THEWILL DOWNTOWN February 26, 2023

GBEMISOLA

Slam Dunking Her Way From Nigeria Across The Globe

Weall have our God-given talent or gift. No one is created and born without one. One of the many is in the area of sports. What is important is nurturing that talent to make room for you.

While growing up, certain sports or games were popular— hockey, basketball, badminton, handball, volleyball and tennis. Interestingly, you don’t even have anyone talk about the game of hockey anymore, much less handball. But one game that surprisingly seems to be dwindling is basketball. Back in the day, it was a game for the cool kids. The girls sought after most of the boys on the male basketball team. I can’t say it was the same for the girls on the female basketball team for boys. Either way, such talent was taken seriously and groomed by our sports masters, with us cheering on when we had other schools come to compete. I remember they were so talented, the boys and girls. Dunks, assists, etc., would get us all screaming.

Sadly, we don’t have such talent being groomed anymore to represent us internationally.

How shameful was it that not one Nigerian on the basketball team for the last Olympic games is based here in Nigeria? Even more embarrassing was that they had to open a fund-me account to help pay their expenses while representing our beloved country, Nigeria.

Luckily, one woman and her team have been tasked with seeing that scouts find these talents and enrol them in the National Basketball Association academy. Gbemisola Abudu.

Abudu’s interview centred around many things, but one topic which was dear to me was that of scouts taking bribes to admit young talents into sports academies, as it is rumoured to be in football academies. Luckily, Abudu and the NBA have it all figured out regarding basketball talents in Nigeria and Africa.

You must read this exclusive interview right after the spectacular performance by Afrobeats stars at the NBA All-Star Game halftime show in Utah. It makes for an enlightening read.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

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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.

AUSTYN OGANNAH PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya

Writer: Kehindé Fagbule

Graphic Design: Oludemilade Aremu ‘Remus’

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’

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.

Ezinne

It's timely and amazing Also love the editorial write up

Really love that summary and might I add I just rushed for my vitamins after reading that Elizabeth

BLING. BLING. BLING.

Celebrities With The Coldest Ice Game

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Necklaces And Watches

DAVIDO

Jewellery is perhaps the most significant element of pop culture’s fashion staple. All across the world, the leading artists in music have invested heavily in chains, rings, and teeth grills. It is almost as if they are trying to outshine each other, literally. In Nigeria, a few of our global superstars have been heavily bejewelled. From Davido’s 30BG pendant to Wizkid’s Jesus Piece, one would wonder how they can move around in these heavy necklaces as they sometimes wear two to four of them. But if their fans continue to draw a penchant to the pendants, why not?

They obviously do not come cheap, but just how expensive are these accessories?

Wizkid’s Jesus Piece

Wizkid’s necklace became a topic of discussion on social media after a video from his official jeweller surfaced online. The renowned European jeweller, known as A-Jeweller, gave an appraisal of some of Wizkid’s luxury purchases while noting that the singer spends hard in a bid to celebrate his huge successes. A-Jeweller displayed Wizkid’s Jesusthemed diamond-studded pendant and disclosed that it is a 60-carat piece. The pendant and another heavily studded Cuban necklace piece cost as much as £300,000 (Over 152 million Naira).

The Essence hitmaker has about two neck-piece designs, bringing the cost to a total of over 304 million Naira.

Burna Boy’s Richard Millie Grills

Grammy award-winning artiste Burna Boy, once took to social media to flaunt his entire jewellery collection. In a series of posts he shared via his Instagram story, the singer arranged his studs, chains, rings, pendants, and watches on a table, declaring the day for cleaning. It is public knowledge how much of a Fela fan Burna Boy is, as most of his styles and beats samples depict the legendary icon. He took his admiration a level further when he paid over $120,000 for a classical Fela gold and diamond necklace. The chain has become a trademark; he is the only one with it in Africa. In addition to that, Burna Boy also got himself a King Kong necklace. According to reports, the chain which symbolises his status as the selfacclaimed African Giant—with the inscription “African Giant” on it—costs over $100,000. Another bling in Burna Boy’s jewellery box is a Cuban necklace that weighs an entire kilogramme. According to his jeweller, A-Jeweller (same as Wizkid’s), it is the biggest and heaviest in the UK.

Burna Boy’s collection also consists of Richard Mille watches, with his latest costing over 144 million Naira. In a characteristic pompous fashion, the artist tweeted after purchasing his third Richard Mille, “No one got this. If you do, show me, I’ll get another one.”

Davido’s IceBox Collection

Davido no doubt loves his jewellery to be expensive, flashy and heavy. He occasionally uses social media to showcase his heavy blings that cost thousands of dollars. He has visited celebrity jewel maker, Ice Box, several times to have items customised to his taste. The singer’s jeweller once revealed that Davido spends between 50 million to 100 million Naira on each visit to his store. For the pop star, pieces of jewellery are new ways to make statements. Two years ago, the music star made headlines after he had a heavily-studded frog pendant made for him. His big brother, Adewale Adeleke, joked about how he turned Wizkid’s 2017 insult into a statement necklace. Remember that sometime in 2017, his arch-rival, Wizkid, had dissed him, saying, “having an American passport and citizenship does not cure frog voice.” Ever since then, Davido’s voice has been referred to that by fans of Wizkid whenever they feel the need to criticise any of his songs or successes.

Other than his frog pendant, the singer has been known to rock a 30BG ring, a 30BG necklace, a jersey necklace, an “001” necklace, and more, all of which are heavily studded. Not stopping there, Davido also splurges millions on wristwatches and other accessories. In an interview, he explained that on a day when he is wearing most of his jewellery, he is rocking about 814 million Naira at once. This indicates that the singer owns pieces of jewellery that cost close to a billion if they are all put together.

In hip-hop culture, grills (stylised as grillz) are metallic—often silver, gold or platinum—and generally a removable type of dental jewellery worn over the teeth. They cost anywhere from one hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the materials used and the number of teeth covered. Gold grills can be made from 10-karat up to 24-karat gold. A handful of Nigerian music artists have been spotted in grills, such as Wizkid, Amaarae, Rema, Asake, Zinoleesky, Burna Boy, etc.

