VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 – JULY 16, 2022
The Tumor Of
MODERN DAY SLAVERY Continues to Grow
VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
EDITOR’S NOTE
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
8
CONTENTS
Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
COVER THE TUMOR OF MODERN DAY SLAVERY CONTINUES TO GROW
A
bout a year ago, I had a long conversation about slavery and its origin with my friend, Kola. I learnt that day that the original idea behind slavery was not to enslave people but, in fact, as a means of showing wealth, and it was commonplace for wealthy African men in those days to gift their slaves to a guest on their return home. These slaves were treated well, not necessarily as equals, but they were allowed to marry and have kids. Those kids became the master's responsibility to care for just as they did their parents.
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ONAH LOVES EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY
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REVIEW NETFLIX WATCH OF THE WEEK
04-05 FASHION KNITLY PUT TOGETHER
14-15
FEATURE BEAUTY AS NATURE INTENDED
How, then, did it become such a lucrative business? The Caucasians who travelled by sea came to Africa and saw these people who were stronger than they were. And for the Africans, although these 'white men' seemed pale and looked sick compared to the Asians (Middle East) they were used to doing business with, they felt it was safe to gift them some of their slaves, as they did with Asians. And because they were used to travelling by land, they didn't know how these 'white men' crossed to their own land by sea and, of course, could not witness the horrific conditions they put their slaves through on their journey to and when they reached their new homes. On the other hand, the white men had found strong, hardworking people to pick cotton on their cotton farms. Soon enough, the demand for these strong people increased, so they came more often and eventually began kidnapping Africans from their homes to a faraway land, making them work under horrible conditions without pay. In modern times, there is a mix of how exactly human trafficking, or being enslaved, operates. While some do it for money, others are cases of vulnerability. Some are lured under the guise of a better life when they get there (a job, etc.); for others, it's more a willing decision. Regardless of the victim's reason, at the end of the day, you will not shoot someone in the head just because they ask you to, will you? And so the point remains: Trafficking is a crime, and whether or not someone willfully agrees to be trafficked does not make it any less one. Until next week, enjoy your read.
Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa +2349088352246
AUSTYN OGANNAH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Writers: Kehindé Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Interns: Sophia Edisi, Abdul Auwal Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown
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06
LIVING ENJOYING THE SALLAH-BRATIONS
07
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
LIVING
5 THINGS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ANIMALS
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. David Nwachukwu @ebube.nw - Contributing Writer David Nwachukwu has always been immersed in fashion from the age of 10, watching a Dior by Galliano show on television. His work in fashion stretches across media, marketing, brand communications as well as design.As a fashion & lifestyle journalist, David has tracked key industry data for various publications including Industrie Africa, Culture Custodian, Haute Fashion Africa, and HELLO! Nigeria. A Geography graduate from The University of Lagos, David consciously aligns this background in environmental advocacy and sustainable development with the need to promote a more ethical fashion ecosystem. He currently oversees strategic communications at Clean Technology Hub.
Uzo Orimalade @uzosfoodlabs
12-13
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- Contributing Writer Uzo Orimalade has a background in Law and Business and spent over a decade working in Corporate America and Nigeria in the management consulting and investment banking sectors. She switched careers to pursue her passion for baking, cooking and home entertaining. She is content creator and host of shows in various media platforms. She has been recognised by local and international media outlets including a feature on CNN’s African Voices.
BEAUTY FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
WHAT YOU SAID INSTAGRAM @zinkata1
Well done @onahluciaa
@mosadibymypho
I concur, fully
@boyfreetown
VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
ONAH’S EDIT
Face Elixir EARTH
There are a few things on my radar right now. Among them are Patchi chocolates, and Old Fashioned—a whiskey cocktail flirting its way to the top on my cocktails list. I must say it’s giving my signature strawberry daiquiri a run for her money.
La Panthere CARTIER
Whiskey Cocktail OLD FASHIONED
Limited Edition Candle BALMAIN & TRUDON
Ododo by MINIKA ART
Chocolates PATCHI
Non Tarnish Copper Ring LEKKI ART MARKET
Heat Resistant Glass COOKING POT
Segilola Bag ( Mini Version) FEMI HANDBAGS
Salmon And Herbs CRAFT GOURMET
Outfit BANKE KUKU
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VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
FASHION
PUT TOGETHER Bicolor Woven Logo Shopper Tote Bag PRADA
F
BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
ashion usually revolves in a timely loop. Over the past couple of years, we have seen bootcut trousers, denim, mum jeans, and so on make a comeback. Remember going through old photo albums of our parents and coming across some of the styles that constitute today's fashion staple? One of such trends is crochet fashion. As children, we often watched our grannies knit different things, from sweaters to beanies. They mostly did it in their leisure, and we, the grandkids, are often the recipients of the finished products. Today, crochet fashion has been recycled into style and has shown great promise to be around for a long time. Whether in headwear, bikini tops and bottoms, scarves, bags or dresses of all kinds, the crochet fashion space doesn't look like it will be running out of design ideas anytime soon. And what's great is that they are perfect for the weather right now...rainy days.
Crochet Bag HOOKED BY LADE
Ari Bag ELEXIAY
Mini Crochet Falabella Bag STELLA MCCARTNEY
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VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
FASHION
FF Motif Crochet-design Hat FENDI
Teyana Taylor Wearing A Crochet Bucket Hat
Studded Crochet Hat PACO RABANNE
Balaclava ELEXIAY
Feel 7 Crochet-knit Sandals CLERGERIE
Salvatore Ferragamo Spring Summer 2020
Viva Crochet-knit Ballerina Flats SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
Beach Maxi Dress STUDIO IMO
Claire Crochet Leggings FREE PEOPLE Crochet Gown ORE AKINDE
Elley Wearing Custom Surelle Top & Sestre Skirt ELEXIAY
Crochet Clogs Slipper Pattern CROCHET OASIS
Crochet Low-top Sneakers VALENTINO GARAVANI
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VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
LIVING
Timini Egbuson
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
Enjoying The SALLAH-brations 6 WAYS to celebrate the holiday with your Muslim friends
I
Dress Your Best You’ve called, and you’ve got the address of the feast. The next thing is picking the right outfit. It’s a party, and you don’t want to be shabbily dressed… even if you’re there for just the meat. Show some respect.
