THEWILL DOWNTOWN FEB 06, 2022 EDITION by THEWILL NEWSPAPER

VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

IN CHARACTER WITH ISIME

VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Desire Onyema @desire_makeover

EDITOR’S NOTE

’ve often admired how an actor steps in front of the camera and suddenly gets in character, then when (s)he hears ‘cut!’ they are back to being themselves. Even more so, how do they kiss co-stars and not end up in a torrid love affair with them? I would like to imagine that it’s like any other job where you have to be professional and respectful to your colleague. Both our cover personalities this week, have had to be in intimate scenes and they have their tricks for performing flawlessly. Daniel Etim Effiong, couldn’t have said it better. He explains it this way: “I think it comes with the job. I mean you can't possibly fall in love with everyone you act in romance movies with... On set, you become this character who is totally in love with this person, but when you hear “cut!” you are able to put that in a compartment and lock it up till the next time you are ready to bring him out again. It is a lot of mind work that actors have learned to use to develop.” For Nancy Isime, to fully relate to a character, there has to be a little bit of you in there. This helped her to fully transform into the character, Queen; a happy, forgiving, girl who she plays in her last movie, Superstar. Both interviews make for a really interesting read. Also in this week's issue, we have our usual exciting content. For instance, Pantone has just announced the beauty colour of the year to be Very Peri, and our beauty page shows you how to pull off this colour with your makeup. Check out the fashion page for interesting trends every man should try this year, and don’t miss the movie review page -this week, we review The 355 and Ozark. In a week, we will be celebrating the day of love, and so we have a piece about dating in the city of Lagos. It makes for quite an interesting read. Does the size of his shoes really tell us what ‘his size’ is? And if it does, how important is it in the scheme of things? Read all about this on page 7.

VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

CONTENTS

COVER IN CHARACTER WITH NANCY ISIME & DANIEL ETIM EFFIONG

REVIEW THE 355

04-05

FASHION 7 MUST-HAVE FASHION TRENDS OF 2022

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN MUSIC MEETS RUNWAY RETURNS

RELATIONSHIP BREAKFAST IN BED, EXCEPT IT IS NEITHER EDIBLE NOR SWEET

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL ALL SIZES MATTER

BEAUTY

DRY SKIN? ...NO PROBLEM

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.

@onahluciaa

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Senior Lifestyle Editor: Ayodele Johnson Writers: Kehindé Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Graphics/Layout: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

BEAUTY

PANTONE “VERY PERI” BEAUTY COLLECTION

WHAT YOU SAID INSTAGRAM @lolu_fagbule

Nicely put summit!!!! Weldone @thisiskennys

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Onah Nwachukwu

LIVING LIFESTYLE HACKS TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Photography: Gift Eghator @graphedbyblue Zinny Shirt Dress (White) Emmy Kasbit @emmykasbit Turquoise Earrings and Turquoise Ring from Editor’s Wardrobe @onahluciaa Ojukwu Overcoat and Layered Pants Emmy Kasbit @emmykasbit White Shirt: Daniel’s Wardrobe Makeup (Touch Up and Nude Lips): Zaron Cosmetics @zaroncosmetics Styling and Creative Direction: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

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.

@omalichabekee_

@shollycutie

Efua Oyofo @efuastar

- Contributing Writer Efua has always enjoyed telling stories. A writer and cultural storyteller, Efua Oyofo helps clients tell their most compelling story. She focuses on social impact storytelling, and hosts a podcast: This African Love, exploring the culture of dating - and helping people develop more effective ways to navigate relationships in today’s world.

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VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION Go Sleeveless

The likes of Prada and Dolce & Gabbana have already taken a nod in this direction. Not adding a sleeveless vest to your collection would be a bad idea. After all, wouldn't you want to show off all the progress for not missing arm day at the gym?

MUST-HAVE FASHION TRENDS of 2020 BY TILEWA KAZEEM

he fantastic conclusion of the Fashion Week last year gave us a peek behind the curtains at what the fashion ecosystem has in store for menswear in 2022. And although the spectrum and categories of what menswear actually is, they addressed the comfy, cosy, light, stylish, purposeful, and sustainable elements of what a new year's fashion trend should hold— with a strain of post-pandemic DNA imbued in it. Transmogrified twists to conventional blazers, extremely loosely-fitted clothing, short shorts, suit and shorts, and more are some of what this year has to offer and what you need to get your hands on to keep heads turning.

Spring Summer Collection 2022 EMMY KASBIT

Flared Pants

Keep It Short

This now - trendy '70s inspired style is one you’ll see a lot of this year. Experimented on by several designers with different soft and fluid fabrics, its vintage style exudes style and class. Just throw on a loose-fitting silk shirt and a pair of Rick Owens loafers and you’re ready to make a classic statement.

Flared Pants from ORANGE CULTURE PAGE 4

Model for EMMY KASBIT

You should have seen this coming and if you did, kudos to you. Short shorts or Bermuda-style shorts is another trend 2022 will see a lot more of. Perfect for a sunny day at the beach or a quaint afternoon out with friends.

Wizkid

Denola Grey

Model for ÀSSIÀN

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

FASHION Get A Modern Blazer

Pull Out Those Scarves

Every man should own a new-age blazer. In recent years, we've seen designers take unorthodox routes towards what we've known them to be by adding character and personality to their pieces. Having a few in your wardrobe adds a few more stylish options to your choices.

Wrap Belt Blazer ORANGE CULTURE

Wether you drape it over your shoulders, tie it gracefully around your neck, or over the lower half of your face like a face mask, it doesn't matter because you'll look stylish regardless of whichever way you choose to morph this fashion staple.

Burna Boy in a Custom Gold Cord Lace Suit

Jeremiah Ogbodo AKA Swankyjerry

Airy and Roomy

Not So Short Shorts

Making room in your closet with this easy-breezy and light clothing trend can do you no wrong. On an occasion when something free-flowing is required, opting for a super-light roomy shirt is never a wrong choice. And with the increased heat wave, buying this fashion item would offer some form of cool.

The Carter SISIANO

Enioluwa Adeoluwa

Having different variations of Capri shorts in your wardrobe allows you to take a break from long stemming pants. Whether it's one that gently clinches your calves or one that hangs freely, you've got a fashion piece on your hands nonetheless.

