THEWILL DOWNTOWN
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
MAYORKUN Back in Office is
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
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Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Desire Onyema @desire_makeover
EDITOR’S NOTE
I
remember as a young girl my dad asked me what I’d want to be when I grew up. ‘A model’, I said. He ignored me and then asked again. ‘An actress’, I responded this time. Again, he ignored me. And over time, my responses to this question mutated – singer, performer. His responses stayed the same. Until finally he’d had enough: “You are being lazy, you will study law”, he said. And that was the end of my dream of being in the entertainment industry. I think about that conversation with my dad quite often, and wonder if I would have made a good singer. I certainly thought I had a good singing voice at the time, and also enjoyed presentations and poetry so what was the worst that could happen? Looking back in hindsight now, I realize that the entertainment industry is more than just a good voice, confidence, or a pretty face. It is exceedingly difficult to penetrate and so more often than not, young artists have ’godfathers’ who help to pull strings to take their career to the next level. The hours of writing and recording, coupled with tours and trying to get signed on to a good record label all add to the rigours that come with the job. Let’s not forget having to try to get radio stations to play your songs from a pool of requests that they get per minute from new artists…Daddy, you were wrong. It really is seriously hard work. Not many work harder than our cover personality for this issue, Adewale Mayo Emmanuel, AKA Mayorkun, who is also referred to as the Mayor of Lagos, was as we all know, famously discovered by Davido. He has come into his own and is now signed on with Sony music. With the recent attention Nigerian artists are getting which in turn has birthed several collaborations with international stars, it will be interesting to see if his new record label will position him for one of such collaborations - ‘If the chemistry is right‘. This week’s issue also pays homage to breast cancer survivors in our fashion and wellness pages. I know it’s the last day, but you know what they say: better late than never. Downtown Confidential (our sex page) talks about role play this week, while Bolu, our movie review guy, s hares his opinion aboutthe new movie,Dune. He really makes me want to go see it, and soon! Don’t miss Downtown Websights where we dish and analyse the latest social media frenzy. Until next week, enjoy your read.
Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa
AUSTYN OGANNAH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Senior Lifestyle Editor: Ayodele Johnson Writers: Kehinde Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Graphics/Layout: Olatunji Samson, Olaniyan John Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown
CONTENTS 16
COVER MAYORKUN IS BACK IN OFFICE
WEBSIGHTS DOWNTOWN MARITAL BROUHAHA, FORBIDDEN TAPES, AND A PROGRESSIVE BENIN REPUBLIC
04-05 FASHION
WHAT YOU COULD BE WEARING THIS PINKTOBER
14-15
Photo by Walter Banks
SPECIAL FEATURE IN CONVERSATION WITH JAYPAUL
13
BEAUTY 7 MUST - HAVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS
06
THE SCENE DOWNTOWN THE RETURN OF LAGOS COCKTAIL WEEK
07
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL YOU HAVE BEEN A NAUGHTY LITTLE BOY
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REVIEW DUNE
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 @bolugram - 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.
Efua Oyofo @efuastar
- Contributing Writer Efua has always enjoyed telling stories. A writer and cultural storyteller, Efua Oyofo helps clients tell their most compelling story. She focuses on social impact storytelling, and hosts a podcast: This African Love, exploring the culture of dating - and helping people develop more effective ways to navigate relationships in today’s world.
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WELLNESS 6 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BREAST CANCER
WHAT YOU SAID INSTAGRAM @chinonsotherevolutionary
@wadamiamolegbe
@ Imma_anosike
@me_rcy5551
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VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
FASHION
What You Could Be Wearing
THIS PINKTOBER
Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon
BY ONAH NWACHUKWU & B L E S S I N G M U K O R H O
E
very October, people all over the world honour breast cancer patients and survivors through fundraisers, awareness walks and events. This has led to increased awareness of early detection plans, as well as research funding and financial support for breast cancer patients.
To honour breast cancer patients and survivors, we have put together a catalogue of Pinktober inspired styles and accessories you can explore.
Girls Aloud
Spot stylish dresses, skirts or pants this Pinktober to show support. Ultimately, accessories are very important so add a pop of colour to your nude or neutral look with a pink Lisa Folawiyo beaded bag, and a pair of elegant shoes. Floral-print Pleated Crepe Midi Skirt BALENCIAGA
Pink Jacket With Double B Khaki Pants ATAFO
High-rise Wool-blend Flared-leg Trousers CHLOE One-shoulder Chiffon-overlay Silk Gown VALENTINO
High School Nostalgia ATAFO
Scoop-neck Bouclé Mini Dress BOTTEGA VENETA Heart On Heart Motif Dress LISA FOLAWIYO
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Azalea Floral Guipure Lace Mini Dress SELF-PORTRAIT
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
FASHION
Candy Man
Denola Grey in Kai Collective
You know what they say: Real men wear pink. With various options at your disposal, it is now less difficult to style an outfit that shows your support for breast cancer awareness. Go all out like Steve Harvey and Terry Crews and we promise you, you’ll look as dapper as they do. For a less formal look, you may style your button-down silk shirt with jewellery and striped pants like Denola Grey, or wear this simple pink Post-Imperial patterned shirt. Finally, accessories! Finish off your Pinktober look with a pink Panama hat or men’s loafers.
Studio Hand Beaded Top Handle Bag LISA FOLAWIYO
Pink Twill Sling-back Pumps PRADA
Lurum Crystal Leaf Mule MANOLO BLAHNIK Jacquemus La Montagne Pink Purse Aviator Sunglasses DIOR
Bryan Okwara in Lisk Floral Bespoke
Steve Harvey
Men’s Loafers AMALI
Vim Tree Cotton Summer Panama
Pink Bow Tie LANZONIA
Terry Crews
Richard Mofe Damijo
Linen Hopsack Suit Jacket Pink Galactic Ijebu Shirt POST- IMPERIAL
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VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
FASHION THE SCENE DOWNTOWN
THE RETURN OF
LAGOS COCKTAIL WEEK BY ONAH NWACHUKWU
culture in Nigeria.
