THEWILL DOWNTOWN June 09, 2024

Content Creator Leading the Way CHINONSO EGEMBA

EDITOR’S NOTE

TPhoto: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

he Nigerian content creation industry has experienced growth and development in recent times. From its early days, it has become a vibrant field showcasing the country’s creativity. Nigerian creatives are becoming popular not only on a local scale but internationally, using their voices to inspire, educate, and entertain. Due to the growth of digital platforms, Nigerian content creators are pushing themselves and reaching new benchmarks in the industry.

Many content creators are significantly impacting their respective fields in Nigeria. One such creative is Chinonso ’Aproko Doctor’ Egemba, a global health advocate, medical doctor, and health content creator who simplifies complex medical topics through storytelling. He shares his story on pages 8-10 of this week’s issue.

Our fashion pages are not just about trends; they empower you to mix and match colours like a pro. You’ll find practical advice on pages 4 and 5, while the beauty page is all about helping you choose the right makeup remover for your skin type on page 11.

The travel page shares different tips for navigating a new environment. That’s on page 7.

Conflicts are inevitable in relationships; what truly matters is how we resolve them. Downtown Confidential empathizes with this and shares six valuable tips for fighting fairly on page 15.

Our review page isn’t just for reviews; it’s an experience. Click on the instructions below the QR codes to download our playlist. I promise you’ll enjoy the selection. Scroll on to page 16 for this.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

@onahluciaa + 2349088352246

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Writer: Johnson Chukwueke

Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

Chinonso Egemba Content Creator Leading the Way

5 Ways to Choose The Right Makeup Remover For Your Skin Type From Stage to Page An Exclusive with Kehinde Fadipe 6 Tips For Fighting Fairly in A Relationship Exploring The Unfamiliar

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.

Dorcas Akintoye

Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty.  She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.

FASHION

5 Ways to MIX AND MATCH OUTFIT COLOURS Like a Pro

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

It’s both art and science to match colours in your wardrobe. You can have the most expensive wardrobe in the world and all the money in the world, but it will cost a lot if you can’t match the colours in your closet. Either an eye for detail or knowledge of the nuances of colour perception is required. Whatever you decide to do, be aware of the rules before breaking them. Let us show you how to combine various colours to create a chic and fashionable ensemble.

1. SET A SOLID FOUNDATION WITH NEUTRAL COLOURS

When mixing and matching your clothes, you can never run out of choices because your outfits come in various colours, allowing you to explore and be creative. Despite how easy this sounds, many people find it hard to choose from multiple hues in their wardrobe. Well, the hack is that you need to use neutral shades to create an attractive colour-coordinated outfit with little or no effort. When we say neutral shades, we are talking about colours like black, brown, white, grey, blue, navy, khaki, and olive. One good thing about neutral shades is that they look great when paired with any other colour, allowing us to mix and match our clothing pieces for various stylish outfits. Consider purchasing neutral-coloured cotton leggings, for example, if you wear them every day as a habit. In this way, they go with nearly anything, including colourful shirts and cardigans in neutral hues.

FASHION

3.

2. AVOID MONOCHROMATIC OUTFIT COMBINATION

Wearing clothing in the same hue is not recommended, no matter how much you love a particular colour. A bright yellow blouse with dark yellow pants would be an example. These outfit combinations can look fantastic on someone, but they require expertise and a particular approach to pull off. Wearing similar-hued clothing is likely to look unattractive unless you know how to achieve monochromatic looks.

TRY FOOLPROOF COLOUR COMBINATION USE COLOUR CONTRAST TO ACHIEVE A BALANCED LOOK

Mixing garments with complementary colours is generally recommended, but even at that, you don’t need to go through the stress of studying a colour wheel to come up with a killer combo. Many classic hues can be paired to create effortlessly gorgeous outfits.

4.

When it comes to harmonising outfit colours, contrast is essential. While black or grey clothing can look good on its own, it may come across as dull or lifeless without a vibrant accent. Excessive bright colours can make your outfit look garish and strain the eyes. By preventing you from combining colours that clash or overpower one another, contrast helps your clothing look more appealing and balanced. Try switching around each item in your ensemble to highlight the little details in each hue. Wearing a colourful blouse, for instance, would look great with dark pants. Pair the pants with bright or neutral shoes to bring the look together.