Akiki Ni Mali Collection KIKO ROMEO

Model for UGO MONYE

Vintage Check Technical Twill Shorts BURBERRY PAGE 5

VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

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RELATIONSHIP

BREAKFAST IN BED,

EXCEPT IT IS NEITHER EDIBLE NOR SWEET

Understanding The Lagos Dating Scene Just Before Valentine's

f you've been on social media a lot in early February as people anticipate Valentine's day, you would have come across a funny video that was created to mock single people. The lyrics read thus; “About a month ago, I sent you a DM, I shot my shots, and you ignored. Now Valentine's is coming, where is your boyfriend? You are sitting alone… Lonely!” This is about the time when social media goes crazy and that one video comes back to our timeline. The plot twist is that if you are single, that is the least annoying video you'll see this season. You're going to see a lot of videos that will make you crave love so much that you will chant “God when?” so many times, you might catch a sore throat. But are you ready to explore the Lagos dating scene in a bid to alter your relationship status? Despite having over 20 million in its ridiculously small landmass, residents of the centre of excellence—which is quite notorious for its messy dating scene—struggle to find their desired partner amongst the multitude. In between aggressive swipes on dating apps and strategic positioning on social media platforms—women especially —we are all searching for the same thing; genuine companionship. You might be daydreaming about how romantic it would be to be served breakfast in bed by your significant other but at some point, in Lagos, you will be forced to come to terms with the simple fact that your best chance of getting served breakfast is if it is the proverbial kind that goes around and leaves you down in the mouth. I can't

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BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE put my hands on it yet, but there is something about this state that places so much emphasis on the merits of being street-smart that it sometimes creeps up in our everyday interactions. Everyone is trying to pull a fast one on the next person. You get a feeling that most of the happenings that have led to a regrettable dating experience are a result of a lack of effective communication. If ‘boy meets girl’ and they state their intentions as clearly as possible, nobody will get hurt, right? One would expect that these are some of the things discussed during the usually lengthy and borderline unnecessary talking stages. For some, the beauty of romance is in its gore. It is no surprise that ‘Yoruba demons’ never run out of business despite the god-awful PR they get on social media. Femis are this and Cynthias are that, yet most of

us, despite being very picky, still choose wrongly, and it has nothing to do with gender. In fact, if the account of the level of toxicity that was documented in popular LGBTQIA activist, ‘Amara the lesbian’s’ last relationship is anything to go by, the messy dating scene is not exclusive to just heterosexual couples. This time next week, however, the ones lucky enough to have found ‘their own person’ will be celebrating the global lover's day together. For some of us that inspired Akon’s 2004 hit song, Lonely, the closest thing to a romantic date we can possibly get is with the man in the mirror, while chanting words of affirmation— “you too are worthy of love.” For some of us side chicks, we must know our place to avoid the annual “wife drags mistress by her wig in the shopping mall” gist on Instablog. For the hopeless romantics, always remember what Rihanna said about finding love in a hopeless place? The God of the eleventh-hour answers prayers; be steadfast. To my real tribe, the ones that have sworn an oath to remain ever faithful to the streets, I want to commend your efforts on being the biggest suppliers of toxins to this Lagos dating pool. Even when we eventually try to cut the number down to one person, our devoted commitment to the principles of polygamy found in the gospel according to Blaqbonez means that from streets we've emerged, and to the streets, we shall return.

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DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL For decades, the question has been posted in the bedroom; does size matter? Does having heavy-duty equipment mean you’d be able to deeply pleasure a woman?

’d like to surmise that as kids, we all had our feet measured with a stick of broom at some point. Right? Seeing my mum do it and come back with shoes that fit— pun intended— felt like I was watching a magician at work. Even with that, I still had to wait till I grew into some of my shoes. Did you ever hear what they said about people with big feet? ‘What?’ I asked when I heard the question for the first time. Apparently, the size of your feet determines how long your “stick” is. If you have longer feet your phallus follows suit. If your feet are smaller... I’m sure you get the idea. It instantly dawned on me why my mother always bought me bigger shoes when I was little. So, with that said, I’m reverting to shoes that aren't my size henceforth. Okay, all jokes aside, as human beings, we are never satisfied with anything and our sexual organs are no different. Bigger breasts, bigger derrieres and you guessed it, longer penis’. Most times, bigger isn't always better because, at the end of the day, nothing fits. The bigger the shoe size the bigger the…misconception because that's exactly what it is. Shoe size determines the size of the feet based on factors such as height, weight, genetics, and others, so the size of a person's feet has no connection to their genitalia. Archaic misconceptions aside, harbouring self-esteem issues because your penis does not compare to those of your peers or the 7-inch sized pipes male porn actors wield is a common issue

ALL

SIZES MATTER BY TILEWA KAZEEM most men silently face. At a young age, we were exposed to more sexual content than we care to admit to and all of that can't help but have some sort of psychological and emotional effect on our mental well-being. The same way women are so concerned with how they look is almost the same way men feel about the little lad down there. For decades, the question has been posted in the bedroom; does size matter? Does having heavy-duty equipment mean you’d be able to deeply pleasure a woman? Well, to be honest, does it really matter? Believe it or not, just a select few women can withstand enormous penises because it causes cuts and sometimes, little ruptures that in the long run, can cause health problems. Sex is meant to be pleasurable and electric, and most times that happens with a mediumsized penis and all-around sexual experience. Relying only on your pecker during intercourse wouldn't get you far regardless of the length. Knowing the basics, however, would. Compared to a man’s penial orgasm, a woman has two; vaginal and clitoral orgasm. The latter is the easiest to achieve but for the first one, you will have to locate the G-spot and that is something not many people can find and those who do, stumble upon it. When I did, I was as shocked as she was. It started like every sexual encounter, after months of cajoling her to come to my apartment, she was at the door with the agenda of the day in mind. Adorned in a beautiful

floral frock, the smell of Baccarat Rouge 540 quickly invaded my room and lingered long after she left. We wasted no time making small talk and dove right in. The insecurities I had when I was much younger were long gone and I was now comfortable with all of me. She snatched my member and welcomed it into her mouth adroitly. Her skin was so tender it felt almost edible. It was apparent she took care of herself, her chunky braids looked neat as I gradually used them to keep her head steady. A few minutes in, and I couldn't wait to taste her. I could tell by her ardour that she wanted to witness for herself what my overly advertised tongue could do and it didn't disappoint. Wearing a coy smile, I parted her legs and it was quite visible, how much she desired me. My mouth and her loins quickly got acquainted. As I pleasured her orally, I felt her legs quiver and twitch. I watched her eyes flicker and her laps gradually enveloping me in her warmth. She yanked me from between her legs and begged me to put it in, I obliged. A few rapid strokes in and suddenly her arousal had intensified. It was like it had gone from 0-100 in seconds. Her subtle begs edged me on as I continued thrusting in and out. Suddenly, I felt her push me away, followed by what I can only describe as a waterfall... evidence that I had hit the G-spot. She laid there like she had been stunned by a stingray. I sat there bewildered and awestruck at what had just happened. She, on the other hand, had had enough.

