.

Digital Detox Finding Balance in A Hyperconnected World

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Weare often glued to screens and other electronic devices in today’s quick-paced, hyperconnected society, losing sight of the real world in the process. This constant reliance on technology has the potential to cause tension, worry, and a feeling of being out of the present. It’s time to start over and move toward balance and mindfulness. Welcome to the digital detox revolution!

(1) EMBRACE NATURE’S EMBRACE

Take a breath of fresh air and go outside to re-establish your connection to nature. Stroll through the park, let the grass caress your feet, or relax by sitting under a tree to take in the peaceful spirit of nature. Reawakening your senses through interaction with nature can help you escape the digital buzz and find the beauty of life away from the screen.

(2) SET BOUNDARIES

Work and personal life have become increasingly entwined thanks to technology. Establish rigorous limits on gadget use to keep the balance. Establish “tech-free” areas in your home, such as the dining table or the bedroom, where electronics are forbidden. You’ll be able to interact more deeply and savour sincere moments of connection with loved ones if you create clear boundaries.

(4) MINDFUL SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE

Social networking can have both benefits and drawbacks. Use your screen mindfully rather than mindlessly. Establish a specific period for checking your accounts to help you avoid the never-ending cycle of likes and comments. Instead of using social media as a mindless diversion, treat it as a source of inspiration, connection, and happiness.

(5) EMBRACE ANALOGUE EXPERIENCES

A refreshing appeal can be found in appreciating analogue experiences in a world of virtual and augmented reality. Play board games with friends, send letters to family members, and use a paper planner rather than a digital one. The nostalgia and simplicity these analogue activities evoke help establish a genuine connection.

(6) PRACTICE DIGITAL SABBATHS

Give yourself a complete digital detox one day every week. Enjoy your surroundings to the fullest, savour the companionship of loved ones, or get started on personal pursuits during this period. You’ll be astonished at how reviving and liberating a digital sabbath can be by giving yourself a break from the never-ending flow of information.

(3) UNPLUG AND RECHARGE

Recharge your mind and soul by regularly turning off your devices and engaging in activities you enjoy. Start a new activity, read an exciting book, practice meditation, or paint. It’s possible to rediscover your passions and nurture creativity when you unplug technology.

CONCLUSION

Remember that attaining balance in a hyperconnected society doesn’t call for drastic changes or action. It’s about intentionally tuning out the digital noise and reengaging with the real world. By implementing these six straightforward techniques into your daily routine, you may start a gratifying journey towards mindfulness, self-discovery, and real connections while restoring the harmony that was once misplaced in the craziness of the digital world. Happy detoxing!

The Sensual Spice Rack

Ignite Your Passion With These 6 Aphrodisiac Foods

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Nature has endowed us with a variety of tasty delights known as aphrodisiac food in the quest to spice up our love life. These gastronomic marvels have been cherished for ages for their extraordinary ability to arouse passion and heighten sensuality. Discover six tantalizing aphrodisiac foods that can enhance your love pursuits, from the delicate attraction of strawberries to the blazing allure of chilli peppers.

3. PASSIONATE AVOCADOS

Avocados are more than just a hip toast topping thanks to their creamy texture and seductive green colour. Avocados are a powerhouse of good fats, potassium, and vitamin E. These nutrients can boost your energy and general well-being, which can then drive your romantic adventures. So why not eat some delicious avocado slices with a sprinkle of sea salt while you both soar to the heights of passion?

4. SENSATIONAL OYSTERS

Oysters have an established reputation as the perfect dish that makes people fall in love because of their aphrodisiac qualities, which date back to prehistoric times. Zinc is abundant in oysters and is associated with the synthesis of estrogen and testosterone, which can increase libido and increase desire. These salty treats can enhance intimacy and excitement at the dinner table, whether they are served raw or lightly cooked.

1. JUICY STRAWBERRIES

Is there anything more delicious-looking than a ripe, luscious strawberry? These scarlet treats, bursting with sweetness and are a traditional emblem of love, have long been connected to romance and sensuality. Strawberries arouse the senses and can create a romantic atmosphere, whether they are served dipped in dark chocolate or lusciously incorporated into a dessert.

2. DECADENT DARK CHOCOLATE

A rich, velvety piece of dark chocolate can transport you to another world. In addition to its decadent flavour, dark chocolate includes phenylethylamine, a chemical believed to enhance feelings of desire and pleasure. With each exquisite taste, you and your lover might be enraptured by the sweet symphony of feelings only chocolate can evoke.

5. FIERY CHILLI PEPPERS

Look no further than the fiery attraction of chilli peppers to ignite the flames of romance. The substance that gives them their spiciness, capsaicin, also causes the production of endorphins, which results in a euphoric sensation similar to the rush of falling in love. Chilli peppers can undoubtedly increase the spiciness of a meal or the tenseness of your relationship with your companion.

6. EXOTIC SAFFRON

Since ancient times, saffron, also referred to as the “golden spice of love,” has been treasured for its aphrodisiac effects. This wonderful spice is believed to elevate mood and arouse libido. Saffron can provide a touch of magic to any romantic occasion, whether used to flavour a hot cup of saffron tea or sprinkled over a decadent risotto.

