ONYEKA MICHAEL UGWU
...Passion For Perfecting Skin
EDITOR’S NOTE
MPhoto: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
edical aesthetics has revolutionised the skincare sector and opened the door to cutting-edge procedures that exceed Nigeria’s standard of beauty care. Since its beginning, the beauty sector has expanded, providing answers to skin issues that were previously challenging to address locally. Medical aesthetics now seeks to enhance lives, increase selfesteem, and improve looks. With each new cutting-edge treatment, the industry has shaped a new era in beauty where science and care meet. Onyeka Michael Ugwu, a certified aesthetician and senior laser technician at Hello Perfect, is one of the key players in this movement. After training and working in America, Onyeka returned to Nigeria in 2019 to start Hello Perfect, a skin aesthetics and laser clinic that has transformed skincare procedures in Nigeria. Onyeka’s method is what you would call a hybrid, combining science and a sincere desire to make people feel good about their skin, as her journey into medical aesthetics was driven by a passion for empowering individuals through skincare and enhancing confidence from within.
Read Onyeka Michael Ugwu’s story on pages 8 through 10.
This week, the beauty page discusses hair gloss treatment, a procedure that helps revive the colour of your hair, adds shine, and enhances its overall appearance. Everyone wants smooth, shiny, healthy hair, so don’t miss this article on page 12.
Downtown Confidential focuses on cliché relationship advice. On page 15, we discuss when you should or shouldn’t take advice from people.
As usual, our movie review page has a banging playlist for you. To download the music, click on the instructions beneath the QR codes on page 16.
Lagos Fashion Week just ended, and the designers served up a storm. On pages 4 to 5, we highlight some of our favourite designers.
Until next week, enjoy your read.
@onahluciaa + 2348033239132
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
#Unshakable is a state of mind 07 Highlights From Lagos Fashion Week 2024 12 04-05 FASHION
COVER
#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS TRAVEL BEAUTY
Onyeka Michael Ugwu ...Passion For Perfecting Skin
Everything You Need to Know About Hair Gloss Treatment
Travel Mishaps A Guide to Being Extra Careful
Scorpio Season The Resilient Spirit
Cliché Relationship Advice When to And When Not to Listen to Them
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.
Sally Chiwuzie @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
- Contributing Writer
Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.
FASHION
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAGOS FASHION WEEK 2024
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Lagos Fashion Week, which ran from October 23 to October 27, has concluded another spectacular edition, showcasing the finest of African design. Thousands of fashion enthusiasts, buyers, and important industry players worldwide flocked to Lagos, Nigeria, for one of the continent’s most prestigious fashion events, where creativity and commerce met on the runway.
Spring/Summer 2025 designs from designers around Africa were showcased during these five exciting days, showcasing African fashion’s distinct cultural diversity and inventiveness. Brands from Ghana, Kenya, Côte D’Ivoire, and other countries were represented in the lineup, highlighting Lagos Fashion Week’s role as a centre for Pan-African talent. Notable designers who each brought their unique vision to reality were Loza Maléombho of Côte D’Ivoire, Lilabare of Kenya, and Boyedoe and Ajabeng of Ghana.
The event attracted significant interest worldwide, with around 4,000 people in attendance and more than 60 designer collections showcased. Local luxury stores like Alara and Temple Muse also gave African designers a vital platform to network with international consumers and influential figures in the industry.
In addition to the collections, this year’s Lagos Fashion Week was an interactive event that honoured African innovation in all its forms. Möet & Chandon’s welcoming party, which kicked off the festivities, established a boisterous tone for the week. Davido, a Nigerian superstar, surprised the crowd by making an appearance for the local brand Ugo Monye, adding a surprising flair to the runway.
The runway served as a creative canvas as designers showcased striking, exquisite, and distinctive collections of African style. Some of the most notable names were Emmy Kasbit, whose creations gave traditional tailoring a new angle, and Babayo, which is renowned for its modern takes on African design. The other fan favourites, Cynthia Abila, Hertunba, Lady Biba, and WOTE K I Design, all demonstrated how profoundly African culture can influence contemporary fashion.