Where’s your favourite lounge to hang out and why? (Nigeria)

I really enjoy the newly opened Kaly Bar & Lounge. I also recently discovered SEE Lagos, which is very cosy and chilled. I love these two spots for their consistency in menu and service.

What’s your favourite food?

I love seafood!

If it has a mix of fish, calamari and mussels, then I’m all for it.

A FEW OF HER FAVOURITE THINGS: Zainab Balogun

BY ONAH NWACHUKWU

At different phases of our lives, we tend to love some things more than others. Although some are consistent and never changing, others are, and with the many places to visit and meals to try, it is only fair we speak to some celebrities about their favourite things. This issue features Zainab Balogun Get to know her better with her favourite beach, cocktail and newly discovered lounge she loves to visit.

And for coffee or your favourite morning beverage, what would it be, and where do you go for it?

My morning brew is a fresh ginger & cinnamon tea that I make myself. It’s great for waking up the body and for boosting immunity.

What life rule do you live by?

Add value always!

What’s your favourite cocktail and why?

A classic Gin & Tonic. It makes me feel like I’m on a mini holiday.

What is your favourite movie of all time?

Inception is one of my favourite movies.

Where’s your favourite beach to visit(this can be anywhere in the world)?

Any beach with the Indian Ocean.

What is your favourite genre of music and/or what is your favourite song?

My favourite genre of music is RnB/Soul. I find it to be soothing and nostalgic. The best combination.

ZAINAB BALOGUN

IS COUPLES SLEEPING IN SEPARATE ROOMS THE NEW NORM?

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Since childhood, I knew couples were meant to sleep in the same room and practically do many things together. Yet right after our honeymoon, Josh sat me down and told me he meant what he had said during our time of dating when I asked what his preferred sleeping arrangement is regarding sharing the same room with his partner. Every time I spent the night at his, we'd make the sweetest love, and he'd go off to the guest room. I thought it was something I could deal with until Josh told me the same thing after we got married.

We've had the talk, and he still isn't budging. The first thought that crossed my mind after the honeymoon was he was gay and wasn't attracted to me but needed to keep up appearances, but apparently, that's what he knows. You see, his parents have slept in separate rooms in all their thirty years of marriage. It's been five years since we've been sleeping separately now, and from the look of things, we are headed for the same record as his parents or even break it.

I have come to accept and even like the idea— I don't have to have a headache when I'm not in the mood to perform my conjugal duties. My door is locked, and that says it all.

If social norms are anything to go by, couples who live under the same roof are expected to sleep in the same bed. Still, today, couples sleeping apart has become increasingly common. However, many people aren't bold enough to come out about sleeping separately with their partner because they fear judgment.

The effects of sleeping in separate rooms can be highly positive or negative for a relationship. There are so many reasons for a couple to

want to sleep apart, and some common reasons couples sleep apart include snoring, parasomnia, restlessness, and conflicting sleep schedules, among others. If a couple's desire to sleep apart originates from a romantic disconnection or marital problems, they should try to work things out with themselves before it gets out of hand. So we interviewed five married people (anonymously), and we asked them to tell us about their view of couples sleeping in separate bedrooms.

The survey ranged from people in their twenties to people in their fifties, and their responses were quite interesting. It goes to show that there are several reasons couples can or can't sleep apart, and this workability is purely dependent on the couples involved.

Anonymous —20s

"Every couple has different reasons for sleeping separately, but I sleep separately with my partner during periods when my spouse and I need our individual space for self-reflection or to heal or recover from something that has happened. We all deal with situations in different ways, and for some people, it's just solitude moment that brings relief and healing."

Anonymous —30s

"I believe in sleeping in the same room. Growing up, my parents had different rooms, and I didn't like it. There was mum's room and dad's room. I don't know why I didn't like it - but I made up my mind that when I got married, I'll be in the same room."

Anonymous —40s

"It's shocking how some marriages are over, and the couples are unaware. In my home, I can't

even be in a different room when my wife is home. We watch TV together (if I don't like her TV program, I record mine and watch it later and vice versa). The only time I am in a different room is when I use the loo!"

Anonymous —50s

"I'm afraid...not aimed at the 'closer' objective—this isn't one of those. More about each wanting personal space at this point in our marriage. We drifted into it. It wasn't conscious and deliberate."

Anonymous 50s

"My wife and I, ever since we got married, share the same room, and that's the standard practice. However, there have been instances where we had to sleep in separate rooms, and the length of time we slept separately was due to some circumstances requiring us to sleep in different rooms.

Some of the reasons we had to sleep in different rooms were when I was working on a project, so I stayed up very late or had to wake up pretty early, and my wife is a light sleeper, so I didn't want to disturb her. Also, during her extended fasting period, she has to pray and needs to leave the lights on, which affects my sleep as I love to sleep in a pitch-dark room. So I temporarily moved to another room.

There are occasions, and people may have a contrary view to this, that inevitable disagreements may require that you temporarily sleep in different rooms to enable you to cope and deal with the hurt, although this should be too protracted; otherwise, it becomes the norm and causes further damage to the relationship."

GBEMISOLA ABUDU Slam Dunking Her Way From Nigeria Across The Globe

A company’s ecosystem is an integral part of its culture. And it is the same for the National Basketball Association (NBA) globally. When Gbemisola Abudu was named NBA Africa’s Vice President and the Country Head in Nigeria, the goal was simple—to serve as the officiating minister to oversee the matrimony between culture and basketball in Nigeria and Africa. If you know anything about sports, especially one like basketball that so readily takes a backseat to football here in Nigeria, you would know just how challenging that could be. But Abudu is a woman on a mission, dribbling and slamming idea executions, one at a time.

As established as the National Basketball Association is— the leading basketball body in the world, it hasn’t exactly spread its tentacles around the world. How do you build a repeat of that business model in the most populous black nation on earth? How do you indoctrinate its youth in this sport? Who is the best person to ensure the holistic marination of basketball with every single facet—music, art, fashion, film, education, and so on—of our mightily rich culture?

