VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 For The Love Of MusicAnd Photography
David Nwachukwu @ebube.nw - Contributing Writer David Nwachukwu has always been immersed in fashion from the age of 10, watching a Dior by Galliano show on television. His work in fashion stretches across media, marketing, brand communications as well as design. As a fashion & lifestyle journalist, David has tracked key industry data for various publications including Industrie Africa, Culture Custodian, Haute Fashion Africa, and HELLO! Nigeria. A Geography graduate from The University of Lagos, David consciously aligns this background in environmental advocacy and sustainable development with the need to promote a more ethical fashion ecosystem. He currently oversees strategic communications at Clean Technology Hub. Uzo Orimalade @uzosfoodlabs - Contributing Writer Uzo Orimalade has a background in Law and Business and spent over a decade working in Corporate America and Nigeria in the management consulting and investment banking sectors. She switched careers to pursue her passion for baking, cooking and home entertaining. She is content creator and host of shows in various media platforms. She has been recognised by local and international media including a feature on CNN’s African Voices. AUSTYN OGANNAH
@insignamediaOshalusiKolaPhoto:Makeup:Zaron CONTENTS BODIES BODIESBODIES 0706 14-151612-13 CONFIDENTIALDOWNTOWN MOVIE SPECIALDOWNTOWNTHEREVIEWSCENEFEATURETRAVEL 5 OF THE BEST BEACHESAFRICAAROUND LOVEANOTHERBITESTHE... CELEBRITIES AT THE WORLDFASCINATINGOFPRIMEVIDEOCELEBRATINGWORLDPHOTOGRAPHYDAY EDITOR’S NOTE 04-058 FASHION THE WORLDFASHIONABLEOFBOOMERS COVER IT’S TY BELLO! FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHYAND 03 ODDBOD & THE CITY GIVE ME MY FLOWERS: WHILE I CAN SMELL THEM…
WHAT
outlets
Some of my fondest photography memories were when we'd play with my dad's Polaroid camera. I loved capturing images and watching them slide out from the camera. Years later, I didn't see the Polaroid camera anymore; my dad had bought a new camera and, at the slightest opportunity, would take out his Nikon and capture precious moments. He enjoyed photographing his kids. I remember one photo in particular of me when I was probably about eight–years–old, trying to use a chopstick. There I was, one hand holding it at the base while the other grabbed it at the top to try to pinch the meal. Hilarious! Moments like that are immortalised thanks to photography. Being photographed was one of my favourite things to do(apart from singing). I'd get so excited that almost every time we had a family photo taken, it was ruined because you could spot my grin from miles away. I guess you could say they captured my very That'sessence.precisely what our cover personality, TY Bello does. With every subject she photographs, she tries to bring out his or her essence. Exposing their inner being to you, such that it often feels like you know the subject even though you might have never seen them before. And so it's safe to say she photographs from the heart, much like music, which also often comes from one's sincere feelings. No wonder she harmonises both art forms seamlessly. Another interesting similarity is that just like the process of putting a photo together before you click to capture is called composition, making music requires composing a song. Who would have thought such similarities existed between two art forms? This comprehensive interview discusses intricate details about photography, its business, and the creative space in general. You must read it. I promise you'll love it. In honour of World Photography Day, we spotlight a few photographers on pages 14 through 15, while the movie review page gives an insight into Succession From the review, it sounds like seventies soap opera, Dallas, so I guess I have a new series to catch up on(when I find time). Until next week, enjoy your read. SAIDYOU Yolanda@yolandaokereke@maamee_esiiThanksguyswiththestyle@abujasextoyshop
Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity Contributing Editor Odunayo Ogunbiyi is an ex pharmacist with a passion for food and pampering. Writing about her exploits wherever in the world she may find herself is just her way of staying sane in this zany world.
Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm - Contributing Writer Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.
VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 PAGE 2 THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa + 2349088352246
Editor:PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Writers: Kehindé Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’
COVER STORY IMAGES BY TY BELLO @tybello
Givelife.comfortwisdom,loyalty,bringforthewhowithyourselfsurroundyouitIfimagination.andyougetright,canpeoplewantbestyouandmagic,andtoyourMe My Flowers: While
I don’t want to regret not letting my friends know unequivocally what they mean to me.
I no longer take for granted the gift that is a friend picking up the phone to check on you, send over a gift or a heart emoji in the morning. It means everything that Megha took the time to scoop up her hungover friend, feed her, organise a gift, and deposit her back home full of wine and pleasantly drowsy, all in the name of “Congratulations, I am so proud of you!”
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Friendships that stand the test of time, that evolve, that inspire, that transform, that are authentic are, for me, hands down, one of the greatest joys of the human experience.Fullyunderstandingthefleetingnessofourtimehereonearth,Iappreciateandbaskinthegoodtimes,laughsandmemoriesthatIgettomakewithmyfriends.Themthatholdspaceforme,youknowwhoyouare.Thankyou,andILOVEYOU.
THE CITY OGUNBIYIODUN
AnotherBandwagontoGetOn… We are all a little guilty of taking our loved ones for granted. I don’t know if it’s the pandemic or just the wisdom that comes with my advancing years, but I have intentionally decided to be a better-quality friend. Sincere friendships take hard work and effort, as they should. Communication is key. A massive dose of selflessness helps and a sprinkling of initiative I Can Smell
ODDBOD &
Iwoke up last Saturday morning with the kind of dodgy head and sandpaper mouth that can only be achieved by a well-executed Friday night rolling into the wee hours of Saturday morning. I really didn’t think I would be able to make my brunch appointment because I had absolutely no idea how I would drag myself out of Itbed.was a whole matter of mind of matter because greater than my wish to stay in bed was my wish to hang out with my dear friend Megha who was adamant that we had to celebrate my new job. My slightly hungover self demanded that food was the most important thing that had to happen first. Megha and I have a long-standing tradition of catching up over eggs Benedict, so we headed to Eric Kayser. I had the traditional; she swapped hers out for the salmon version. Copious amounts of coke and ibuprofen later, it was looking like I was going to live to tell the tale. As usual, the food was yum, and service was excellent despite being fully booked, which means it is still an exceedingly popular Saturday morning brunch spot. A quick swing by the counter to get some pastries for the little one at home, and we were off to the Crossroads Art Exhibition at the Wheatbaker. Turns out we got our dates mixed up and totally missed the event, but the art was still up, so we settled in with a glass of wine (hair of the dog that bit you and all that) and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon catching up. With all the waffling I have indulged in, you probably missed the whole point of this article.