Lagos Fashion Week 2024 celebrated the vibrant African fashion scene and showcased talent with a variety of shows, showroom experiences, and nightlife events. It was a priceless chance for the designers to become more visible, establish connections with international markets, and set the tone for the upcoming season.
Ajanee
Cute Saint
Lila Bare
Ugo Monye
Desiree Iyama
Awa Meite
Babayo Boyedoe
Heineken 45’CL x Orange Culture
Pepper Row
Jzo
Green Access
Fruche
Hertunba
Jewel Jemila
Kilenter
Wote K I Design
Iremitide
Emmy Kasbit
Fia
Eki Silk
SALLY CHIWUZIE
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
#UNSHAKABLE IS A STATE OF MIND
Lastweek, we introduced the #Unshakable mindset and focused on the fact that it is a personal journey, often filled with complex choices and shades of grey. Through stories A to F, I aimed to illustrate how this mindset can guide us through life’s challenging decisions. Did you find your own insights within those stories? Let’s continue this journey together as we explore what it truly means to be #unshakable.
G for Grace
This year has repeatedly called me to find meaning in this word. In a podcast with a friend, I realised that to receive grace, we must also give it. Giving grace doesn’t mean losing ourselves; it means understanding our boundaries. Boundaries may be like walls, but those walls have doors and windows. Here’s what happened — Amara sat quietly in the kitchen, her mother’s words still echoing in her mind. They’d argued again — her mother’s remarks had stung, and Amara felt misunderstood. As she sat, a thought rose within her: give grace. She took a breath, reminding herself that love can look different from what we expect. Picking up her phone, Amara sent a message: ‘I know you love me, even if it’s sometimes hard to feel.’ Her mother replied almost immediately. Grace flowed between them, mending old wounds. Grace is love in action.
H for Home
b. Presenting the best version of myself
These traits define an #Unshakable woman. Consider the story of India: After months of reflection, she peeled back layers she had long ignored. Her relationship felt stagnant, revealing her false hopes and fear-driven ignorance of red flags. Confronting her habits of self-doubt and avoidance was uncomfortable, but she realised real change required honesty. She ended the relationship, committing to rebuild herself with intention and integrity. Last week, standing beside a partner who valued her true self, India said, “I do”—and meant it fully.
While life is more complex than a Disney story, you get the gist, right?
J for Jealousy
was truly myself within each.
For me, ‘heart and home’ are inseparable. As a migrant, I’ve learned to adapt — to blend in and be what’s expected, adjusting to fit each setting. It’s that classic “when in Rome” approach, shaped by whether the environment feels familiar enough to let my guard down. In a recent podcast, a guest noted my many friendship circles and asked if I
I told her I wouldn’t be part of any group where I couldn’t feel comfortable. My favourite friendships are those where I can break down and still be seen as strong. She smiled, and I shared the highest compliment I give: “You feel like home.” Home is where the heart finds safety and peace.
I for Introspection
I frequently practice introspection to ensure I am: a. Staying true to myself
The key difference between healthy and unhealthy jealousy is how it’s managed. Healthy jealousy is normal and temporary, arising from perceived threats, while unhealthy jealousy is toxic and rigid. After facing emotional challenges, I’ve learned to recognise my jealousy, but the real test is being honest about its type. Take Juliet, for example. Jealousy flared when she saw her boyfriend, Romeo, chatting with an old friend. She took a deep breath, acknowledging her feelings, and later shared them calmly with him, leading to laughter and reassurance. In contrast, Jade experienced jealousy like a tidal wave, obsessively checking her partner’s phone. Juliet’s jealousy sparked growth, while Jade’s fuelled distrust. Can you admit to feeling jealous sometimes?
K for Kissing
I could have found other insightful words that start with K, but kissing is vital— not least because it burns 2-3 calories per minute!
After weeks of silence, Kate and Kris sat across from each other, tension thick in the air. Words failed them until Kate leaned in, heart racing, and pressed her lips against Kris’s, reigniting a spark smothered by doubt.