IMAGE:DREAMSTIME.COM

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VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER

Nancy Isime

t's easy to ask "who is Nancy Isime and why has she suddenly become a leading and recurrent face of Nollywood?" because jumping the gun and questioning the magnitude of success when it hits you hard is quotidian to most humans in this part of the world. But a little research and due diligence would unravel that this blondie is hardly just your run-of-the-mill, here-today-gonetomorrow actress. Motivated by her years of extreme thirst for success and habitual drive to work, this shy but effervescent Edo-born media personality is a pleasant din that has been brewing for 10 years. This dernier cri of Nigeria media and entertainment discusses how it all started, riding bikes and a perhaps lover. How did it all start for you? I started as a model on the runway and a director saw me and thought, 'ok, you should come audition for a role in our new series'. I auditioned and I got the role. That was how it started for me. It was never a case of ‘oh my God, I want to be an actor.’ It just found me, acting found me.

In Character With

Nancy Isime & Daniel Etim Effiong

ove is one of the most powerful forces on earth. When it comes in the form of a romance, it becomes more spell-binding. All around the world, humans have been telling the tales of romance through different art forms and media. However, motion picture stands out as an art form as it is able to depict the facial expressions and body language that resurrect the butterflies in the audience's belly—it is not an easy feat. In Nollywood, we have seen an evolution of the romance genre courtesy of more diverse and relatable storylines, with last year's romantic drama, Superstar, being an embodiment of that. To discuss what it feels like playing love interests on set and giving their respective characters so much life that it mirrors the beauty, and sometimes ugliness, of real-life romantic relationships, DOWNTOWN writers, Tilewa Kazeem and Kehindé Fagbule sat with the Superstar co-stars, Nancy Isime and Daniel Etim Effiong.

As an artist, you shouldn't have a favourite from your works. In fact, all your works should be your favourite or else there is a problem" PAGE 8

You hadn't acted a day in your life, you had no experience but you managed to make it work. How? Definitely, the talent was there and then I learnt on the job. I listened, did my research, took my scripts seriously, listened to the director and got advice from other people. I don't think my performances then are anything like my performance now. So I feel like I grew and learned more on the job to get to where I am today. It wasn't something I just picked up just like that—already I was doing modelling so the cameras were already my friend. I just had to work on a few things. My very first acting gig was in 2011. This is 2022. It's been ten years and I'm not an overnight success. I feel like people just started seeing me around on Instagram or seeing me all of sudden and are like ‘where did this girl come from?’ No, that's why there's research. I started acting in 2011 with the series Echoes. But I started acting professionally in 2014. When you started, how hard was it to learn lines? In the beginning, I was like 'ah! Oh my gosh, what is this?' And I remember the actors and crew then—God bless them— telling me “C'mon don't worry, take it one line after the other if you need to” and then gradually, I started to get the hang of it, reading to understand and running my lines. If you forget your lines the directors then were so kind to remind us. Even up until now, we still forget our lines and they'll still remind us. How are you able to switch off from Nancy and into a fictional character and back into Nancy and at any point do both worlds collide? I don’t think so. Personal life is personal life; it’s something you wake up to and go back to bed to. For me, I know how to schedule; make sure work works and whatever other life works. I make sure to prioritize accordingly. The movie Superstar which stars yourself, tells the story of a lady who rises above all the odds to

become a superstar. And your role as the protagonist in the film has been commended by fans and critics. What would you say was the link between you and the character? Character-wise, obviously when you play somebody there has to be a bit of you in there to bring it to life. Queen, is a happy, forgiving, loving girl. I think I relate to that. For her story, she went through quite a lot of things so I can’t really say our stories are similar. Actually, our stories aren't similar in any way, there’s nothing Queen went through that I went through. Because my journey into the acting industry was a safe thing. Her story is a completely different story from mine. As far as acting goes, is there that one actor or are there a few actors that you have an instant connection with on set? Almost everybody that I've worked with. If I should, I'll probably name every single person I've worked with. I work with professionals who are as passionate about the craft as I am. The people I've been privileged to work with are the people who understand what acting is. So if there needs to be chemistry either as best friends or as lovers, everyone does what they need to do and go home. Paint us a picture of what a young Nancy Isime was like? I feel like a young Nancy Isime was very reserved; I'm still very shy but I've learnt how to work in public and sprinkle a bit of it where necessary. As a child, I was very withdrawn, bashful and very on my own. Had a few friends here and there, playful for sure—I still love playing. I loved trying new things; bicycles, climbing trees and going to new places. So young Nancy was shy, withdrawn but still somehow adventurous and she was a dreamer as well. Nancy was definitely a dreamer. Who is Nancy Isime behind all the glitz and glam? Nancy is just a simple girl who loves to work, she has friends, she's someone that absolutely understands why she’s where she is, she loves to share joy and she loves to be the best at what she does...obviously, for herself. Because I feel like when people hear best at what you do, it translates to better than everyone else. No, it doesn’t involve anybody else, just be good at what you do. I’m just a simple girl next

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COVER door who loves to work, loves what she does and loves to be a beacon of positivity wherever she can. In terms of family and siblings, where do you fall in the pecking order? I'm the fourth out of five children and we're as close as a family can be. You've often said your father was a disciplinarian and he was tough on you as a child. What is the relationship like as an adult with your father? My dad and I are good. We talk. Disciplinarians are great. I feel like it depends on how discipline comes but we're good. And do you feel you're better off with or without the discipline? Discipline is great. I feel like the African way of discipline, especially with African parents and their kids, can be a little extreme but I'm just happy for the new generation; everyone knows how to balance discipline, love, attention, care and all of that when raising a child. But, I feel I'm not really one to say; if things had happened a different way, maybe something else might have happened. Everything that happened in my life brought me to where I am right now. Is there any veteran in the industry you haven't worked with and you'd like to work with? I’d have said Genevieve Nnaji but I worked with her on the first film she produced called Road To Yesterday, a couple of years back. I played her friend but we had very limited scenes together —maybe three. I'm not sure it's her first but from my knowledge, I was told she collaborated on that one. If I could work with her again I would but with more scenes hopefully. I've worked with Omotola Jolade as well. Just all our great legends; I've worked with Nse Ikpe-Etim luckily, Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo. I haven’t worked with Rita Dominic yet. I’ve worked with Uncle Richard; that’s RMD. Ramsey Nouah, Jim Ikye, Desmond Elliot. Man, if I could, I’d work with all the veterans I’ve not worked with because honestly, I think they're amazing. Every one of them is talented at what they do. Between 2019 and 2020 you hosted Nigeria's biggest awards show in the Headies awards and you went on to become the host for the prestigious show that is The Voice Nigeria. Talk us through those scenarios and how they happened? For the Headies, I work at HipTV; so I was told by my boss that the team was considering having me as a host, that was how that happened. For The Voice Nigeria Season 3, I got a call from LiveSpot and they told me about their decision as well; to make me the official host of The Voice Nigeria Season 3. Both calls came in separately— obviously— and we started working towards what was expected of both parties. How are you able to juggle hosting your show; The Nancy Isime Show, Trending on Hip TV and still make time for acting. Let's not also forget you have to show up at public events and go out with friends. It must be hell? It's just priorities and scheduling. It's work and I'm a workaholic. I love to work and although people outside the industry might see what we do as a hobby or joke. It is not. Acting is work and it is bringing in a lot of revenue and employing hundreds and thousands of people while also saving lives. So, our work is not play, it looks like a joke but it's not and we are constantly tired. As an actor, how much time do you need to refresh before taking on another role or script? Sometimes you might need some time off. Maybe two or three days off to get better. For