BY IDOWU LAMI
t’s the time of year again when Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, also known as “big Sallah” or the holiest festival in their calendar. It spans three days on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. The dates in the Gregorian calendar are subject to change and move forward by around 11 days every year. In the past, the holiday had fallen a few days before Christmas. Asides from what might have been a foodie’s dream at the time, it was a holiday pileup. Typically, three portions of the sacrificial animal’s meat are separated. One-third of the share is kept by the family, another third is distributed to loved ones, friends, and neighbours, and the final third is donated to the less fortunate. For non-Muslims, this is a terrific chance to have a lot of meat, celebrate, and have a good time with all of their Muslim friends. However, before you prepare to rip apart pieces of meat, here are a few ways to prepare for the occasion.
Reconnect with that Muslim friend
Take a Gift or Not
If you haven’t yet texted your Muslim buddy, now is your chance. There are very limited slots when it comes to Sallah meat because everyone wants a piece. What are you waiting for?
Your bottles of alcohol and food aren’t welcome, but everything else is acceptable. Getting one is not compulsory since the best gift you can give a Muslim during Sallah is the gift of an empty belly to fill.
Muslim Quran Gift from Ibadah London
Tobi Bakare
Appreciate Everyone The curtains of meaty merriments have come to an end, and it’s time to bid every adieu. First, thank your friend for hosting you and everyone who welcomed you when you showed up. What that does is it guarantees you’ll return home with some takeaway meat and dishes.
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Prepare To Party
Show Up on Time
Muslims might not need alcohol to keep the party train chugging, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to buggy down. So come in your dancing shoes.
If you’ve been given a specific time to be there, then show up at that time to avoid being told the stories that touch.
VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL
I
BY TILEWA KAZEEM
t sure would be lovely to star as the main character in your film, wouldn’t it? Even though you’ll share executive producer and directing duties, there isn’t a written script, you execute the stunts, and there are no CGI effects, you’ll still get the girl at the end of this low-budget, PG-18 erotic flick. Realism and perhaps, a better scene flow will distinguish yours from what Nollywood has going for it. No, I’m not referring to performing in a pornographic film, although this is remarkably comparable. Every year, one, two, or even more sex tapes are leaked in Nigeria. There is something about people videotaping themselves having sex that delights them, and sparks mixed emotions from the general public who end up watching it; from the highest levels of society down to the lowest of the general population. However, in terms of this kink, it goes without saying that it wasn’t originally reported in Nigeria. When discussing celebrity sex recordings, it is impossible to avoid mentioning Kim K and Ray J. For Kim’s 23rd birthday in 2002, the couple travelled to Cabo and recorded their sex adventures at the hotel. Now, whenever the topic of a sex tape is mentioned or even imagined, the Kim and Ray J tape is the first thing that comes to mind. Rumour has it that this tape is what made her who she is today. True or not, her career hasn’t been the same ever since. Even in a recent episode of her show, Keeping Up With Kardashian, the discussion about the tape was revisited. There’s no doubt that Kim had a glowing future when she made the tape decades ago, but… come on right. Nigeria being a gargantuan consumer of all things exotic, we’ve certainly seen our fair share of steamy tapes. Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage and
Lights,
Camera,
Action artiste Oxlade had theirs leaked on Snapchat after a friend recorded it off the app with another phone–the illusive friends strike again.
Now there’s no problem making a sex tape. It’s like wanting to relive sexual memories, animalistic or passionate. That’s not a crime. The crime, the disservice they did to themselves, is making it with the wrong people. For these types of things to even exist, there must first be consent. Both parties agree to hit play, pause, and stop together but never send. It’s usually one person acting alone and recklessly. When things like this happen, leaked sex tapes or explicit pictures, an individual is usually trying to carelessly brag to their friends for whatever reason. One person acting higgledy-piggledy and not seeing just how volatile it is. You and your partner need to have a serious discussion to establish ground rules before going into the specifics of sex positions and mood lighting. What do you want to accomplish by creating a sex tape? Do you intend to keep this sex tape to yourself, or would you be willing to let others have a listen or view? When the sex tape is ready, who will be in charge of it, and where will it be kept? Are
both of you okay with having your faces seen on the sex tape, or is it vital that your faces be covered up? All of these inquiries demand considerable thought. To make it airtight, both parties should sign a contract if that’s what it takes to make sure no one tries any funny business. Because when sh--t hits the fan, and your lady parts or buttcheeks is all out there, on the internet, there is no way to ever get something back, and it can stay there for years. People always ask why even make a sex tape in the first place and my response to that is why not? Because you chose to do it with the wrong person doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know how good your butt looks in the reverse cowgirl position. With all the wrinkled details regarding privacy and security ironed out, it’s time to set the mood. Start by deciding where you want to shoot. The simplest and most obvious location for filming is your bedroom, but don’t be hesitant to try out different locations throughout your home. Once you’ve selected a location, stage the area for a moment. Keep in mind that the camera records everything, so you don’t want to capture your dirty briefs or empty snack wrappers in your steamy sex tape. And if all this seems like overkill, simply lean your phone against a bottle, stay within the frame and go crazy. It’s just like making a TikTok video; just make sure it stays in drafts. Yinka and I coincidentally met after she played drafts, or as it is more commonly known, checkers. She was excellent at it with ease. I sat a few tables away from her and watched her school her friend over some food and a cold beer. The neighbourhood bar close to where I lived was my best bet because I needed to leave the house. I was trying to enjoy my milkshake quietly, but my attention to her was reeled in by her ridiculous chuckle. It was charmingly unassuming, coy, and adorable. It was as if black was her lucky colour, and swapping colours with her friend would end her winning streak. She adored playing with the black checker buttons. I didn’t want her to stop winning, and neither did her friend, who, oddly enough, looked like she didn’t mind losing. She glanced up at me a few times to see that I was staring at her, but I ended up averting my gaze because I was afraid to maintain eye contact. Later that night, after I had worked up the nerve to approach her, I discovered she was a budding actress. We stayed in touch over Instagram. She had experience acting in front of the camera, so it didn’t seem entirely inappropriate to recommend to her that we make a sex tape while we texted. She said it was “two of her favourite things in one,” and then she laughed modestly once more. Since that day at the bar, we hadn’t run into each other until today. My phone was perched on a desk tripod in my flat, and our bodies were blissfully entwined. After we were done, we both watched it and agreed we–particularly me– didn’t want the world to see “our” black a*s*es all over social media and erased it. What would my mum say?? After I’ve bragged to her that what I was packing wasn’t what she bathed years back, she will now see it on her Muslim association’s group chat? No, thank you. Things wouldn’t be the same anymore.