That kiss transformed everything; it became an unspoken promise to communicate, forgive, and rebuild. It reminded them of their love and renewed their commitment.
So, I encourage you to embrace the power of a kiss this week! Spread some love, and I’ll ‘see’ you next week!
ONYEKA MICHAEL UGWU
...PASSION FOR PERFECTING SKIN
InNigeria, medical aesthetics has revolutionised the skincare sector and made way for cutting-edge procedures that go beyond conventional beauty care. The field has expanded since its beginning, providing answers to skin issues that were previously challenging to address locally. By lowering the cost of these procedures, industry pioneers have altered how consumers view selfcare and beauty. In addition to improving looks, medical aesthetics now seeks to increase self-esteem and enhance lives.
The industry has shaped a new era in beauty, where science and care meet with each new clinic and cutting-edge treatment.
Onyeka Michael Ugwu, a certified medical esthetician and senior laser technician with more than seven years of expertise, is one of the key figures in this movement. In 2019, Onyeka returned to Nigeria after training and working in America to establish Hello Perfect, a skin aesthetics and laser clinic that has revolutionised skincare procedures in the country. Her brand blends top-notch methods with a sincere desire to make people feel good about their skin. She has created an environment through Hello Perfect where people can confidently confront their skin issues and change the way they see themselves and their skin. In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Dorcas Akintoye, Onyeka Michael Ugwu discusses her medical aesthetics journey, Hello Perfect’s influence, and her goal to make advanced skincare affordable for all. She also discusses the development of the skin care sector in Nigeria, the importance of self-assurance, and why her job is about more than just beauty but transforming lives.
What inspired you to become a medical aesthetician, and how has your journey been so far?
My journey into medical aesthetics was driven by a passion to empower individuals through skincare and enhance confidence from within. I’ve always been interested in beauty and skin health, and becoming a medical aesthetic practitioner allowed me to merge science and beauty. The journey has been remarkable, filled with growth, continuous learning, and the fulfilment of making a tangible impact on people’s lives. With Hello Perfect, I’ve touched lives in Nigeria and raised awareness about skin health in ways I could never have imagined.
Can you tell us about a defining moment in your career that made you realise the impact of your work?
A defining moment was when we began our awareness campaign for PCOS. Seeing women respond with relief, feeling understood and supported, truly highlighted the emotional and physical impact we can have. That initiative showed me the power of our platform and motivated me to keep pushing for more awareness and innovation in the field.
is incredibly fulfilling. There’s nothing like knowing that your work has helped someone feel more comfortable in their skin and more confident in themselves.
How do you stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the skincare and aesthetic industry?
I make it a point to attend international conferences, engage with industry publications, and connect with other professionals to stay informed. Also, by frequently educating my team, I ensure Hello Perfect is at the forefront of the latest techniques and technologies.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Navigating the aesthetics industry in Nigeria presented initial challenges, especially around building awareness and trust. I overcame these challenges by staying consistent, offering excellent service, and educating clients. Recently, recovering from social media issues, including disabled accounts, was a challenge as well. It’s a reminder to continually adapt and remain focused on our mission.
What motivated you to return to Nigeria and establish Hello Perfect?
Returning to Nigeria was fueled by the desire to make advanced skincare accessible in my home country. I wanted Nigerians to benefit from top-notch aesthetics care without having to travel abroad.
routines. The industry is also increasingly emphasising inclusivity, ensuring treatments are suitable for all skin types and tones, which is particularly important in a diverse country like Nigeria.
“The journey has been remarkable, filled with growth, continuous learning, and the fulfilment of making a tangible impact on people’s lives. With Hello Perfect, I’ve touched lives in Nigeria and raised awareness about skin health in ways I could never have imagined”
What common skincare myths do you encounter, and how do you debunk them?
One common myth is that people with oily skin don’t need moisturiser. I educate clients that even oily skin requires hydration, and neglecting it can lead to even more oil production as the skin compensates for dryness. I also debunk the idea that “natural” always means safe—some natural ingredients can be harmful or irritating to the skin.