L
agos Cocktail Week held its annual event this year at the Federal Palace Hotel, in Victoria Island and let’s just say the twoday event was worth the wait. Although the event which is normally held yearly skipped last year due to COVID -19, it came back bigger and better, bringing people together to celebrate the cocktail
Lara Rawa
Antoinette Lecky Hushpuppi
From the conference which gave attendees the opportunity to network and learn more about the hospitality business, to the cocktail village where guests sampled specially curated cocktails from the sponsors and the bar battle which saw four bartenders go home with cash prizes, this year’s edition was definitely one for the books.
Barene Jankovich-Besan Marketing Director Pernod Ricard Nigeria
Cocktail by Chucks, Rodo
Deyemi Okanlawon
Diane Russet
Aisha Nichole
Elozonam
Joseph Chukwuma & On yinye Elochukwu, Brand Manag er Fayrouz
Ogujuiba, Onah Nwachukwu, Azuka ya Oko fik Tao Lara Rawa &
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ke Bamgbade
& Ron Berg Baboyan, Alex Oke
Cocktails
Tiwa Savage & Olumide
Oworu
a Grey
Elizabeth Isiorho & Denol
Tiwa Savage, Elizabeth Isio rho, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi & Ab isola Dejonwo
Timini Egbuson
Sweet & Spicy
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL
You Have Been a
Naughty Little Boy
BY TILEWA KAZEEM
E
Illustration by Victor Asowata
very day, as humans, we spend an average of four hours a day daydreaming and for some professional daydreamers (I see you Bella Shmurda) twenty-four hours aren’t enough. Of those hours we spend staring into the empty nothingness, we browse through the best hits including the infamous ‘If I can just see ten billion dollars right now.’ However, amongst all those assortments of reveries, one isn’t as publicised as others. We all have them (some more than others) and just like those dreams of discovering two million dollars laying on the ground somewhere, we desperately wish they could come true. I’m talking about steamy sexual fantasies. I understand it’s a touchy-feely subject for most people but it’s almost as natural as breathing or getting horny. It’s that all-essential journey to arousal we all strap in for and at times, they might not arrive at our desired outcome but hey, if that’s not life then I don’t know what is. Like dementors hurdled around scheduling intermittent coups d’é·tat, we are never completely rid of these hot thoughts, as a matter of fact, our subconscious is under siege and eventually plagued by them from time to time. But unlike our regular joust with mini sexual trances, this is a different strain of erotic fantasies. Once in it, it’s like starring in a sitcom where the role of the other character (male or female) is to totally and utterly ravage you. No holds barred! You get to be in an upside-down world with someone, that may or may not be your partner and you both live separate lives but strive to achieve a common purpose; precarious, soul
snatching, body contouring, sweat drowning sex. One where a plumber comes to fix a leaky pipe, or an older female colleague finally lets you pound one out. Usually, these erogenous mirages couldn’t be worse at timing. You’d be trying to get work done one minute and the next you’re in Wonderland with your partner, wearing a slutty Nigeria Police Force uniform and yourself as a criminal, bound in handcuffs. But, most times insecurities, anxiety, and the fear of being judged allow them to remain fantasies, trapped and resulting in unwanted pentup sexual energy and quintessential sex with your partner. Sometimes as humans, we wish for someone kinky, adventurous, and audacious in the sheets to try out all our sexual desires with. No luggage, baggage, and completely drama-free. But you’re better off finding a needle in a haystack. More often than not, like a blacksmith forging a sword, you’re going to have to bang repeatedly till you find the right one. Bringing roleplay into the mix of a relationship is not as easy as cracking eggs and if not well introduced, can destabilize or destroy a relationship (romantic or otherwise). Luckily, I, as usual, have a few pointers to help you overcome today’s problem and possibly tomorrow’s lesson. Like Two Points, Find Where You Meet It can be tricky bringing roleplay up with your bae, boo, or partner. When approaching the topic of acting out a fantasy, it is best to play on a real-life scenario. How do I mean? Let’s assume you and your partner are seeing a movie that happens to have a scene with similar props as your fantasy, you could test the waters by throwing out a question like “Would you like it if I wore this during sex?” That way, you’d get the necessary
Bringing roleplay into the mix of a relationship is not as easy as cracking eggs and if not well introduced, can destabilize or destroy a relationship “
information and not have to worry about putting yourself out there without a safety harness or net. Whatever Happens in The Bedroom, Stays in The Bedroom Like a therapist’s office, everything said and done in the bedroom is void of judgment. Only then will you be able to totally and freely talk about your fantasies and desires. Binding your partner by a pact can be helpful. ‘Whoever laughs at what the opposite party says does the dishes for a week’ is an adequate punishment. To be able to fully enjoy sexual exploration, you must understand that your proclivities will not be revealed to anyone else. With that out of the way, you can finally tell her that being chased around with koboko does it for you. Good luck champ! I’m rooting for you. Processing A Fantasy This is probably the most important tip of all the listed tips. It just might be the most trustworthy ‘tip’ related conversation you’ll ever hear in the bedroom. Our fantasies of what we want in bed are often contradictions of who we are in reality. If your partner is a lawyer and he wants to be treated like Anini in the bedroom then treat him as such as long as it is consensual. The fantasies you’d hear might seem unnatural or bizarre but that shouldn’t be your concern. How you use that knowledge to create thrilling, dazzling, and frightening fun in the bedroom should be your paramount interest. Stay in The Shallow End Now that secrets have been traded, it’s off to the tailor to help bring your school girl reverie to reality. I advise that you both exercise some patience after sharing. Taking this bedroom kink too fast is like taking a sledgehammer to everything you’ve worked on. For one to swim, one must first learn to float. Try acting out a character in the bedroom first before strapping on those costumes. Have A Safe Word It’s completely normal to feel uncomfortable in such new circumstances which is why having a safe word is important. What this does is allow your partner to know when what you’re doing is no longer fun for them and they need to stop. For example, my safe word is Orangutan. I’m not a fan of them or anything of the sort, it’s just better yelling an endangered ape in the bed than ‘no’. Having a safe word is very important when exploring a new kink. Hearing ‘no’ or ‘stop’ in the bedroom can be very demoralising for any gender. Cloaking them with another word helps lessen the pressure.