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VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
COVER
The Tumor Of
MODERN DAY SLAVERY Continues to Grow
IMAGE FROM GOOGLE
BY TILEWA KAZEEM & KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
T
he United Nations describes Human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception to exploit them for profit. Men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. The traffickers often use violence or fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education, job opportunities, and a better life to trick and coerce their victims. There is no exemption to the people who aren’t safe. Coercion and deceit are common tools used by these traffickers to trap their victims.
The office of the Drug and Crime arm of the UN further elucidates that this crime is perpetrated for any of the following reasons: sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, organ removal, debt bondage and forced begging. Any one of these reasons might be the motive for the crime; more often than not, sex and modernday slavery are the most widespread cases. With Africa and Nigeria hurling towards evolution, in different sectors across the board, (music and afrobeats taking centre stage, Nigerian fintech companies becoming unicorns faster than anyone imagined and Africa having the highest proportion of female board members in the world at nearly 15% according to Business Insider Africa), you’d be saddened at the news that such hellish crimes end up falling through the cracks
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and germinating into a whole syndicate. For anything to exist, thrive and, like in the cases of these crimes, fester, there must be a reason. Think of the food chain; pasture exists to feed the animals that would end up being sources of nutrients for humans and animals. Mosquitoes feed on humans and livestock to survive. Sadly, they aren’t privy to all the details and are acting on the impulse to feed. In the grand scheme of things, some of these animals are treated poorly, and the fight against malaria is ongoing, so nature must take its cause. The discussion of if the preset structure should still be adhered to is one for vegans and meat-eaters to have but at the end of the day, everything exists for a purpose. As much as we’d all like to read about world development and innovative stories on Quartz
and Forbes, humans’ needs are unquenchable. For some, it’s material; the new Mercedes-Benz, a new Louis Vuitton handbag or Jimmy Cho shoes. For others, it may be societal status and fame. While for a select few, it’s as little as putting food on the table. These needs (material or not) often make people narrow-minded. It blurs the line between rationality and humanity which leaves the window open for susceptibility to creep in. Enslavement is largely prevalent in densely populated parts of the world where economic conditions and cultural standards are gargantuan problems. People are trafficked for purposes such as sex slavery or actual unpaid harsh labour. Nigeria, the continent’s economic powerhouse, has human trafficking as its third-largest crime.
VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
COVER “Today it’s not about ABDUCTION OR KIDNAPPING ANYMORE; people actually submit themselves to that crime without understanding the extent to which it would affect them. All these DYNAMICS become a bit of confusion as to how we can define trafficking in the way it happens today.”
– Dr. May Ikeora History of Slavery But before getting into the nub of what 21-century slavery is, we must first explore the not-so-scenic route of the origin of slavery. To a time when it was less of a scene and more of a norm. Before Christ, the management of help was a huge practice. It had always been there. In two of the oldest continents; Africa and Asia, having a slave was a common practice. Old monarchical systems recorded the existence of service. In 2015 a headline read: Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Burial Delayed as “Abobaku” Runs Away. Abobaku is a title that means “The one who dies with the king”. He is a person that is appointed upon a king’s coronation, to be buried with the king when he eventually dies. Abobaku’s job is to serve the king, die with the king, be buried with the king, and attend to him in the ‘afterlife’. The families of the Abobaku will be taken care of. Although this rite had long been abolished, it was a system that worked in those days. These aids were well catered for; they could have a family and live as humans. Everyone understood and operated within that structure. When Asia started to trade with Africa, the trade of slaves was run under the same principle; that although slaves were treated as second-class citizens, they had rights, were human, and should be treated as such. Slaves could even buy themselves out of slavery. It was more of a case of coming to trade in Egypt through land as an Asian, and going back with two African slaves to help you with the goods. However, when the British and other colonies arrived in Africa on boats under the guise of trade, they saw the continent as the land they could rule and possess. Control everything and further develop their country. So when the Caucasians came and traded resources with Africans, they (Africans) saw them as a sick version of Asians–who, at the time, had propagated with blacks and, because of their travels, had darker skin. The Europeans were pale-looking and frail. Very different from what they were used to but still welcomed themffor trade. It was normal to trade their slaves, knowing that these slaves would be treated as they were back home and as the Asians did. This was not the case. During this trade, blacks were
IMAGE BY ALAMY FROM GOOGLE
captured and dehumanised because they weren’t considered humans and were classified as apes. They discovered that African skulls were bigger than what they understood the skull to look like and were far stronger. And because knowledge was restricted to the scholars, they had the autonomy to document their assumptions. Armed with this, they returned to try to dwell amongst them and rule over them. Blacks were seen as tools and equipment to tend to their cotton farms; this began what we now know as slavery. Fast forward to now, the 21st century. Four generations after our freedom from slavery and dehumanisation, there’s a new shackle on our feet hidden beneath its modernity. Trafficking of any sort is a problem most economies have faced and are facing. According to the International Labour Organization(ILO) estimates, there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally. 81% of them are trapped in forced labour. 75% are women and girls. 1 in 4 victims of human trafficking is a child. Pakistan, Thailand, China, India, and Bangladesh are in the top 10 countries with the largest number of trafficking victims worldwide. India is at the top of the list with 14 million victims, China comes second with 3.2 million victims, and Pakistan comes third with 2.1 million victims. Nigeria is ranked 32 out of 167. Between the ages of 16 and 25, women make up 76.6 percent of the total number of trafficked individuals. The total number of trafficked individuals outside of Nigeria is still unknown. Some of these people are kidnapped under false pretences of the promise of a better life, good working conditions and residency. Only to be trapped in exploitative situations. Millions of people worldwide are trafficked across the world for cheap labour. The ILO estimated that forced labour produced an estimated $150 billion annually in 2014, making it one of the most lucrative crimes in the world. In the case of sex trafficking, the numbers are dicier to ascertain primarily because of its covertness. The ILO estimated in 2012 that 4.5 million of 20.9 million people trafficked were subjected to sex trafficking. And in 2016, ILO reported that of the estimated 25 million persons in forced labour, 5 million were victims of sexual exploitation. What this data has done is create a heatmap of what fuels the cancer that is modern slavery; cheap labour and sex.