CONCLUSION

A fun method to reignite your desire and strengthen your relationship with your lover is by including aphrodisiac dishes in your culinary repertoire. Let the sensuous spice rack become your go-to tool for crafting extraordinary moments of intimacy and love, from the passionate attraction of strawberries to the fiery allure of chilli peppers. It’s crucial to remember that enjoying these delectable treats with others isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the thrill of getting to know one another better. So embrace the aphrodisiac’s enchantment and watch as your love tale develops with each exquisite bite.

Impact on the Nigerian Radio Scene Christopher Ubosi’s

Can you walk us through the journey that led you to become the owner of not just one but four successful radio stations?

National Radio Day is celebrated on August 20th and always has a distinctive resonance on the airways. It’s a day to celebrate the classic form of expression that has served as a dependable friend, source of entertainment, and knowledge for ages. National Radio Day celebrates radio’s heritage, innovation, and impact while also serving as a reminder of the medium’s ongoing appeal in the face of contemporary technological developments.

As the country celebrates National Radio Day, Christopher Ubosi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Megalectrics, offers insights into his career path from journalism to owning more than four eminent broadcasting companies in Nigeria and abroad. In this interview with TheWill’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, he discusses his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a radio tycoon, his perceptions of the enormous influence that radio has on communication, and the innovative tactics that have kept his stations not only relevant but also very resonating with listeners.

First of all, thank you for the interview and for at least recognising National Radio Day. I’ve been in the industry for longer than I should say, but I’ve never been interviewed on National Radio Day. National Radio Day is a day set out to celebrate the AM and FM radio stations or radio transmission worldwide. This is the first time I hear of it being celebrated in Nigeria, and that’s a big up for TheWill. Usually, we have World Radio Day, which is just a day, but National Radio Day itself is always on offer in Nigeria. So, well done to TheWill’s team for recognising the day. Back to your question, we own 12 radio stations, but there are four brands, Lagos Talk, Classic FM, which is in three cities, Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, the Beat FM, which is in two countries, Nigeria and London, and four cities in Nigeria, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Abuja, and lastly, Naija FM, which is in Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Lagos. So, we started with two names, the Beat and Classic FM in Lagos, and as we went along, we got more successful, so we decided to go to different states, and we started with Ibadan, then we went to Port Harcourt, and then Abuja as we realised that there were gaps in the market, which weren’t being well serviced, particularly the traditional language stations. That gave us the idea of starting a Radio Station to celebrate local languages, so we started with Naija FM. And then the last one we did was Lagos Talk, which was seven years ago. Talk radio is one of the most controversial formats of radio, which is very successful. It’s probably one of our most listened-to brands. But the thing with Talk radio is that people will not call you and talk to you about the good things that happen to them. Talk radio is more of an agony thing, where people call in to complain about government policies, their banking services, the traffic, the power situation, and power companies. We did Lagos Talk last because we, first of all, wanted to gain access as a responsible media company, not one which is very easy to interpret as being anti-government or anti-establishment when you always seem to be talking negatively about the institutions that you interact with. So, that was the last one we did because, at Megalectrics, we’ve gained people’s trust and made them realise that we are a proper media company and are not partisan. We live by the best practices of the industry. Because, in truth, you don’t own the frequency; you hold it in trust for the public. That’s why that was the last one that we did. But so far, the journey has been good. We have partners in different companies. Megalectrics is the one that operates them, but they don’t own all the licenses. They operate the licenses of our partners.

Each of your stations, from Beat FM to Classic FM, Nigeria FM, and Lagos Talk FM, has distinct vibes. What inspired you to create these unique stations, catering to different audiences?

Lagos is a case in point; Lagos is a very cosmopolitan city where we have people with diverse backgrounds, diverse upbringings, and diverse financial abilities; everything is cosmopolitan. People from different cultures, local and international, are all in Lagos. If you had to, at some point, begin to cater to individuals, it has to be segmented. This is all research. So each radio station was segmented

to cater to a certain target audience. Classic FM is for nostalgic music; it is for older people. When I say older, it’s typographic. It’s not the age. When I was 20, I used to listen to Nat King Cole.

Beat FM is for the younger people, Naija FM is grassroots, and Lagos Talk is a conversational station. So, in each of them, we tailor our presenters, our presenting style, our programming, our music, and our conversations to the audience they’re meant to speak to, which is why they’re so successful.

Can you talk about a specific moment or campaign where your radio station significantly impacted the community or brought about a positive change?

No one comes to my mind at the moment, but on a day-to-day basis, from a long-term standpoint and an immediate standpoint, we always have people calling and saying they’re being robbed, or people calling and saying there’s an accident, so we put it out on the air, and you get a call straight up from relevant authorities, particularly in Lagos. You are in a conversation on the radio, and somebody calls in to complain about something that has to do with the banking service or something that has to do with whatever customer-facing service, and in four minutes, you get a call from whoever it is, and they try to rectify the situation. So, it happens to us almost every day. And there are a few landmark ones, but I would rather not say so that I don’t seem to be exposing the government or whoever it is. I don’t want to be the reason why they did what they did, but I can assure you that it happens quite often. And we’re very happy, and I’m glad we’ve been able to do that.

Radio has been a constant companion for generations. From your perspective, what makes radio an enduring medium of communication in this digital age?