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VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
COVER
MAYORKUN is Back in Office The year is 2016, one of Africa’s most promising acts at the time, Davido decides he wants to spread his wings even further; so he signs two gifted but raw talents whom he strongly believes will be the next big thing in music. Many are unsure if he’s making the right move but if the Meteoric rise of Mayorkun is anything to go by, it’s safe to say he hit the bull’s eye. Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, known by millions of fans as Mayorkun, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, pianist, and all-around entertainer. His discovery could be credited to fate as he was introduced to Davido on Twitter after covering his song The Money. He would go on to sign with Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) and spend the next six years topping charts and touring exotic countries with his sensei but as they say, nothing lasts forever. Today his contract with his former label has expired and he is in a position where he must take his destiny by his own hands and prove to fans, naysayers, and perhaps even himself that he has what it takes to stand on his own two feet and explore uncharted waters. Undoubtedly one of the best male solo artistes of his time, he has hit the ground running with a new record deal with Sony Music and an album on the way titled Back In Office subtly hinting at the fact that he’s been away for a little while. He sits down with Chisom Njoku, and DOWNTOWN’s Tilewa Kazeem for an indepth and intriguing conversation about the moments that have led up to this point, his humble beginnings, and his grand aspirations for the future.
PHOTO by Walter Banks
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
COVER
W
hat is your earliest memory of making music?
My earliest memory would be in the church. We used to mime Simi’s songs. At the time she was more focused on the gospel music scene. I remember finishing as the runner-up in a singing competition performing Ara Ile, one of her songs. The prize for coming second -on paper- was one million naira. I’m still expecting the money till now. Growing up, what was your childhood like? Where do we geotag the origin of the Mayorkun? I grew up in Ilasamanja, Oshodi, Mushin, and Surulere. We used to live in Ilasa but I went to churches in Mushin, Ojuelegba, there’s also this place called Randle Avenue as well. These were places I shuffled between. Were you a musically gifted child? Was I one of those kids who could play the piano at the age of 2 and hit all the notes before I knew how to crawl? No, I couldn’t. I just always had an ear for it. Let me tell a story. Before the world transitioned from VHS to VCD, my dad bought a tape of Bob Marley that celebrated his existence. It was a tribute tape that encapsulated all his songs and my siblings and I always listened to it. We rinsed and washed that tape and we were oblivious to the reggae genre or who he was. All I know is, we listened to it all the time. So, we got into a church, in front of our house. We weren’t choristers then. We were singing from one side of the small parlour-sized church, and the choirmaster who was not so far away heard us and that was how he asked us to join. So, I wouldn’t say I was gifted, I just used to pick up on things fast. I used to play the drums and the guitar. At the time, the church had a policy; it was those who knew how to sing who held the microphone. Those who didn’t were relegated to backup singers. Some people had been there for seven years and for some reason, they hadn’t gotten the microphone. In my case, I was fighting for the microphone the next Sunday after I had joined. I don’t know whether to call it a gift or a talent but I just know I had an ear for music. The fame, meeting David, and signing with him, did you see any of it coming? I feel like my chance at fame was the dictionary definition of a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity. Up until we stepped into the studio that night to record Eleko, none of it was certain. Mind you, I had already blown up my job at the bank so there was no going back. We had picked the beat, wrote the lyrics, all without David’s consent. I had done two verses and the hook before I met David.
Photo by Caesar
I got the name from my Uber driver. He took me wherever I went and he was the only Uber driver I used whenever I needed to go somewhere. At the time, when people saw me, they assumed he was probably my driver not knowing it was necessary packaging at the time. Every time he’d come to get the door for me, he would call me Mayor of Lagos and after some time, the name just stuck” Were you under any pressure making that record? If I hear say I no dey under pressure! I was in the studio and I could hear people calling other people over the phone that the guy David wanted to sign (me)was here. The studio was jam-packed, the house was choked with people so you can imagine the pressure. After we made the song, it was a hit. Everyone was singing that song, from the chef to the security guard. It became a mantra within the circle. We were supposed to drop this song on a Friday, B-red came on a Thursday and insisted we drop the song. And that’s how we ended up dropping the song a day before it was meant to be released. From that point onwards, we’ve been navigating.