Cue in Gbemisola Abudu. Abudu, who wasn’t a professional basketball player, has been very busy since the announcement of her position last year. Unless you live under a rock, you must have seen, read, or heard about one major moment—of the many since last year, for her and the NBA Africa team. The Afrobeats NBA All-Star halftime show performances. The first of its kind that can only be described as historic. And to say the performers did a phenomenal job would be an understatement. From ensuring that there is mass participation in basketball by boys and girls across Nigeria to finding ways to infuse all elements of culture into the positioning of the NBA, NBA Africa is focused on increasing the footprint of basketball in Nigeria. TheWill DOWNTOWN’s Editor, Onah Nwachukwu had an exclusive with Gbemisola Abudu about that proud moment when Afrobeats stars Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema took the stage during the NBA All-Star Halftime show in Salt Lake City, Utah, by storm and their (NBA) plans for the years to come.

You were appointed NBA Africa Vice President and Country Head of NBA Nigeria. What was that like for you, considering you had worked with different brands in different industries?

EXCLUSIVE!

This one was different! This is probably because I am a huge fan of the game and have a strong affinity for the NBA. My love for basketball and the NBA has been with me since secondary school. Interestingly, I never played the game, but I have been a huge spectator of the game for as long as I can remember. I am inspired by the dedication, discipline, and tenacity displayed by basketball players, notably the late Kobe Bryant. His mamba

mentality made a significant impression on me growing up and greatly impacted my religiously following the game. Also, I have basketball to thank for a lot of incredible friendships I have. So, this one differed from every other job because it was deciding to work full-time on one of my passions and hobbies. In addition, what made it extra special was the opportunity to work for a great brand like the NBA at home and utilise the platform to empower our youth and showcase our excellence.

Another reason this was special is over the years, I have had the privilege to watch the growth and influence of the game due to the incredible foundation laid by many over the years. We are where we are today in Nigeria because of their work and contributions. It felt like the baton had been passed on to me to build on what they had built. Now that I have the baton, it is my responsibility to run my part of this race to the best of my ability and create something sustainable that will stand the test of time.

ONAH NWACHUKWU

Now, to your accolades, so to speak, it’s been a year, and in such a short amount of time, you’ve managed to do a couple of things; let’s talk about them. You created a partnership with Hennessey, and there was a floating basketball court. What conceived that idea? I don’t think it’s ever been done in Nigeria.

I can’t take credit for that. I am someone who always ascribes credit where it’s due. The floating court was already in the works when I came on board. It was the first project I worked on with the team, but much of the heavy lifting was done before I came on board. Regarding Hennessy, we have a global partnership with them which extends to our engagement with their brand in Nigeria. The floating court was part of one of our joint initiatives called the Court Beyond Limits series. The series was designed to honour the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Season, where first-of-their-kind basketball courts were unveiled in unique locations globally. For Nigeria, we unveiled a floating basketball court by the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge. It was the first in Africa and has since been replicated in other parts of the world.

So, let’s talk about the other things that you’ve been able to achieve. I know you’ve taken a couple of people out of the country and entered many partnerships with celebrities. Let’s talk about the different ones that you’ve done.

Although the NBA is an established brand, the reality is that it’s a new brand being introduced into the market in Nigeria. That means we had to go through the typical market entry process and put all the building blocks required to build a brand. We couldn’t cheat the process. We spent a significant part of last year putting all the right foundational building blocks in place to enable us to build a profitable and sustainable business in Nigeria. From assembling the right team to finding the right agencies to work with to determining the right partners, these are crucial elements that have given us a suitable springboard for success. In addition, we had to understand the Nigerian market through the lens of the NBA and determine the right approach and positioning of the brand with our fanbase. Once we had all of that in place, coupled with the right team, we created a great runway for success.

“... I will say I am laser-focused on the fulfilment of purpose. First, I am very grounded in my faith and God. That’s my compass in life. I believe we have all been given an assignment to contribute to the development of this world. This is the assignment I have before me at this moment in time, and I am focused on running my race and fulfilling the work. I have a personal mantra that I live, which is “to live a rich and fulfilling life that pleases God while impacting the world around me.” The NBA aligns perfectly with my mantra, and that gets me going even when the going gets tough. Secondly, I am blessed with a great support system from my family and close friends. My family has been there and continues to be my rock, and for that, I am thankful...”

do it. This is why we launched the NBA meets Culture platform last year, which started with the NBA Meets Art event (an event designed to celebrate art through the lens of the NBA) that in November last year during art week. It was a huge success for us! We intend to follow that with the other pillars of culture: Fashion, Film, Music, and Tech. Let’s take fashion for example. The tunnel (when NBA players arrive at arenas and walk into their locker rooms) has turned into a major fashion runway, turning basketball stars into luxury, most valued players to showcase their collections. People care about their kicks, accessories, clothing, etc. All these pillars of culture give us an incredible opportunity to engage with our fans and the community in ways unique to our brand and Nigeria. We work with brands, celebrities, and influencers who align with our core values and have an affinity for our brand. Co-branding with brands and influencers is part of our strategy in the market, and you will see more of that in the coming months. A good example was for the NBA All-Star weekend, which we just concluded in Salt Lake City. We invited the musician, Ladipoe and actor Tobi Bakre to showcase their experience to our fans through their lens.

As you know, Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading purveyors of culture. From art to fashion to music and film, we are known for our vibrant culture, rich heritage, and excellence. We quickly determined that we wanted to lean into the culture as we positioned the brand and found creative ways to infuse all the attractive elements of culture into the brand in Nigeria.

In the United States, the NBA sets trends when it comes to fashion, music, art, etc. This is part of the NBA’s DNA, which has made it an easy integration for us in Nigeria. However, we had to determine a seamless way to

Let’s back up a little and talk a bit more about the history of the NBA in Africa and Nigeria. Then, let’s include that in our previous conversation about culture. I am curious whether you think we will have a spectacular Nigerian basketballer, mainly home-grown, home-trained, and home-based, who, like Michael Jordan, will have a fashion line courtesy NBA through your tenure?