Them…
FASHION
BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 PAGE 4 THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.comTHEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
If it’s an evening event, you want to look at how Sola Sobowale, 56, does it. A flowy silk gown is not only elegant but also refreshingly comfortable. Or, like Mo Abudu, 57, wear a pair of pop socks. It screams ‘edgy and youthful.’
Still With the Trends Do-rag, blings, or shades, you can still do what the younglings do. Just like Richard Mofe-Damijo, 61, you too can pull it off. RMD
FASHIONABLETheWorldofBOOMERS
As we grow older, our style gets a few tweaks here and there. Articles of clothing and fashion accessories are considered not age-appropriate, mannerisms are expected to be different, and of course, our bodies are bound to change. Our fashion staple that once screamed “youthful exuberance” may become subjects of the age-old feware-getting-olddon’t-you-know-you-rebuke.Butapeoplehavemadeitwork—keptthesophisticationthathasensuredthattheyagelikefinewineandremaininstyle.
Sola Sobowale Mo Abudu Flowy and Elegant
Helen Prest-Ajayi
If you are a man in your 60s, chances are that you have won one too many suits in your life. This is why like Steve Harvey, 65, you must always look to do it differently. A trench coat is perfect.
Unless you work in the corporate world, as a woman, you don’t wear a lot of suits. But if there is anything Helen Prest-Ajayi, 62, and Naomi Campbell, 52, have shown us, it is that beauty queens always make it work.
Kate Henshaw
Extra With the Suits
On the days when the dress code is business casual, turn up in blazing hot blazers like Tony Elumelu, 59. It Suits Women Too
Naomi Campbell
Chioma Ude
The Fifties Club: the new 30
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SteveTonyHarveyElumelu
It is normal for people in their 50s— especially women—not to have the conventional body types; there is no shame in that; childbirth is no small feat. However, if you are blessed with a ‘hot bod,’ show it off like these women on the fifth floor.
ANSE SOURCE D'ARGENT, LA DIGUE ISLAND, SEYCHELLES
CAMPS BAY BEACH, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH OneAFRICAofthe most popular beaches in South Africa, Camps Bay Beach is roughly a 10-minute drive from downtown Cape Town and offers views of Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostle peaks. The locals love to spend their days lounging on the white sand beach. This beach quickly fills up during the summer weekends with people coming to relax, play beach volleyball, and simply hang out—families, tourists, couples, and groups of friends. BEST AROUNDBEACHESAFRICA
Beaches serve as tourist attractions in thousands of countries worldwide. If you have visited one before, you will find that there is something extraordinarily therapeutic and tranquil about digging your toes in the sand and sipping on coconut water while staring into the calm waters. For certain ones to be called the best among the lot, things like amenities, accessibility, swimming and water sports options, safety, sense of place, relaxation, and scenery must be ticked off that box before getting the title of the best beach, and these ones certainly do.
NUNGWI BEACH, ZANZIBAR ISLAND, ATANZANIAtriptoZanzibar Island, off the coast of Tanzania, is a fantastic adventure. Zanzibar is a culturally diverse island with beautiful beaches, notably Nungwi. Zanzibar is one of the most picturesque destinations to visit in Africa, with its wooden dhows cruising the crystal-clear turquoise lake and its bustling bazaars in Stone Town, the Swahili coastal commerce hub.
5OF THE
BY IDOWU LAMI
TRAVEL
The Seychelles Islands, situated amid the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Madagascar, have long been a favourite getaway for the affluent and famous. This archipelago is home to hundreds of exquisite beaches, but Anse Source d'Argent on the island of La Digue is by far the most stunning.
VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 PAGE 6
BAZARUTO ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE
Some of the most beautiful beaches you'll ever see may be found on Bazaruto Island, located within the confines of the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park off the coast of Mozambique. Warm, turquoise-coloured ocean, white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and tall dunes combine to create a picture-perfect paradise scene. The island is accessible by boat or small plane, and lodging options range from inexpensive guesthouses to the opulent on a nearby island.
NAAMA BAY, EGYPT The hub of the best beach resort in the nation, Sharm el-Sheikh, is Naama Bay. The Gulf of Aqaba's crystal-clear, tranquil, blue seas meet the white-sand beach here, and in the distance, you can make out Saudi Arabia's rugged shoreline.
Hickeys don’t necessarily have to be on the neck or chest areas—although those are the most common— they can be anywhere. When I got my first and last hickey, it didn’t happen where most places people generally get theirs. I met “thathroatgod” on Instagram. Her handle would have been a huge disclaimer for most people but trust me to run head first into disclaimers. Of course, I was intrigued to know if she lived up to the billing, but in the meantime, I needed to convince her that I wasn’t interested in affiliate marketing as I was in her. To get her attention, I had to sign up. After that, she told me her name and more about herself. Her name was Sharon, and she was a student. Fishing for information, I asked her if there was any truth to her handle or if it was just an alter ego and her response, “wouldn’t you want to find out in person?” was enough to keep me hooked. Sharon and I talked back and forth for a few months while she was at school, and when she was on holiday, we couldn’t wait to link up. Her folks weren’t in the country, so she had the house to herself. As much as I tried not to think about what would happen, I couldn’t help it. Sharon had sent me her pictures, and she had a Paris runway model-like body but with fuller breasts. She had an enchanting smile that was super contagious as well. But despite all that, I couldn’t stop obsessing over if she’d live up to her Instagram handle. I arrived at hers, and we had a little chit-chat before we made her on-heat cat jealous with our foreplay. Soon enough, the much-anticipated fellatio came, and it was good, no scratch that, it was great until it wasn’t. This young lady decided that the best place to give me a hickey was on my phallus, right on the cap. In her words, it made her feel powerful. For two days, I couldn’t wear pants because it stung. I don’t advise you to try this if you have anywhere to be for the next few days.