How did your mom, being a popular figure at the time, handle the career detour, and how strong was resistance from your parents? I don’t think any normal parent would support that. I had to make her understand how big of a deal this was and how extremely rare it was as well. I can’t count how many times we had to revisit the idea of it being the real Davido. And the fact that I had a job made it a lot more difficult. Leaving the security of a job, for something that she felt was too big a leap. There’s nothing that I didn’t show my mom; I told her we had a song, I showed her the messages he sent to me, yet she remained skeptical until she saw it was real then she relaxed. How was your moniker, Mayor Of Lagos derived? Funny story, I got the name from my Uber driver. He took me wherever I went and he was the only Uber driver I used whenever I needed to go somewhere. At the time, when people saw me, they assumed he was probably my driver not knowing it was necessary packaging at the time. Every time he’d come to get the door for me, he would call me Mayor of Lagos and after some time, the name just stuck. At what point did you realize that you’d become famous? I think it was after I released Mama. After I released Eleko, On YouTube I had a million views in seven days but I still went to some places and they hadn’t heard the song and I kept wondering where the one million people were. With Eleko, I wasn’t feeling so famous, but with Mama, I dropped this song and I had no idea it was popping until I was at a rooftop party. I walked in with that new artiste aura and swag. Completely unaware that the song was already a sensation, I was looking for where to sit while the song came on. I just saw it as a normal thing; the DJ had seen me come in so he played the song. Next thing, he pauses the song and the crowd choruses the song at the top of their voices and I couldn’t hide my
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VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
COVER
I don’t know if you remember when David tweeted about his boys saying he wants them to find their way after their contracts run out? I think he has two tweets to that effect. He wants everyone to be their bosses but don’t neglect home” Photo by Walter Banks
astonishment. When it was time to leave, locating my car was a problem. The flashing lights and cameras in my face from different angles were proof. At a time there were rumours of murmurs (allegedly sparked by B-red) in the HKN camp of David pushing you more compared to your counterparts. What’s your take on this? Till today, I still don’t know where this rumor originated from. If there is evidence where he said whatever I’d like to see it but there isn’t. At some point, he heard those things. One day he came home to Lekki and said I should put on some clothes, I did, we took a selfie and I posted it on my Instagram. That was how we curbed the whole hearsay. What inspires your music? Everything. I’ll give you an example; Of Lagos. The reason I recorded Of Lagos was because there’s this bar I go to and at that bar, they play a lot of Amapiano and we hated that I wasn’t on that set, as a matter of fact, there was no Nigerian on that set and that fanned the flame more. There was this guy that always requested Amapiano from the DJ. Everyone at the bar knows, once he goes to the DJ it’s over. For the rest of the night, all you’ll hear is Amapiano. So I made Of Lagos inside that bar. The second example is No Strings Attached. That too was recorded inside a bar as well. I walked into a club sober at around 3am and I spotted a guy trying
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to woo this lady but it was evident he couldn’t find the right words. After futile attempts to convince her, he just offered her money. I just watched and laughed. After we got home. We made the beat from scratch. There’s a video of how we did it on YouTube. In terms of collaborations, what do you think about the newfound attention Nigerian artistes are getting, and is it something you want? I can’t lie, of course, I want it but I think it is best I don’t force it. I wouldn’t want a scenario where we don’t vibe but I’m bound by contract to deliver. It should be organic to a degree that even if it’s a contract, the fact that we vibe to an extent, we can make magic. There’s been a ton of times I’ve been in the studio with big acts and I just sat there not trying to get a picture or anything I just sat there observing the whole scenery. The next time we meet somewhere else, I’ll remind the person of that day. I remember when I saw 9ice after our first encounter and I reminded him and he responded by saying the exact street we first met. It blew my mind! As a kid, I was a huge fan of his, and apparently,
he was a huge fan of my mom so when we met somewhere around Yaba, I was extremely starstruck and throughout the time he spent with my mom, I completely froze till he drove off. Why didn’t you renew your contract with DMW? I feel like people forget things very easily. I don’t know if you remember when David tweeted about his boys saying he wants them to find their way after their contracts run out? I think he has two tweets to that effect. He wants everyone to be their bosses but don’t neglect home. He was present at my album listening party. I’ll be going to his show in America sometime in March. There’s no beef there, it’s just people trying to find something that’s not there. When the comments became too much, I logged out of my Instagram. If this thing had happened 50 years after I stayed with him it would still be the same reaction so why not just rip off the band-aid right now as opposed to later and save us the headache. And the thing is it’s not that deep but I get why everybody wants to make it deep so the story will sell. Where will he put his new signees? In an already filled-up label? It wouldn’t work. Even at school, final year students have to graduate to make way for the next set so again it’s not that deep. What makes this new project different from what came before it? Growth. Like I said before, there’s an evident improvement in my penmanship lyrically. Like my first track on the album, I talked about personal experiences and stuff like that. I noticed that the album doesn’t have that many collaborations, does that give a hint at how personal this album is to you? At some point, they were trying to get me to feature international acts on the project but they didn’t suit the type of sound I was trying to create so it was best to leave it that way. I am sure so many labels would have wanted to sign you but what made you choose Sony? The first deal I got was in 2018. The label wasn’t offering something I wasn’t already making on my own so I just ignored it. But with this one, they had to be convincing. And with African music growing larger than what it used to be, you’d need a platform with a wider audience and I felt like Sony had it. At what point did you realize that this might be harder and more challenging than it looks? Normally, I’m not used to the bureaucracy of music. While I was at DMW, it didn’t take us so long to put out music. So considering that I’m a new inductee I understand the need for them to want to dot their I’s and cross their T’s. I knew I wasn’t going to drop music for the next five months and I had to prepare my mind for that. I went back to retouching songs. Mind you, I was still making appearances at shows back to back while I was tweaking songs. At some point, I was tired but I’m glad it all worked out because I was exhausted.