some, they're able to switch [she snaps her fingers together to lay emphasis] really quick. I sometimes have clashing schedules; where I didn't plan for it to happen but it does and it takes inner strength. So you just have to go back in there, find the strength and that's also why we have directors who can direct accordingly. For acting, it isn't just left to the actors themselves, there's an entire crew that doesn't get enough credit: the director, producers, writers, assistant directors, DOPs that just help and with good ones on set, there's no way the performance wouldn't be top-notch. Sometimes I need a break to get myself and sometimes when it's a wrap, I go back and refresh my memory with the next script, go on set and luckily, of course, the other actors will help. Everyone is well aware of Nancy's energy on and offscreen. But at some point, even batteries run out and need charging. What are some things you do to recharge? I like to take trips. Go to the beach, stay at resorts—if it’s in Nigeria. Sometimes I travel abroad. So for me, taking me time doesn’t need to involve me travelling; I can just be at home relaxing or it could be a spa day, I could read a book or meditate. That's how I recharge, I just take care of myself and have a lazy day. Wikipedia lists your acting credits at fifty-three, but I know you have more. Picking just one favourite among all of them would be a very difficult task, so let's pick three and tell us why they are so special to you. Not really. Every movie that comes out is always a favourite, everyone I put work into is a favourite, every script I work on is a favourite. So I haven't really found one where I'm like ‘this is my favourite’ because they all stand out individually. If I'm going to list them then I'm going to list all the movies I've worked on. When Kambili came out I was like ‘Oh my gosh!’ Superstar is out. I said the same thing and when other movies came out I said the same thing. As an artist, you shouldn't have a favourite from your works. In fact, all your works should be your favourite or else there is a problem. What motivates you? What motivates me to get outta bed every morning are the people killing it. I get inspired by them and by nature. Inspired by my drive to do better and I just love working. I love being a better me. I love creating opportunities for myself and absolutely exploring life. The acting business and personal relationships aren't usually so cut and dry. There are so many feelings to manage; yours and that of your partner and with sexual scenes in a lot of films, how do you balance that many emotions? That's where professionalism comes in. I don't know about other people but for me, it's just a job and you do your job and you get out. Luckily I've worked with professionals who get the job done. What's the dating scene like for you in Lagos? I honestly don't know. People find love wherever they can. Even when you're living in Lagos you can find love in Abuja. For me, I'm not out there looking for anything. Obviously, when you're famous you don't go around trying to date everybody. Are you currently seeing anyone? I'm not open to talking about that. You have a plaque from The Nigerian Broadcasters Merit award which crowned you the Sexiest On-Air Personality in 2017. When it comes to fashion and looking breathtaking, you always understand the assignment and

dress the part. But in an age where most girls invest heavily on hair, it still baffles me that you've chosen to keep your hair short. Why? So for me, why I decided to cut my hair short was because heat wanted to finish me thanks to the wigs and my hair was growing wrongly. So I chose to trim it and regrow but then I liked it. It was black for a minute, so I decided to try a blonde colour and my barber at the time tried till we got the right tone with the C cut in the middle— that went on to become a phenomenon. Now I just switched it up. Moving on from the loss of a loved one is never easy, in your case, you lost your mum at a really young age. How were you able to pick yourself up and move on? I just did. It was hard but I just did. At some point in my life, I just said 'you know what, you have to move on because life goes on, there’s nothing you can do about it.’ It’s happened, it’s happened you just have to find the mind to keep pushing on and see where life takes you. Having gone through depression and attempted suicide, what advice would you give to people who are battling depression and how can we as Nigerians make it better in regards to mental health? Well, I don't know if we can do better because I feel like it is a personal journey. Mental health is personal and the other person can't really do anything for the other person if they don't want to do anything for themselves. So I think it's just basically taking care of yourself. As families do more; be more open to your kids, brothers, sisters, listen to them, talk to them because you never know. Just open your mind more; meditate, take time off, talk when you need to, let the next person know what you're going through. You never know, someone might just have the kindest words to say to you. I feel like mental health is not taken as seriously as it should be, but it is a thing. And people need to understand that it is almost as important as the clothes that you wear. People just need to read more, research more about it and talk more about it.

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COVER with some really interesting content there but I just felt it wasn't enough and I wanted more, I needed to put myself out there more. After about a year, I quit my job at Ndani TV, and that was when I left for South Africa. Then when I came back, I became a freelancer.

Daniel Etim Effiong

s we grow, some things become clearer. We evolve into wiser beings, equipped enough to make decisions that end up curating our living experience. In a love story that started with one of Nollywood’s finest actors, Daniel Etim Effiong's decision to trust his gut feeling and switch careers, choosing fulfilment over security, has culminated in a brilliant career in the film industry with a beautiful family to boot. In this inerview, the Superstar actor discusses evolution, romance and everything in between.