Well, everybody complains about the traffic. Everybody complains about no power. Everybody complains about many things, but that’s why radio in Nigeria is what it is. We have this thing called TSL(Time Spent Listening). In the U.S., it’s about 15 minutes spent listening to the station you’re listening to. But in Nigeria, it’s over an hour because of the traffic. You know, traffic is something that makes our services crucial. For instance, when I’m in the car with my daughter, I’m not going to play the songs I want to listen to; I’ll put on the radio. So that’s what happens, and that’s why radio is so big in Nigeria. Some developments are affecting that, but it’s big in Nigeria because of traffic. You don’t need the power to listen to the radio, but you need power to watch TV. You just put your batteries in your transistor. You see all these people who sell things on the road; they have their little transistors—the Malams and so on. So that’s what makes radio enduring in Nigeria.

In today’s fast-paced world, how does radio succeed in creating a sense of intimacy and connection with listeners that other mediums might struggle with?

Until recently, radio was the only medium you could take with you everywhere you went until we got television services on our phones and so on. Radio was the only medium up until 10 years ago, and radio is still the only medium where you don’t need to have data before you can listen to it. Without data, you can take your radio services in your car, on your transistor radio, or whatever medium you’re consuming it on. So it’s trustworthy. It’s something that you feel that anything that the radio says to you is true.

That’s why people advertise on the radio. You almost feel that it’s verified. That’s why they use the radio when there is a storm in the U.S or an emergency. They don’t use any other medium. That is why I tell people who have just joined radio broadcasting to practice responsible broadcasting. Because if you say something, it’s assumed to be true.

In those days, when there was a coup, they’d broadcast it to the radio stations. That’s just one side of it. The other side of it is that we have what we call personality radio. You are driving in the morning, listening to Classic FM with Bukky or Caesar or Beat FM with OC or BB Ray. Better still, let’s assume you are going home in the evening and listening to Osas; you feel that they’ve become

almost like your friends because you’re so used to what they’re saying and you’re used to everything about them. It almost feels like, you know them, it’s almost like a personal thing because they’re such a part of your life. That’s where the intimacy comes in. You go to bed at night and listen to late-night, mellow music, mellow magic. It’s the reason why radio has that intimacy. Because I have heard people say, Chris, “I have to come and meet this guy in your office; my wife loves the music he plays, my wife loves it.” And, I’m looking at them like, “How are we going to do this?”. So, that happens, and that’s the intimacy of radio. That’s one of the things that it does. You can take it everywhere you go, and in everything you do. It’s not obtrusive. You can be cooking and listening to it. You can be in the gym and listen to the radio. You can drive and listen to the radio. You don’t have to give it your 100% attention. So, it’s like a companion. And that’s where the intimacy is; it’s like a friend. And this is research-proven, not Chris Ubosi saying it. So, that’s why it is trustworthy and ever-present. This is what I tell my colleagues in the office. I say, listen, you’re five minutes late; somebody has been waiting to listen to you for five minutes, and that’s why I try to tell people when I lecture in schools or when I mentor. To you, it’s nothing. But to one person, to 12 people, to a million people, it’s something. That could be the five minutes I have to listen. That’s how intimate radio is. And that’s where the intimacy comes from.

Radio is dubbed the theatre of the mind. How do you think this quality has contributed to the lasting impact of radio in our lives?

I think it kind of dovetails into what we were talking about because when you say radio is the theatre of the mind, with radio, with technology, there are sound effects, there’s scripting, there’s a whole bunch of things that just lets you create something that only you can imagine. I create the clapping sound effects. I’m not seeing it. It’s a visual medium. It’s an aural medium. So you’re not seeing it. But it allows you to interpret it how your own experience makes you interpret it. If I put a sound effect of a car speeding down the road and I say to you that it’s a fast car, you can think it’s a fast car. You can call it whatever car you want. It depends on what you’ve experienced. That’s why it’s called the Theater of Dreams. It allows you to interpret it as you would your dream because it’s an individual experience. Your experiences dictate how you see or how you consume and interpret them.

Let’s talk about the ability to connect with people on the radio. Radio has been able to connect with people on an emotional level, which you spoke about now. How do you and your team create content that resonates deeply with your audience’s emotions?

Here’s the thing. I must have built half the radio stations in Nigeria; I must have consulted, but I still don’t have the arrogance to say that I know what my audience wants. We invest heavily in research. We do a lot of research. We continually try to find out what our audience wants. We amplify those parts of it. We identify defining strengths and invest in them. We put the audience first. We research their needs. That’s the emotional benefits that only radio can provide. You know what they want and what they would like to listen to in the morning. I know what you’d like to listen to in the evening. I know what kind of conversations you want to have, you want to be uplifted in the morning and

relaxed in the evening.

You’d rather not have sports in the middle of the day because you’re busy. You curate all this content based on your listeners’ needs, bearing in mind that you’re going up against other media.

You’re going up against TV.

You’re going up against YouTube.

You’re going up against social media. You’re going up against a whole bunch of stuff. You curate what it is that your audience tells you that they want. You become arrogant when you think you know or can dictate to them what you want. When we started radio, it was one-dimensional. We just spoke to you. But as we progressed, we realised that we had to have feedback from our audience. That’s where we started getting phone lines to you. Now we have social media. As you speak to the audience, you want to hear what they think about what you have to say. It’s now a two-way street. When we started, we just played the music. We didn’t have a chance to talk to tell them what we wanted or what we didn’t want; we just took what they gave. But as we became more sophisticated, you realised you needed to carry your audience along.