’ve always hated getting hurt; bruises, scrapes, or scars irritated me because you can’t do things as easily and painlessly as you would without them. Mobility is also difficult in unpleasant positions like the back of your knee. But for some weird reason, when the scrapes are from consensual sexual behaviour, they become more A love bite, or as it is known, a hickey, is by far the most famous and most acceptable injury you could ever give your partner(s). But what exactly is it, and what’s there to know? A hickey is a bruise resulting from someone sucking on your skin vigorously enough to cause discolouration. Now love bites aren’t necessarily new; people have been giving and getting hickeys long before the word “hickey” entered the English language in 1934. In olden times, it was a form of punishing your partner. In recent times, however, it’s more of a proud love sign donned—mostly on the neck and anywhere else— between A hickey is a statement! Even if you can conceal it with a turtleneck or some concealer, the appeal of a hickey leaves a momentary imprint on your partner as a remembrance of the recent strong-heated passion between you. Despite being called ‘love bites,’ there’s rarely any biting involved. Sure, nibbling is welcome during a make-out session, but all that’s required to produce the typical image of a little mark on a person’s neck is suction. This causes tiny blood vessels to burst without breaking the skin with your teeth. Hickeys are essentially just bruising from ruptured blood vessels brought on by sucking. They typically affect softer, more delicate skin, such as the neck, shoulders, and chest. Getting your partner’s blessing is the first thing to do. They are the ones who would need to slather their neck with concealer or put in a turtleneck, so their consent is very important. Suck on your partner’s neck while you are in a passionate embrace to simulate a vacuum-like sensation. Make the shape of an O with your mouth, press your lips to your partner’s skin, and suck for a few seconds (20 to 30) if you want to leave a lasting impression for any reason. Using your lips as suction, they become like a vacuum, which bursts the small capillaries under your skin, releasing blood and creating a bruise. With that done, take a step back and admire your work, Picasso.
Let’s say you’re on the receiving end of a love bite, and despite what Picasso thinks, you’ve realised a love bruise wasn't such a good idea, there are a few things you could do that might help you but no promises. The first will be getting a concealer if you don’t plan on donning a love patch on your neck. It would still be there, but it would be covered up. Something else that might work is a cold compress. It can reduce swelling in the early stages and may encourage coagulation of blood to reduce spread.
ANOTHERLoveBites
BY TILEWA KAZEEM Art by Abe Odedina
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PAGE 8 COVER
humanity.TY Bello!
Why did you decide photography over art, seeing as you were painting in school? How did you narrow it down to photography? I had a very good teacher who was a mentor. He left my school when I was 13, and I dropped painting altogether. I was always curious about creating again and figured photography was a way to go back into painting without having to physically paint again. Although last year I picked up a brush and paint and started painting again. Photography, for me, was a way to go back and create visually without having to pick up from where I left off when I was much younger.
People say the finishing or treating of a photograph is like painting. For you, who is a photographer in terms of its similarities with art? A photographer is someone who paints with light, with your camera as your brush. I think that what a photographer sees more than anything else is light. You do not see an object; you are focused on the way the light is falling on that object. Not that a graphic artist or a painter doesn’t see light at all, it’s just that photography as an art form has always been about light, the way it behaves, and how it can be captured and manipulated. That is what photography is. It’s the art of painting with light, and it’s incredible. That’s what we really do.
For The Love Of MusicAnd Photography
You studied Economics, yet started as a hairdresser and a makeup artist. How did you transition into the creative space? As far back as I remember, I have always been a creative. Every creative endeavour was that one thing I would excel in. I used to paint as a child, represent my school in competitions and win all the prizes. That was one place I excelled; I never knew art as a career option. Growing up, you either had to be a lawyer, doctor or an accountant. I tried to figure out how to make it work, and I decided the only way to do it was to actually please my parents, study what I knew was acceptable and then jump right in and do the things I wanted to do—photography, song writing and being a beautician. They all tied up into the same thing—it is you creating something out of nothing, and I have been able to go back and forth between them.
Several art forms have been employed to tell stories over the years, but one that genuinely elevated media and immortalized special moment is photography. Although written words have done a great job of narrating and documenting culture, traditions and even memories, a picture provides a visual presentation that immortalises whatever the subject is—there is a reason why its worth is in a thousand words. Like music, photography stems from the heart; we could say he composition of both art forms is similar and one person who juxtaposes both worlds seamlessly is Toyin Sokefun-Bello, widely known as TY Bello. For most established photographers, their signature finishing is embedded in their work; one look at an image, and you immediately know who was behind the lens. But it takes years of finding yourself with each picture you capture before your heart and soul finally come in perfect harmony with a particular finishing style. The same is true for TY Bello, whose work usually garners comments on how she captures the true essence of her subject. It comes from the heart. She is a spiritual romantic who loves her work and extends that love to the people she photographs, such that you look at the portrait and feel like you know them. So it was no surprise when her response to being our cover personality was, “I have to check with my spirit to see….” Needless to say, we were equally yoked. To celebrate World Photography Day, she speaks to DOWNTOWN’s Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, about her creative dexterity that has seen her alternate between the pen and lens effortlessly and how she uses them as a tool to spread love and
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.comVOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 It’s ALL COVER STORY IMAGES BY TY BELLO @tybello
Is photography more of a skill that can be learnt, or is it innate and a gift? I believe it is all of the above. I believe that there is no skill that cannot be learnt, and I believe that everybody has some innate gift which, when paired with something that you have learnt or perfected, would create work that is unique. Everybody learns something, but it is when you combine that (what you learn) with the innate gifts or sensibilities you have that give you a voice in the art form. Everybody is an artist one way or another, but it is about what they’ve taken time out to learn and combined with what they have already.
is going on inside of me; whereas photography is how I connect with what’s going on outside of me; what’s going on on the inside of somebody else, and I want to experience that.