How important is it for people to seek professional skincare treatments versus over-the-counter solutions?
Professional treatments are crucial because they’re tailored to individual skin needs and backed by medical-grade products. Overthe-counter solutions often lack the potency and customisation needed for specific skin concerns. A professional can assess and treat underlying issues, making it more effective than self-treatment.
“Balancing work and family is a priority for me. I structure my time to ensure that I’m present for my family, especially my sons. Additionally, I cherish moments of travel, which give me a chance to relax and recharge. It’s all about setting boundaries and making intentional time for each area of my life.”
The vision was to build a homegrown brand that could compete globally while catering to local skin care needs and concerns.
What sets Hello Perfect apart from other skin aesthetics and laser clinics in Nigeria?
“Navigating the aesthetics industry in Nigeria presented initial challenges, especially around building awareness and trust. I overcame these challenges by staying consistent, offering excellent service, and educating clients. ”
What is the most rewarding part of your job as a Senior Laser Technician and Medical Aesthetician?
The most rewarding part is seeing the transformation in clients’ confidence. Watching clients walk out of Hello Perfect feeling rejuvenated and empowered
Hello Perfect is unique because of our personalised approach. We don’t just provide treatments; we educate our clients and empower them with knowledge about their skin. Our commitment to community outreach, such as PCOS awareness, also underscores our focus on holistic wellness rather than just aesthetics.
In your opinion, what are the most significant trends and advancements in the skincare industry today?
Right now, there’s a big push towards technologydriven, minimally invasive treatments, as well as a focus on personalised, results-based skincare
What role does technology play in modern skincare treatments, and how does Hello Perfect incorporate it?
Technology is at the core of modern aesthetics, from laser treatments to microdermabrasion. At Hello Perfect, we incorporate the latest technologies to offer safe, efficient treatments that deliver visible results. Our investment in advanced equipment allows us to provide world-class care here in Nigeria.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in medical aesthetics or laser therapy?
I would advise them to focus on continuous learning and truly care about the impact they’re making. The industry is evolving quickly, so staying updated is essential. Also, a genuine passion for helping others achieve confidence in their skin is a must.
How do you balance your professional life with your interests, like travelling and spending time with family?
Balancing work and family is a priority for me. I structure my time to ensure that I’m present for my family, especially my sons. Additionally, I cherish moments of travel, which give me a chance to relax and recharge. It’s all about setting boundaries and making intentional time for each area of my life.
What are the most important values that guide your decisions, both personally and professionally? Integrity, compassion, and resilience are my guiding values. Whether in my personal life or at Hello Perfect, I prioritise staying true to my values, genuinely caring for people, and pushing through challenges with grace.
If you could offer one piece of advice to anyone looking to build their self-esteem through skincare or beauty treatments, what would it be?
I would advise them to start by understanding and embracing their unique skin journey. Beauty treatments can be powerful, but self-confidence begins with selfacceptance. Skincare should enhance, not define, one’s selfesteem.
What motivated you to open two more Hello Perfect branches, one in Abuja and the other in Port Harcourt?
The demand and feedback from clients motivated me to expand. I wanted to reach more people and provide accessible, quality skincare across Nigeria. Expanding to Abuja and Port Harcourt allows Hello Perfect to touch more lives and further our mission of empowerment through skincare.
BEAUTY
Everything You Need to Know About
Hair Gloss Treatment
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
When
it comes to hair care, everyone hopes to have smooth, glossy, healthy-looking hair, and the hair gloss treatment is a common procedure that can assist in achieving this. Hair gloss may be the solution if you’re seeking a means to revive the colour of your hair, add shine, and enhance its overall appearance. In this article, we shall explore the meaning of Hair Gloss treatment, how it works, and its many beautiful advantages.
WHAT IS HAIR GLOSS TREATMENT?