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Movie Review:
DUNE
Director: Denis Villeneuve Based on the novel written by: Frank Herbert Cast: Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Zendaya as Chani, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban, Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Liet Kynes, Stephen Henderson as Thufir Hawat, Chang Chen as Dr. Wellington Yueh, David Dastmalchian as Piter De Vries, Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam, Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Golda Rosheuvel as Shadout Mapes
T
o be aware of Dune, Frank Herbert’s high-fantasy science fiction novel is to be cognizant of the fact that it is an unwieldy beast. A novel so massive in scope it defies adaptation, yet so ornate and lyrical it taunts filmmakers and showrunners into trying. Since Frank Herbert’s book first came out in 1965, there has been a David Lynch movie based on its story, a TV series, and a famously ill-fated attempt by Alejandro Jodorowsky to capture its grandeur. Now, in 2021, Denis Villeneuve—one of the most respected sci-fi directors of his generation—is releasing his attempt at putting Dune on the big screen. It’s practically begging the question: Has Dune’s time finally come? I would say not just yet - not because the film is bad, far from it. The film is incomplete, very much so by design. Less than half of the story told in Herbert’s novel is translated onto screen here. Director Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Blade Runner 2049) has an understanding that to faithfully adapt all of Dune, one film is not enough. The plot threads set up in this film, however, set up the sequel for a bombastic conclusion. The core tale of Dune, which involves the powerful Atreides and Harkonnen families squabbling over the planet Arrakis and its spice; a mineral so valuable that it powers interstellar travel and commerce is all there, replete with all the hallmarks of this foreign, inscrutable world. The film juxtaposes fever-dream science-fantasy
with medieval imagery: Sinister space nuns in billowing robes descend from looming spaceships; Interplanetary treaties are embossed with wax seals beneath fluttering banners; Berserker armies make blood sacrifices before donning silent jetpacks. It’s all faceless helmets and deep shadows as the action moves from rain-slicked granite to iridescent sand, set to a hypnotic and throbbing Hans Zimmer score of wailing choirs, electric drones, nerve-jangling percussion, and great honking bwaarrrrps. And bagpipes. One of the most eye-catching things about the initial previews of this film was the cast. An all-star group of actors brought a sense of gravitas to this flick that could have veered into very cheesy territory. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), is Dune’s reluctant messiah figure and heir to House Atreides. Oscar Isaac plays Paul’s father, Duke Leto Atreides, as a careworn but kind ruler who’s aware he’s being steered into a trap when asked to take over Arrakis. Leto’s trusted military advisers, Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa) and Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin) serve as surrogate fond old brothers and stern uncles to Paul, while as Paul’s mother and Leto’s concubine Lady Jessica, Rebecca Ferguson embodies the fretful tension of a woman torn between protecting her son and preparing him to face unavoidable danger. Even the smaller roles are cast with magnetic actors, like Stellan Skårsgard, who keeps you watching even when the plot begins to tilt into abstraction. Rebecca Ferguson brings a welcome warmth to Lady Jessica, Paul’s mother, with whom he flees into the desert when House Atreides comes under attack. Zendaya and Javier Bardem turn up among the Fremen, the brutally oppressed Indigenous people of Arrakis, who will play a larger role in part two. In terms of my criticisms, much of the plot is advanced through elements of mind reading and mind control, so it’s a shame that the movie never really gets inside its characters’ heads. As with so many of Villeneuve’s films, the visuals are stunning but the storytelling feels rudimentary. Overall I had an absolute blast seeing Dune. Watching images that had only lived in my head come to life on screen was incredible for me. I did feel a little sad when the film ended just as the great parts of the book were about to start, but that gives me so much hope that the second film in this series is going to be excellent. I strongly suggest seeing this in cinemas. Rating: 8.5/10
Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music)
Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Spotify)
Playlist for the week
Burna Boy ft. Polo G - Want It All
Unknown Mortal Orchestra Necessary Evil
Flying Lotus - Crust
J Dilla ft. Common & D’Angelo - So Far to Go
Joji - Slow Dancing In The Dark
redveil - Weight
Elephant Castle - Cool To Be Unhappy
Tems - Crazy Tings
TKay Maidza -24K
Netflix Watch of the Week
The Harder they Fall
The slick, stylish black cowboy western The Harder They Fall comes out guns blazing, introducing itself like it’s kicking down a door. Which, in a sense, it is: Director and co-writer Jeymes Samuel’s feature punctuates its opening by letting viewers know in a prologue that “These. Characters. Existed,” as if Samuel himself is slamming his fist on a table to hammer home each word.
The cast provides plenty of zip. Buck’s gang includes “Treacherous” Trudy Smith (Regina King) and Cherokee Bill (Lakeith Stanfield, who damn near steals the entire film), while Love’s crew includes Stagecoach Mary (Zazie Beetz), young hotshot Jim Beckwourth (RJ Cyler), and the gender-bending Cuffie (Danielle Deadwyler). Delroy Lindo plays a federal marshal, a lawman in a time of rampant lawlessness when ideas of good and bad play out more in terms of bad and worse. The two gangs are paired against each other, each with their own inner rivalries, and the matchup between Cherokee Bill and Jim Beckwourth is the undercard clash that nearly overshadows the main event. Stanfield, an Oscar nominee for Judas and the Black Messiah, is electrifying
Tkay Maidza - Grasshopper here, underplaying his role but bringing a weary sense of wisdom to his character. Elba has a juicy role that he leaves mostly undercooked, finally tearing into it when he needs to, late in the film. Samuel tears into it throughout — his most audacious sequence unfolds in a white town, where everything, even the sand, is white — and he creates a space where his actors are free to chew up the scenery and spit it out, because everyone else is, so why not. The approach brings fresh life to an aging genre and makes this trip down Old Town Road feel new again.
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
WELLNESS
Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk of
Breast Cancer Ericka Hart
BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
O
ctober is recognised globally as a time to celebrate breast cancer survivors and remember those we have lost to the disease. As we close out the month, we mustn’t end the conversation at that. Every year, we talk about this particular form of cancer that has plagued generations past and is still very fatal today, but it can be prevented.
When diagnosed early and treated before it spreads, there is a 99% chance of a five-year survival rate. We’ve put these simple tips together to inspire awareness, knowledge and lifestyle changes that prioritize your health to increase cancer prevention and early detection.
1. Get Smart: Know your risk
2. Have “The Talk” (no, not that talk)
Take advantage of the shared moments with your relatives to talk about your family history of cancer. This is an easy step to take to learn about your cancer risk. Remember to ask about the age of diagnosis—your risk increases if your mother was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer before age 50.