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COVER How important is it to have an eye for imaging in photography? It’s a lifetime of growing. As human beings, we learn to speak, read, and even walk, but we never really felt the need to learn to see. Photography is that art form that teaches you how to see, and so over your lifetime, you are more aware of what you are looking at, either artistically, emotionally, or even from a perspective of social justice; you are constantly seeing and looking. I guess that’s what you learn as you go along over the years.
You create some of the most breathtaking portraits. What helps you decide what you want with each subject? Would you say that understanding imaging and lighting enables your creative process? When it comes to making photographs of people, the biggest part of people is not necessarily always their physical appearance; it is who they are. Emotionally and spiritually. The most important part of my work is not necessarily how I want them to be projected physically. Yes, I put all of that at the foundation, but it’s me looking for ways to bring out the essence and the spiritual part of who they are and have them wear that on their outer expression. I believe that’s the strength of a portrait photographer. It’s finding out exactly the nuances of that human being and what they are really made up of on the inside, figuring out how to make images that will make people who know them go, “aha! that is so them.” Or people who don’t know them at all suddenly feel like they know them much more, just because they come across those images of them. They say music is usually from the soul, and you once commented that photography and music are similar art forms. How can you explain that in relation to bringing out the spriritual part of the people you photograph? It’s interesting that you bring out the similarities between music and photography. When you put a photo together, before you click to capture an image, it is called a composition. When you write a song, you compose a song. So it’s the same way you compose a photo that you compose a song. Putting elements together and arranging them in a way that makes sense to you or in a way you want to communicate an idea. I feel like, in that way, there are many similarities between making an image and making a song, and I guess that’s why I’ve been able to live out and have the two careers side by side for the last two decades of my life. It’s because you are constantly composing; you are putting things together that normally wouldn’t even belong together and finding a way to make them work. With music, are you looking at releasing any new single soon? I released an album earlier this year, and I am in the middle of two new projects. It’s been a very busy year for me musically, actually. I’m looking forward to releasing new material at the end of the year and the beginning of next year. You started doing something unique, and it’s gone on for years: worshipping in your studio. What influenced that? It must have been God. I know that for a long time, I have always been curious about the whole idea of singing a new song, and how when I read the Bible, David would talk about singing a new song— he said it so many times. It was because every human being was capable of singing something they’d never sung before. Then I started these sessions called Spontaneous Worship, where we came together and pretty much sang songs that didn’t exist prior to us getting the microphone. It’s been the most exhilarating musical experience of my life because every single time, it is new, and nobody knows what we will sing. Neither the musicians nor singers do, but we get behind the microphone, and these songs come together that are crafted so perfectly like we rehearsed over and again. It’s been a journey of worship, speaking into the atmosphere, speaking your prayers, singing your prayers, collaborating with themlikesingingmetyou’veartists—peopleotherneverbefore—andwiththemyou’veknownallyourlife. Let’s talk about the business photography.ofYou are one of the first few famous lookingfollowedyoungerAlthoughphotographers.femalenowadays,girlshavesuit,uptoyou. How difficult was it for you, at the start, to carve a name for yourself in a primarily male-dominated industry? It’s interesting. I don’t think my being a woman was ever a disadvantage because I was surrounded How did you come about writing music? Oh, it’s interesting. Outside of painting, one of the things that I started doing very early in my life was songwriting. I was that melancholic child that would sit in the corner and piece words together with shygenerallyThoughsound.Iwasveryasachild, I remember every single time that I was on stage or given ofgiftwritingIwasthatIt’sownspontaneousandlikeIfearfeelandcomesomethingitmicrophone,thewaslikewouldoverme,Iwouldn’tanykindoforinsecurity.wouldjustfeelIownedit,Iwouldbeandthestage.somethingIbelieveIbornwith.believethatmusicisaandacraft,socourse,overthe years, you would improve and hone it, but I believe it’s a gift that I’ve had since I was a child. Would you say that it is an aspect of your creative gift that you are more in tune with and allows you to bring out more passion than photography, or is it a continuation from where you stop in your photography work, so to speak? It’s interesting, people have been asking me if I prefer music to photography, and it is very hard to say because they are two very different things. It’s like music is where I hide. If I need to uplift myself, I sing or create a song. If I want to explore the world, I would go out and make images. They are very different, but I feel like having more than one way to experienceIinside,feelingwhatconnectgoodMusicexperience.youryourenrichesyourselfexpressonlylifeandhumanisonewaytowithI’mreallyonthehowletpeoplewhat
“MUSIC is one good way to connect with what I’m really feeling on the inside, how I let PEOPLE EXPERIENCE what is going on INSIDE OF ME; whereas PHOTOGRAPHY is how I CONNECT with what’s GOING ON outside of me; what’s going on on the INSIDE OF SOMEBODY else.”
things started to change really quickly, and analogue cameras became obsolete very quickly. I see that same type of digital revolution going on with the images that are being shared, traded, viewed and owned. It’s important to realise that a new language is being formed, a new economy has been formed, and it’s here to stay. It’s not going to go away. by male colleagues, and we pushed each other just as hard. Nobody had mercy on me because I was a woman. I think that helped because we were equals in our profession. I remember when Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Uche Okpa-Iroha, Amaize Ojeikere, and I started Depth of Field, it wasn’t a collective of three male photographers and a female photographer; it was four young Nigerians sharing their narratives of living in Lagos as an urban space with the rest of the world. I think that our “Nigerian-ness” was a bigger defining part of our narrative than my gender. I guess the beautiful thing about being a female photographer for me was the opportunity to explore what it meant to be a young woman at this time. And I did a few projects to explore that artistically. I didn’t make the fact that I am a woman the most important part of what defined me as a creative. I’m excited to be a woman, but I put it forward that I was a creative first and pushed just as hard as everybody else.