Hair Gloss is a hair treatment that improves lustre revives colour and gives your hair a more youthful appearance. It doesn’t severely alter the colour of your hair or harm it with harsh chemicals as permanent hair dye does. A semi-permanent treatment, hair gloss improves shine, moisturises, and seals the hair cuticle. Almost anyone can use it because it can be done on highlighted, coloured, or natural hair. Usually used after a shampooing session, this treatment lasts four to six weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.
6BENEFITS OF HAIR GLOSS TREATMENT
1.BOOSTS SHINE
One of the main reasons people get hair gloss treatments is to add shine to their hair. Pollution, heat styling, and other environmental factors can cause hair to grow dull over time. When hair gloss smoothes down the cuticles, your hair will reflect more light and appear shinier. The outcome? Bright, healthylooking, glossy, mirror-like shine.
Those who have previously dyed their hair are aware that colour fading can occur, resulting in a lifeless and flat appearance. Hair gloss helps bring back the colour of your hair without using harsh chemicals or dyes. It revives the tone of your hair if you have naturally coloured hair or dyed it a different hue. Hair gloss contains pigments that can balance out brassy or dull tones to give your hair a more lively appearance. With no significant shade change, it brings out the richness and vibrancy of your current hue.
Hair gloss protects hair from damage and gives it a beautiful appearance. As pollution, UV rays, and heat styling can weaken and damage hair over time, this protective layer helps shield it from these harmful elements.
Is your hair frizzy or rough? A hair gloss treatment can smooth out its texture and make it seem softer and easier to handle. This is a fantastic solution for those who struggle with flyaways, frizz, or dryness. Hair gloss smooths your hair’s surface by sealing the cuticle. As a result of the decreased friction between the strands, your hair will feel silkier and easier to style.
5. TEMPORARY BUT LONGLASTING RESULTS
One of the nicest things about hair gloss is its transient nature and ability to produce lasting results. This is ideal for someone who enjoys changing their hair routine periodically because it requires no commitment to make a permanent change. Results usually last for approximately four to six weeks despite being semipermanent. You can continue to wear your hair naturally or try a different gloss treatment every few weeks as the treatment progressively wears off. There’s no need to worry about awkward growout phases because it fades smoothly and
Hair gloss is kinder to the hair than chemical treatments or traditional hair dye. It is free of harsh chemicals and ammonia, which can weaken hair strands. Instead, its main objective is to enhance the hair’s appearance without inflicting any harm.
If you want to improve the texture of your hair, add shine, and refresh your colour without damaging it, a hair gloss treatment is a great choice. Given its advantages, it makes sense that so many people are using hair gloss to preserve healthy, gorgeous hair. Whether your hair is colour-treated or natural, this adaptable treatment will help you get the sleek, glossy locks you’ve always desired without requiring a lot of dedication or harsh chemicals.
Travel Mishaps
A Guide to Being Extra Careful
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Flight mix-ups, such as landing at the wrong destination, are a nightmare for travellers. Whether caused by airline errors, miscommunication, or personal mistakes, such experiences can gravely disrupt passengers’ plans.
Now, there are certain times when the fault for these terrible happenings comes from the end of the airlines. An ideal example is the case of Mr Godspower Unung, who missed his wedding ceremony due to setbacks caused by Royal Air Maroc Airline, which landed at the wrong destination. So, here are five travel guides and tips to avoid getting dropped off at the wrong destination.
DOUBLE-CHECK YOUR BOOKING
Double-checking booking details is a simple but effective way to prevent flight mix-ups. This includes ensuring that your departure and arrival airports are correct and verifying the dates and times of your flights. Sometimes, similar airport codes or city names can lead to confusion, especially if you are booking flights with unfamiliar airlines or through third-party websites.
Flight schedules can change unexpectedly due to airline logistics, weather conditions, or operational issues. An excellent way to avoid being caught off guard is to sign up for up-to-date alerts from your airline. These notifications will inform you of any changes to your flight, including gate changes, delays, or even rerouted destinations. If your destination changes due to unforeseen circumstances, knowing early can give you enough time to make alternative arrangements.