3. Get Active
Staying active is key to staying healthy. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can make a big impact on your health and is an easy way to reduce your cancer risk. Being physically active can also help you to lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight.
4. If You Smoke, Stop. If You Drink, Limit Your Intake
This one is pretty straightforward. For years we’ve known the health costs that come with smoking. It can weaken the immune system, one of our bodies’ best defences against cancer, and can damage or change a cell’s DNA, which can lead to the growth of a tumour. Quitting isn’t always easy,
Prevention has to start with knowledge. Women at an increased risk of breast cancer may need to start screening earlier or be screened more frequently than women of average risk. You might be at an increased risk if you: • Are overweight or obese or are not physically active. • Have mutations of BRCA-1, BRCA-2 or PALB-2 genes. • Have a family or personal history of breast, colorectal or ovarian cancer. • Began menstrual period before 12 or began menopause after 55. • Have never had children or had your first child after age 30. • Are currently using or have recently used birth control pills. • Have used hormone replacement therapy (with estrogen and progesterone) for more than 10 years.
5. Don’t Wait For Symptoms To Appear—Get Screened
Screening for breast cancer can seem scary, but the sooner it’s found, the sooner it can be treated and the better your odds for remission. From ages 25-39, talk with your health care professional at least once every three years for risk assessment, risk reduction counselling and a clinical breast exam. At age 40, begin getting screened annually. If you have a personal family history or are at increased risk of breast cancer, all of this could be different for you. Talk to your health care professional about your risk and assess your options together.
6. Check Yourself Regularly
Know your body so you know when it’s changing. Between regular screenings or exams, look out for the following: • A lump, hard knot or thickening in the breast. • A lump under your arm. • A change in the size or shape of a breast. • Nipple pain, tenderness or discharge, including bleeding. • Itchiness, scales, soreness or rash on the nipple. • A nipple turning inward or inverted. • A change in colour and texture (dimpling, puckering or redness). • A breast that feels warm or swollen. If something feels different or off, don’t be afraid to speak up or ask your health care professional questions.
Do more than just post on social media. Share these tips with at least three women in your life to spread prevention and early detection information that can save lives. Breast Cancer Survivor
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but as far as breast cancer prevention goes, it is a very important decision to make. Drinking alcohol is linked to breast and several other cancers. Once ingested, your body breaks it down into a chemical that can damage or change a cell’s DNA, potentially leading to the growth of a tumour. The approved Dietary Guidelines recommends that if you drink, you limit your consumption to one drink a day for women and two a day for men.
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
BEAUTY
7W
MUST-HAVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS
BY SOPHIA EDISI
ith the range of cosmetics brands dishing out different beauty products from makeup to skincare and hair, it pretty much leaves consumers in a state of confusion. While some of these products may be totally unnecessary, some are quite frankly, very important in our daily lives. Here are some of the most important beauty products that you will find quite useful.
HOT COMB
MASCARA Mascaras are really important; even on days when you have light, or no makeup on at all, they will make the most sleepy-eyes look wide awake. To attain a Les Yeux Noirs Lash dramatic look on your Amplifying Lacquer lashes, opt for one that Khôl is both lengthening and CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN. volumizing, making them long, thick, and hold a curl in place all day long.
If you wear a weave a lot, then it’s important that you get one of these. You can style your wig with not much experience needed. This beauty product will make your wig look like you just walked straight out of a salon and dropped some serious money to have your hair done. Here’s to having inexpensive effortless waves and volume for days.
FACIAL CLEANING DEVICES
Ceramic Curling Hot Comb CEDCER
Crystal Electric Ceramic Hot Comb CEDCER
SCRUBS
A nice conditioner will completely change your hair routine. Conditioners are some of the most important products you put on your hair; more than anything else, they set you up for a good hair day. It smoothes, shines, volumizes, and strengthens, leaving your hair in perfect condition for styling.
Model with SIENNA NATURALS Conditioning Spray
Moisture Boost Conditioner PANTENE
We can’t stress enough the need to exfoliate at least twice a week. Exfoliating gets rid of your dead skin or impurities so you’re left with radiant, glowing skin. For your face, get a facial scrub that’s gentle especially if you suffer from overly dry skin and uneven texture.
Facial Cleansing Brush | Image from Vanity Planet
Facial Cleansing Brush JJMG
HAND CREAM
Scrubs
LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Since a lot of us are too busy or avoiding spas due to COVID-19, you definitely need one of these beauty brushes to help you keep your skin looking clear. When buying the facial brushes remember to go for one that will tackle your specific concern. Use a soft brush for daily cleaning, an exfoliating brush for deep cleaning, and a silicone brush for sensitive skin cleaning. Always roll in upward or circular motions over your face to tighten pores, improve texture and minimize under-eye circles.
With the frequent hand-washing and sanitizers, dry hands and cracked knuckles are only bound to happen, which is why hand creams are a must-have. Go for hand creams that are infused with shea butter and vitamins to bring moisture to your skin. It is a necessity for anyone craving deep hydration.
Hand Cream
Le Lift La Creme Main CHANEL
BODY MIST
Manuka Honey Sugar Body Scrub AVOR BEAUTY
Body mists and perfumes have entirely different purposes. Body mists are used to scent and hydrate the skin, they are mainly water or alcohol mixed with a small amount of fragrance oil which gives it a much lighter and subtle scent than perfumes. Their longevity is shorter than that of perfumes as they are less concentrated, which is why they are sprayed directly on the skin for them to work their best. You would want to keep a bottle in your purse, car or place it in a desk drawer for a quick spritz all day.