“First things first, the government need to accept that they have that problem, and once we accept that we have that problem, we have to put laws in place. WE HAVE LAWS IN NIGERIA THAT SHOULD HELP US ERADICATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING, BUT ENFORCING THOSE LAWS IS WHERE WE HAVE AN ISSUE. Trafficking itself is a multidisciplinary area that requires not just the legal aspect but also the socio-economic elements to make it work." - Dr. May Ikeora
Could Sex Tourism Be a Cause? The Nigerian-produced Netflix movie Òlòturé shed a glimmer of light on what the sex trafficking scene is in Nigeria. It told the story of a female journalist, Òlòturé (Sharon Ooja) who went undercover as a prostitute in a human trafficking ring. It also told the story of a struggling Linda (Omowumi Dada), who, in a bid to make things better for her family, paid to get trafficked through the Sahara desert to Italy. Spoiler alert, she died without even leaving the country. In the past, Lindas have tried to make this perilous journey yearly. Others have met other Lindas in holding, having been kidnapped while running errands. These victims are usually hijacked from their normal lives or deceived and sold across Europe to brothels that cater to exotic sexual preferences. On average, 77.7% of women ages 18-27 were trafficked for prostitution from 2013 to 2015, with 94% of them hailing from Edo State, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Wikipedia places the emergence of sex tourism in the late 20th century with countries like the Gambia, Brazil, Egypt, Turkey, the Goa area of India and Sri Lanka, which are popular for female sex tourism. It is recognised as a multibilliondollar industry that directly supports service sectors, including the airline, taxi, restaurant, and hotel industries and employs millions of people worldwide. Would it be wrong to assume that Nigerian victims haven’t been trapped in this system? Forced to work against their will–because someone somewhere hasn’t had sex with brown skin –and has had unspeakable things done to them. Does the provision of sex tourism, perhaps, open a portal of opportunity for traffickers? NBS’ report also puts the number of those trafficked for forced labour, within the same period, women aged 18-27 made up 67.5% of the total. Poverty is at the root of Nigeria’s human trafficking problem. Desperation and exploitation occur because 40.09 percent of the population of the country live below the poverty line. As a result, many people leave their hometowns in search of better employment opportunities or to further their education. Instead, they unintentionally enter forced labour. Sometime last year, a list of addresses of alleged kidnapping fronts disguised as job vacancies made rounds on social media. Along with the country’s socio-cultural customs and limited economic possibilities, this behaviour has also been made more common by illiteracy, the need for inexpensive labour, and socio-economic conditions.
A Multisectoral Solution
Dr. May Ikeora
Frequently when we have human trafficking conversations, we focus on sexual exploitation. This has in some way skewed the perception of the crime in most people’s minds. The practice, which has been around since the creation of the first man, has taken so many forms, which boils down to two key components at its very core: the movement of a human by another human and any form of exploitation thereafter. How do you find a solution to a problem people don’t even understand? To seek ways in which human trafficking can be mitigated, we reached out to the technical advisor to the Governor of Edo State on human trafficking, Dr. May Ikeora.
