THEWILL DOWNTOWN, October 29, 2023

V O L 3 N O. 4 4 • O C T O B E R 2 9 , 2 0 2 3

TALKS ON THE MOVIE ADIRE

VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

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VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

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CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

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BEAUTY

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

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I

t’s fashion season in Nigeria, that time of year when we go and watch designers showcase their new collections. Lagos Fashion Week starts the season, and every year, it’s something we look forward to. I must commend Ohimai Atafo of ATAFO; his offsite show was very entertaining.

By the time you read this, we will be on the last day of the shows for Lagos Fashion Week and preparing for GTBank Fashion Weekend; it will be interesting to see what new silhouettes the designers will come up with this year. I’m particularly looking forward to the Sisiano show today; I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us.

Enough about Fashion Week; let’s talk about what this week’s magazine has for you.

I’m excited to announce that the content page is now interactive. This means you can click on any page title, which takes you to that page. Isn’t that cool?

And now to our cove story. Kehinde Bankole is our cover talent; she stars in a new movie, Adire, which, from the interview, is a comedy. I will let you read more about the movie, which also premiers today on pages 8 through 10.

Our fashion pages discuss bespoke clothing for men, emphasising different types of clothes that can be personalised for men. Go to pages 4 and 5 for this.

BON APPÉTIT

14

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

15

Rise of Bespoke 04-05 The Men’s Fashion FASHION

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

16

REVIEW

How Well Do You Know Your Wine?

Pier Harbour Spa Grand Opening

Sip, Savor, And Celebrate

Halloween

07

DOWNTOWN The Role of Music in CONFIDENTIAL Sex On The Movie 8-10 Talks Adire With Kehinde COVER

Bankole

11

Styling A Home For The Elderly

DÉCOR

Downtown Confidential highlights the role of music in sex on page 7 as we examine different genres of music and how to create a playlist for you and that special someone.

WHAT YOU SAID

If you have elderly parents, you’ll know how important it is to ensure that their space is comfortable, and that’s what our décor page focuses on, stressing how to create a safe and secure space for them. You’ll find that on page 11.

Moat people like to drink wine, but how well do you know your wine? We tell you about different wines and how to pair them on page 13, while on page 16, our movie review page, we collate horror movies in anticipation of Halloween. Yes, we know it’s not our culture, but we made a list just for you.

The Healing Power of CBD in Skincare

V O L 3 N O. 4 3 • O C T O B E R 2 2 , 2 0 2 3

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.

navigating a

BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS From Shock to Empowerment

INSTAGRAM

@i_miz_yhu

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Onah

@onahluciaa

+2349088352246

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Danielle Loth Writer: Ijeoma Ezeanyika Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

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.

@its_miranda_eze

@delightmasters

www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

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VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION

THE RISE OF BESPOKE MEN’S FASHION Tailoring Clothes to Fit Your Unique Style

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

B

espoke clothing is a trend in men’s fashion that has been steadily gaining popularity and allowing discerning gentlemen to improve their style game.

Unlike off-the-rack clothing, bespoke fashion focuses on tailoring clothes to fit your style and figure perfectly. This article will go into men’s bespoke clothes and examine six different types of clothing that can be personalised to make a real statement.

BESPOKE SUITS: . YOUR SIGNATURE LOOK

1

Tailored suits are the centrepiece of bespoke fashion. Bespoke suits are painstakingly made to your precise measurements and preferences. Every detail is meticulously chosen, from the fabric and buttons to the cut and style. A bespoke suit makes you stand out in any setting since it is more than simply clothing; it represents your style and personality.

CUSTOM SHIRTS: . PRECISION IN EVERY STITCH

2

Even though suits get all the attention, custom shirts are the unsung heroes of a stylish wardrobe. To make shirts that fit your body type and sense of style, choose the fabric, collar, and cuffs. Bespoke shirts provide an ideal fit and unrivalled comfort, whether you like formal white shirts for the business or casual chambray for weekends.

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VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION OVERCOATS . AND TOPCOATS

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3

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Fashion for the rainy season doesn’t have to give up style for warmth. Both are available in bespoke overcoats and topcoats.