You spoke about carrying your audience along and radio evolving. As the media landscape is ever-evolving, what future trends do you foresee in media broadcasting, and how are you preparing your stations for these changes?  Well, I’ll say it doesn’t only apply to radio; it applies to every industry worldwide, including yours.

Everybody needs to begin to embrace Artificial Intelligence(AI). AI is a big monster we all have to cater for, make room for, and try not to fight. You can’t defeat it. It’s here to stay and will get more intrusive and prominent in every industry. Now, we’re practising a hybrid at work, where people come to work on several different days. AI and radio, that’s a big thing now. We, fortunately, have always adopted social media. We have the biggest social media following among radio stations in Nigeria. We use AI for a whole bunch of things now. We use it to create ads. There’s so much you can do with it. You can use algorithms to pick up from the archived audio that you can reuse as podcasts. You can create virtual hosts for your programs. You can use it for language translation. Say I want to translate something into Igbo, Yoruba, French, to whatever; AI is there. There’s a station in the U.S. they have a total virtual DJ. There is nobody there; AI is running it. It’s simple. What it does is that it, first of all, searches social media. If you take Lagos as an example, it searches it on social media, Twitter, and Instagram, finds what’s trending, and extracts it. Then it uses GPT to write a script based on it, saying that, okay, there’s traffic on Awolowo road, or somebody just got evicted from BBN All-Stars, or TheWill just won an award. It extracts that and uses GPT to write a script in the language. If it’s in Kaduna, it can write it in Hausa. If it’s in Lagos, it writes it in English. Then the AI voices the script. You have a choice, you can do it as a single person or two people, and it goes out on air. Guess what? While it’s doing all this, it generates real-time social media content that you can push out. We’re all going to have to come to terms with it. We’re all going to have to begin to embrace it. It’s going to be in Nigeria. We use the algorithm for podcasts and all archives. We haven’t yet gotten to the stage of using it to copy the voice of our OAPs or anything. But it’s going to get there because things are getting so difficult in the industry now. We’re going to have to cut costs and whatever we can. This is one of them. But it’s interesting. We all have to embrace technology. It’s real. AI producers are producing music now. You have songs out now that are not produced by humans. 73% of the producers in the U.S. are afraid of what AI is doing. The only problem now is they’re beginning to wonder where the copyright stands in this thing because you use someone’s work to train them.

I don’t have to pay copyright when I use AI to do anything. Because it’s me who did it, so every industry, every single industry, has to be afraid and

“Until recently, radio was the only medium you could take with you everywhere you went until we got television services on our phones and so on ”

very, very afraid and at the same time embrace what they can. So that’s the biggest thing. The rest of the things we’ve managed to live with and coexist with, and we’ll continue to do that.

With social media and streaming platforms prevalent, how do your radio stations adapt and continue to foster a sense of community among listeners?

With social media and streaming, I’m not going to front on that. They’ve eaten into our audience and many of our financial standpoints. But here’s the thing; it is what it is. It’s there. So what we at Megalectrics do is we look at it more not like competition but more like a collaboration. So that’s why you still find that we have massive relationships with traditional media, traditional record label owners. We still have them coming to the studio. I think Timi Dakolo is doing something with us now. We’ve had Davido come and do a takeover of the station. We’ve had Wizkid, we’ve had the Mavins, we’ve always had a good relationship with them. So you want to keep it more as a collaboration. They’re eating into our money, but they also realise that we’re partners. And that’s the only way this industry will grow and be sustained. Regardless of everything they say about radio and I’ll use statistics. I can’t use Nigerian statistics. But in the U.S., 80% of people still listen to the radio every day. It’s there. It’s ubiquitous. It’s not going to go anywhere.

We don’t view social media as competition. We view them more as collaboration. Sometimes we do a 360 with them. We expose it on the radio. You expose it on social media. We put it in print. We put it on TV. It’s a whole 360. We put it on billboards. No medium, including digital media, can stand on its own. I don’t consume digital media, for instance, so if you’re trying to advertise to me on digital media, well, WhatsApp forces me to look at it.

So it is more like a collaboration than a competition. And that’s the only way from now on that it can work for all of us.

Content that captivates requires creativity. What is an innovative or unexpected idea that became a hit on one of these stations?

As I just mentioned, Davido did a takeover for his album release, Timeless. He did a takeover of Beat.FM, all our Beat FM stations in Nigeria. And then, in the UK, it became Timeless radio. And it was so big; everybody now wants to do it with us. You know, you turn on the radio. Even RDF, when you put on

the radio, the thing that tells you Beat.FM was not Beat.FM, it was Timeless radio. We’ve done so many other things. We’ve done very clever things. I work with really clever people. I want to thank them. They’re a massive part of the success of our brands.