This year’s World Photography Day theme is ‘Pandemic lockdown through the lens.’ How did the pandemic affect photography in Nigeria? Initially, we didn’t know how to navigate because of the uncertainty and the sudden changes that happened with the pandemic. What I found as a gift in this “lockdown” was that it helped us realise that we were bonafide members of a very big global community of artists. It suddenly didn’t matter what country you were from. Nigerian photographers, more than ever before, began participating and engaging on platforms and ideas that are truly global. I love the way that Nigerian photographers are playing in the NFT space, for instance. We now realise that borders have blurred out and that we were in a much bigger global scenario, and I think that has been empowering for most people. Would you say that social media helped with visibility and creating more to put out there since we couldn’t even go out at the time? Yes, absolutely. I remember when I became a photographer in the early 2000s, you needed somebody to love your work enough to want to show it so a very specific group of people could see it and when the ON NFT AND PHTOTGRAPHY: “I see that same type of DIGITAL REVOLUTION going on with the images that are being shared, traded, viewed and owned. It’s important to realise that A NEW LANGUAGE IS BEING FORMED, a new economy has been formed, and it’s here to stay. It’s not going to go away. If anything, it’s going to evolve really quickly. So, THIS IS THE TIME FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE (anyone who is a creative) to understand that…”
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If anything, it’s going to evolve really quickly. So, this is the time for creative people (anyone who is a creative) to understand that the digital sphere is almost as real as the physical space, and the quicker we find our feet there, the better it is for every creative.
It’s looking like this is the future of photographers and any creative, and I suppose it could pass as a form of insurance for their work. However, photographers in Nigeria are not typically known to insure their equipment. How important would you say it is for a photographer to insure their equipment? I believe that insurance is important, especially if you’ve invested a lot in getting toisequipment,insuringthinkworthequipmentyouryouandinconvenienceextratakingit.untilequipmentvaluableknowyoubecauseimportantsecureensuringextrabelieveequipment.yourIthatbitofitisisverydon’thowyourisyouloseIthinkjustthatbitofensuringsecureisit.Ialsothatinyouritimportantsecurethe
future as a creative. And how does a photographer secure their future? You secure the future by opening yourself to knowledge and understanding the rules of the game. I know a lot of young photographers who are very talented and creative but don’t understand the power of their own copyright, what it means when they share images, and what it means when somebody is licensing their work. More than ever before, one of the ways that we secure our future as photographers is by empowering ourselves with knowledge and understanding of how the world works, how imaging works, and the importance of copyright. That is where the power is. exhibition was over, the seeing was over. Today, with alsoaudiencetotalentstotimeverythatIasworkcanyouranyonepermissionyouphotographers,toavailablethemediasocialandplatformsusasdon’tneedfromtoshowwork;youputupyourforaslongnecessary.wouldsayit’sbeenabeautifulforpeopleshowtheirnotonlyaNigerianbuttoaglobalaudience, and it’s beautiful to see the stories that have come out of that. What will happen in the long run with NFTs and Photography in the next couple of years for Nigerians and Africans in this digital era? I remember in the early 2000s, when digital cameras started to show up more, some people afraidwere that it was just a owntodidtheignoredwhothatrememberAnddirection.indevelopingtechnologyflownewindirectionturninvestwillingweren’tandgothatfacadewouldaway,theytoandtheirthatofthatIthosechangeittheirperilbecause
How do they get educated on the need to copyright their work? Copyright can be very complicated, but I believe that Nigeria is one of the countries that has the most beautiful copyright laws in the world. In Nigeria, the artist or creator is king, and I believe that one of the ways for creatives to empower themselves is to constantly collaborate with their colleagues in other professions. So as a photographer, you should have lawyer friends and, by all means, have lawyers. You should have people who work with you, from accountants, lawyers, good advisers, coaches, and so on. The season of being a lone creator who just works by themselves should be over because we know that we work better when we work together.
What secret photographers?sharewouldphotographyaboutyouliketowithyoung
It’s interesting to say, as musicians, we know how terrible piracy is. In photography, it is also a problem. A photographer friend of mine told me how she was driving on the road one day, saw her work on a billboard and was excited. She didn’t know that it wasn’t okay to have somebody else take her work, reproduce it and exploit it by putting it up on a billboard without her permission and proper licensing. I think the most important thing is to educate; educating the users and creatives to understand how a creative endeavour is one of the most beautiful endeavours in life as every time you create something, it never dies. It is yours until you give it away. To educate them on the different ways to give it away, let them know their options so they can, like I said earlier, navigate this career for the long haul. You have carved your trademark look in navigating the career for the long haul. People look at your photographs and can immediately tell it is your work. How did you know the kind of finish you wanted with your pictures for people to be able to look at them and say, “this is a TY Bello photo”? I think that
the emotionally inspiring and uplifting. I’m constantly trying to put the language of the things that matter to me spiritually in my work. So you will see me put the ethereal, heavenly and the spiritual. I’m also very inspired by the old Italian painters and how they would bring spiritual themes into their paintings, and in many ways, I try to bring that into my work. I’m constantly looking for how to create work that people look at and feel uplifted, not only the subject, who should, of course, feel very excited about who they are and how they look, but also for other people looking at the images. I believe that it is something that has taken time but happened very indeliberately, and I’m very glad that it has eventually come together that way. Let’s talk about the recognition of Nigerian photographers by international brands. What do you think influenced and how has it helped the regardingphotographersglobal respect and partnerships? I
and Africa was brought up in photography, it was more of Africa as a subject, but never Africa as a thriving market for their brands. It’s beautiful to see that with the army of young photographers that exist in Nigeria, a lot of the top photography brands are very well represented here, and it’s beautiful because it means that the rest of the world is paying attention and that our creativity is thriving across the globe.