USE VERIFIED AIRLINE WEBSITES OR TRUSTED TRAVEL AGENTS
Booking your flights through verified airline websites or trusted travel agents can significantly reduce the risk of errors. When using third-party booking platforms, mistakes can occur, such as being booked to the wrong city or country with similar airport codes. In addition, some third-party websites might not update flight details efficiently. Using official airline sites ensures that the information is up to date.
KEEP YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS HANDY
CONFIRM THE DESTINATION MULTIPLE TIMES
Especially on long-distance flights with stops, it’s important to confirm your final destination multiple times during the journey. When boarding at the gate, verify with airline staff that you are on the right flight to your intended destination. Airline employees sometimes announce the destination before boarding begins, but it’s good practice to ask for confirmation. Additionally, check the gate screens and your boarding pass to avoid getting on the wrong connecting flight.
Keeping accessible travel documents, either printed or on a mobile app, helps you stay organised throughout your trip. Apps like Google Trips allow you to store all booking information in one place, including flight details, hotel reservations, and transportation. This reduces the chances of confusion, especially when travelling between multiple locations or time zones.
In conclusion, while travel mix-ups can happen, being active with your flight planning can save you from a great deal of stress. From double-checking your booking details to monitoring flight changes and using reliable booking channels, following these steps will help ensure you arrive at your intended destination smoothly.
Scorpio Season The Resilient Spirit
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
ELEMENT: WATER
RULING PLANET: MARS & PLUTO
SYMBOL: SCORPION
FLOWER: GERANIUMS
BIRTHSTONES: TOPAZ
DATE: OCTOBER 22 - NOVEMBER 21
Marking an entrance into a period of intense energy, deep emotional exploration, and personal transformation, we welcome the Scorpio season, which runs from October 22 to November 21.
Scorpio is a season ruled by Mars (the planet of action) and Pluto (the planet of rebirth). Its influence invites us to confront our innermost feelings, embrace change, and seek out deeper truths in life. It’s a time when secrets are uncovered, personal power is awakened, and we are encouraged to let go of anything that no longer serves us.
People born under the Scorpio sign are known for their intense and magnetic personalities. Often seen as mysterious, they possess a depth of emotion that they usually keep hidden beneath a calm exterior. We will highlight traits that make Scorpios unique for our zodiac special.
Fearless And Transformative
Their ruling planets, Mars and Pluto, make Scorpios both fearless and transformative. They have a natural ability to navigate life’s challenges, often emerging stronger and more determined. Scorpios are also known for their sharp intuition— they can easily sense deception or hidden motives. Loyalty and trust are paramount to them, and they tend to form deep bonds with those they love.
Possessiveness
While their intensity can sometimes lead to possessiveness or jealousy, Scorpios are at their best when they channel their powerful emotions into personal growth. Their natural resilience, passion for truth, and ability to reinvent themselves make them one of the zodiac’s most intriguing and dynamic signs.
Intuitive And Resilient
One of Scorpios’ key characteristics is its intuitive nature. Scorpios can easily pick up on hidden emotions or unspoken truths, giving them a unique insight into people and situations. Scorpios are also known for their resilience—they face challenges head-on and often come out stronger.
Difficulty Opening Up
Scorpios often keep their emotions bottled up, fearing vulnerability. This reluctance to share their true feelings can lead to misunderstandings with loved ones, as others may feel shut out or confused about their emotional state. Embracing vulnerability is essential for fostering deeper connections.
Scorpios are a force to be reckoned with, driven by their intense passions, unwavering loyalty, and profound emotional depth. While their journey may be marked by challenges, their resilience and ability to transform through life’s trials make them one of the zodiac’s most powerful signs.
Whoopi Goldberg, 13th November
Falz, 27th October
Ice Prince, 30th October
Cliché Relationship Advice
When to And When Not to Listen to Them
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
We’ve all heard certain relationship advice repeated so frequently that it has become cliché. Although some of these suggestions are useful, others may be deceptive, particularly if taken out of context. The fact is that relationships are complicated, and not every circumstance may benefit from the same advice. This essay will examine four common pieces of cliché relationship advice and explain when it makes sense to follow them and when it’s best to ignore them.