What would you say is your favourite song? Could you share a song you never get tired of listening to or hearing? And why it holds a special place for you.  There are three of them: Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, Soldier Love, Brothers in Arms, and then there is a song, I think it’s called That Ibo Boy by Illbliss. So those songs and there’s also Oliver Twist. Oliver Twist, to me, because it has two of my favourite people worldwide; Dapo and Don Jazzy. You know, I liked That Ibo Boy because it was just a new thing. I had never heard anything like it. And I also like Black Magic. My school days were Bob Marley and Dire Strait’s Brothers in Arms. I remember when we didn’t have a dime and were waiting for our next allowance from our parents. We’d sit down and listen to Brothers in Arms. We’d tell each other, don’t worry; we’re brothers in arms. We’re just waiting. Those are songs that I like, which is why my kids don’t let me play my music in the car when I’m with them because those are the songs I would play on repeat.

As a leader in the radio industry, what advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in radio broadcasting?

It depends on where you’re coming from and what standpoint you’re coming from. Do you want to be a great OAP? You see, there are many facets to being a radio broadcaster. I mean, there’s production.

I have the privilege of having the greatest production team. I used to produce my Sweepers and my Studio IDs abroad, and when I sent them the samples, I wanted them to copy, they’d say, ‘Bro, you don’t need that; your guys there are doing great. We are prepared to give you work.’ So there are different parts to the radio. You want to be in traffic, or whatever it is you want to do, like everything, grind hard and do it. Persevere at it. And it depends if you want to be an owner. It takes years to get a license. It takes more years to break even. You need to have a proper niche. You need not be arrogant. You need to do your research and decide who you are talking to. I have to say

everybody tries to use a shotgun where you just spray plenty of pellets and kill everybody. These days, you need to be a sniper in your approach to things. Decide who you’re speaking to. Are you talking to women of 18 to 34? Are you talking to men of 25 to 30? Who are you talking to? And do everything, from your branding to your positioning, all should be skewed toward that directly.

Who would you like to host a show with if you were given the opportunity?

If I were given the opportunity to host a show, the first person would be President Olusegun Obasanjo. I’m privileged to be on the board of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation. So we have several meetings with him, and each of them is like an experience. That’s the thing about being a great man; you have to be liked or not liked. You can’t be a good man if you’re only not liked. If you’re only loved, there has to be a problem with you. You cannot be your own man if you are only on either side, and Olusegun Obasanjo is that man. I learn so much from discussing at meetings that I have with the man. We’re talking about things, and he pulls in so much, you know what I mean? And he pulls it in such a forthright manner, although some may say he is arrogant, you know, it gets to a place where you have seen so much that you can’t afford to appear arrogant. But if you interrogate it, you will realise it’s the love for the country. It’s the belief in oneself. The belief in one’s abilities makes you appear to be arrogant. So he is somebody I’d like to host a talk show of people who’ve served in this country. To converse and, in truth, find out why they did certain things. That’s the kind of show that I’d like to do. Everybody has asked me to go on the radio; they compliment my voice and say you have the experience, but I’m like, ‘ Let me stay at the back end and try to keep the lights on.’ But if I was going to do it, he is the person I’d like to do it with.

The Twilight Zone

Navigating The Dark Side of Sleeping with Your Phone on

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Our phones have evolved into companions in the digital age, even when we should happily be dozing off. But many of us are ignorant of a dark and dangerous side that lurks beneath the surface of this midnight friendship. Discover six terrifying effects that pose a threat to our health and well-being as we explore the eerie world of sleeping with our phones on.

4) ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

We are exposed to electromagnetic radiation when our phones are nearby while we sleep. While the study is ongoing, several studies raise the possibility that this radiation may have harmful health impacts, such as irregular sleep patterns and elevated anxiety.

1) BLUE LIGHT MENACE

The blue light from our phones becomes more prominent when the sun sets. This seemingly innocuous glow interferes with the hormone melatonin that helps us fall asleep, causing us to toss and turn in the dark. The outcome? An uneasy night and a sleepy, ineffective morning.

2) SLEEP SABOTAGE

Our phones act as sleep saboteurs, waiting to break into our lovely sleep anytime. Our sleep cycles are abruptly interrupted by notifications, messages, and alarms, keeping us from getting the deep, rejuvenating sleep we need. An exhausting night and a cloudy day result from the constant barrage of distractions.

5) MIND ON OVERDRIVE

We are exposed to electromagnetic radiation when our phones are nearby while we sleep. While the study is ongoing, several studies raise the possibility that this radiation may have harmful health impacts, such as irregular sleep patterns and elevated anxiety.

3) DIGITAL ADDICTION 6) PHYSICAL HEALTH IMPACT

Even in bed, we remain enthralled by social media and internet material. We lose valuable sleep time to the addicting habit of endlessly scrolling through feeds. It becomes increasingly difficult to escape this digital hold the more we engage.

Not just our mental health is impacted when we sleep with our phones around us. It can also negatively influence our physical health. The temptation to check our phones at night can result in poor sleep, which over time may raise our chance of developing several health concerns, including immune system weakness and cardiovascular problems.

We must develop sound sleeping practices if we’re to leave this unsettling liminal space and restore our quiet nights. To maintain a positive connection with our phones and at the same time get a good night’s sleep, follow these tips:

A) ESTABLISH A DIGITAL CURFEW

Decide on a specific time to put your phone aside so your body and mind can naturally relax.

B) CREATE A PHONE-FREE SLEEP SANCTUARY

Keep your phone away from your bed or outside the bedroom to lessen temptation and distractions.