CONCLUSION

5. FOCUS ON THE MAIN HUE WHEN MATCHING MULTI-COLOUR

GARMENTS

The first thing to keep in mind when incorporating a multicoloured garment into your ensemble is to wear only one multicoloured clothing piece because too many multi-coloured clothes can be both overwhelming and visually distracting, which is more reason why we need to pair them with a solid-coloured piece for proper contrast. Another thing to keep in mind is to pay attention to the overall shade of the multi-coloured piece, so after you’ve determined the main shade of the outfit, you can then decide on the right colour to pair with. If you have an issue doing that, remember that you can always match your multi-coloured garments with neutral-coloured ones to create a balanced and cohesive outfit.

Like any other art form, clothing colour coordination takes practice. With the appropriate information, though, this doesn’t have to be a difficult procedure. You may consistently assemble fashionable and striking ensembles if you use neutral colours. Stay away from monochromatic ensembles, and contrast your hues.

EXPLORING THE UNFAMILIAR

A Guide to Navigating a New Environment

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

Taking a trip to a different country is always an exciting experience, especially when we think of all the exhilarating activities we will engage in and the people we could meet. As much as it will be fun, going to a place for the first time can be problematic, especially when considering all the new things you must adapt to before you begin the fun parts of being in that environment.

However, with the right mindset and adequate preparation, your first time could be less worrisome. In this editorial, we will give you a few tips to apply when in a new environment, so let’s get into it, shall we?

Seek Local Assistance

When you arrive at a new place, it’s normal to feel clueless because you can’t navigate your way around. The whole surroundings are new to you, but not to the locals.

The locals have lived there for years; they wake up every day to that same atmosphere, and asking these locals for assistance is a recommended action. Do not hesitate to ask natives for help or clarification when moving around an unfamiliar environment. Many of them are ready and happy to help travellers who have come to explore their country, even if they do not speak the same language.

Learning Basic Phrases

Some phrases such as “hello”, “excuse me”, and “where is...?” are some important phrases that need to be learnt to get the attention of locals around you. You can’t always count on the natives to understand the same language you speak, so you would have to adjust to their terms.

A Phrase/Picture Book

Taking a book with you will help you identify landmarks better. Using a phrase book would make it easier to ask natives for help, especially those who don’t speak the same language you do. A phrase book provides pronunciations and translations of common and simple phrases, while a picture book makes it even easier for the natives to understand where you plan on going next.

Translation Applications

If you are not a fan of taking books around, this is your next best option for phrases and pronunciations of words you have no idea what they are. Use the internet to install these translation apps into your smartphones to bridge language barriers.

Stay Open-minded and Patient

When in a new place, you need to understand that misunderstandings are bound to happen. No one wants it, but it’s almost inevitable. Hence, you have to be patient when trying to navigate your way around a new city.

No matter what destination or activities you choose, a friendship group vacation is all about creating cherished memories with your closest friends. So pack your bags, embark on that adventure together, and let the good times roll in. Bon voyage.

Content Creator Leading the Way Chinonso Egemba

Over the years, the Nigerian content creation industry has experienced impressive growth and development. It has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant, diverse field that demonstrates the enormous skill and creativity present in the country. Nigerian creatives are currently making waves on a national and international scale by using their voices to inspire, educate, and entertain. As a result of the growth of digital platforms, Nigerian content creators are pushing limits and establishing new benchmarks in the industry.

In Nigeria, there are a lot of content creators who are making a significant impact in their respective fields. From dancers to chefs to techies and doctors, there’s almost no area of life that hasn’t got a content creator sharing knowledge with the public. One of those creatives is Chinonso Egemba, also known as Aproko Doctor, a global health advocate, medical doctor, and health content creator who simplifies complex medical topics through storytelling. In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke, the creative discusses his journey, challenges, and what sets his content apart from others.

Intro By Dorcas Akintoye

In the beginning, how did you manage your time, you know, between working at the hospital and creating content?

So, in the beginning, the options I had were very limited as, at that time, I was working at three hospitals at the same time and trying to create messages that would help the average African practice better healthcare. I would wait till midnight in the hospitals where I worked or wait until we had very little patient load before creating my content. Over time, the channel grew, and that required addition to the team. I met a certain man who took the responsibility of shooting my videos at that time, so it was less troublesome. Right now, we have a team of about 12 people who are currently in our channel, and everything is seamless. Some are in charge of scripting, some are in charge of strategising, some are in charge of research, so yeah, that’s how we have been able to manage the channel.