Your career is different. You quit the presumably lucrative oil and gas industry—where you briefly worked as an engineer—for the film industry. Tell us about that decision. It was life-changing. I think everyone reaches a tipping point in their lives when you have to come to terms with yourself and make a life-changing decision; that was one of those points for me. I had been doing the arts for a while—in primary, secondary and the university, but for some reason, because I was intelligent, my teachers just figured that intelligent people should be in science class and not the arts. And I had people in my family who were doing very well in oil and gas at the time, so it was natural that I saw that as the goal. I was always being nudged towards the sciences very clearly by everyone who taught me in primary, secondary and university, so it was science class, engineering and then oil and gas. But my arty side was also very active because every opportunity I got, I was either writing or acting in the drama team or being in the debate club, so I was very active in the art. Even in church, I was always in the drama group. Those two worlds existed, but it got to a point in my life when I had to choose because they couldn't exist side by side anymore. I had this very interesting conversation with my uncle who was the head of the family on my mum's side and he was like, “Daniel you have to make a choice!” At the time, I am sure he was scaring me into abandoning the art and focusing on this engineering thing because, for him, the art was a distraction. After that talk with him, what I took away from that conversation was “dude, take the plunge. Decide on what you want and go for it and damn the consequences.” So I just jumped off the cliff. I didn't know if I could survive it, I just went with my gut feeling. It was security versus fulfilment and I chose fulfilment. It was then a journey that started with going all the way to South Africa to study filmmaking. Why South Africa? Did it ever at the time feel like you were going to be part of the South African movie industry instead of Nigerian? Because that was what I could afford [laughs]. I had big dreams of going to Hollywood but I was self-funded. No one actually believed in that dream, everyone thought I was silly for leaving that job security for something unstable. So when I was quitting my job, I didn't tell anyone. When I decided to go study in South Africa, I just knew I had to go and invest in myself and train, so I just started applying. I had to dig

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At Ndani TV, was it strictly just behind the camera? So the first contact I had with Ndani TV was as an actor. I was working my engineering 9-5 at the time and during my break time, I ran there because I heard they were auditioning for Gidi Up. So during my break, I took off from work, went to 1004 for the interview and I got the role. I was an oil and gas engineer while I acted in Gidi Up season one. How did you have the time for rehearsals? It was during break and after hours. After hours, I'd go there and we would film or rehearse through the night. It was like the two worlds were colliding [laughs]. I would go back to work the next morning with puffy eyes. The two worlds were getting in each other's way a lot and that was when I decided that I had to choose. At the time, I began to meet people and made enquiries on how to get in full-time. A job opening finally came on the day I quit my 9-5, and I took it. Then I began to work behind the camera. But when it was time to film Gidi Up season two, I was working at Ndani as a content producer when I filmed Gidi Up season two as Folarin.

into my savings that I've accumulated from my years in oil and gas and took the trip. In South Africa, the goal was to just go and study directing and come back, I didn't plan to stay. I didn't even know I was going to work in the industry there at all, I thought I was going to do menial jobs like wait tables just to get by if I run out of money. But as God would have it, while I was studying there, opportunities just opened up for me. I started modelling. I had a girlfriend at the time who was head of this modelling agency, and she was like “dude, don't you want to sign up? They are looking for a face like yours, not the typical South African one.” That was how I got my first job in South Africa as a model. With that, I was getting more acting gigs because it was a character modelling agency, so they were pitching me for more acting gigs when they saw that I could act. I was studying directing, but I was acting on the side. I auditioned for the South African soap opera, Generations: The Legacy and I got the role to act in the series, so it just became this thing. On the other side of me which is my filmmaking side, I applied to this agency in the UK called MOFILM and they signed me up as one of their filmmakers, and I started to direct TV commercials for them. It started as a competition that I applied for, responded to some of their briefs, and I won a grant to make a film and then they signed me up as one of their professional filmmakers. Then they decided to fly me down to Nigeria to film TV commercials. So all of that kicked off as I was a student of South Africa. Was Ndani TV your first stint? Actually, I started working with Ndani TV before I went to South Africa. The day I quit my 9-5 (in engineering), was the day I got an email inviting me to GTBank headquarters to come interview for the job position in Ndani TV. I had applied long ago while I was still in engineering, and it didn't come through until that day when I quit, funny enough. I went for the interview and got the job, I was at Ndani TV for about a year, but all I had was just passion and my “experience” acting in drama teams. I wasn't trained in filmmaking, I was a content producer at Ndani TV. I came up

Which of them would you say you enjoy the most? It's actually a difficult question to answer because they do different things for me. I love acting because it puts me out there. I love to work with emotions. My zodiac sign is Cancer, I do a lot with emotions, that's my tool and acting provides me with that opportunity. However, as an actor, the only thing you have control over is your emotions, your inner world; you have no control of everything else. It is limited for me in terms of creative control. I love it but it limits me as a total creative. Producing gives you more of that freedom, that allowance to play with different elements of creativity in a film. You can work with the actors, writers, directors, and so on. That is the spectrum for me—acting on one side; it is great but it is very limited. Producing which is on the other extreme of the spectrum allows you to pull the strings, you are pretty much the puppet master. However, in between is the directing, writing, editing; the other things that I do and love doing. It feels like you know a lot about emotions. In 2017 you met your wife. And then you were both involved in a project. What was it like at the early stages of your relationship? At the time when we started talking, I was in South Africa while she was in New York. She had buzzed me and was like “hey, we should make a film together, I'm in New York Film School, let's do something together.” And I replied “oh great, I'm in a film school as well, in South Africa.” I love collaborating and meeting new people as well, so we started talking. And one day she was like, “guess what, I'm going to see you in Lagos; I got a job with Ndani TV.” I was like “really?! What are the odds?” [laughs]. I was still in South Africa at the time but they (Ndani TV) flew me down to shoot Gidi Up season three. This time, I was no longer working with Ndani, but I was still an actor on Gidi Up. So to shoot season three, which never aired, they flew me down to Lagos from Johannesburg. She was the production manager on that project and that was when we really started to hit it off, and the rest is history. We met, fell in love and got married. It is almost Valentine's day, how would you define ‘Love’ ? I would say love is a spiritual force. Love is the single most important spiritual energy in the universe. It's almost like the universe revolves around it, it is one thing that holds everything together, it's that force. It is what keeps two atoms together in the molecules,

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER I think it comes with the job. I mean you can't possibly fall in love with everyone you act in romance movies with ...On set, you become this character who is totally in love with this person, but when you hear “cut!” you are able to put that in a compartment and lock it up till the next time you are ready to bring him out again” it is what bonds human beings. So the way I see it is quite philosophical, but that's at the highest level. To bring it down to base, love is that thing that drives us to be better people, to be the best version of ourselves. When you love someone, you change, almost like you evolve, there is something it does to you. You want to dress, look and speak better and differently when you start to look at a girl differently. You do things that people call foolish but those are higher things. It is foolish to the normal mind because it is high. You do things out of your way when you are in love. You paint a very vivid picture. You say it just as well as you act it. You've been featured in a few romance movies. Oftentimes we see TV couples transition into real-life couples. How are you able to control your emotions not to lead to actual feelings for the co-star? I think it comes with the job. I mean you can't possibly fall in love with everyone you act in romance movies with. Discipline comes with growth. As you grow as an actor and as a human being, discipline is one of those things that you need in your repertoire. It's one of those things in your toolbox that you have to go around with if you are going to progress in this industry. As you grow, you learn to create a division between the character you play and who you are. On set, you become this character who is totally in love with this person, but when you hear “cut!” you are able to put that in a compartment and lock it up till the next time you are ready to bring him out again. It is a lot of mind work that actors have learned to use to develop. It is part of the job. ...but the kissing scenes are real Yeah. So let me give you an example; I acted a film where I had about six sex scenes in a day, and the director wanted the scenes to be intense; I'm talking sex with like six different ladies. Very intensely, some of them were grinding on me, I was grinding on some, and I had an actor call me aside and ask me, “how come you never had a hardon throughout the entire episode of filming this?” And I was like “but I possibly couldn't because sex is mental.” In your mind as an actor, you know what to do. You put yourself in a box and keep yourself there. It's a lot of mind work, so you have to learn the art of substitution; put yourself behind—yourself that would naturally feel for this person, you put it on the backseat—and then your character has the upper hand. When the