Hmmm… that’s a good question. I will start with the first part of the

question. When we talk about NBA in Africa, it goes back to 1959 when Bill Russell travelled to Libya and Ethiopia when the decolonisation movement was spreading through Africa. But when we talk about the physical manifestation, we look at 1984 when Hakeem Olajuwon was drafted into the NBA. Since then, we’ve had many players of Nigerian parentage (one of their parents is from Nigeria) play in the NBA. In the history of the NBA, we’ve had more than 120 players of African heritage, with more than half of them being of Nigerian descent, and that tells you what Nigeria represents to the NBA. In 2010, the NBA opened its first office in Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has since opened three other offices, with the latest being in Egypt.

Under the leadership of Adam Silver, the Commissioner of the NBA, and Mark Tatum, the Deputy Commissioner and COO of the NBA, Africa has become a significant priority in the NBA’s international growth plan, which has had a tremendous positive impact on the work we do. This was a catalyst for the launch of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) three years ago. The BAL is the NBA’s first league outside of North America. It’s an elite professional league in collaboration with FIBA. This means that for those who want to go to the United States to play for the NBA, that opportunity is there. However, the BAL has created an avenue for elite players wishing to remain on the continent. I am happy to say that Nigeria will be represented in Season 3 by the Kwara Falcons, which tips off in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday, 11 March 2023.

To answer the second part of your question, I believe the answer is yes. I think it’s inevitable with our work in Nigeria and on the continent. Part of our work is to help facilitate a sustainable ecosystem that we know will catalyse a viable basketball economy (businesses generated through association with basketball). Furthermore, as we work to create an adequately defined pathway that makes it easier for the youth in Nigeria to play basketball from a young age to the elite level, we believe this will further unlock many opportunities in the basketball industry for them. My point is that we are facilitating interest from all angles and change within the ecosystem in Nigeria. And it will have a domino effect whether it’s our work influencing fashion, music, art, or film. As we ingrained elements of culture into the positioning of the brand, I believe this is inevitable. So, the idea of a basketball player being home-grown, coming out of Nigeria, and as a result, having a fashion line and, or endorsements will happen in the long run. Will it be directly traced to my tenure? I honestly don’t think of things that way. For me, whatever work I do, I focus on doing the best possible work and ensure that my work is a catalyst that makes it possible for other things to happen. So, whether in the long run, development is directly traced to the work we do now or after, I think it’s irrelevant. I am focused on the goals we have set before us for NBA Nigeria. How do we ensure that whatever we are building is sustainable? How do we make sure we are impacting lives? How do we reach as many young boys and girls as possible in Nigeria? How do we utilise our platforms as a tool for nationbuilding? How do we ensure that we are focused on talent identification and that our youth get the opportunity to maximise their potential? How do we ensure that more people have easy access to NBA and the BAL games? How do we bring more

experiences to Nigeria for our fans to experience? How do we bring the game closer to our fans? How do we increase the affinity of the brand? All of that is what matters to me, and I genuinely believe that all of those are achievable as we focus on what matters and the work at hand.

Apart from the obvious industries and pillars we’ve identified, I genuinely believe that as we progress in the work we are doing in Nigeria, we will impact and touch on additional areas and industries.

What is your aim in Nigeria? What do you hope to achieve? Are there any players in Nigeria that have already grasped the attention of international buyers, and are you looking to buy players or send them abroad soon? How does it work?

I alluded to some of our goals in the previous question. Let me further expatiate on them. Our goals in Nigeria are broken down into five buckets: First, we want more boys and girls to participate in basketball from a young age. This means how do we ensure that basketball is

included in the curriculum in schools, and how do we ensure that the proper infrastructure is easily accessible to them? We know that only a small percentage will play basketball professionally; however, we know that basketball instils life skills such as team coordination, communication, leadership, resilience, etc. which are crucial employability skills that allow a person to be a positive member of society. Second, we want to make watching the NBA and BAL games very easy. The way football games are easily accessible on T.V. and mobile devices, we want that to be the same with our games. Third, we want to bring NBA experiences to our fans in Nigeria. Like the NBA Crossover in partnership with Hennessey to the NBA meets Art event to the BAL IN Lagos experience, we want our fans to have more opportunities to interact and engage with our brand. Fourth, to influence the basketball ecosystem. We intend to continue to work closely with all stakeholders with a vested interest in the growth of basketball in Nigeria. We are allowing our presence in the market to be that catalyst for a collective understanding and alignment in basketball and sports. Finally, to facilitate a basketball economy. From research and development to sports tourism to sales and trade of sports products, all these elements can significantly contribute to a country’s GDP and create jobs. When harnessed correctly, sports can be utilised to bridge the employability skills gap and serve as a driver of economic growth and prosperity. Research shows that sports only account for .005% of our GDP, whereas, in countries that have tapped into its potential, it contributes about 5% to their overall GDP. We believe our work will help facilitate the basketball economy and create opportunities for many.

“...I feel like whatever work you do, your work should be a catalyst that stirs interest and makes it possible for other things to happen, so whether you see the result of it directly when you are there or after you are no longer there, I think that’s irrelevant. I think the focus should be how we ensure that whatever we are building is sustainable. How do we make sure we are impacting lives? How do we ensure we reach as many young boys and girls in Nigeria?...”

professional players, who are Nigerians; they do the same as well. The potential impact of sports on a country’s economy is tremendous. Let’s use what just happened in Utah as an example; the impact of the NBA hosting the All-star game in Utah is outstanding. Now, look at that on a national level. Let’s bring it closer to home. The BAL has hosted the finals in Kigali, Rwanda, for the past three years, which has had an outstanding impact on the economy in Kigali. From tourism to retail to job creation to an entertainment standpoint, etc., the BAL’s presence in Kigali has significantly impacted its economy. That’s how we impact the economy anywhere we do business. One thing that is worth pointing out is that the government’s recent reclassification of sports from a recreational to a business sector further shows the understanding of the potential sports can play on Nigeria’s economy. I believe the work NBA Africa is doing on the continent is making a case for the sustainability of sports using basketball as our vehicle in Africa. That’s exactly what we are doing in Nigeria. For the direct economic impact, I mentioned the different ways while answering the previous question. Earlier, you mentioned NBA academies. Can we talk about them? Are you guys looking at going to different schools to start scouting for young talents so that they come to this academy? Can young talent apply to attend? What’s the plan? The NBA Academy is a set-up for elite players. People don’t apply to the academies; our scouting network in different countries identifies elite talents and invites them to join our academies. Our academies are at the top of the talent pyramid from the youth

developmental perspective. We have a lot of talent here, and we must allow them to harness and develop their skills. We hope to find partners with whom we can open academies within Nigeria.