“When we say language, some of us think of indigenous languages like Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ibibio, and the like, but when we say someone speaks your language, it means they get you, they understand you, they have shared experiences, that’s how I view language..”

that people love stories, so I switched to storytelling. The way I describe what I do is that I say I am a doctor who tells stories in order to get people to change their behaviours, so we are basically storytellers at this point.

So, how do you decide what health topic to cover in your content?

First of all, we are faced with numerous health issues and challenges, and we focus on the ones concerning the people who are most vulnerable, like mothers and children, personal health, and noncommunicable diseases.

Now, having a big social media presence, how has it influenced your career in medicine?

Before now, I wanted to be a surgeon, and clinical medicine was a way for me, but when I came across those cases, I became fixated on education and public health. At the point where I am now, I can’t say I can call myself a clinician; I would say I feel better fulfilled now doing this than I probably would if I were in clinical medicine.

you have limited time to work with, there are people with limited attention spans, and you are probably interrupting someone’s day, so it is very important that within first 5-6 seconds you have caught their attention, and also hold it long enough to make them reach the end of the video. My muse is that I look around me, see how people talk, and then use that.

Aside from being a content creator, how have you been handling your career as a medical doctor? You know, in terms of practising.

In the beginning, it was quite tasking. Creating content and doing clinical medicine at the same time was a lot, and it took its toll on me. Eventually, I had to focus on one, so the focus right now is on behavioural change communication. I am also the Executive Director of the 100k Club.

Let’s talk about Stitches now. What inspired you to create your first film?

What made you decide you wanted to create health content at that time, even with so much competition from creators who were more fixated on comedy?

I think it was more of personal experiences that made me decide on that. I worked in a rural area, somewhere in Imo State, that would be Orlu L.G.A. During my time there, I was opportune to meet a number of dire cases. There was a child who was having seizures, whose mother put urine in her baby’s eyes; we had another case where the woman was supposed to deliver but was instead in a prayer house and almost bled to death. So, I was faced with cases like this, and I realised that there was quite a lot of quality health information that wasn’t available to the public yet. This forced me to create messages to help change behaviours; I call it “Behavioural Change Communication”. But it so happened that at the time I started creating content, there was so much focus on comedy. Normally, people move to social media to help relax themselves, so it was quite the dilemma because while I was creating content, it felt like no one was paying attention, simply because of the manner in which the content was shared. One day, something happened at the hospital where I worked. I decided to share the experience with the small audience I had at that time, and it went viral, so when it went viral, it got me thinking

This is it for me; this is what I enjoy doing, also because, as someone who regards himself as creative, practising clinical medicine sometimes puts you in a certain box simply because there are lots of lives at stake, so there isn’t much innovation that you can get yourself involved in. But with this, you can make the story into anything you want to and still pass the same message. I enjoy this; I really do.

In your reels and videos, you always have a new way of introducing the subject you want to talk about, now my question is, what is your muse? How do you come up with fresh new ideas or approaches?

“I have always had the same attitude towards criticism; you have to look beyond the noise and find out what the message is. You need to understand that sometimes when you are doing something unconventional, you will be criticised.”

“One of the mantras in medicine is that you don’t treat the disease, you treat the person and we didn’t want to just talk about the conditions, thereby ignoring the people living with these conditions, so we needed to create Stitches.”

We don’t try to reinvent anything; we see what’s available, and we use that. One thing about storytelling is that you have to speak the language of the people you are trying to reach out to. When we say language, some of us think of indigenous languages like Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ibibio, and the like, but when we say someone speaks your language, it means they get you, they understand you, they have shared experiences, that’s how I view language. So, no matter how I try to make the message feel new, I always make sure I relate to the audience. An example is how I speak. The way I speak while making my content is different from how I speak off-camera. Africans speak excitedly with so much life, and when you are on social media, you also have to understand that

We needed to go deeper into storytelling, and then we also realised that talking head videos can be limited in many ways, especially when certain issues are brought up. For example, there are certain issues that a lot of people are sensitive to, so instead of attacking the message, they begin to attack the messenger. So we needed to include more people in the storytelling, people who are familiar faces and also speak their language and also dramatise the emotions surrounding certain health conditions. One of the mantras in medicine is that you don’t treat the disease, you treat the person and we didn’t want to just talk about the conditions, thereby ignoring the people living with these conditions, so we needed to create Stitches. Stitches was born out of the need to explore the world of storytelling, and so far, we have shot one episode, we have another one coming in June; and it feels like we have unlocked something when it comes to healthcare storytelling, and I am excited because all the stories we tell on Stitches are real stories. People can feel like they are connected to something, and we want to reduce the stigma connected to certain conditions.