1.LOVECONQUERS ALL
Love is a strong emotion that can inspire you to overcome obstacles like distance or financial hardships, as well as trying moments and misunderstandings. Love is often the basis for overcoming challenges in a partnership. When this advice promotes staying in unhealthy or toxic relationships, it may be detrimental. No matter how much love there is, it is insufficient to resolve problems like emotional abuse, disrespect, or conflicting life goals. Understanding that certain issues call for expert assistance or separation in these situations is critical.
2.OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Indeed, having unique qualities might occasionally help a relationship stay balanced. Individuals may exhibit contrasting traits, such as spontaneity and organisation, which, when combined, have a complementary effect. You may both develop and learn from each other when you have opposing strengths. Despite their tendency to end quickly, opposites do attract. Differing views on fundamental principles such as integrity, decency, or aspirations in life might lead to an argument. There may be long-term friction if your views on family, money, or lifestyle differ.
3.TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS
Emotional pain can be healed by time, particularly following a breakup or major argument. Clarity can come from being distant from the hurt, which enables you to process your emotions and ultimately move past old hurts. This advice may remind you to be patient with your recovery process. Not all scars can be healed by time alone. Emotional wounds may eventually fester if they are not treated. People frequently require therapy, honest conversation, and deliberate efforts to comprehend and express their emotions to heal. Ignoring the core cause and waiting for time to pass can result in reoccurring problems in the future.
4. YOU SHOULD NEVER CHANGE FOR SOMEONE
In any relationship, it’s critical to remain loyal to yourself. It’s a warning sign if your partner asks you to modify core aspects of your identity, such as your values, beliefs, or aspirations. Healthy relationships flourish When spouses embrace each other for who they are. In relationships, self-improvement and compromise are essential. It is not about altering who you are when your partner urges you to be more responsible, communicative, or thoughtful; instead, it is about becoming a better person and partner. Love and respect for one another can motivate positive change that can strengthen your relationship.
CONCLUSION
In some instances, clichéd advice on relationships might be beneficial, but knowing when to take it seriously and proceed cautiously is crucial. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to relationships; what works for one pair might not work for another. You’ll be more capable of handling the highs and lows of love if you consider the advice you are given carefully and implement it in your relationship. Never forget that the true secrets of a long-lasting relationship are selfawareness, respect for one another, and healthy communication.
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
Venom: The Last Dance
Theworst mistake the third part of a superhero trilogy can make is thinking what we need is a lot of new plots. Remember when the exposition-spouting butler turned up halfway through Spider-Man 3? Well, so it goes with Venom: The Last Dance, the latest misadventure of ex-journalist Eddie Brock and Venom, the alien symbiote living in his skin. The lethal protector is back for a third sloppy, oddly bloodless adventure, and he’s buried under a backstory you never knew you needed … because you didn’t.
After the infuriating tease of Venom in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) timeline provided by his postcredit cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Eddie Brock (Hardy) and his travelling companion (also Hardy in motion capture) are back in their own universe. They’re hungover and on the run from the cops, the alien hunters of Area 51 led by General Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and Knull. Who?
So, it turns out that Knull is … ancient evil who created the symbiotes and is imprisoned for all time, blah blah blah. Played under Computer Generated Images (CGI) by Andy Serkis (who directed the last film, Venom: Let There be Carnage) and presented here as a cutrate Thanos, he sends his lackeys to hunt down Venom and Eddie Brock, as they are the key to his release and blah blah destroy all life. You know how it goes.
Somehow, The Last Dance is simultaneously 20 minutes too long for the script they have and 30 minutes too short for the story they want to tell. No one could possibly care about the fight scenes, which aren’t quite as incoherently shot as anything in the prior two films but are utterly nonsensical as storytelling. Instead, the flashes of what makes this franchise fun are its absurd and underserved idiosyncrasies. Give us more of Eddie with a hangover getting rag-dolled by a jubilant Venom as they argue over shoes. Give us more of the crazy alienspotting hippie family (led by Rhys Ifans) and their bizarre singalong covers of David Bowie. And definitely give us
more of Peggy Lu as convenience store owner and Venom’s #1 crush, Mrs Chen.