Choose the material, length, and button placement to make a coat that keeps you warm and enhances your appearance. Bespoke alternatives ensure you’re prepared to battle the weather in style, whether it’s a traditional wool overcoat or a modern cashmere topcoat.

PERSONALISED TROUSERS: THE PERFECT FIT

The terrible “one-sizefits-none” dilemma is a common problem with trousers. But that struggle ended thanks to bespoke pants. Create pants that elegantly drape and accentuate your figure by adjusting the waist, rise, and leg width.

Bespoke options range from traditional wool slacks to cutting-edge chinos.

CUSTOM ACCESSORIES: . THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

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Don’t forget about bespoke accessories to make your outfit genuinely unique. To complete your look, consider making unique ties, belts, and pocket squares. You may convey your uniqueness by adding these little but important nuances, which can have a significant impact.

4

. TAILORED BLAZERS: ELEVATE YOUR CASUAL LOOK

Consider a fitted blazer as a multipurpose addition to your wardrobe.

Making a jacket that easily transitions from casual to formal situations requires careful consideration of the fabric, lapel style, and pocket details. A well-tailored, well-fitting blazer may transform the basic look of jeans and a T-shirt into a sophisticated one.

CONCLUSION

The options are endless in the world of bespoke men’s clothing. Making clothing to meet your style is more than just a fashion statement; it’s also an investment in self-expression and confidence. Each item of bespoke clothing tells a tale and reflects your preferences, likes, and the level of attention to detail that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Bespoke men’s fashion is here to stay as the need for originality in clothing rises. Consider the power of customised clothes to elevate your style and make it distinctively your own, whether you’re dressing for success in the business or making a statement at a social gathering.

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

The Role of Music in Sex

DOWNTOWN

Creating The Perfect Passion Playlist

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

A

s vital as physical attractiveness and emotional connection are in intimacy, creating the perfect ambience can also be crucial. The sensuality and pleasure of sex are significantly increased by using music, which has the power to arouse emotions and heighten experiences.

In this article, we’ll examine music’s significant role in sexual encounters, explore the kinds of music that generate the right mood, and provide doable strategies for putting together the ideal playlist for a passionate night.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC SHOULD IT BE? The choice of music depends on personal preferences and the mood you want to create. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, certain genres and styles work well.

1. SLOW JAMS

THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN SEX Music acts as a powerful catalyst for passion, enhancing the entire experience.

Here’s how it contributes.

1

. EMOTIONAL AMPLIFICATION

Emotions can be amplified by music in unique ways. Music can foster deeper emotional connections between lovers by enhancing desire, love, and intimacy.

2. MOOD SETTING If you want a leisurely, seductive evening or a hot, passionate encounter, the right music creates the atmosphere for the desired mood. It develops a setting that enhances the moment.

3

. RHYTHMIC SYNCHRONIZATION

Sex seems more peaceful and enjoyable when music is playing because the rhythm of the music can naturally match with our heartbeat and breathing. It helps both partners establish a rhythm.

4

.HEIGHTENED SENSATIONS

Every touch and kiss can become more electrifying thanks to sensual melodies and lyrics that heighten physical sensations.

The physical pleasure of intimacy can be enhanced by music.

The best music for private moments is typically slow-tempo R&B and soul with seductive lyrics. Consider performers like Sade or Marvin Gaye.

1. MIX AND MATCH Mix slower, more sensual songs with faster, more intense ones to build a dynamic playlist that reflects the ebb and flow of your intimate moments.

2. LYRICS WITH MEANING Pay attention to the lyrics since they can intensify the emotional bond. Choose music with lyrics that speak to both you and your lover.

3. SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS To keep the mood flowing, make sure the transitions between songs are seamless. Use crossfading or pick songs that flow into one another naturally.

2. SMOOTH JAZZ

4. EXPERIMENT AND UPDATE

For a romantic evening, smooth jazz provides a chic and seductive ambience.

To make your intimate moments fascinating and new, don’t be afraid to try out different songs and refresh your playlist over time.