Can you tell us a bit about the theme and general storyline?

The first episode is about cervical cancer; it involves a woman who has been faithful to her husband but ends up dying from cervical cancer. We also need to understand that sometimes even when someone has just one sexual partner, they can be at risk, and multiple sexual partners also put you at risk. So, as long as you are sexually active, you are at risk. No matter how long ago it was, you have to screen yourself for cervical cancer because there were biased opinions that cervical cancer only occurs in promiscuous people.

What was most challenging transitioning from shooting short videos to a whole longer project like Stitches? I am glad you asked that question; first of all, everything about it was challenging: the time required, the amount of work that was required, and shockingly, the amount of fun you have while doing it. I also realised that because it’s a big project, you also have to find other people to work with you on that project. Initially, we had to utilise our social capital, rely on friendships and all that. I love to see where it’s going; everything was challenging; it’s nothing like I have ever done before, but I am glad that we finally sorted it out.

COVER

What was the casting process like in general, having to choose a crew and cast members?

First of all, we shared the idea with friends, and the people who decided to come on it with us were the people first on our list to cast because we needed people who believed in what we were doing and not people who were in it just for the money. It’s one thing for people to do it for the money that comes from it, and it’s also another thing to do it because you believe it’s going to impact the lives of people watching it. Of course, when the project becomes a longer movie, we will have to have to go through a rigorous casting process.

What was your favourite part of the Stitches project?

My favourite part was seeing everything come together. There have been waves of amazing months of ideas, and finally, we said let’s do this, and seeing everything come together was the beauty of the story. One of the most interesting parts of it was the comments, as many people didn’t have enough knowledge about cervical cancer, so the fact that what we tried to do in many videos was solved by just a short film.

So far, what has the reception been like for the filmmaking project?

The reception has been beautiful; we also plan on increasing the reach across social media and also across hospitals. We want to reach people who are not really into social media or who don’t use it at all.

How did you handle criticism when you first started, and how do you handle it now?

I have always had the same attitude towards criticism; you have to look beyond the noise and find out what the message is. You need to understand that sometimes when you are doing something unconventional, you will be criticised. Doctors don’t talk the way I talk, so people criticise the unconventional way, but that is to be expected.

What’s next in terms of social media, medicine, and filmmaking?

The sky is our limit; right now, we are looking at collaborations; we are looking at going beyond social media and into the streets. We are trying to get even more attention to what we are doing. We are planning on doing more, like making videos for children, making videos for young adults, and fully grown adults. We are just planning on expanding Aproko Doctor as a brand.

5 Ways to Choose The Right Makeup Remover For Your Skin Type

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

An integral aspect of any skincare regimen is makeup removal. It’s crucial to thoroughly cleanse your face and remove any makeup after a demanding day so your skin can recover overnight. However, choosing the best makeup remover for your needs might be tricky because there is a variety in the market. This article will delve into all you need to know about makeup removers, including tips on choosing the right one for your skin type.

1. UNDERSTANDING YOUR SKIN TYPE

Understanding your skin type can help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect product. There are four main skin types: oily, dry, sensitive, and combination, and different techniques are needed for each type of makeup removal.

2.MAKEUPREMOVERS FOR DRY SKIN

Dry skin is always tight and flaky and usually lacks moisture. When selecting a makeup remover for dry skin, choose moisturising, mild formulas that won’t eliminate natural oils from your skin. Look for products that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and oils like jojoba or almond oil. Cream—or oil-based cleansers are good options for dry skin types.

3.MAKEUPREMOVERS FOR OILY SKIN

Excessive sebum production in oily skin can result in clogged pores and a glossy appearance. To prevent this, use makeup removers that are water-based or oil-free. They will remove makeup efficiently without making the skin more oily. The best choices for oily skin types are micellar water, gel cleansers, or foamy cleansers.