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the high
VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
COVER Dubai to run this franchise.” the system we operate here in Dr. May, who is also an Entrepreneur, Author, Human Nigeria, how most things don’t Rights and Women Empowerment Advocate, and one-time She continued, “People can be trafficked for false marriage, even work. But let’s put that aside Miss West Africa, has a rather holistic view of this age-old organ harvesting, domestic servitude, labour exploitation. In and think about the citizens. What crime. She said, “Trafficking is the second most lucrative fact, if you look around you, you’ll see trafficking every day— can they do? One of the things I business in the world. And it’s something that’s been around domestic servitude, domestic slaves, underage girls and mentioned in my book and stand for so long that some people don’t think we can find a boys working in our friends’ houses, what do you call that? strong on is that we are elements solution for it and can only reduce it. It has kind of taken It is domestic servitude. That of social change. Social change is different shapes and patterns over is trafficking. They brought when the general public starts to see “Really and truly, what I will the years. For instance, if you look them from somewhere, something differently. For instance, at the definition of trafficking from say is that no one is not at risk that is movement. What if you talk about domestic violence, the 1961 convention and other older of being TRAFFICKED. It starts is the endgame? They are a man beating a woman wasn’t conventions of slavery, people look at with vulnerability; it is a key exploiting them. Really as frowned upon 20 years ago as it from the element of abduction, as we and truly, what I will say is it is today. Nowadays, as a man, thing here. How we measure saw with transatlantic slavery. Today that no one is not at risk of you can’t publicly announce that it’s not about abduction or kidnapping vulnerability differs, and it doesn’t being trafficked. It starts you beat your wife. That’s because anymore; people actually submit always have to do with MONEY. with vulnerability; it is a key there was a social change. We see themselves to that crime without There are poor people who are thing here. How we measure trafficking around us every time but understanding the extent to which it not vulnerable, and people in the vulnerability differs, and can’t call it down. In fact, if you go would affect them. All these dynamics it doesn’t always have to home today, you will probably hear become a bit of confusion as to how middle class that are vulnerable. do with money. There are one of your friends tell you, “that my we can define trafficking in the way it VULNERABILITY IS IN WHAT poor people who are not girl wey dey for house…” Ask that happens today. THEY CONSIDER IMPORTANT vulnerable, and people in friend, “how old is that girl?” Okay, Trafficking today has become as easy TO THEM.” - Dr. May Ikeora the middle class that are let’s say the girl is not underage as assuring that prey end up in the and is an adult; how much do you ‘promised land,’ regardless of what pay the person? There’s domestic they have to do to get by.” servitude and labour exploitation; Dr. May then gave damning statistics that show how things we do in Nigeria every day. much work has to be done to overcome human trafficking If we keep making trafficking all in Nigeria, most especially in Edo State. She revealed, about sex, we will never resolve “One of the reasons why Edo State is key is because 90 it. It is one of the highest human percent of people trafficked are from Edo State, and this is rights violations in the world. It based on statistics as of 2017. Also, 60 percent of irregular is just a modern way to describe migrants in Nigeria are from Edo State, so it means that transatlantic slavery. I would say if we solve the problem of trafficking in Edo state, we’ve that there needs to be a social solved 90 percent of trafficking and 60 percent of irregular change towards every measurement migration in Nigeria. Now, while Edo state can be seen as of trafficking, not just sexual the epicentre of where it started, it doesn’t mean trafficking exploitation, because as you know, is not happening in so many other places that even the anytime that anybody talks about government is unaware of. We’re just lucky that the sex in Nigeria, everybody wants governor of Edo State has taken it upon himself to make to listen. People think trafficking sure that that is being tackled. But sometimes, when people is always about sex. Actually, sex go into the history of trafficking, it goes back to those days underrates the extent of trafficking when these women who sell jewellery go to Italy to trade. Dr. Ikeora with Gov. Godwin Obaseki and the scale of it. Let’s look at our Then that trend evolved, and if you do some research, you immediate environment as a people will see these women have evolved from traders to being and ask ourselves what around us 'Madams,' and it just continued that way.” vulnerable. Vulnerability is in what they consider important look like trafficking and do what we to them.” can, then we can begin to speak. Dr. Ikeora dug deeper, “For me, to find the solution to Because we can eliminate it. Have trafficking based on all I’ve experienced, I think that it’s How do we begin to find solutions to a problem that is you seen the way people talk to their very important to really understand trafficking that happens so multifaceted that people don’t have a full grasp of it? drivers, cooks and so on? That’s around us for us to be able to find a solution. Most of the Although Dr. May’s holistic approach talked about the the beginning; that’s how it starts. time, people try to find a “one size fits all”, and that’s one legal aspect of things, the focus was on the socio-economic Let’s begin to humanise ourselves of the criticisms the UK government has to deal with. And elements that have conditioned its normalcy. She proposed, because we dehumanise our fellow then there is the Nigerian government which is complacent “First things first, the government need to accept that they citizens in this community.” because of the enabling environment that sort of pushes have that problem, and once we accept that people to be trafficked in the first place. And I can tell you we have that problem, then we have to put for sure that the push factor for trafficking five years ago is laws in place. But it is one thing to put down “...One of the things I mentioned in not the same in today’s Nigeria. There are key things that laws, and it’s another thing to enforce them. my book and stand strong on is that make up the push factor. I mean, poverty is always on the We have laws in Nigeria that should help us list. There’s also gender-based violence and all the little we are elements of social change. eradicate human trafficking, but enforcing things, such as the fact that women are considered secondSOCIAL CHANGE IS WHEN THE those laws is where we have an issue. class citizens and the easiest prey. There’s a herd mentality Trafficking itself is a multidisciplinary area GENERAL PUBLIC STARTS TO SEE in Nigeria in cases when someone does something, and they that requires not just the legal aspect but also SOMETHING DIFFERENTLY. For are successful with it, everybody wants to join; this is how the socio-economic elements to make it work. instance, a man beating a woman I explain what happens in Edo state. Edo state is not the It is also the overall system that actually forces wasn’t as frowned upon 20 years ago poorest state in Nigeria, yet that is where most of the people strategy; how does our government ensure as it is today. Nowadays, as a man, are being trafficked from, and that’s because the people that we have the right economic situation that in Edo state can see the dividend in trafficking every day you can’t publicly announce that reduces the vulnerability of people. So you in their community, and so they encourage this life where can see that there’s no one straight solution you beat your wife. That’s because young people aspire to be trafficked.” to trafficking on the one hand, and it requires there was a social change. We see a multisectoral approach, so different sectors trafficking around us every time but If you look at trafficking through the lens of capitalism, it need to come together. And we already know can’t call it down.” – Dr. May Ikeora takes on the guise of a symbiotic relationship—the trafficker offering the semblance of a better life, the trafficked willingly giving self as a bargaining chip to be used. Dr. May spoke on this dynamic. “Because some of the victims of trafficking readily agree to it, it doesn’t mean it is not a crime. If I told you to cut off my hand, and you did, then you’ve committed manslaughter. Even though I had told you to. Just because I agree to a crime doesn’t make it less of a crime, a crime is a crime, and trafficking is trafficking. But today, the thing I see as a push factor is our greed. Today, when young girls go to Dubai and portray the rich lifestyle that we see on social media, it is not very encouraging, leading to many things. Girls are willing to do anything just to be able to show off on social media. Social media pressure is one of the new things today that has pushed a lot of people to normalise trafficking. Not just for girls that are being used, but also those that have gone on to become Madams and are the same ones now recruiting girls from Nigeria, especially in Lagos and taking them to Dr. Ikeora with Gov. Obaseki And Team in Germany
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VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
LIVING
5 THINGS Brought To You By Animals BY IDOWU LAMI
When you hear animals like cows, chickens or pork, you instinctively think of them as a side to your jollof rice or pounded yam.... but what if I told you that these animals aren’t just useful for their meat? A lot of our day-to-day products contain pieces of animals that were either mooing or linking-and I’m not talking about just apparel- toiletries, even cars can’t be made without animals. That said, herein are shocking things that need a little bit of animal to make them whole.