character wants to feel, the character can feel, but your natural self that is linked to this character cannot afford to feel. So it's delicate but it's possible. What does your wife think about it (the sex scenes)? We work together through it all. It is something that we talk about and sometimes she is definitely not comfortable with some of the scenes. Some scenes I have to report myself, not before but after. Sometimes I hint it and be like “this project I'm working on has a lot of sex, so prepare your mind.” I don't go into details. After I've done it, then I can report myself and tell her how the thing went, “Oh, it was terrible! Oh, it was amazing! Oh, you're going to love it when you see it! Do not watch this one, you're not going to like it.” Let's talk about the Superstar movie that is still showing in cinemas nationwide. Your character’s love interest is Nancy Isime's character whom, although was with you as a rebound, you shared really good romantic scenes with. Have you ever been a rebound in real-life? If I was, I didn't notice. I'm such a damn good lover, I would overshadow any rebound effect. I would be your main [laughs]. Do you sometimes take elements or lines from your scripts to your real life relationships? If yes, which one? Not at all. I think it'd be corny, I like to be myself. I think people fall in love with me for who I am rather than trying to be a character in a movie. I find that human beings are very deep and multifaceted, so if you look really deep, you'll find characters. You'll find a lot of things that you can work with rather than going external. I think going inward is more powerful and authentic. Last Valentine's, Still Falling was showing—you did that with Sharon Ooja. It narrates the ordeals of a toxic relationship. Have you ever been in one? And did your experience influence how well you were able to play that role? Yes I have. I think in life, you are a product of what you've been through and what you're going through, this will in turn shape how you respond to what you are going to go through. I think we are not separate from our experiences. We are a total of our backgrounds, upbringings and idiosyncrasies. It is all a kaleidoscope of experiences. In view of that, yes, I use my experiences in my films to paint the

narratives. How did I deal with toxic relationships? The truth is that, men —especially for men like myself who aren't very vocal— like to internalise and do things by themselves, it is different to handle. ...you're not vocal? No, I'm not. I'm an introvert… largely. And it is difficult for me to even talk about (the toxic relationships) because you know trauma is never really something you deal with and walk away from, it is something you constantly work on. But in dealing with it, first of all, you seek help, you talk about it. Most times what happens is that we live in self-denial and say it is because of something we've done but not at all, it is a toxic relationship; are you the toxic one? Is she the toxic one? Are both of you together what's creating the toxicity? You have to really look at it and be sincere about where you are at that time. Let's get away from the toxicity. It's another Valentine's day and you're ‘still falling’ for your wife. Do you have any Valentine's day plans? Do you know I thought about that today [laughs]. I'm still thinking about it and nothing concrete yet but I'm thinking of different ideas. I'm travelling on Valentine's day by the way (for work), at night, so I have to make the day quite memorable for us. It has to be worth it, so I'm working on something. Congratulations on the birth of your son. It must feel great. Oh yeah, it feels great to have an offspring. When people ask me how it feels to have a son, I often tell them “so you look at your son and you see a version of yourself that is so pure, so innocent and so open. It's like a sponge ready to soak in everything you throw at it. That humbles you and makes you want to do things right. It's always an opportunity to do things differently and right your wrongs in life. You know because you're looking at this child and thinking, as a father or parent of this child, you have one of the highest chances of influencing the child's life. And if you're a thinker, you look 20 years down the line and you're like “whatever I do today will affect this child.” You immediately start to self-edit and always watch yourself. I feel enormous responsibility everytime I look at this child, but it gets easier the more children you have. It happened with my daughter and it's different for sons because it's like you, and you have the experience of being a man. It's interesting and life-changing, you'll just be like “I've gotta get it right.” A son and a daughter, is that it? Are you looking to expand the Effiong family? Who knows? I really am fine with two kids, but I'm not the only one who's invested in this thing. It is a joint venture and so it has to be a two-way conversation. Are there any projects we should look forward to this year? A lot of projects. I worked so hard last year, so this year I plan to do less work and make more money. The strategy is to be more selective and choose carefully the kind of jobs that I'm involved in. But the truth is I'm developing other sides to the brand. I want to make more films this year as a producer and director. I also want to develop avenues where I can earn without necessarily being present there, so I have time to spend with my family. That's the goal for this year.

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VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY BY AYODELE JOHNSON

...No Problem The Food We Eat An interesting therapy to restore dry skin – that is, to make it smooth and (if it is that bad) rid you of reptile-esque scales around your heels – is to upgrade your diet to include food that contain a surplus of antioxidants in them. I welcome you to redirect your hunger towards beans for a start, and then tomatoes, carrots and blueberries. This list can mitigate damages done to your skin due to the presence of toxins. They help your body make healthy cells – such a nice treat that should soon lead you to recovery.

ow much we all covet the skin of a newborn? Picture a soft, delicate, brand new flesh as clothing. It is the exclusive world babies live in; those who do not usually have such concerns as skin dryness unlike teenagers and adults irrespective of their gender. The dryness of the skin may be the result of various events ongoing in your body and you should get this fixed. Quickly too, so that a room won't be open for the dry skin and patches to morph into a wound likely to yield a traumatic infection and more burden in these COVID times. You are invited to come along for some advice, although the cause of your dry skin may transcend simple lifestyle changes – it could be medical which is why you shouldn't leave out a visit to the doctor.

Coconut Oil

Skin-Nourishing Grub

The natural world is filled with answers, so here is one for you in coconut oil. It can be used daily on whichever part of your body that is concerned with skin dryness. These include underneath your eyes and your mouth surroundings. You can enjoy therapeutic coconut oil straight on the rocks, without needing to mix it with any agent. Saturated fatty acids found in the oil promises a hack and the means to stay hydrated and smooth every day.

Natural Oil

Hydrating Juice

Soothing Oatmeal Bath

Skin dryness can occur in the different fields of your body, your palms included. A moist palm is needed to maintain a firm grip, sadly, some people are in a struggle to possess this feature. The use of a hand sanitiser became common hygiene practice when COVID-19 came into play – it is for the purpose of expunging unseen germs that can harm one’s immunity against respiratory illnesses or the transmission of such into another human. A hand sanitiser is also useful to help your palm feel lubricated, you must have noticed.