4.MAKEUP REMOVERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Sensitive skin requires extra attention and care. Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic makeup removers designed especially for delicate skin types. Avoid harsh substances that irritate the skin, such as alcohol and strong fragrances. Gentle yet effective options for delicate skin include micellar water or gentle cleansing balms.

CONCLUSION

5. MAKEUP REMOVERS FOR COMBINATION SKIN

Dry and oily patches on the face are characteristics of combination skin. For this type of skin, you need to find a balance in your makeup remover choice. Select mild cleansers that remove makeup efficiently without irritating the skin. Cleaning oils or micellar water are good choices for combination skin.

Choosing the best makeup remover for your skin type is one of the most important steps in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. By being aware of your skin’s specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed choice and select a solution that efficiently removes makeup without endangering its health.

WELLNESS THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF WELLNESS RETREATS

NURTURING THE SOUL

IBY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

t’s almost impossible to find someone who isn’t overwhelmed with something in at least one aspect of their life: work, family, and all sorts. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding a sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul has become essential, and wellness retreats offer a unique escape. Get provided with a haven where you can rejuvenate, reset, and embark on a journey towards holistic well-being. This article will highlight the progressive power of wellness retreats and why you should consider treating yourself to one.

Essence of Wellness Retreats

Digital Disconnection

Taking a holistic escape through wellness retreats helps address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of your well-being. Taking time to relieve your stress levels is never a bad idea. We are humans, and our bodies and minds need to be balanced to avoid breaking down.

Choosing the Right Retreat

Starting here is advisable, depending on what you think would be best for you. But if you are unsure of your choices, don’t stress; we got you.

Trips to the beach, attending a dance or art class, going for a full-body massage, swimming, meditation, or just walking in nature—all these are good starts for you. Of course, it depends on your interests and hobbies, so feel free to pick out what seems most appealing to you and start with that.

Mindful Practices

Engage in mindful practices to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. We have a million and one things going through our minds every day, and a high percentage of these thoughts are worries, so make sure to relax and soothe your mind through ancient practices. Mould your mind into a serene and pure sanctuary.

This may seem like one of the very difficult ones since almost everything we do involves technology and electronic devices. But if you really want to achieve that purity of mind and reconnect with nature, giving yourself a break from the digital world is a retreat method you have to apply.

Culinary Retreat

If you are going to give your mind all the clarity it needs, then your body also needs to be in good condition to achieve complete harmony, and one of the most important ways for that is our diet. Nourish yourself with wholesome foods, practice mindful eating, and avoid the urge to eat at the slightest inconvenience. Disciplining your eating habits is as important as being mindful of the thoughts that come into your mind.

Wellness retreats are the necessary breaks we need to take from our busy lives. We must promote wellness awareness if we are to live healthier lives. Many people are holding on to so much stress, both mentally and physically. Such a burden to the mind and body weighs a person down the most, thereby leading to reduced life spans. Stay healthy in both mind and body— this can’t be overemphasized.

FROM STAGE TO PAGE

EXCLUSIVE WITH

KEHINDE FADIPE AN

In a world where you can be anything and as creative as you want, we have individuals showing us how possible it is to be anything and not just anything but a creative in different aspects of art and storytelling. Working as an actress already has its own workload, but that is nothing to Kehinde Fadipe, who is not just an actress but a director, a screenwriter, and a published author.

Born in London, England, Kehinde Fadipe is a British-Nigerian actress and writer known for her role in Misfits, Body Farm, and Of Mary. In addition to television, she is also known for her works in the theatre. Kehinde has continued to work on her creative side and has transitioned beyond just acting into writing.

Congratulations on your debut book. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind it and what readers can expect?

It’s about three Nigerian women living in Singapore, their lives, their friendships, and how they come together when a Nigerian guy moves to Singapore, and he is the catalyst for a lot of problems, issues, and chaos in their lives, but each of the three women are drawn to him for different reasons. One of them works with him, they have a workplace rivalry where their boss pits them together, the second one has a romantic relationship with him and is best friends with the first one, while the third one sees so many physical similarities between him and her father, she starts to feel very close to him, feeling nostalgic, but she has a lot of undealt issues with her family, so he kind of destabilises all three of them differently. So readers can expect to get a glimpse of what life is like in Asia for black experts. These three women are of Nigerian descent, but they didn’t all grow up in Nigeria, so while they have this unifying factor, they are very different. It’s also an exploration of some of the things that draw us to other black people of African descent when we are abroad.