Regarding the players and buyers, it doesn’t work that way for us. At NBA Africa, we are focused on creating a talent pipeline that enables players to play either play in Africa through the BAL or go to one of the NBA leagues in the U.S. We have pathway for players from Jr. NBA programming to our academies that enable talented athletes to be identified by coaches in all spheres of the basketball world. Therefore, identified talents can play in whatever path works best for them, whether at home or abroad.

What’s the economic impact of having our players go abroad to play? Also, please share examples of the economic impact the NBA will have in Nigeria. That’s a great question. Nigeria has one of the highest diasporas remittances in the world. Nigerians abroad invest heavily and contribute to the GDP of Nigeria. This is the same with

To further enable this, we want to ensure that our boys and girls are playing basketball at an early age by incorporating basketball as part of the academic curriculum in schools. This facilitates the opportunity for them to play basketball consistently and increases their exposure not just to the fundamentals of basketball but to the life skills it equips them with. The thing about basketball is it’s not just about playing basketball. We are aware that a tiny percentage of the youth that goes through our programs will go on to become professional basketball players. We focus on the impact and the life skills they acquire from playing basketball. Basketball is a team sport; you learn about teamwork and coordination from a very young age. There is no work you do that doesn’t require working with others. You learn about critical thinking, communication and listening skills, confidence, and basic skills you need to succeed. Research shows that when people are instilled with these skills at a very young age, they get a leg-up in life, so for the NBA, our Jr. NBA programming provides that opportunity.

March is right around the corner, and it’s Women’s History Month. How do you feel about what you represent in sports

as a woman in your position?

Honestly, I find it interesting when I get asked that question because I didn’t think about that when I got the job, and I still don’t think much

journey began!

I had the opportunity to work with an incredible team of people in New York and L.A.; this meant we worked late hours and through the holidays to ensure we were able to secure the right artists for the show. For me, it was important that the show was very reflective of our culture and showcased African excellence. We ended up with three African giants (Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema), who all brought different dynamics and elements to the show.

about it. I have always focused on striving for excellence in whatever I do. When an opportunity is presented, I demonstrate why I am the best person qualified for the job. So literally, at that point, that’s all that matters. Can you deliver what is required at the highest level possible? However, I have come to understand what it represents when I get messages and calls from women in sports and young women saying the significance of what it means to them. It is not lost on me. I see it when I am the only woman in rooms I find myself in. But to be honest, I am just focused on creating a sustainable business in Nigeria and representing my person, country, and family the best that I can. I believe that will speak for itself.

Let’s talk about the halftime show everyone is currently talking about. How proud were you of having Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema perform at the NBA All-Star Halftime show? That must have been a lot of hard work. How did it come to be?

I don’t think I have words to describe how I feel yet. When working on a project like this, I tend to get on autopilot and laser-focused on getting the job done. This conversation has forced me to take a step back to reflect and really grasp the magnitude and impact of what we created and achieved.

The vision for the halftime show was birthed during the weekend of the NBA meets Art. We hosted the Deputy Commissioner and COO of the NBA, Mark Tatum, in Nigeria. During his visit, we put together activities focused on cultural immersion that showcased different elements of our culture and the opportunities our culture presents to the NBA. Several of our investors and other NBA executives were also in town. It was an incredible four days filled with great activities focused on art, music and different aspects of life in Lagos.

It hadn’t been done before in the NBA, where the halftime show featured an all-African artists lineup. We were all aware of the show’s significance while we worked on it. We worked tirelessly to ensure that we created a great show. If you told the average person seven years ago that we would have a halftime show focused on Afrobeats and a lineup of just African artists, I don’t believe they would have thought it was possible. For me, the whole experience is a testament that nothing is impossible. There is nothing that you want to do that is not achievable. I always believe that whatever you want to do, if you set your mind to it and are willing to make the sacrifice required coupled with the right support and people backing you (this is so instrumental), then the sky is the limit.

“...There is nothing that you want to do that is not achievable. If you told the average person seven years ago that we would have a halftime show focusing on Afrobeats, they wouldn’t have believed it. I don’t believe anything is impossible. I always believe that whatever you want to do, set your mind to it, work hard at it, and ensure you have the right support and people backing you, you will get to the finish line...”

During one of my conversations with Mark, he asked how cool it would be to bring Afrobeat to the U.S. I got excited because I knew exactly what he meant. He explicitly stated that we should make it happen for the All-Star halftime show. It is worth stating that Mark is a fan of Afrobeat. At that time, I didn’t realise that he made calls while he was still in Lagos to discuss the possibility of Afrobeat being featured in the halftime show. All I know was when he got back to New York, I got an email from him with the NBA Entertainment team in copy (who oversees the halftime show). His emails said that I should work with the team to determine what an Afrobeat-themed halftime show would look like. This was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I immediately jumped on it. That’s how the

I must give major kudos to the Deputy Commissioner of the NBA for being a visionary who was willing to take a risk to do something that had never been done, and I thank him for believing in me. I thank Victor Williams, CEO of NBA Africa, and George Land for providing the needed support to get this over the line. The NBA Entertainment team was committed to delivering an experience that represented our work in NBA Africa, and I thank them for all their work. When you have the right support and team and are given a platform to showcase your culture on a global stage, you take it and run with it by ensuring you get to the finish line. And that’s what we did. For three months, I worked closely with an incredible production team (Charles Rosenzweig, Amanda Black, and Rudy Crew) to bring this vision to life. We all worked tirelessly to ensure that we delivered an authentic African experience that every African would be proud of. I can’t thank them enough for going on this incredible journey and creating something truly remarkable. In addition, I want to thank Tunde Folawiyo, one of our investors in NBA Africa, who made himself available and picked up my calls whenever I needed his assistance during the process. Last but not least, the incredible artists and their management teams for being part of this historical moment and putting on an incredible show that showcased African excellence. As I have said on several occasions, it really took a village for us to pull off this historic moment.