C) DIM THE LIGHTS

To lessen the detrimental effects of blue light on your sleep, turn on the “Night Shift” mode on your phone or use blue-light-blocking apps.

D) OPT FOR REAL CONNECTION

Consider picking up a book or partaking in soothing activities before bedtime rather than going to your phone for entertainment.

E) SWITCH TO ALARM CLOCKS

Use a traditional alarm clock rather than relying on your phone to wake you up to lessen the urge to check your phone at night.

CONCLUSION

These actions will help us escape the twilight zone, build positive connections with our phones, and recapture the joy of uninterrupted, restorative sleep. Remember, we only need to embrace it wholeheartedly to find the path to peaceful nights. Sweet dreams await!

FASHION HACKS

Expert Tips For Solving Common Style Dilemmas

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Fashion is a dynamic art form that enables us to express ourselves, but it occasionally creates challenging circumstances. We’ve all experienced the dreaded fashion issues, from mismatched outfits to confounding wardrobe dilemmas. Fear no more; we’ve gathered six professional ideas to assist you in resolving these fashion dilemmas with ease and style. Get ready to raise the bar in your style game!

1. WRINKLE-FREE FASHION EMERGENCY

Nobody likes having their clothes wrinkled, especially if they are late. Having a travel-sized wrinkle-release spray on hand can solve this issue quickly. Watch the creases magically disappear by simply spritzing it on your clothing and giving it a light tug. You’ll be ready to conquer your day in no time!

2. STAIN SURVIVAL TACTICS

Accidents happen, and it can be a nightmare if they result in stains on your favourite clothing. Always act fast when dealing with stains. Avoid pressing the stain; instead, gently blot it with a damp cloth. Pressing it could make it worse. When dealing with tough stains, make a paste out of baking soda and water and gently scrub the affected area. Voilà! Your clothing will be spotless and in pristine condition.

3. ACCESSORY OVERLOAD

Sometimes, when accessorising, less is more. Remember the “golden rule of three” when deciding how many accessories to wear: stick to three essential pieces. For instance, a bracelet, earrings, and a striking necklace. By doing this, you can make sure your clothing is the star by striking the ideal balance between sophisticated and overwhelming.

4. TAMING THE STATIC BEAST

A gorgeous dress can be rapidly transformed into a clinging disaster by static electricity. Before putting on your clothes, lightly spritz a dryer sheet on the inside to reduce static. If you forget your dryer sheet, dab your hands in with moisturiser and gently massage your clothing down. No more static surprises!

5. HIGH HEEL HELL

Even though they are a fashion must-have, high heels can also be a discomfort. Use the freezing technique to reduce discomfort. Put your heels in the freezer at night with a ziplock bag filled with water inside them. Your shoes will fit better because the water’s expansion gently stretches them. Say goodbye to the high-heel woes!

6. BELTED BRILLIANCE CONCLUSION

It can be difficult to navigate through fashion conundrums, but with these six expert tips, you’ll be a style pro. Accept where you are in your fashion journey, learn from your mistakes, and never be reluctant to try new things. Always keep in mind that dressing to express yourself and having fun with your style are the main goals of fashion. Happy styling!

Belts are a great accessory, but occasionally they can slide down or ride up, ruining the look you intended. To keep the belt in place, tape a short piece of doublesided tape to the back. Using this smart approach, you can keep your belt firmly fastened while still looking decent and put together.

LISTEN .READ .WATCH

LISTEN

Work of Art

Artist: Asake

Ahmed Ololade, professionally known as Asake, released his second album, Work of Art, this year, which showcases his unique blend of amapiano, a strain of South African house music in the lineage of kwaito, and fújì, an Indigenous Yoruba music. His first album, Mr. Money With the Vibe, became Billboard’s highestcharting debut album from a Nigerian artist. Asake’s winning formula requires no adjustments, with his songs often expressing wealth and spirituality. His songs often read as a proposition that anyone who hustles can experience the blessings he’s had. Asake’s approach to amapiano, which is tied to the country’s dance lineage, is evident in his bite-sized pop song form, which he intends to use as an avenue for intimate storytelling. His productions, such as Great Guy and Yoga, showcase his ability to transform traditional séga into a contemporary plea for peace. Asake’s cross-generational, intercontinental music is a testament to his ability to evolve Nigerian music and continue to innovate.

READ

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives

Author: Lola

Shoneyin

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin is a novel about a polygamous Nigerian man, Baba Segi, who has four wives and seven children. The household was stable and had a steady rhythm until the arrival of the fourth wife, Bolanle. When she joins the family, her being younger and more educated than the other women incites their jealousy, leading to them plotting and scheming to get her out. Her position is made even more precarious as she and the baby-obsessed Baba Segi struggle to conceive a child, which leads to some big family revelations.

WATCH

House of Secrets

Writer and Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

A sheltered woman’s past comes back to haunt her when she’s thrown in jail for being an accomplice to her spy lover. Twenty years later, a group rescues her from jail and sets up a semblance of her old house to make her remember a secret number her spy lover hid with her.

Set in Nigeria’s 1999 military-to-democracy transition days and the present-day democratic landscape of the country, The House of Secrets, a psychological thriller, highlights the theme of trust, and life’s choices influenced by love, contrasted in time through the art of flashbacks in dialogue and photography. The past haunts the present within the walls, and lurking secrets come to light. The movie is described as a romance drama and film noir, a cinematic term used for movies that are mostly shot in gloomy grey, black, and white.