What would you say helped draw their attention to Nigerians and Africans? Apart from the fact that the Nigerian spirit always stands out, we go into the photography space and don’t leave it the way it was. We learned technically all that is there and then put our own twist on everything, plus we are a very big number of creatives. It’s incredible the number of young Nigerian photographers that exist right now compared to just 10 years ago. It means that a growing number of young people are awake to their own creativity, and with social media
The secret—andone I don’t think it’s a secret that I have—is to always keep enamoured and excited about the human spirit more than you do about technique and technology. Technique can become obsolete, and technology will change, but the subject in front of you—and not just for us who photograph human beings, even for those who photograph nature or whatever it is— the life in front of you will always transcend and outlive technique and technology. That, I would say, is what has kept me going. Of course, I’m a great student of photography and will continue to be, but I’m a bigger student of human beings.
What is an essential tool that every photographer needs to be able to successfully run a photography business? The most important tool, of course, outside of your camera, would be love. No one who knows that you love your profession and that you actually love them will ever forget you. When you photograph from a place of love, you are not taking a photograph; you are making an image and giving it. Even as the Bible says, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive,’ I believe that love is the most important tool and indeed the most important foundation, not only for the photography business but any endeavour whatsoever. Love never fails.
What I love about the younger generation of creatives is that they work and collaborate. Every photographer has a friend that’s a lawyer who’s giving them advice on how to navigate certain scenarios. I always tell my young photographers, ‘find out what’s out there, what works in your country and what the rules are so that at every point in time, you know how to engage to ensure you are playing for the long youspheresdifferentwithsurrounddoingsayHowever,haul.’Ialwaysoutsideofitformally,yourselfpeoplefromfieldsandsothathavethenecessary knowledge when you need to make decisions. Don’t leave any knowledge gaps. In terms of policies with the Nigerian government, are there any policies that affect the photography business in Nigeria, and what sort of solution would you proffer?
theandveryperson.howtoandofafterhassomethingmytobeingpeopleablerecognisephotosisthathappeneddecadesworkingtryingfigureoutIseeaI’mromantic,Ilovespiritual,
and platformsother partandworldtheexcitingitexpression,forisverytoseerestofthenoticewanttobeofit.
PAGE 11 THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 COVER “I believe that LOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL and indeed the most important foundation, NOT ONLY FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY business but any whatsoever.endeavour LOVE NEVER FAILS.”
Whenexistedwerewasbrands,theabroadIandinwhenrememberIstartedphotography,theguysandwouldtravelandseeinternationalanditalmostasiftheyunawarethatweascreatives.workwasmade,
OyelekeEmmanuelOshalusiKolaYetundeBabaeko PhotographyWorld Day Celebrating
12 Prominent Photographers Across Africa BY KEHINDÉ
VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 PAGE 12 THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
George Okoro
Henry OJI Featuring FAGBULE
SPECIAL FEATURE
Photography is the reason why documentation of history is possible. Without it, there would be no pop culture, arts and entertainment, or your favourite weekly magazine, TheWill DOWNTOWN. And so, to celebrate world photography day, we pay homage to some of the most outstanding photographers from Africa.
Henrythemselves.OJIpopularly known as Big H is a Portrait, Fine Art and Wedding Photographer based in Abuja, Nigeria. He has built a thriving business and brand over the last 11 years and is dedicated to consistently learning and developing his skills. He mentors photographers,emergingsharing his knowledge at his annual Big H Photography Class. Ultimately, his goals are to impact creatives in the art and business of photography; provide a caring and welcoming place where every individual is valued; and to provide excellent service with storytelling at its core.
George Okoro is a luxury wedding and photographerportraitbasedin Abuja, AnNigeria.alumnus of The New York Institute of photography, Okoro is very passionate about his work and believes that each person has a charm, and it can be captured through the lens. Apart from running a studio, he also has a magazine that showcases luxury lifestyles. His state-ofthe-art studio, located in the Tropical Galleria Mall, Central Business District, Abuja, has certainly become the go-to place for anyone who would like to immortalise
Kola Oshalusi is a Creative photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria. He has been a full-time photographer since 2006 with an eye for details and documenting moments which is evident in his works. He is the Founder and Creative Director of Insigna Media Production. Driven by his passion for photography, Kola created ‘Business of Photography,’ a platform for photographers which hosts a yearly conference. He is the best there is when it comes to event photography. Born in Enugu to a Nigerian dad and German mum, Yetunde grew up and completed a andClose-up,ZaronOrangeDeolaheorganizations.portfoliohigh-profileinternationallifestylelookbooks,magazines,heSincecomputerEmmanuelBeforealbinism.situationEbonyHerCameraopenedinSheBeapprenticeshipphotographyatStudioinGreven,Germany.wouldreturnhome2005andintwoyears,herownstudio,StudiosinIkeja.2019exhibitionWhitehighlightedtheofpeoplewithhefoundphotography,developedapplications.followinghispassion,hasworkedonfashioneditorials,beautyandcampaignsforbrands,eventsandworkfornon-profitSomebrandshasworkedwithincludeSagoe,OUCHCouture,Culture,ManAtafo,Cosmetics,DarlingNigeria,GTBank.