Finally, what keeps you going? Where do you get all this energy from?

Hahahaha, I get that question all the time. I do have a lot of energy. I will say I am laserfocused on the fulfilment of purpose. First, I am very grounded in my faith and God. That’s my compass in life. I believe we have all been given an assignment to contribute to the

development of this world. This is the assignment I have before me at this moment in time, and I am focused on running my race and fulfilling the work. I have a personal mantra that I live, which is “to live a rich and fulfilling life that pleases God while impacting the world around me.” The NBA aligns perfectly with my mantra, and that gets me going even when the going gets tough. Secondly, I am blessed with a great support system from my family and close friends. My family has been there and continues to be my rock, and for that, I am thankful to them.

PERFUME LAYERING

TIPS TO FINDING THE BEST FRAGRANCE COMBINATIONS

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

1MAKE IT FUN

Perfume layering is supposed to be fun, experimental, and maybe even a little bit shocking. Try to go out of your way and combine perfumes that you perhaps don feel a hundred percent confident will blend. This is because, sometimes, it’s the most unexpected combinations that are the most divine. When it comes to fragrance layering, there is no wrong or right; it’s all about trying something new, experimenting with something a little different and hopefully having fun with the process. And if you find your signature scent, that a bonus.

2

START WITH SOMETHING SUBTLE

Have you ever wanted to walk into a room and have your fragrance engulf the place for hours, with everyone asking what scent you’re wearing?

If that’s your wish, the only thing you have to do is learn about perfume layering.

Perfume layering, also known as scent mixing or fragrance cocktailing, involves mixing two or more scents to form a unique dynamic scent.

The hard nut to crack about the art of perfume layering is that there is a tendency that you might not get the smooth blend you require because of the concentration of different perfumes. This also happens when you don’t have anyone to guide you with what to do.

If you need help layering your perfumes, there is no need to worry; we’ve got you covered with these top tips on finding the best fragrance combinations.

If you are unsure how to mix two or more scents, a great way to start is by pairing two or more fragrances that are naturally lighter, less intense and fresher. You can always do this to ease yourself in if you don't want to go too bold or make too much of a statement straight away. As you build your confidence, you can go for bolder and stronger perfumes.

RIHANNA

3 5 7

STAY

GLUED TO THE SAME FRAGRANCE FAMILY

Even though there are no rules when it comes to fragrance mixing, there are certain types of fragrances that lend themselves to layering.

The safe way to go would be to pick two or more fragrances within the same family. If you are still trying to decide, you can try scents in different fragrance families, often paired together in perfumes.

When looking for perfumes that will layer well, try to find the ones with the same key note, especially if the fragrances are made by the same perfumer or are from the same brand or collection.

REMEMBER THAT LAYERING STARTS IN THE SHOWER

In case you don’t know, any scented product is fair game in layering perfumes, ranging from perfumes to body lotions to hand creams and even deodorant; they can all provide an extra dimension to your overall scent.

4 6 8

EXPLORE THE TOP, HEART AND BASE NOTES

Most perfumes are built around a classic perfume pyramid made up of top, heart and base notes. We all must have come across different fragrances with a similar note structures. Blending those scents will no doubt give you that signature scent you desire. For example, If your perfume starts with a fresh, bright citrus facet before blending into a white floral heart and rounding off with a soft, sensual gooey base note, finding a scent that goes on a similar journey will make the perfect match for a combination.

There are so many steps to kick-start your fragrance layering journey. If you want to be more experimental, try playing with different notes or fragrance families to become more avantgarde. Sometimes juxtaposing two scents can have impressive results. It's like cooking—finding the perfect balance between salty and sweet, spicy and cool. And that’s just the same with the whole process of perfume layering.

MAKE

To make your layers stay fragrant, try to keep your skin primed for perfume. One of the best ways to make the fragrance last is to first moisturise your skin with a good lotion or body oil. This will enable the fragrance molecules to bind to the oil molecules in your skin.

SPOTLIGHT ON UGO MONYE

BY ONAH NWACHUKWU

When Ugo Monye started his line 19 years ago, he never envisioned he’d have International coverage. Now on his 6th collection with media coverage from the sought after Vogue and other international magazines, the designer tells DOWNTOWN what his creative juices were feeling while he designed his new collection Konipari, which means it is limitless.

What inspired the Konipari Collection? Imight just say the beautiful African women inspired me to create the Konipari Collection. You know how you see them wear one outfit in multiple and different ways? That is the same way I thought of recreating something for men that they could wear in numerous ways. So it’s a one-piece, but you can wear it in different ways, and nobody will know it’s the same piece. When I say one-piece, I mean it’s one outfit that can be worn in multiple ways.

What colours did you decide to work with for the new collection?

So for the Konipari Collection, I chose to work with very cool colours, which are mint, green, and bronze. I was basically thinking of colors that would speak of luxury, comfort, as well as showcase the beauty of African fashion and its inspiration.

What sort of designs should we expect?

This year, you should be expecting designs that are more flowy at the top and with

bigger bottoms like bigger pants and baggies. The designs would intrinsically be relaxing and made to showcase comfort, royalty, and luxury interwoven together.

You showed your collection at Lagos Fashion Week(LFW) last year. How much value does LFW bring to the fashion industry?

LFW has been a great blessing to the Nigerian fashion industry because, with little or nothing, they’ve been pushing the bar recently. I have been able to appear in Vogue and other international magazines, and it was because of them. Other people have been able to see my work because of LFW, which in turn brought more sales and a return on my investment in producing my designs.

How confident are you about your collection?

I feel so good about my new collection; it is a collection that I took my time to create. I am one of the biggest critics of my work, but I am pretty happy about this collection because every single piece that

I envisioned came out exactly as I wanted it, so I hope everyone embraces what they see. It a bit edgy, as you know, but I hope everyone embraces what they see.