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, in collaboration with Anthill Studios, the movie was released exclusively on Prime Video on June 30, 2023.

Cooking For A Cause

HOW FOOD CAN INSPIRE SOCIAL CHANGE

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

More than just a source of nutrition, food is a form of communication that unites all cultures. Beyond pleasing our palates, food can start dialogues, cross cultural divides, and motivate constructive social change. This article will examine seven compelling ways food can transform communities and encourage people to create a better world.

EMPOWERING MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES

By giving underprivileged communities opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship, foodbased programs and social enterprises can help them gain power. For example, community gardens and culinary training programs can provide meaningful employment and give people the tools they need to take control of their lives. You can help those in need and promote pride and self-reliance by investing in programs like this.

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CULTIVATING CULINARY DIVERSITY

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Adopting sustainable farming methods helps communities, local farmers, and the environment. Supporting farmers prioritising eco-friendly practices, such as organic farming or regenerative agriculture, builds resistance against climate change and contributes to developing a sustainable food ecosystem. By consuming ethically and purchasing ingredients from sustainably managed ecosystems, you help to lower your carbon footprint and advance social change.

COMBATING FOOD INSECURITY

Although food insecurity is still a severe problem in many parts of the world, we can change things by launching community-driven projects.

Local food drives, food banks, and soup kitchens are essential to feed the hungry. You can help end hunger and build a more equitable community where everyone can access wholesome food by volunteering or supporting such endeavours.

Celebrating different cuisines can help people better understand and appreciate other cultures because the culinary world is a melting pot of many ethnicities. Connecting individuals from other communities can be facilitated by holding food festivals, popup eateries, or cooking classes that feature recipes from many cultures. We can dismantle barriers and create a more accepting society by engaging in prevalent culinary experiences.

RAISING AWARENESS THROUGH FOOD EVENTS

Food-related activities offer an excellent platform for bringing attention to social issues. Fundraising activities centred around food, like bake sales and charity dinners, can help advance significant causes. Participants can be motivated to take action and develop empathy if food is used to express the struggles experienced by marginalised groups.

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REDUCING FOOD WASTE

Food waste is a widespread issue that worsens food insecurity and adds to environmental deterioration. We can reduce food waste and give surplus food to those in need by encouraging conscious consumption and implementing sustainable food practices. Programs for food donation and composting are practical strategies to reduce food waste and promote sensible consumption.

ADVOCATING FOR FOOD JUSTICE

Ensuring everyone has access to nutritious, reasonably priced, and culturally acceptable food is the goal of food justice. Transformative social change can result from supporting food justice movements and supporting laws that prioritise food access. Holding leaders responsible for food-related policies would help create a society where everyone has the right to food security.

CONCLUSION

Food has the incredible power to spark societal transformation and forge deep bonds. Every action, from promoting sustainable agriculture to fighting for food justice, can help create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. Let’s use our passion for cooking to make meals for a purpose bigger than ourselves and recognise the ability of food to effect positive change. Let’s build a world where food promotes kindness, harmony, and constructive change within and beyond our borders.

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

Gran Turismo

The first season of Yellowjackets definitely hit a nerve with its inspired combination of Lord of the Flies and Lost; the series quickly became one of Showtime’s most successful ever, with about 5 million viewers tuning in each week.

The inspired premise of a group of plane crash survivors — told in the “then” and “now” — was only enhanced by the stellar cast who brought it to life, like Melanie Lynskey as Shauna, now a suburban mom and housewife with homicidal impulses; Juliette Lewis as the edgy, extremely damaged grown-up Natalie; and Christina Ricci as the obsessive Misty, who was basically to blame for the entire disaster, as her teenage self (Samantha Hanratty) was enjoying the camaraderie of the girls’ life in the wild so much that she destroyed the plane’s black box to prevent the team from getting rescued in the first place.

WATCH OF THE WEEK

YELLOWJACKETS SEASON 2

moment that should be required acting-workshop viewing, as Shauna wrestles with about 18 different sides of herself. And Cypress is breathtaking to witness as Tai’s PTSD continues to shred her already weak ties to reality.

Thankfully, the series wisely manages to reunite the grown-up team eventually so that Taissa and Shauna’s solid friendship, not to mention Natalie’s humorous brushoffs of Misty, return to solidify the series. The absurd banter between Ricci and Wood also brings some vital lighter moments amidst all the bleakness.

middle of nowhere, cliques emerge, battle lines are drawn, and outcasts like Misty and Crystal remain outcasts.

Not to mention how the inability of our four main adult Yellowjackets to move past what happened to them is demolishing their lives in the present. Lottie and Tai both are dealing with some sort of mental illness, while Natalie tries to fight her addictive tendencies and Shauna her violent ones — but are these disorders a result of the “darkness” or the cause of them?

Gran Turismo is fundamentally an advert.