FEATURE

As an actress, you’ve brought characters to life on screen. How does your experience in acting influence your writing process and the development of characters in your book?

I would say the only way it influences it is that I am accustomed to writing detailed character biographies. If I am playing a role, I would spend a lot of time researching the historical content of the material. I also write for screen, and I am used to working with plays a lot; I don’t write plays, but as an actor, I have read a lot of plays and done a lot of plays, it formed the way I write dialogue, and dialogue is important in this book. So those would be the two ways: character development and dialogue.

Balancing two creative careers—acting and writing—must be challenging. How do you manage your time and stay focused on both pursuits?

Okay, firstly, it’s not just writing and acting; I haven’t done any acting in a while. It’s acting and directing. I write scripts, and I work as a copywriter and a content writer. I don’t think focus is a challenge; I think for anyone who is running their business or is self-employed, some things are ticking off, some things are quieter, and there are some things you need to invest more time in, so I think the challenge is balancing between left brain and right brain.

Your book Such Tremendous Heat explores suppressed but not healed grief. What drew you to explore this particular subject matter?

I agree that suppressed grief is an emotional baggage that connects all three characters. But I agree with suppressed grief and that kind of emotional baggage from their childhood. I would say there was no intention of exploring a particular scene. It’s not like I had a personal experience, and the book is not autobiographical in that way. It naturally and organically developed that way.

How do you approach character development in your writing?

First of all, I would say I am drawn to character-led books, and maybe that’s coming from the theatre background where you can have many characters on the stage, and all their voices have to be very distinct. I am currently working on a book that has more perspective, so three for me is not much. You see songwriters who like to write in first person; it’s like their comfort zone, but that’s not the case for me. I am naturally led to multiple perspectives, and the challenge is how to keep each one’s voice different and unique; so for me, I can’t start writing without the characters being very clear, so it needs a lot of thinking before I start writing. I have to

be very clear about the general essence of the characters and the type of characters they are. I have to think and know what makes them who they are, things like how they take their breakfast, how they like their tea, what they are drawn to, and things like that.

Are there any characters in your book that you particularly resonate with?

I resonate with all of them. I love all three of them very much, even some of the secondary characters. I love them, and I am always so pleased when I talk to readers; they liked someone who was a secondary character and wish they had read more of them; that is always a great feeling for me. I found all of them satisfying to write about, but for me personally, Lilian, a Nigerian-American woman who is a pianist, I felt she was very important to get right because she exists in a place where she is very sensitive, very emotional, she’s an artist, a creative, she suppresses a lot of who she is, through her we see a lot of suppressed grief. She doesn’t explode, she implodes. There’s just a lot of stuff happening with her that we don’t always see in black female characters. So, while writing, I was thinking if people would find her too emotional and too much of a softie, so yeah, I resonated with them all, but I felt I needed to get it right with her.

Your experiences in the entertainment industry must have provided unique insights. How do these experiences influence your storytelling?

Honestly, I don’t think they do. I mean, so far, I have worked mainly as an actor, and like I said, I have directed, written some screenplays, and made a short film, and looking for funding for my first feature film now. To me writing fiction as an author is very separate; it’s been a long dream of mine since I was a child, and it was something I had to make a decision about and invest a lot of time and effort into while also learning the craft of fiction which is very different from writing for the screen or the stage. Maybe one day if I wrote a book about what it was like to go to drama school or a book about actors, then I can say yes, it influenced my writing. Even when I am engaging with people in publishing and people in the entertainment world, there are very different approaches.

What challenges did you encounter while writing your book, and how did you overcome them?

I think the main challenge was learning how to write fiction while I was writing this book. I have written a book before, just one draft, and I decided the material was a little bit heavy. I wanted something lighter, and I was still trying to figure out my tone, my genre, the challenge was that the book took a long time to write, about eight years, on and off while I was doing other things. Finishing the book from beginning to end to keep going was challenging, so I was reading a lot of books on writing fiction, reading widely, joining a writer’s group, and I was getting a lot of feedback from other writers which I highly recommend anyone to do if they are planning on writing a book. I watched lots of YouTube videos about publishing. I tried writing for theatre, and I realised it’s not something I am good at; I definitely enjoy it, but it didn’t feel like something I am good at. So yeah, those were the challenges for me, constantly having to learn, knowing what the purpose of the first, second, or third draft is, how to develop a narrative arc, all of these things while also working full time and raising two children.