Nylon
Perfume
We all use them... but did you know that they [nylon bags] contain an additive known as stearic acid derived from animal fat? Dubbed “slip agents,” these chemicals are used to reduce friction caused during and post-manufacturing.
Certain fragrances, particularly those that smell like vanilla, have castoreum listed as a component. This ingredient is obtained from the castor sac found in beavers. I can’t help but wonder what led to this inquiry.
Beer and Wine Filtration is an essential stage in preparing spirits/libations such as beer and wine. Isinglass, a type of collagen derived from the sturgeon fish, is often used to aid this filtration process.
Toothpaste Yes, that thing you put in your mouth every morning and sometimes at night has an animal-derived compound in it called Glycerin. It is responsible for the paste-like texture and is gotten from the fat extracted from animal bones. However, glycerine nowadays is and can be derived from vegetables.
Sugar This sweet substance, by nature, is nothing more than a household name for the chemical compound known as sucrose. However, to achieve its signature crystalline brilliance, it undergoes a decolourization process that uses bone char- a natural carbon derived from charred animal bone. Go figure. PAGE 11
VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
BEAUTY
For Your
EYES ONLY BY SOPHIA EDISI
T
ake your look from day to night by giving your eyes instant glam. Use full lashes to create stunning eye catchy looks with flattering shades and texture mascara along with eyeliner combos that will instantly make you feel your best with a single gaze. Catch a glimpse at the beauty best-selling eye wands that give you a long-lasting effect with a single coat coverage for a highly pigmented finish.
Waterproof Mascara
Building
Boast a full coverage mascara that is water and smudge resistant for long-lasting wear. The wand ensures every lash is coated and provides a fanned-out finish adding length, definition and investable volume that lasts all day and night.
Mascara
Create an iconic lash style with a building mascara to mimic the look of wispy lashes. This contains fibre building formula with a specula hourglass-shaped wand, which creates your favourite faux lash finish in one step and amps up volume length for all-day-long wear.
Volumising Mascara
This mascara is designed to replicate the dramatic delivery level by doubling the content to provide the ultimate intensity. It offers an instant double-layered effect. This formula adds length and impressive volume to your natural lashes for a stunning stand-out finish.
High Impact Zero Gravity Mascara CLINIQUE
Star Approved Mascara JEFFREE
Volume Building Mascara L'OREAL
Fullest Volumizing Mascara ILIA
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Imperial Lash Waterproof Mascara SHISEIDO
Maxlash Volumizer Mascara DOUCCE COSMETICS
Water Proof Mascara ZARON
VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
BEAUTY
Gel
Eyeliner Use a soft and blendable gel eyeliner for a sexy smoky eyeliner look. The no-messy eyeliner sets for long-lasting wear; it glides on smoothly and won’t pull the sensitive skin around the eyes. It’s easy to blend and, therefore, perfect for defining smudging.
Long Wear Gel Eyeliner BOBBI BROWN
Hydra Liner SUVA BEAUTY
Liquid Eyeliner
Usually formulated with lash-enhancing serum, the liquid liner defines your eyes and strengthens lashes. It lines your eyes and gives lashes a little extra oomph. It also helps to promote the appearance of thicker lashes and defines your eyes for a bold, daring look.
Precision Liquid Eyeliner KIKO MILANO
Precision Mascara
The top and bottom precision mascara features double the length, volume and impact of your upper and lower lash. The full tapered wand evenly coats and defines the upper lashes, while the miniature sixes wand allows for the ultimate precision, perfectly applying products to the lower lashes.
Liquid Liner ZARON COSMETICS
Stick
Eyeliner Or Twist Up Pencils The creamy texture enables easy blending without creasing on the eyelid and comes in multiple colours which can be layered or mixed together. They are usually less messy than other liners and fast and easy to use.
Mini Mac Stack Mascara MAC COSMETICS
Precision Mascara ZARON COSMETICS
Fierce and Fine Graphic pencil DOUCCE COSMETICS
Ultra Precision Eyeliner DOUCCE COSMETICS
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VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
FEATURE
BEAUTY as Nature Intended For one mother overseas, the devastating diagnosis of her son meant she would do anything to help him feel better, so she began to research natural ingredients to cure him. That passion moved her back to Africa to seek a more natural form of healing from Mother Nature, and in so doing, a spark of an idea led to what we now know as Qasil Beauty. Two cosmetic formulators, Faduma Abdi and Zahra Hassan, founded Qasil Beauty. Together they built a brand that focuses on pushing the green beauty industry in Africa and across the globe by formulating products that cater to the needs of African women’s skin using the best beauty secret amongst the Somali women in East Africa, qasil. Over breakfast with DOWNTOWN’s Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, and writer, Sophia Edisi, she gave an insight into the green beauty movement in Africa and how we as Africans should return to our roots and culturally promote African-made products.