EghatorGift
SPECIAL FEATURE
photographer, creative director and producer, Remi Adetiba, is best known for his role as a judge and photographer on the reality show Africa’s Next Top Model. After years spent creating celebrated imagery with a host of prominent names in the music, fashion, and film/television industries, Remi deepened his involvement in film and television, partnering with his sister—and celebrated filmmaker—Kemi Adetiba on the Nollywood box-office smash King of Boys and its sequel, the hit Netflix Original Series King of Boys: Return of the King Kadara is a fine art photographer whose work has appeared on CNN, Vogue and at Foam X African Artists’ Foundation by the AfricaatPrizeforHeFotografiemuseum.FoamwasnominatedtheEdwinGeorgeforPhotographytheFutureAwards2017.
Prince Gyasi is a Ghanaian visual artist and photographer. He has worked with big names such as Naomi Campbell, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and the late Virgil Abloh.
KhanyilePhumzile
Having developed an interest in painting as well, his love for painting and photography has given him a unique style—a form of visual art that’s essentially a mix of painting and photography at its core.
Exploring spaces, people, and light, Anny produces portraits and celebrity pictures and works with people across fields and specializations. He has worked with big names such as Davido, Donald Duke, Ice Prince and Africa’s richest
Jokotade is the Founder of Poshclick Portraiture, a leading boutique photography company in Lagos, Nigeria. She is vested in giving back to humanity by empowering the younger generation, especially girls. Over the years, she’s partnered with Ebi School Leavers Initiative to teach over 100 secondary school students photography. She’s also the convener of The Shutter Path, an impact outreach for still and motion creatives which is focused on educating creatives on the best business practices to enable them to grow sustainable photography businesses and build reputable brands.
ShonowoJokotade
NewstudioHeFolorunshowoman,Alakija.co-ownsthephotoStudioX.YorkandLagos-based
GyasiPrinceRemiRobertsAnnyAdetibaKadaraEnyeasi
Inspired by his dad, who would take pictures with a Minolta camera, Alistair built on his passion for photography, having picked an interest in the legendary photographer, Annie Leibovitz.
Gift is a portrait photographer who is very passionate about being able to capture her subjects in ways that reflects who they are and the theme for the shoot. A published photographer, she has shot celebrities like Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Ramsey Nouah, reality TV star Liquorose, Kizz Daniel and many more. She is also a retoucher.
PAGE 13 VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
PrestonEnglebertAlistair
Phumzile is a South African photographer living in Johannesburg. Her series Plastic Crowns is about women’s lives and sexual politics. The series has been shown in group exhibitions at the Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval in Evora, Portugal; Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town; and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia; and was a winner of the CAP Prize for Contemporary African Photography.
Adunni Ade THE SCENE DOWNTOWN
When Prime Video announced its entry into the Nigerian market with a tagline that broke the Internet a few weeks ago, I thought, ‘their launch event better match this announcement.’ They did not disappoint. Last weekend, the movie streaming service hosted Nigeria’s biggest stars and film industry stakeholders to an immersive brand experience where they were introduced to the streaming platform, the titles, and what a fully loaded experience with them in Nigeria looks like.
The launch event featured several of Nigeria’s biggest celebrities and was an immersive and exciting experience for all who attended. Attendees got a sneak peek at some of the incredible titles available on the movie streaming platform and a taste of what the service has to offer Nigerian users.
TiminiMakinwaEgbuson
VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 PAGE 14 THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Celebrities like Sola Sobowale, Ramsey Nuoah, Rita Dominic, and Richard Mofe Damijo graced the occasion with their distinctive looks and sophisticated style. From curated booths to a 6-course fine dining menu spotlighting Prime Video Titles, it’s safe to say the guests entered the fascinating world of Prime Video the moment they arrived.
Richard Mofe Damijo
Elizabeth Oputa & Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu Rita Dominic, Sola Sobowale & Funke Akindele Deyemi Okanlawon Bright Okpocha Beverly Naya Toke
Iconic singer Asa gave a fantastic performance, complete with the authentic sounds of the Cavemen, to crown the evening. BY ONAH NWACHUKWU
Celebrities at The Fascinating World ofPrime Video
PAGE 15 THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 Angel Obasi THE SCENE DOWNTOWN Ibrahim & Linda Suleiman, Tola Odunsi & Akin Akinkugbe Temisan Emmanuel Michelle Dede Eniola Mafe & Jude (M.I) Abaga Ramsey Nuoah Uti Nwachukwu Daniel & Toyosi Etim-Effiong Chioma Ude Kemi Lala Akindoju & Jade Osiberu Femi Adebayo Efe Irele Enado OdigieTobi Bakare Boma Akpore
Adekunle Gold - 5 Star KAYTRANADA_ Anderson .PaakTwin Flame Omah Lay - i’m a mess Frank Ocean - In My Room Joeboy - Spiritual Gbedu - A COLORS SHOW Fireboy DML_ Asake - Bandana Richard J - Anoti Duncan Daniels - The RhythmCKay - WATAWI ft. Davido, Focalistic & Abidoza being too online, social media culture, toxic masculinity, and crafting a digital identity separate from reality. It doesn’t have a lot of deep things to say about these things, but they are embedded in the plot and laced into the characters’ relationships. The horror film is at its best when it explores the disconnect between the characters, who struggle to even converse with each other. They talk to each other like one might text, half-formulated thoughts and sentences that are no more than a few words. The weekend is meant to bring them together, but something is missing, their distance and distraction apparent from the start. It’s not a coincidence they spiral when they lose signal. The digital world drives a wedge between friends who can’t be real with others outside their screens, and they work overtime to convince one another of the lies they want to believe are truths. Despite the film’s intriguing premise and themes, it sometimes doesn’t feel dark enough. The friends are mean-spirited, to be sure, but their words don’t cut as deeply as they could have. There is so much between them, including anger and resentment, but that only bubbles to the surface near the end, with only a couple of the characters fully letting loose, spewing their unfiltered feelings about their