Do not drink up the entire oatmeal pack – you should save some for a bath. Colloidal oatmeal is made by grinding oat grain into a fine, powdery form that can then be applied in a bath. The concentration of fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals in the colloidal oatmeal will have a softening effect on your skin. This is because of the antioxidant characteristics present in oatmeal. Beyond making your skin softer from moisturising, it also relieves any feeling of itchiness. So, have a treat and a long bath if you care.

Skin-Nourishing Grub

Shower Temperature

Oatmeal Relief PAGE 12

Another way around skin dryness has to do with setting the appropriate temperature during your showers. Try a light, warm (not hot) bath; it should have your surfaces recovering from the scalding hold of hot showers. It is about what your skin has gotten used to overtime. And once you exit the bathroom, make sure that you are transitioning into comfortable clothing. Unless under cold weather, it is recommended that you cut down on wool which encourages the dryness of the skin.

Moderate Temperature

VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY

Niacinamide Night Mask FARMACY

Amethyst Haze CAROLINA HERRERA FATIMA CASER

PANTONE “VERY PERI” BEAUTY COLLECTION BY SOPHIA EDISI

‘Ultimate Gray and Illuminating’—a combination of dull, familiar gray and the bright yellow of lemon skin—had a very good run as the Pantone colour of 2021. Now, we are officially saying ‘hello’ to The Pantone Colour of the Year for 2022, which couldn’t be more calm and soothing to the eyes. "Very Peri" is a mix of red and blue undertones that combine to create a mix of purple. Pantone said of their new favourite hue: “Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.” The choice came as no surprise as the selection process could have been easily influenced due to the rising popularity of meta virtual reality, virtual beauty or digital art. It is a known fact that the physical and digital worlds have become increasingly inseparable. Meanwhile in beauty, Veri Peri makes a statement by combining elegance with cool vibes, whether in the form of eyeshadow or vibrant nail polish. It's also a versatile colour to incorporate into your makeup in the form of an eyeliner. Here are simple beauty products of Very Peri to add to your beauty routine.

Rouges à Lèvres Mat Lipstick in 711 GUCCI

Color Stick in Purple Stinger BYREDO

Les Phyto-Ombres Eyeshadow SISLEY PARIS

Pencil Eyeliner ZUZU INDIGO

Curl Activator Mask BIOPOINT

24-7 Eyeshadow in Set List URBAN DECAY

Crush Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner YSL

The Body Butter MUTHAHOOD

Nail Lacquer Leonardo’s Model O.P.I PAGE 13

VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

LIVING

Lifestyle Hacks To Reduce Your

Carbon Footprint BY AYODELE JOHNSON

etting on pretty well with daily life demands access to lots of resources. A massive troop of millennial workers are starting families, therefore we have more human population with endless needs to live on the planet. The inordinate thirst to consume will never go away; it will last for as long as life exists. In its presence, cities are confronted with feisty man-made climate change that has caused districts to be flooded, while highway gridlock after the rain has shut down roads.

Travelling Reimagined

High-end Thrifting

Fashion Recycling Keeping up with high-end fashion would usually leave a hole in the pocket. It's undoubtedly a burden if the huge expenses needed to finance such a lifestyle is to be considered. Instead of ordering more dresses into your crowded wardrobe, you could swap with others who share similar fashion interests with you. Technology-enabled thrifting can cater to this once you get on an app and match with a user with whom you can exchange dresses. Beyond this, local thrifting platforms are coming up with models to onboard more women willing to share their clothes for a used outfit although its glory is still intact. This will reduce the enormous amount of worn-out clothing that has to be destroyed when the owners can no longer find a use for them.

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With so many people living in densely populated Lagos, the air quality is bound to be degraded. It is the result of exhaust fumes from fossil fuel-powered vehicles and the pollution from industrial plants. Travel is a key contributor to pollution, a reason why revising the decisions you make with regards to transportation can lessen global warming. Think of boat rides as an alternative instead of driving through lengthy highways to meet up with an appointment. Travelling on water could be relaxing – there is the cool breeze to blow your face as you focus on tasks awaiting you off the boat. It also offers speed. Where you are far from speed boats and jetties, with the bus rapid transit (BRT), public transportation has transitioned into a serene, digital riding experience.

Mining the material needed to make trendy, jaw-dropping clothes that leaves an audience enchanted and the shopping bags used for packaging them afterwards sadly accompany the emission of harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Processing plants are oftentimes the culprit but research shows the culpability net is much wider, reaching consumers. They have brought about global warming but thankfully, to help the cause of civilisation, there are simple, personal lifestyle changes you can make to turn the tide against hostile, rising seas that are spurring so much damage around the beaches nationwide. The goal for you would be to reduce your carbon footprint while the world agrees on the best way to tackle climate change.

Adopting Reusables Usually, the burden is on the retail store you are shopping at to provide a bag to take away items that have been purchased. That often yields more nylon sacks in your environment that eventually end up in clogged gutters and soon the ocean where wildlife is suffering from the impact. Branded shopping bags made out of reusable paper or woollen material are fashionable and can help you desist from making use of nylon so much.

Conscious Shopping

Green Household Diet

Waterways Transit

Vegan Treat

It is not as dreadful as it seems if you should finally switch off from a meat diet to a green one. The appetite for livestock in your meals is directly linked to further emission of carbon in the atmosphere and this happens through farming activities. Perhaps, a delicately planned meal involving veggies, spice and the tastiest kinds of crustaceans would appeal to you.

VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

MUSIC Meets RUNWAY

Returns

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

usic met the runway again when fashion enthusiasts were treated to a breathtaking night, as the event returned from a five-year hiatus. Put together by MMR Africa, the event was held at Moist Private Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria, showcasing the ultimate fusion of music and fashion with models strutting down the runway to hit songs by artistes such as Fave, Ruger and LAX. Guests were treated to exclusive collections from fashion houses such as ‘Nya Raakna’ by creative designer Oyinda Ahmed, the eclectic menswear brand ‘JReason’ by Jide Adedeji, lifestyle swimwear and accessories brand ‘LRP Beach’ by Jennifer Olize, ‘ZiVa Lagos’ by Tania Omotayo, and the sensational Ejiro Amos Tafiri. Guests in attendance include Jennifer Olize, Linda Ikeji, Millen Magese, Ozee Mbadiwe, Ocee Mbadiwe, Yvonne Nwosu, Uti Nwachukwu, Eric Akhigbe, Emmanuel Umoh, Niyi Lawal amongst many others. Here are some images from the memorable night.