What are your thoughts on co-creation and collaboration?

My thoughts on co-creation and collaboration are that it's beautiful to see people come together to create and make magic. Just imagine Ugo Monye creating a piece with someone who is into art. It makes so much sense because you need to show your expertise to the people, telling them that is your area and at the end of the day, you make serious magic. I plan to collaborate with artists—people who paint. I will have them paint on my work and be creative along that same line. So I think it’s a welcome idea. However, for the Konipari Collection, I didn’t work with anybody. I didn't collaborate with anybody, but I’m open to collaborating with artists, shoe and bag designers, and as many people as possible that can also fit into the kind of stuff I am doing.

How well have Nigerians embraced the Konipari Collection?

Nigerians generally love the collection, and everyone has spoken positively about it. Apart from talking about it, many orders have been coming for many designs in the Konipari Collection. So I like the idea of being able to wear one particular design in different ways, so it's been good because the orders have been coming in seriously. I think they’ve embraced it to a great extent, especially the guys that consider themselves bold, because of the element added to the collection.

Everything depends on how it is being used. We used different elements and materials like chiffon, a material that men ordinarily would not wear, but we’ve been able to use them in a way that looks appealing to the eyes of men, especially because we are a men’s fashion brand. Still, we are using different fabrics that women typically use more than men, and it’s because of the way we use them. The twist in how we’ve been able to incorporate those kinds of fabrics. They’ve seen that fabrics are not a female thing, neither is it genderassociated. Every fabric can actually be used for both male and female outfits.

What are your thoughts on designers and tailors copying another designer’s creation?

No designer would be happy when other designers copy his designs. They would prefer you come to meet them, and they make the cloth for you so that it will be done properly. However, some people would say, “You’ve inspired people.” Hence, it’s a bittersweet feeling because you’ve seen people copying your work. Still, it would have been better if they had come to meet you. At least, that way, you would know that you are getting compensation for your hard work and brain work. However, because of the way Nigeria is, you will see people that will just come and carry your design and copy it without any compensation, royalty, or anything being paid to you. So that side of it, you are not happy about it, but at the same time, you are like, “I have inspired a lot of people,” because every designer’s dream is to make people aspire to inspire. In all of it, you would like to get some money or even be recognized for your

What's your favourite piece in the Konipari Collection?

I have like two favourite pieces. The one that looks like a big flowy gown, that’s one of my favourite pieces. My second favourite piece is the one with the puffy and smoke sleeves. Those are my two favourite pieces. I can wear any of the pieces in the Konipari Collection because I love all of them, and I created them. But those two are the ones that stole my heart after completing them. Also, I love the one with the hood.

What do Nigerian fashion designers need to do to gain international recognition?

I am certain that what Nigerian fashion designers need to do to get global or international recognition is to portray Nigerian and African elements as much as they can in their designs. There are a lot of things that we have; we have the aso oke, and we have the adire, and other incredible elements. We have so many fashion elements without which we cannot stand out in an international market because internationally, they are not used to seeing those things, so that what will stand out. And for the style, you must look for a way to blend that afro-bit of your fashion. When I say afro-bit, I do not mean afro b-e-a-t, but b-i-t. You must add that bit of Africa because you can't do something entirely Western; you will be like one of the many already out there.

Imagine having one thousand white sheep and one black sheep; that black sheep will stand out. The black sheep is that African-Nigerian bit that will stand out internationally. I used to make suits in the past, but I saw that you couldn’ a suit better than the western man. You can’t, it’s not our thing. To gain global recognition, we need to create our kind of suit so the international market can notice something different about the suit or piece. When I say a suit, it’s not a Western suit. I mean our own style of clothing. We need to create our own style of clothing for the international market to be able to notice something different about it. It differs from what we are used to, but we can adapt.

Who is your typical client?

My typical client is any client that wants to

step outside the norm of what they have been used to seeing. That's the kind of person I want to make clothes for. Someone ready to take the chance and wear something different from what he is used to seeing is my typical client. It’s more than just the regular traditional up-and-down, we’ll twist it a bit, and the guys are willing to try it because they’re not afraid to step outside the box. Those are the kind of people I like to make clothes for because when they wear them, other people see and compliment them, but some people might close their minds to things like that. So my typical clients are people that are willing to try new things.

What do you have for the Nigerian fashion industry and, by association, your brand?

For the Nigerian fashion industry, we have a lot of hardworking designers in Nigeria, and I would like to see us move beyond the borders, beyond the shores of Nigeria-Africa. As designers, we need to do this work consistently, not look at it as a business. It’s not just all about money; it's like a ministry. It’s about preaching a particular kind of gospel so the rest of the world can come and see what is happening. It is about building the fashion industry, and one of the ways by which this industry could be helped right now is with our A-list musicians and entertainers. Imagine if we have our A-listers talking about our fashion in their songs, wearing our designs in their videos, and even wearing our creations in their shows; you would see its effect on the industry.

Many preach about originality, sing about being Africans and Nigerians, and use that to gain international mileage. Still, they don’t wear, sing, or preach about African clothes or designs. Instead, you would hear them talk about Louis Vuitton and see them wear Gucci when they go out there. If they were actually promoting the African-Nigerian brands, you would see the effect it would have on the entire industry because once people see that this global musician from Nigeria is wearing a particular brand, they start to look at it and other brands from Nigeria. The guys abroad, too, will talk about it. It means there is more to offer than they already see.

I hope people work hard, and we need more creative people. We need more evangelists for the Nigerian fashion industry, not money. When I say not money, it means that we are not doing it because we want to make money. If it were all about money, there are specific designs I would have limited myself to. But I’m trying to be a good fashion ambassador of Nigeria to the rest of the world, that’s why I’m thinking outside the box. I want to show the rest of the world the things that can come from this country regarding fashion and

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

The Banshees of Inisherin

drinking together, that their routine has been going on too long, and that Padraic is the keener of the two to keep it going.