H
ow did you decide that you wanted to go into the beauty business and have a career in beauty? Our brand is inspired by the Somali ancient beauty secrets qasil, short for Q Beauty. As Somali women, we grew up taking care of our skin as a ritual and a daily life. I love beauty, taking care of myself and looking nice, a habit I picked up from my mother. While cooking for my kids, I always have my mask on, which was made with qasil, and people would always compliment how lovely my skin is. I became curious: how could this product be available to the market? Why can’t a product be made with an African ingredient that the world’s consumers could recognise? That curiosity led me to research, but then I put it back and focused on my career as a restaurant owner. What changed my lifestyle and got me back to natural beauty, wellness and being more holistic was
Zahra Hassan & Faduma Abdi
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VOL 2 NO. 28 • JULY 10 - JULY 16, 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
FEATURE
The Duo at Work
Zahra Hassan & Faduma Abdi
actually my son. Although I was using it personally, I wasn’t making it into an already made product, but after my son was diagnosed with autism, I wanted to heal him holistically. What we consume in western countries is highly processed, so I wanted to return to my roots and look for things that are naturally good for him. I moved back to Kenya, and I researched a lot. I enrolled in a natural formulation school, where I met my business partner Zahra Hassan. She was running a brand that was doing similar things to what I was doing, helping women get clear skin. We connected and decided to work together, and that’s how we launched Qasil Beauty. Why would people need to invest in green beauty or vegan beauty as you term your products? To be honest, in general, many of the products imported into the country and the continent are not made for us. African women’s skin is different to that of women in western countries. That’s why I believe in going back to our roots. I’m curious about what the typical Nigerian back in the days used to use, naturally, and how we can revive that but not only use it back in that method but in a way that it would be easy for the modern African woman. Beauty
Faduma Abdi
should not feel tedious. When you go outside, the first thing people notice is your skin, and so I would say we need to go back to our roots and use ancient beauty secrets that is good for us, full of antioxidants, rich in vitamins and can add value to us, not just mask our beauty. And that’s why I think making African-made products for African women is a discussion and narrative that we need to continue discussing. In recent times, more and more women, especially African women, are moving more to the organic regimen. What do you think has contributed to that? There is a green movement going on in the world now. People are moving from toxic plastic to sustaining our environment, which is also influencing us. But we also live in times of ‘what’s trending.’ People are buying what’s trending. And one of the reasons we decided to manufacture our products in Kenya is because we wanted to promote a product made in Africa so that we can manufacture quality-made products for us and by us. And also to change the narrative of organic packaging not being beautiful or elegant. We want people to see that we can have international
standards made in our own continent. There must be ups and downs in running a business like this. What would you say is the most difficult part of running an organic/vegan beauty brand? Actually, sourcing raw materials. Logistics is difficult. Bringing things to Africa. Even though we grow most of the natural ingredients in our continent, we don’t have the tools to scientifically extract the active ingredients required. Sometimes we can extract it ourselves; others could be shipped abroad for extraction. We also want the African women to believe what’s made in Africa is of quality standards too. Would you say you use natural ingredients to preserve the products? Are we, in essence, saying your products are 100% natural? Our products are natural and vegan. You can’t say 100percent organic because you have to get a certification. For example, standardisation in our continent is a bit challenging and where you extract the actual qasil needs to have been standardised by the European standard. We know it’s organic, but getting the certification is a bit challenging, and that’s another thing we need to change as Africans. So we use natural preservation because we don’t have them readily available here. As a beauty entrepreneur who focuses on organic beauty, what are your three favourite beauty tips for African women or any woman who wants to keep clear and radiant skin? Skincare shouldn’t be a hassle; it should be an easy step. No matter how tired you are, never sleep with your makeup on. You need a basic system of cleansing and moisturising. If you cannot do anything else, at least cleanse and moisturise. Another secret to flawless skin is exfoliation. Getting rid of that dead skin layer is very important to achieve that renewed, glowing, radiant skin.
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VOL 2 NO. 28 27 • JULY 10 3 - JULY - JULY9,16, 2022 2022
THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music)
WATCH OF THE WEEK:
MOVIE REVIEW:
The Black Phone T he Black Phone is a throwback to a time when horror was more about fear and suspense than blood and gore. Oh, there’s some of the latter in the movie but far too little to sate the appetites of those who attend the genre purely to be entombed in viscera. An early conversation in the movie between the lead character Finney (Mason Thames) and his friend Robin (Miguel Cazarez Mora) extols the virtues of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (The Black Phone is set in 1978); that seminal movie’s influence on co-writer/director Scott Derrickson is evident. Also found during the course of the 100-minute film are nods to John Carpenter, Steven King, and even Netflix retro hit, Stranger Things.
Ethan Hawke, who previously worked with Derrickson on Sinister, flips from being the victim to the perpetrator. He’s The Grabber, a serial killer of children who abducts them and does unspeakable things to them, leaving behind few clues. The two police detectives working the case are baffled, and Mason finds the noose tightening as a member of his little league vanishes, followed by his best friend. Meanwhile, Mason’s younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), is having supernatural dreams about terrible things happening. Everything is set up for Mason’s encounter with The Grabber. Hawke wears a mask for most of the movie, so we only occasionally glimpse his features. It’s creepier that way. The Grabber keeps Mason trapped in a dungeon cell, awaiting…not good things. On the wall in the cell is a black phone, which The Grabber dismisses as not working. But, when it rings, Mason answers. On the other end is one of the killer’s previous victims, speaking from beyond the grave, seeking to provide Mason with information that might save his life. Or is it all some kind of elaborate trap? The Grabber is playing a game, but Mason doesn’t know the rules. On the outside, Gwen is desperate to find her brother, but her predictive dreams are elusive and difficult to decipher. Logical flaws aside, The Black Phone is tightly plotted and doesn’t try to do too much. The secondary story involving Gwen is a little thin and feels more like a red herring than a necessary part of the story, but it’s used to break the tension. Spending 70 minutes trapped in the basement
PAGE 16
STRANGER THINGS SEASON 4 VOL. 2 in California, while Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Murray (Brett Gelman) are in Siberia, searching for Hopper (David Harbour). “Guess you got my message,” says Hopper, when they finally reunite. “Oh, no, I’ve just always wanted to visit the Soviet Union,” deadpans Joyce, their chemistry fizzing off the screen.