3.CLASSICAL

5. VOLUME CONTROL

Soft classical music, such as Debussy’s Clair de Lune or Chopin’s Nocturnes, adds a sophisticated and enduring touch.

4. AMBIENT AND ELECTRONIC

These contemporary genres produce a modern and airy environment ideal for couples with more contemporary preferences.

5. INDIE AND ACOUSTIC

Consider indie or acoustic tracks with sentimental lyrics for a more personal and intimate atmosphere. In this genre, performers like Norah Jones and Ed Sheeran excel.

You want to complement the mood, not overpower it, so keep the volume at a level that is comfortable for you.

Ensuring you can hear each other whisper is a good rule of thumb.

6

. RESPECT BOUNDARIES

Always be open with your spouse about your playlist preferences, and ensure they enjoy your chosen music.

Since everyone has diverse preferences, mutual consent is essential.

CONCLUSION

CREATING THE PERFECT PASSION PLAYLIST. Now, let’s explore six practical ways to craft the ultimate passion playlist.

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VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER

TALKS ON THE MOVIE ADIRE

A

dire is a movie set to project beautiful dynamics that creatively educates and smartly seeks to portray certain issues. It conveys emotions softly but clearly, and the audience can easily relate because it is not far from reality. In an interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Ijeoma Ezeanyika, Kehinde Bankole talks about the phenomenal movie Adire, her experience in bodying the character Adire, unconventional relationships, and the powerful central themes around which the movie revolves.

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Styling - @iamhygrade for @clickngn Hair - @nickelsignature Makeup - @lushburst for @beautybyad Location - @filmhousecinemas Cube Landmark

VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

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COVER You have a new movie coming up in November, Adire. Should we get our tissues ready, or will our stomach ache from too much laughing, or will it be somewhere between both? What will we expect from you, the entire crew, and the movie?

That question itself is funny. Expect funny, expect to laugh, even I just finished laughing. There is no crying; don’t worry, you are safe, no crying. Except well, if something touches you, as something did touch me, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, she made me cry when I watched a little bit of it, so yeah, it’s laughter all the way.

When acting in the movie, you took up a new identity.

How long did it take you to enter into character, and how long did it take you to come back to being Kehinde Bankole?

Okay, for Adire, in all honesty, it took me all through that filming to keep trying to find her because there were layers and faces to her. She is this dreamy girl who wants freedom, not to have any oga per se, you know, controlling her. I had to show that bit; I also had to show the bit of her being a controlled girl— you will find out what that is. I also had to find that person, and when Adire got into the community of friends and normal people, I still had to go through the dynamics, especially when by now you are not alone as an actor, you are now with other people, and you are feeding off different energies, so you keep finding it, you keep working with the other actors to keep finding it. All through the film, I kept trying to look for who this girl is and why she is what she is at different times. It was a continuous process.

Warri, Ibadan, Benin, Akwa Ibom. It’s the same thing with our Adire fabric; it’s homegrown and is the pride of Africa. This is one of the things that we from way back then used our hands; that is why it is called “adi” in Yoruba. It means to tie something, “re” means to soak it, “ama di awa re,” you tie it up, then you soak it in dye, in colours. Adire is such a beautiful fabric do you know why? Not because of the fabric itself but because of the minds behind it. Somebody is thinking in patterns; the people who make Adire are actually artists. They are like painters, your sculptors; they are thinking in patterns, and whatever that person is thinking, however crazy that person is, is what you get to wear. Sometimes you wear patterns, and it’s like simple circles, people’s personality you can see it in the fabric, so Adire also as a person is like that. A mix of your traditional person, so I find the two of them really together because, in the story, you will find that she makes a business out of Adire. So, it is all beautifully woven together.

what I said about accepting yourself the way you are. It’s not about doing the best, Adire taught me; it will teach many people it’s about doing your best. What’s the general best? No, what is your own best? What can you do with yourself?