As an author and actress, how do you handle criticism or feedback from audiences and reviewers? There are two different answers. As an actress, you are more sensitive for sure, especially if you are doing theatre. Critics

will come on a particular night, and you know the theatre will be full of critics, newspaper reviewers, and magazine reviewers; they are usually very quiet; they don’t respond, they don’t react; it’s a very cold experience. But as a writer, I don’t think critics and reviews are for me. Reviews are for readers to understand what’s for them and what’s not for them; if this is a book they feel they should spend their hard-earned money on, it’s not really for me because you can get a wide range of reviews from people and it’s the same book, and I know as a reader, it depends on what mood I am in, what state of mind I am in. It’s not really for me because I haven’t read any reviews since, like, the first or second month the book came out, which is the point you are very curious about. Lastly, what’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or creative endeavours that you’re excited about sharing with your audience?

Well, I am working on a second book that is set in Lagos, and I am enjoying it. I am also in the early stage of adapting my first book for television, but it’s very early. So yeah, those are the two things I am working on at the moment. I am excited about it. It is the beginning of a long process, but I am excited about having a lot of great black and, hopefully, Nigerian actors filming in Asia, filming something different and unique, so we will see how that goes.

1. THINK BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH

You need to think before you talk when you are in an argument. Doing this will give you the chance to frame your grievance more effectively. Another benefit of giving yourself time to think is that it helps you choose a kinder and calmer way to approach the situation, making you more likely to be heard.

ASSAULT

If you say something like “I’m hurt” or “I feel really angry” instead of “You screwed up!” your spouse will get off the defensive and the conversation will be more fruitful. If you start the conversation with blame or accusations, your intended message won’t go through. You’ll fail to connect with them, and they’ll feel guilty. Instead of blaming your partner completely, speak about how you feel rather than blaming your partner entirely. Always remember that you are in partnership and need to work together to have a stronger relationship.

Regretfully, disagreements frequently turn into personal attacks (think name-calling and criticism of someone’s character or appearance), which is undoubtedly bad for your relationship. Namecalling is usually a sign that you’ve crossed a line.

FIGHTING FAIRLY IN A RELATIONSHIP

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Conflict arises when people don’t agree on certain views, desires, ideas, or ideals. Regardless of the subject matter of the dispute, conflict frequently arouses strong emotions, and most individuals are unsure how to manage those feelings appropriately when they disagree. These differences can range from seemingly insignificant issues to more major ones. And here’s when fair fighting enters the picture. One strategy to handle conflict and its associated emotions, such as rage, is to fight fairly. Fighting fair is a positive way to communicate disapproval or rage toward another individual. It’s a constructive technique to handle disagreement. This article will show you six tips for fighting fairly in a relationship.

4. PUT YOURSELF IN YOUR PARTNER’S SHOES

Another important piece of advice for handling relationship problems well is to imagine yourself in your partner’s position and think of plausible explanations for their actions. This will enable you to comprehend their actions more clearly.

5. FOCUS ON THE ACTUAL ISSUE

It could be problematic if you bring up old arguments, fight nonstop without settling, or get angry at your persistent fighting.

Try to do your best not to threaten to end the relationship or file for divorce, even if it’s tempting to let your emotions get the best of you. Thoughtless remarks can profoundly affect the person who hears them, making them feel uneasy in the relationship even after the argument has ended.

CONCLUSION

Keep in mind that the goal of a conflict is to communicate intense emotions and clear the air so that a more unified life may be built. Sometimes, the problem at hand seems too big to overcome, even with our best attempts to fight it fairly. When this happens, speaking with an experienced, caring professional can help you resolve the disagreement, communicate more effectively to mediate the situation, and find a solution.

BY

BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

Back to Black

If the recent spate of bio-pics of musical stars imparts one lesson, it’s this: artists should be remembered for their work, not for the Hollywood-ized retellings of their lives. Back to Black is the latest endeavour by the motion picture industry to exhume the story of a dead musician whose ultimately tragic life has been turned into a series of cliches about fame and addiction. It’s an open question about how much of the real Amy Winehouse is to be found in a movie that is obsessed more with her flaws and dependency on alcohol and drugs than about her craft and prowess as a singer/songwriter. Oh, the music is there, but it seems more like a background track than a focal point.