Millen Magese

Convener - Jennifer Olize

otayo Tania Om

Uti Nwachukwu

Linda Ikeji

Lola Lavita

Ejiro Amos Tafiri Fave

LRP Beach's Collection

e Ocee & Ozee Mbadiw

Niyi Lawal

Nya Raakna's

Ruger

Emmanuel Umoh

Funlola Ogun LAX

Yvonne Nwosu

s Tafiri's Ejiro Amo n Collectio

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VOL 2 NO.06 • FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 12, 2022

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Movie Review:

py movies are no strangers to Hollywood, but The 355 flips the script and trades in a typically male-fronted cast for an all-women team. Starring Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Diane Kruger, Penélope Cruz, and Fan Bingbing, The 355 follows the trend of movies like Ocean’s 8 and Atomic Blonde — though it’s not based on a preexisting franchise — by subverting cast expectations within the spy genre. The film was directed by Simon Kinberg (Dark Phoenix), who co-wrote the script with Theresa Rebeck. The 355 is an entertaining if unremarkable spy movie, with predictable story beats and mediocre action that’s only somewhat saved by its strong cast. It follows Mace Brown (Chastain), a CIA operative tasked with retrieving a hard drive from defected Colombian agent Luis (Édgar Ramirez) that could usher in the end of the world if it falls into the wrong hands. However, her operation goes awry when German agent Marie (Kruger) also attempts to recover the drive, which causes trouble for Mace and her partner Nick (Sebastian Stan). When the drive is stolen from Luis, Mace must team up with Marie, former MI6 agent Khadijah (Nyong’o), DNI psychologist Graciela (Cruz), and Chinese MSS agent Lin Mi Sheng (Fan) in order to get it back and prevent the global destruction it could cause. Because Hollywood has been making spy movies for many decades, it can be difficult for filmmakers to offer something completely fresh and original. Even Atomic Blonde, which was hailed as a breath of fresh air in the action genre, was compared to John Wick. With The 355, Kinberg and Rebeck don’t make much of a case for it with regards to offering something different. The 355’s main point of differentiation is that it’s a women-led team, but its story could’ve been pulled from any number of previous spy movies, with entirely predictable twists that viewers will be able to see coming a mile away. Unfortunately, Kinberg and Rebeck offer little reason to check out The 355.

PAGE 16

For the film’s part, however, the cast is compelling to watch. Chastain’s Mace falls victim to the issue of a story’s main character being the least interesting one, with her primary characteristic being that she doesn’t have any personal attachments. Kruger has much more to work with as Marie, a German agent who turned in her rogue father at a young age. Similarly one note are Khadijah and Graciela, who are the opposites of Mace and Marie, both having personal attachments in the form of significant others and families, making them reluctant to get involved. Fan’s character gets the least amount of screen time of the leads, leaving her with little to work with as well. But whereas the characters aren’t particularly complex, the dynamic of the group is entertaining to watch as their various personalities clash or come together. Individually, they aren’t very compelling, but as a group, they’re fun to watch. Half the sell of any action spy movie is the action, but this movie doesn’t offer much in the way of memorable action scenes. They’re serviceable, with the cast and stunt crew doing a good enough job to keep viewers watching. Because of its PG-13 rating, the movie lacks the brutality of some other entries in the genre, and with the derivative script, Kinberg’s film would’ve benefitted from more captivating action sequences. As it stands, the action sequences are largely unexceptional, not even managing to rise above the less-than-clever script. Perhaps the most interesting thing about The 355 is its lack of gratuitous violence toward women, though the leads get into plenty of scrapes throughout the course of their mission. However, the goodwill of that lack of violence is lost through a number of contrived lines and pandering to a shallow idea of “girl boss” spies. Ultimately, The 355 is an okay action movie that doesn’t set itself apart from the pack of spy films. As a result, those interested in the cast would be fine checking it out — in a theater or by waiting until its home release. But those who aren’t intrigued by the premise or the cast would also be fine skipping this one. The 355 proves it’s not enough for Hollywood to increase the number of women in a typically male-dominated genre. A compelling story, characters, and exciting action are necessary. 4/10

Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music)

Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Spotify)

Playlist for the week

Blaqbonez_ Bling feat. Amaarae & Buju

Skiibii_ Baddest Boy ft DaVido (Remix)

Ayra Starr - Fashion Killer

The Weeknd - Take My Breath

Reggie - Avalanche feat Smino

Anderson .Paak - JEWELZ

Sarz _ Monalisa feat Lojay

Molazzi - Vaccine

Mackgee - Window

Watch of the Week

Ozark Season 4 Part 1 through this tale of at-first ordinary folks entering the world of drugs and money laundering, only here it’s been turned into a family affair. That’s especially true now that the Byrde kids are growing up and have been clued in regarding what their parents, Marty (Jason Bateman) and Wendy (Laura Linney), have been doing. Foremost, the bifurcated final season (seven episodes are premiering now, with more to come) centers on the Byrdes’ relationship with Omar Navarro (Felix Solis), the drug kingpin who speaks softly but has already After ending the third season with exhibited his ruthlessness. a bang (pun intended), Ozark Still, even Navarro has to deal begins its fourth and final arc with a with internal politics and US nail-biting sense of purpose, as the drug-enforcement agencies, Byrdes continue their dangerous which further complicates dance with people who you really Marty and Wendy’s lives don’t want to get on their bad sides. and significantly adds to the Increasing the kids’ role without perilousness of their high-wire losing any of its potency, this Netflix act. drama remains among TV’s best, Nearer to home, the Byrdes unfolding with a perpetual state of still face issues involving dread. the psychotic and mercurial As in its origins, there’s a strand Darlene (Lisa Emery), whose of Breaking Bad’s DNA running commitment to her home-grown

drug operation risks raising the ire of Navarro and his people, and leaving Marty and Wendy caught in between. Showrunner Chris Mundy has impressively navigated the story from one seemingly inescapable corner to the next, with the (mostly) unflappable Marty repeatedly testing both his financial savvy and ability to fast-talk his way out of getting caught or killed. It’s a performance that has rightly earned Bateman a trio of Emmy nominations, although his lone win has come for directing the show. Once again, the Byrdes continue to tap into reservoirs of grit that weren’t immediately evident, as they seek perhaps naively to find the means to return to Chicago, where it all started. Ozark isn’t really a particularly novel concept, which makes its appeal a function of the qualities that generally define top shows: the right casting, terrific writing, and enough unpredictability to keep the audience off balance, with each season deftly building upon the one before it. The second half of season four will determine whether the series and the Byrdes can sustain that all the way through to the end and give the series a worthy sendoff. Time will tell, but in terms of a takeoff that sets up such a landing, so far, so good.