When Colm finally trudges to the gaslit, clifftop pub, he insists that Padraic sits elsewhere. "I just don't like you no more," he declares. Besides, with old age approaching, he wants to devote his days to writing and playing folk music on his violin – not listening to Padraic prattling on about donkey droppings.

Padraic, played with heartbreaking innocence by Farrell, is hurt and baffled by this sudden break in a longstanding friendship, but rather than offer any further explanation, Colm presents him with an ultimatum: every time Padraic talks to him, he will chop off one of his own fingers. No one is quite sure if he means it, but this being a McDonagh film, it's entirely possible that he does. Will Padraic have the self-control necessary to leave his former pal alone?

WATCH OF THE WEEK

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Three

Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, the last film to be written and directed by Martin McDonagh, won Oscars, BAFTAs and Golden Globes galore. McDonagh could have used that success to bag himself a Marvel blockbuster or some other lucrative Hollywood extravaganza, but instead, he has gone the opposite way. His new film is a low-key, small-scale black comedy that hinges on an absurd disagreement between two seemingly decent men on a tiny island off the coast of Ireland. It's more theatrical than McDonagh's previous films, but that's not a criticism. The Banshees of Inisherin may get its dark power from perfectly delivered, finely honed dialogue rather than splashy violence, but it's as gripping as anything he's ever done.

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, the stars of McDonagh's terrific debut film, In Bruges, play two friends, Padraic and Colm, in The Banshees of Inisherin. The year is 1923 – although you get the sense that the rural island of Inisherin hasn't changed in decades and probably won't change for decades. Padraic, played by Farrell, is a simple soul who tends to a few cows, a pony and a beloved miniature donkey and shares a sparse cottage with his bookish sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon), who clearly is the brains of the family. He's first seen strolling along the island's country lanes, between its dry-stone walls and apparently empty fields, until he reaches Colm's cottage. The exotic masks and models hanging everywhere suggest that Colm dreams of a world beyond Inisherin, and Colm's scowls suggest that he is depressed that those dreams haven't been realised (not many actors can scowl more ferociously than Gleeson). But all Padraic cares about is going to the pub. After all, he says, it's already two o'clock in the afternoon. McDonagh follows this punchline with another: Colm's clock immediately strikes two, which shows how obsessively punctual Padraic can be. In just a few moments, we've learnt that the men spend too much time

The hints of mysticism and the slow, insistent rhythms turn these two stubborn former pals into mythical figures: timeless embodiments of the masculine, selfdestructive refusal to be reasonable. It's such a jaw-dropping premise that McDonagh could have thought of the bizarre chopping-off-my-own-fingers threat and built his screenplay from there. Certainly, he doesn't take the plot much further. There are subplots concerning Siobhan's issues with the provincial small-mindedness of Inisherin, and there is some tragicomedy concerning a not-toobright policeman's son, played by Barry Keoghan: both actors are excellent. But the film keeps its focus on the feud between Colm and Padraic, the question of whether being a creative artist is more worthwhile than being a "happy lad", albeit a "dull" one, and the idea that the two men's intransigence might shed some light on Ireland's Civil War: the characters often see and hear cannon fire on the mainland, just across a strip of water, but no one knows who's fighting or why – and no one cares.

The Banshees of Inisherin is quiet, steadily paced and slightly repetitive, but it's always compelling, and it eventually grows hauntingly sad. McDonagh doesn't stint on daft jokes and jovial banter, but his film gets bleaker, stranger and more poetic as it goes on until it feels as if the men's pointless falling out has broken something important and that things can only get worse for them, the island, and the world.

The refreshing part about The Banshees of Inisherin is how different it is from most other films, including McDonagh's own. It has the ring of a tall tale that has been told in pub after pub, gathering weird new details every time until it has become a part of Irish folklore. It's a story you'll want to hear and tell again and again.

8.5/10

You may feel that you need another brutal battlefield movie like you need a hole in the head, and it would be a lie to say that there's anything remotely breezy about spending nearly two-and-a-half hours immersed in All Quiet on the Western Front. Much like 1917 or Saving Private Ryan, though, this sprawling German-language adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's classic WWI novel is a film that feels both aesthetically dazzling and full of necessary truths: an antiwar drama that transcends the bombast of propaganda mostly just because it's so artfully and indelibly made.

Felix Kammerer is Paul Bäumer, a German teenage recruit thrilled to be going where the action is; within weeks, they'll take Paris, a local ensures him and his eager friends, and return to the Motherland as heroes. Instead, of course, it's a waking nightmare: a scorched existence that toggles between abject tedium and annihilating violence for months and then years on end. But there's also a bone-deep camaraderie that blossoms in the trenches, not just between Paul and his fellow schoolmate recruits but with more hardened soldiers like Kat (Albrecht Schuch) — a veteran with a knack for team-building and stealing geese (to these starving, freezing boys, one heisted bird is a feast).

There are also interspersed scenes of the Axis commanders controlling it all: wellfed, walrus-moustachioed men who gather around warm fires with their wine and cheese, whimsically deciding the fates of

millions. Director Edward Berger isn't exactly subtle with those contrasts, but he draws lovely, painfully intimate performances from his tender young cast (along with more familiar faces like MCU star Daniel Brühl, as a rare back-office operator with a conscience); the spectral score by composer Volker Bertelmann is gorgeously unsettling, and the cinematography achieves a kind of painterly, panoramic grandeur. Western Front is hardly the first movie to show us on a grand scale that war is hell — in fact; it's been more than 80 years since the original 1930 screen version took home two Oscars, including Best Picture — and certainly not the last. But it tells it profoundly and often heartbreakingly well.

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Muzi; Samthing Soweto - Mncane

Amber Mark - Foreign Things

Ayra Starr - ASE - A COLORS SHOW

The Cavemen. - Stranger

Kojey Radical; Masego - Silk (feat. Masego)

Joyce Wrice; KAYTRANADA - Iced Tea

Lady Donli - Thunderstorm In SurulereA COLORS SHOW

Boj; ENNY - Culture Koffee - West Indies

Directed by: Martin McDonagh

Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, Kerry Condon Film length: 1hr 49m