Maybe those sequences are fun because they play to Hardy’s strengths as an actor and the scripts of first-time feature director Kelly Marcel. She gets that there’s something fun about watching Tom Hardy having fun, and boy is he having fun. The Eddie/Venom double act is still a deranged delight, whether they’re mixing cocktails or sucking out the brains from the skulls of dog abusers.
None of that gets old, but it’s drowned in a torrent of new backstories and a deluge of previously unseen supporting characters who turn out to be Very Important for Reasons That Will Become Clear in Future Films.
Paper-thin characters with a single defining trait, such as “struck by lightning as a child” or “likes Christmas”, waste talented performers like Juno Temple. (Meanwhile, good luck hearing even a mention of Anne Weying, Eddie’s fiancée, played by Michelle Williams in the first two films.) Maybe they’re all too preoccupied by the huge arsenal of Chekhov’s guns littered around the script. Why is the Army melting down trucks with a huge acid shower? So there’ll be a handy acid shower for the third act, of course. Just don’t think about it. As a trilogy capper, The Last Dance is barely a shuffle and more a shimmy. Moreover, as Sony seemingly attempts to expand their own Spider-Verse to compete with the MCU, their big bad is barely a factor. The script does nothing to elevate Knull’s threat level. He’s introduced with a boring monologue and then all but sidelined. If Sony is setting him up as their Thanos, they have endless work to do.
Worst of all, it’s such a tepid ending to a franchise that made the brilliant initial casting decision of casting Tom Hardy twice, then made the self-sabotaging choice of putting his skull-chomping not-quite-a-hero in a PG-13 setting. If the multiverse is kind, maybe one day we’ll be seeing Venom and Deadpool teaming up for an R-rated romp that mostly involves infuriating Wolverine. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and Tom Hardy will want to do this until he’s 90. But if this is how he goes out, it’s a shame it’s more X-Men Origins: Wolverine than Logan
Rating:3.5/10
Guillermo del Toro joins the ranks of episodic genre anthology curators like Alfred Hitchcock and Rod Serling with his Cabinet of Curiosities. For his limited anthology series, Del Toro assembles a Murderers’ Row of horror filmmakers; each story contained within his ornate oddities cabinet. That singular, eponymous item doesn’t just anchor the anthology but serves as a visual representation of the type of vintage scary story collection that Cabinet of Curiosities unfurls.
Del Toro introduces each selected tale like a sophisticated carnival announcer. A short monologue ensues as the genre maestro opens his cabinet and plucks out a representative item for each curated story along with a carved figurine of its director.
Series creator and executive producer del Toro handselected each story and director, uniting their distinct visions through a recurring
theme of hidden, shifting realities. The episodes range from the macabre to classic frights to the fantastical, from the distant past to the present, all sending its central characters on unexpected journeys.
Despite the varied tales and visionaries behind them, Cabinet of Curiosities retains a homogenous look that makes them feel like
one unified collection of horror. That’s largely thanks to the consistent and impressive efforts behind the scenes that include production designer Tamara Deverell (Nightmare Alley, “The Strain”) and costume designer Luís Sequeira (Nightmare Alley, The Shape of Water, Mama). While it gives a luxurious quality to the series, that uniformity makes it harder for the filmmakers to separate themselves from the pack.
Del Toro succeeds in crafting a technically impressive and cohesive anthology. The roster of talent on display is incredible, and that reflects in the series’ quality. While the series visually impresses, its commitment to thematic unity means that Cabinet of Curiosities plays more like a soothing lullaby with some level of predictability. Overall, these aren’t stories that will keep you up at night but rather quiet introspections that dabble in cosmic or existential horrors.
taves
Wallows - Remember When
Johnny Yukon - MADNESS
Alex Isley; Masego; Jack Dine - Good [bsd.u] - Bebop