W
with Mason might be a little too harrowing. The meat of the story is well-handled and relies more on the terror resulting from the situation than on gratuitous bloodlettings. The supernatural elements are kept in check but are necessary to the development of the narrative. The Black Phone works effectively with a small cast, two of whom – Thames and McGraw – are exceptional child actors (Thames was 13 at the time of filming; McGraw is 11). Hawke manages to bring a lot of personality to his unbalanced character despite wearing the mask. After seeing him being terrorized in The Purge, it’s interesting to see him on the other side of things. The few supporting players, such as Jeremy Davies as Mason and Gwen’s abusive, alcoholic father, are mostly in the background. This is mainly an opportunity for Thames, McGraw, and Hawke to shine. Derrickson uses the prologue to establish a seemingly normal working class suburban locale before introducing the darker elements. As the mystery is gradually revealed, the level of tension builds. Occasional jump scares are employed along with longer, nail-biting sequences (such as one in which Mason attempts to open a combination lock). With The Black Phone, Derrickson trades in the massive budget of Doctor Strange for something much smaller (Blumhouse bankrolled the movie). One gets the sense that the director wanted an opportunity to put his stamp on a movie rather than simply crank out another CGI-saturated product. The Black Phone is as solid a horror film as has come out post-pandemic and brings back memories of when “horror” meant more than an assembled sequence of shocks and blood-soaked clichés.
Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Spotify)
hen the history of Gen Z television is written (and what a fascinating work that will be…), the opening chapter must surely be dedicated to Stranger Things. The Duffer Brothers’ nostalgia-flecked sci-fi smash began in 2016 with a cast of unknown children, who, as the years have gone by, have grown up and into superstars. And as the show’s audience has matured, so too has its tone. Now, returning for the final instalment of its fourth season (or “chapter” as they insist on calling them), Stranger Things is a fusion of supernatural thriller and serial killer horror, but still the same youthful romp it’s been since day one. Chapter Four has in total, been a big return to form for Stranger Things, after a saggy third season and a lengthy hiatus. That’s despite its characters, the core gang, being scattered across the globe. As things pick up here in the last two episodes, Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and the Byers brothers (Noah Schnapp and Charlie Heaton) are
Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), meanwhile, is underground somewhere in the Nevadan desert. Enemies are closing in: not just Jamie Campbell Bower’s arachnoid Vecna but the US military and a heavily armed vigilante mob in Hawkins. And if the good-cop/bad-cop of child behavioural psychiatry (Paul Reiser’s Dr Owens and Matthew Modine’s Dr Brenner) have their way, it’ll be on Eleven to save the world. “You eased her into it nice and gentle,” Owens tells his colleague, with a raised eyebrow, after they reveal that only Eleven can stop Vecna. “Not ominous at all.” The greatest strength of Stranger Things has always been its casting. Guessing—and it is always a guess with child actors—which kids will be able to carry that childhood charisma over into adulthood is a very specific skill. But, without exception, Stranger Things has aced it. This fourth series has offered a huge breakthrough to Sadie Sink as tortured tomboy Max, and her effortless cool continues into the finale. But really these final episodes are all about Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven. “I came here to try and understand who I was, to see if I was the monster,” she tells Dr Brenner. “And now I know the truth: it is not me, it is you.” Eleven has always been the
existential enigma at the heart of the show, and finally she is getting some clarity on who, and why, she is. Sidelined for much of this season in California, stripped of her powers, she’s back with a bloody-nosed vengeance. The first episode of Stranger Things, back in the naïve innocence of 2016, was 49 minutes long. This season finale is 150 minutes long. It’s an episode that is not just feature-length but epic – longer even than Apocalypse Now. The desire to further blur the line between cinema and television (especially with movie theatres in terminal decline) is natural, though the sprawling scope of this series of Stranger Things would, possibly, be usefully tamed by a tighter running time. All the same, the Duffer Brothers know how to construct a climax as the reunited gang do battle with Vecna back on the home turf of Hawkins, Indiana. “I have this gnawing feeling that it might not work out for us this time,” Robin (Maya Hawke, another bit of great casting) tells Joe Keery’s Steve Harrington. “But if we don’t stop him, who will?” There is no need for Stranger Things to be as good as it is. They could’ve simply phoned it in, and yet what they’ve created is a lavish yet intimate drama, blending almost every genre – from comedy to horror to romance – into a show that is a near faultless crowd pleaser. This excellent penultimate season of Netflix’s golden goose is the perfect antidote to lowest common denominator television: a show that offers much more than its audience asks for.
Smallgod_ Black Sherif_ Tory Lanez - GIDI GIDI (feat. Black Sherif & Tory Lanez)
Darkoo_ Black Sherif - Always (feat. Black Sherif)
Mavins_ Crayon_ Ayra Starr_ LADIPOE_ Magixx_ Boy Spyce - Overloading (OVERDOSE) Chris Brown_ Lil Baby Addicted (feat. Lil Baby)
Chris Brown_ WizKid - Call Me Every Day (feat. WizKid)
Diddy_ Bryson Tiller - Gotta Move On (feat. Bryson Tiller)
Chris Brown_ WizKid - Call Me Every Day (feat. WizKid)
Chris Brown_ Lil Baby Addicted (feat. Lil Baby)
Nonso Amadi - Foreigner
Chris Brown_ Lil Baby Addicted (feat. Lil Baby)