Miss Dior Silky Body Mist DIOR
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VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
SPECIAL FEATURE
In Conversation with
JAYPAUL B
efore becoming a housemate on a show broadcast to millions of African youths, the world was already showing a healthy outlook for Big Brother Naija’s JayPaul who was looking forward to more. The skill to make do with less has yielded a mobile cinematic sensation and design focusing on victims of cyberbullying or depression. Now, he is evolving towards new ideas, armed with all the perks that participation in a big show could bring. Through the eyes of this affectionate reality television star reveals hopefulness, the passion to work smarter, and the feeling of willingness to give love. DOWNTOWN’s Ayodele Johnson and Kehindé Fagbule speak to him about his time in the house and what the future holds.
Coming back from the Big Brother Naija temporary escape, which JayPaul do you see projecting into the future? It was an escape route for most of us because we were cut away from the internet, news, world events. We were in a space where the only thing that we had was food, light, and everything else except information from the outside world. So it was quite good for us. That helped us stay pretty much sane because there are things outsidenews and all that stuff that get people tired and weak at the same time. The JayPaul that was in the house? I am pretty much the same person outside the house. I like to be creative: entertainment, television, and music. So, yeah the person they would see outside the house would definitely be that guy who is a complete entertainer. I will be doing everything related to television- TV presentations, cinematography-because I was able to show a lot of skills with the tasks that had to do with film and drama- and then music every now and then. Basically, I will just be competent. I want to be the definition of what a reality TV star is. So that is the JayPaul you will see. Like other contestants, you hoped to be the winner but that did not materialise as envisaged. Has this experience taught you about perseverance nonetheless? This was actually my fourth time trying for Big Brother. I was five minutes away from climbing the stage and being in the house in the last one, but I didn’t make it. So I started learning perseverance a long time ago and I just knew that if you want something, you have to keep pushing. The idea of being the winner? Actually, I was open to every possibility. What I wanted the most was to get on that platform and show the world my abilities, my skills, and what I could do. And I think I got that opportunity- if I was meant to win, I would have won. So the best man definitely won. But I think what I have done is that I have won in life. I became victorious just going in through those doors. That was a victory for me and then being able to showcase my abilities to the world in the various tasks and the various things that we did in the house. What would you do with true love if you found one? Truthfully, I had an experience once in my life and that experience was when I lost my dad. He was one person who was always proud of me definitely. He was always proud of all the things I did but he never said it to my face. He never said ‘oh! I am proud of you or I love you.’ But two days before he passed, he sent me a message. And the message was ‘I am proud of you.’ I saw the message and I didn’t reply and I thought it was funny. ‘Why is my dad sending me this kind of message?’ Two days later, he passed. So that was one experience for me that made me tell myself that no matter what happens in this life; no matter how I feel about anybody and how emotionally connected I am to anybody, I will definitely show it and I will tell the person. Hence why I seem to be an affectionate person; an emotional person because I don’t know what tomorrow brings. My wife will enjoy me. I will
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VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
THEWILL DOWNTOWN
SPECIAL FEATURE definitely shower her with lots of love and care. I don’t want any moment to pass by that I am going to regret. We had a chat with Charles Born not long ago for Sórósoke Downtown. He talked about a project that you are both involved in. It is called iPhoneography. Can you talk about that? Me and Charles Born go way back. We used to work together in television and then we became friends. So we came together and decided not to wait for that big break before we start doing something. At that point in time, I didn’t even know that the story that we wrote that time would be the story that I am living now. There is a new jungle justice in town which is social media. By this, I mean cyberbullying. A lot of people come online and say one or two things about you even if it’s not true. Everyone has an opinion but nobody cares how it affects the person it is being said about. We witnessed a lot of stories last year. Suicidal rates and depression grew amongst young people just because they were cyberbullied. So we decided to shoot a short movie which we called ‘Tainted’, and put it online. Charles Born was the lead director, and we had guys with floodlights. It was based on a true story of somebody who was cyberbullied and the person committed suicide. So at the end of the day, we realised that there are a lot of stories among young people in Africa – in Nigeria- that we can tell. We started shooting with mobile phones, and we called it a collective effort production. Speaking of cyberbullying, does that make you feel like there is a strong backing already for the regulation of social media? The honest truth is, it is freedom of speech man! You can’t stop people from talking. Even before social media, people were able to say everything on their mind. So what you now need to do is you have to be responsible for what you say. Do a lot of research. If you don’t know anything about something it is better not to say anything. Even if you regulate it, it is still going to come out in another form. It all boils down to a human being and being responsible for your actions and words. Love thy neighbour as thyself – what you don’t want anybody to do to you, don’t do that to another person. That’s what it is. Do you think you are in a love triangle with Saskay and Cross? First of all, Cross is a great guy; that’s what I always say. He is an amazing guy and I think we are going to be friends and brothers for a long time. I saw that connection in the house. I was touched with his level of humility and his personality. You can’t hold anything wrong against him. So that alone was enough motivation for me not to have any issue with this guy. He is an unproblematic person. Saskay also didn’t want to hurt anybody. She didn’t want to hurt me, and she didn’t want to hurt him either. Hence the whole love triangle that everybody is talking about. But if I am in a triangle, I don’t know o! What matters to you? The biggest picture I ever had was walking through those doors and being on that global stage. Going forth, I want to be able to be a source of inspiration to other people who are struggling hard to get their dreams actualized. If your dreams are not big enough, people will not laugh. I want to be able to do projects that will inspire people. I want to be a point of contact or inspiration. I want to inspire as many young people out there as possible. Let them keep pushing. Let them keep going. You don’t know when you are one second away from striking gold. You currently are not the person that you were before joining the show. What do you plan to do with the recognition you are getting right now?