The film covers roughly the period from 2002 when Winehouse (Marisa Abela) signed with Simon Fuller’s 19 Management and ending shortly before her death in 2011 at the age of 27. Back to Black covers most of the key events of her adulthood: her rise to stardom, her tumultuous love affair with eventual husband Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O’Connell), and her triumphant Grammy night. Except for the first half-hour, most of what happens occurs through the haze of an alcoholic stupor (to which she eventually adds drugs). The movie paints Amy as rarely being sober –whether or not this is an exaggeration, it makes for a downer of a movie instead of a more nuanced narrative.

One question that arises when discussing a biopic, especially that of a singer/musician, is whether the lead actor is engaging in mimicry or giving a good performance. In the case

of Marisa Abela, it’s more of the former.

To her credit, she does an excellent job replicating Winehouse’s vocals (she did most of the singing) and stage presence. However, her attempts to recreate the singer’s mannerisms in private settings is artificial. Although some intimate moments work, the portrayal as a whole is over-the-top, and it often feels like Abela is trying too hard. No one else in the film leaves much of an impression – Jack O’Connell’s Blake and Eddie Marsan’s Mitch Winehouse are underwritten. Another key figure in Winehouse’s life and career, Mark Ronson, warrants only a passing mention, which seems odd to say the least.

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson, whose reputation remains scarred by Fifty Shades of Grey, seems to want to deconstruct Winehouse and explore the singer’s darker side. That might have been an interesting approach if not for two things: Winehouse’s demons were well-recognised during her life (to the extent that the cause of her death came as a surprise to no one), and TaylorJohnson fails to explore how the singer’s alcoholism either helped or hampered (or both) her ability to create. Even the most bland bio-pics of musicians (and there are dozens to choose from) spend more than a perfunctory scene or two on the creative process. That’s the biggest disappointment here – that Back to Black’s Winehouse is an addict first and everything else second.

As for the music, we get full renditions of Winehouse’s biggest hits, but there are times when it seems the songs are included to sell a soundtrack. My reaction is that I could learn a lot more about Winehouse by listening to her music than by watching this by-thenumbers sketch of her adult life.

There’s a fine line between the whimsical dream logic of Roald Dahl and irritating, incoherent nonsense. Director John Krasinski’s new kids film IF is nowhere near that line. Despite the best efforts of the extremely talented child actor Cailey Fleming, IF makes no sense, narratively, emotionally, or visually. The only fun to be had is when the thing hits its 104-minute runtime, and you can finally get up and flee.

The story, such as it is, features Bea (Fleming), a 12-year-old whose mother has died and whose father (Krasinski) is undergoing heart surgery. While she waits for her dad in New York, Bea discovers a bunch of imaginary friends—IFs—living in an upstairs apartment. The IFs have been forgotten by the children who created them, and Bea, along with the IF’s adult friend Cal (Ryan Reynolds), sets out to find new children with whom the imaginary creatures can partner. Soon enough, she learns heartfelt lessons about . . . the power of the imagination? How you should never grow up? The limits of CGI and how you should really spring for puppets and practical effects if you’re making cute kids movies? The moral is unclear. Worse, there are so many characters— human and imaginary—that none of them, not even

Bea, has much depth or resonance. The movie leaps from unmotivated “funny” set piece to unmotivated catharsis and back, desperately hoping that if you fling enough laughs and tears at the screen, you’ll end up with a movie.

That hope is, in this instance, misplaced. Kids can be forgiving, and so can adults, and I can’t rule out the possibility that someone, somewhere, of some age, will enjoy this. But I think I’m likely to be in the majority when I say that IF is an imaginary friend that’s best left unseen.

Brent Faiyaz - Forever Yours

Mereba - Rider

mynameisntjmack; Tommy Richman - BUNKER/PREROLL

Lil Yachty - drive ME crazy!

Tommy Richman - MILLION DOLLAR BABY

Yeat - Monëy so big

Killer Mike; Young Thug - RUN (feat. Young Thug)

Thee Sacred Souls - Easier Said Than Done

The Creator; YoungBoy Never Broke Again;

Dolla