friends. Bodies Bodies Bodies doesn’t overstay its welcome, but it would have benefited from a longer set-up before the grisly killings begin happening. By the end, however, the shocking twist will warrant an immediate rewatch because it changes everything witnessed before. The script, paired with Reijn’s direction, works well together to craft a story that reflects the realities of essentially being married to one’s Thephone.cinematography by Jasper Wolf gives the film a sense of foreboding, and the look itself reflects that of someone scrolling through their phone in the dark. Noticeably, a cell phone light is usually the only glow shown onscreen, a clever way to keep the film’s overarching themes on display. Bodies Bodies Bodies is not entirely surprising, but it does excel when it’s focused more on the character dynamics than the horror elements. The cast’s performances — from Stenberg’s evasion as Sophie to Sennott’s comedic timing as Alice — are excellent, adding to the character relationships in layered ways and elevating the film. The slasher film doesn’t box itself in, flourishing regarding its social commentary and delivering on suspense and humour. 7/10
Bodies Bodies Bodies isn’t the typical slasher film. It has a twist ending that alters initial perceptions and subverts expectations. The film, while a horror, has a sense of humour, highly aware of what it’s trying to accomplish, even if some things don’t work. Directed by Halina Reijn from a screenplay by Sarah DeLappe (working from a story by Kristen Roupenian), Bodies Bodies Bodies is filled with great dialogue, an intriguing plot, and social commentary that will surely make for a fantastic Onconversation.theeveof a hurricane, a group of 20-somethings gather for a weekend of fun. Sophie (Amandla Stenberg) — whose stint in rehab led to her estrangement from her friends — and her girlfriend Bee (Maria Bakalova) join David (Pete Davidson), Jordan (Myha’la Herrold), Emma (Chase Sui Wonders), and Alice (Rachel Sennott), along with her older boyfriend Greg (Lee Pace). As soon as Sophie arrives, however, there is tension. It isn’t long before the audience discovers there is a lot of bitterness and unresolved issues between the friends. When Sophie suggests they all play a game called Bodies Bodies Bodies, things begin to get out of hand. However, when one of the friends is murdered, everyone becomes paranoid and fearful, turning on each other in a bid to discover the killer’s identity. Bodies Bodies Bodies is occasionally funny, with the dialogue being more humorous than perhaps intended. It also has a lot to say about everyone It’s a myth that popular television shows should be relatable. Take, for example, the recent successes like Game of Thrones or Stranger Things or all-time favourites like Breaking Bad or The Sopranos, none of them is relatable to our daily lives, but millions love them anyway. The latest show to enter this league of successes is HBO’s Succession. Much like the aforementioned shows, there’s nothing relatable about Succession, but if the internet is to be believed, Succession has become the new ‘It’ show.
Bodies Bodies Bodies VOL 2 NO. 34 • AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 27, 2022 WATCH OF THE
PAGE 16 ADESINABOLUWATIFEBY BY ADESINABOLUTITO
firstborn, Connor (Alan Ruck). Here, no one’s good or bad, hero or villain, but they are all aware of their actions and its ramifications.
Succession is the story of rich people, but the makers are acutely aware that this show is being watched by regular people, so to get a sense of this world, we are introduced to Greg Hirsch (Nicholas Braun). Greg has grown up in a regular household, but because he happens to be related to the Roys, he ends up in their inner circle, enjoying the high life. And while he’s amazed by the riches, he knows he is a disposable outsider. He is mentored by Tom (Matthew Macfadyen), Sioban’s boyfriend-turnedhusband, who also comes from a “regular” household. The two form a sort-of-team (you can’t make a tomlette without breaking a few Greggs, as they say) where they need to look out for each other amongst the uber-rich people as they realise they will never be a part of the same bracket. Succession relies on drama and dark humour to convey its messages. The show’s opening theme and the background music lends it a high-brow feel that transports you to a five-star hotel’s lobby every time you hear it but also ominously reminds you that you are in a cutthroat world. In many ways, Succession is a family drama which deals with power and what those who seek it are willing to do: Conniving, sneaking behind each other’s backs for a glimpse into the corridors of power. It makes for incredible television. Go see it.
Succession, which recently aired its third season finale, is the story of the billionaire Roy family that practically runs New York, along with the rest of the USA. They have a huge business empire – cruise lines, theme parks, movie studios, news channels and more – led by the patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox), who is yet to announce his successor from among his four children. The premise could make it sound like a daily soap where siblings are scheming against each other to get to the top seat and planning an assassination of their father, but Succession is anything but that. The HBO show introduces us to its main set of characters in its initial few episodes, where we learn that the patriarch has his favourites and his non-favourites, and if anyone is scheming here, it’s Logan Roy. One of the first few characters that jump out and stay significant throughout is Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong). Kendall has assumed that he will be the new CEO, not without reason. He’s ready to take on the mantle and has prepped the investors for it until things take a turn and he’s left in the lurch.
Kendall starts off as someone who thinks he is conniving, but to the viewer, it’s very clear from the start that the boy is clueless and jumpy. Every few episodes, you feel like you know him, but that is only until Kendall turns over a new leaf and convinces you that this is the new him. His story arc undergoes a dramatic change in the first season finale, which I personally believe is one of the best sequences of the series yet. There’s also Logan’s daughter Shioban (Sarah Snook), who, to the audience, is the obvious successor, but it’s soon very clear that gender dynamics have a significant place in the world of the rich. The other son Roman (Kieran Culkin), is the boy with a silver spoon, and the same is the case with Logan’s Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music) Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Spotify) WEEK REVIEW: WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH SUCCESSION
MOVIE