Basically, I want to be the definition of what a reality TV star is. So when you turn on your TV, you will see me hosting the biggest TV shows. When you turn on your radio, you will hear my songs on repeat, see me on the streets and on billboards. I want to be everywhere. I am going to be doing a lot of TV gigs and promoting my music as well. I will be doing a lot of mobile cinematography. I have a business that I co-founded and I am also a partner. You’re going to be seeing a lot of me. How are you going to manage the image of being a TV star because that is going to come with pressure? I started preparing for this a long time ago. I have always been into television and entertainment. My dad was a filmmaker; he was the first animator in Nigeria so I actually grew up in the four walls of television and was a child actor growing up. This is all I have ever dreamt of. All I ever wanted and I think now is the time. I was prepared for it and I am ready for every challenge that comes my way. How are you a better person because you participated in Big Brother? Basically, I just learnt how to be more patient with people. To just never say never. There is always a solution to every problem. I don’t like to grumble over issues but to find solutions. I think that’s what has worked out for me. One of the things in the house was – you know how we always have tasks every day and they give limited time to prepare for it? That has made me work on my feet. Now I am thinking pretty fast. That is the major thing that has changed for me. As a Nigerian, what bothers you the most? I just want my country to be great. I want all hands on deck to make the country great again. Both the leaders and the citizens. Everybody- we have a responsibility to our country. It starts from our immediate environment – from the family to the society. For me, I just want to do every possible thing that pushes my country’s image and makes us have a positive light in the world. How did support from family help you achieve your goals in the house? I imagined how much love they were sending me back home. That’s enough reason to say that I am waking up – I am standing up and making the best use of the day. People don’t know how far prayers and your thoughts can go. Just positively thinking for somebody is enough to make that person actualize their dreams. So that was enough. Love from family was great. Thanks.
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THEWILL DOWNTOWN
VOL 1 NO.38 • OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 06, 2021
websights DOWNTOWN
BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
Marital Brouhaha,
Forbidden Tapes, & A Progressive Benin Republic Maria, And The Chief Priest When a couple exchanges marriage vows, they do that with promises of monogamy. A man and woman come together to become husband and wife, but too often, there’s a third-party interference along the line. The story that broke out last week had Big Brother Naija ex-housemate, Maria Chike Benjamin, as the matrimonial villain in a classic “husband snatcher” role as told by one of the biggest voices in the Nigerian nightlife scene, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu also known as Cubana Chief Priest. Maria, who had just left the BBNaija house a couple of months ago, was reported to have trespassed in another woman’s home in a series of revelation posts by the Cubana Chief Priest who happens to be the “housewife’s” brother. The entertainment mogul took to Instagram to call out the reality TV star for allegedly snatching his sister’s husband from her. In a series of posts which
Benin Republic parliamentary
Benin Republic Legalises Abortion
Maria
he dropped over a couple of days, he claimed that Maria had gone to Dubai with Kelvin, the philandering husband, effectively breaking up their marriage which has now resulted in divorce proceedings he posted the divorce papers and has been threatening the housewife ever since. Maria, who had just bagged an
Tiwa savage
Tiwa Savaged: Somebody’s Son Didn’t Love Her On This Day Popular singer and Nigeria’s queen of pop, Tiwa Savage has been in the eye of the storm for some time now over a leaked sex video with her boyfriend. The singer had told American OAP, Angie Martinez of Power 105.1, in an interview that someone wanted to blackmail her by getting her sex video out on social media if she refused to pay some money. According to her, the blackmailer
CUBANA CHIEF PRIEST
endorsement deal as an ambassador for a skincare brand, has yet to respond to all of these allegations with her side of the story. That wouldn’t stop the social media reactions from flowing though with a Twitter user questioning the language used whenever a man cheats on his wife. Here are some of the best ones.
had threatened to release the video by midnight of October 7, 2021, if money was not paid, but that she was determined not to pay any money to a blackmailer. However, Tiwa Savage further revealed how the video came into existence. She said, “It is not from someone working closely with me. What happened is that the person did it on snap and he posted it by accident but he quickly deleted it, however, someone got it before he could delete it. It is a very short video but it is me. It is going to be out there and I can just imagine the memes. I just found out yesterday. I couldn’t sleep last night.” True to the blackmailer’s threat, the sex video, which was baring just her face and not her sexual partner’s, hit social media and went viral. In situations like this, it is easy to speak without empathy and proceed to hit hard on the victim. Questions surrounding the making of a sex tape and the thought process
behind its formation are up for debate; this can be an avenue for moral pontification and the hypocrisy that Nigerians are generally known for. However, one thing is constant: Tiwa Savage is a victim of blackmail and that - by any stretch - is not okay. Several celebrities have since stood in defence of Savage.
Parliamentarians in Benin Republic have voted to legalise abortion in the West African country, where it was already authorised under restricted conditions. Under the new law, women can terminate a pregnancy within the first three months if it is likely to “aggravate or cause material, educational, professional or moral distress, incompatible with the woman or the unborn child’s interest”. Previously, abortion was authorised if pursuing the pregnancy “threatened the life of the mother”, was “the result of a rape or incest” or, when “the unborn child has a particularly severe infection”. After a heated debate in parliament, with some lawmakers strongly opposed to legalising abortion further, the amendment finally passed. “In Benin, nearly 200 women die each year as the result of abortion complications,” said the health minister, Benjamin Hounkpatin, in a statement. “This measure will be a relief for many women who face undesired pregnancies, and are forced to put their lives in danger with botched abortions,” he added. The influential Episcopal Conference of Benin said in a statement that it was “highly preoccupied with the proposed law to legalise abortions” This sparked a debate on Twitter Nigeria. Here are some of the hot takes.
Turned out that it was raining sex tapes on that week as Big Brother Naija ex-housemate, Nengi’s and Instagram twerk influencer, Janemena’s intimate sessions also surfaced on God’s internet.
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