It’s named for the beloved PlayStation game and heavily features gameplay of Gran Turismo 7 – none of which exactly inspires confidence in the film’s quality. But it is surprisingly good fun. In spite of the absolutely uninspiring jumble of source material, it has enough vroom-vroom enjoyment – and something approaching visual coherence. There is, at least, a decent narrative backbone: this is also the story of real British gamer-turned-racer Jann Mardenborough (a serviceable but sometimes wooden Archie Madekwe), a young man who won a series of Nissan competitions devised by wily exec Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom, chewing up the scenery). Except Jann just kept winning races, partly down to the fact that Gran Turismo’s gameplay was so lovingly and realistically detailed that he was able to gain knowledge of the motorsports tracks like a genuine pro.

With staunch support from David Harbour as a sceptical trainer and Joshua Stradowski as a rival driver and a sort of amalgamation of Max Verstappen and Wile E Coyote in his levels of arrogant villainy, it’s fun to watch Gran Turismo play out even as we know all the beats it’s going to hit. Additional fun comes with

This is a triumphant feelgood sports story in the vein of many that have come before – a man viewed as a joke and discouraged by those around him proves himself at the top level. It may be formulaic, but it is effective, largely through its attempts, at least, to follow a classical model of storytelling.

Gran Turismo also has an ace up its sleeve in the form of director Neill Blomkamp, the South African talent who, several lifetimes ago, also made District 9 and Elysium. This is not material worthy of such an innovative thinker, but he does at least borrow from the visual vernacular of better motorsports films, with the visceral wheel squeaks and engine thrums of Days of Thunder for inspiration.

Perhaps it has just enough style and earnestness to squeak by its own mediocrity for that reason. Against all odds, Gran Turismo has a decent amount of gas in the tank.

Rating: 6/10

The Yellowjackets casting team deserves all the awards, as the older and younger versions of the main characters match up seamlessly. That streak continues this season with the inspired casting of Lauren Ambrose as the grown-up Van (Liv Hewson). Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings), former co-star of Ricci and Lynskey, is a welcome addition as Misty’s male counterpart Walter, a so-called “citizen detective.” John Paul Reynolds offers some ridiculous swagger as an interested local.

Yellowjackets devotees will be glad to see the main characters on screen again, even though Season 2 kicks off by splintering our four main characters off into their own paths. Shauna is still grappling with how to cover up the murder of her lover, artist Adam (Peter Gadiot), whom she mistakenly thought was blackmailing the Yellowjackets; the culprit actually turned out to be her own husband, Jeff (Warren Kole). Natalie ended last season by being kidnapped by Lottie’s cult. Now known as Charlotte (Simone Kessell), the most spiritual Yellowjacket has grown up to run an antler-happy “personal growth organization” located near a lake that looks a lot like the one where the girls first swam post-crash. Misty is off on a search for Natalie with new colleague Walter, and Taissa (Tawny Cypress) may have the most unsettling storyline of all, as the mysterious dark side of her personality makes more and more invasive appearances, costing the newly elected politician her family and maybe even more.

Meanwhile, in 1996 Canada, a pregnant Shauna (Sophie Nélisse) is having a hard time letting go of Jackie (Ella Purnell) after her frozen death in the snow. Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) and Travis (Kevin Alves) fruitlessly hunt every day for enough food for the group to be able to survive the winter. “Antler Queen” Lottie (Courtney Eaton) continues to draw followers by trying to get the girls to commune with the wilderness. Tai’s (Jasmin Savoy Brown)’s girlfriend, Van, helps her manage her strange sleepwalking episodes, and Misty makes a new BFF in Crystal (Nuha Jes Izman).

It’s a lot for a single series to handle, and a lesser show would crumble under the weight of so many characters and myriad not-necessarily-entwined-plotlines. But even the most head-scratching stories (just how is Shauna going to escape a murder rap after stabbing Adam in cold blood?) are elevated by the hypnotic performances of the superlative cast. In one scene, Lynskey has a

Unfortunately, both adult Lottie and adult Natalie mention a mystical darkness they’ve brought back with them from the wild in the Season 2 trailer, conjuring up unfortunate smoke monster memories from the similarly stranded TV drama Lost Granted, Yellowjackets gets a lot deeper and darker than anything on broadcast network TV. But there’s already plenty of series fodder from the extreme adolescent trauma the girls experienced and how it affected their teenage years; even in the

For the sake of both the younger and older characters and the series overall, we can only hope that the ominous force mentioned is figurative, not literal. Yellowjackets’ predecessor, Lord of the Flies, was terrifying because it depicted the lower levels of humanity that can erupt when societal structures disappear, especially for young, not fully adult people. Is the true nature of man (or teenage girl) purely savage, laying waste to the mere idea of innocence? While the idea of a strange, all-encompassing and invading evil can be scary, isn’t it even more horrifying to consider that any of us might be capable of such depraved acts if all our societal structures fell away and survival was at stake? That would be a much more interesting tack for Yellowjackets to take — with or without antlers.

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a cameo from Geri HalliwellHorner, former Spice Girl Christian Horner, as young Jann’s mother.

Caroline Polachek - Bunny Is A Rider

Iyanya_ Bnxn - Sinner

JAE5_ Skepta_ Rema -

Falz_ Flavour_ ODUMODUBLVCK - NDI IKE

JAE5_ Bnxn - Love Made Me Do It

Young Jonn - Sharpally

Dreamville_ Kehlani - Shadows (with Kehlani)

J Hus - Massacre - A COLORS SHOW

Olamide - Jinja