What’s the best you can come up with? Why don’t you start from there because if you keep looking at “the best,” nothing you do will look good enough for you, but it will if you are looking at your own best. At least you are better than yesterday; you are better than where you are coming from. Adire is a story progressing into a better future.

How do you relate to the central themes of Adire, such as body positivity, women empowerment, entrepreneurship, religious bias and self-acceptance?

Adire is themed around such powerful topics, so many powerful topics, especially entrepreneurship. In the way the world is going — not even Nigeria or Africa, the world now — you need streams of income, multiple sources of income. You need to develop yourself. In the story, we find her being industrious, she also encourages other women to be industrious, and some of the women were more industrious than they thought they were, so it’s a very pivotal theme that Adire addressed.

Also, you talked about religion. It is still the bane of some of the wars we are having in the world now. You’d think that by this past 21st century, we’d still be having wars, but religion plays a role in controlling people, directing people, forming groups, and sometimes for positive. I think religion should be seen as an education and not as a weapon of warfare. It is an education for the community to use to come together, but it is what it is now, so it deals with that as well.

Self-positivity is accepting yourself for what you are. Enhancing, working to enhance to bring the best, it’s like, you have your feet, but can you bring your best foot forward, can you do that, or whatever it is you are, can you mould it, make it perfect? That’s what Adire is about, very encouraging, even very encouraging for me. As for body positivity, it still goes down to

Could you share your thoughts on the fusion of fashion and cultural heritage in the movie?

This question on sharing my thoughts on the fusion of fashion and cultural heritage goes back to my description of Adire. It’s a very big entrepreneurial thing. It is an industry that has held mothers till now. Mothers in parts of our villages would live off making Adire in the villages and sending it into the cities.

I don’t need to say much about Adire; everybody knows that the fabric has come to stay and has been around for a long time.

It is even beautifying me.

“Okay, for Adire, in all honesty, it took me all through that filming to keep trying to find her because there were layers and faces to her. ”

Can you talk about the character you played in the movie?

Adire is, first of all, a very beautiful, creative soul. This is aside from who she is as a person in the film. Her soul is beautiful; her soul longs for freedom. When I read Adire, I found her in every domestic staff we have who have left home and are far away from their family, you know, your housemaid at home. You can find her soul in almost everybody who has left home, so I found her soul very beautiful, and I try to understand her pain. Even as I’m doing this interview, one minute, I’m not smiling; I’m thinking, as her, what it takes to be free. You know, you are free, but you are not really quite free until you own your own, as my younger brother would say — that’s my younger brother’s slogan, I stole it — she is free one minute, and then the next minute she is not free. Just mixed emotions, so I really can’t tell you who she is. I myself I’m just trying to, I keep trying to find, maybe the day I watch her, I might actually get a sense of who she really is.

How did it feel being Adire?

How did it feel being her? It felt confusing, it felt fun, it felt flirty, it felt sexy, it felt beautiful, it felt troubled. She is a mix of everything, but above all, it felt very powerful. Women are very powerful; we are very sensual and sexy beings, so yeah, being Adire, I felt powerful.

“I have a slogan that I say, start from the soil on which you are then you will change the world — as little as we think “oh, it’s just a film for people to be entertained,” we pass certain subtle messages to people!”

The fabric Adire has a very vibrant and colourful side to it. Given that your name character shares a name with the traditional Nigerian fabric, how will you say the fabric relates to the character itself?

The fabric is homegrown. Adire is indigenous to Africans. Adire, the character, is a homegrown girl. She is like an indigenous babe, any babe from

What is the most memorable moment for you from the film’s production?

You guys are going to laugh as well. Yvonne Jegede’s character has this thing that happens to her eye whenever something happens to her body. I won’t say it until you get there. She was hilarious. She was the wife to my friend, Kelechi Udegbe, she played Kelechi Udegbe’s wife, both of them, oh my god, till tomorrow if something is twitching in my right eye or left eye I’m like Yvonne, I remember her, I remember her character very well. Another memorable time was some scenes with Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, some very touching parts of the story really, so, I don’t want to let too much out.

Adire promotes themes of female empowerment. How do you see these messages affecting your audience?

Positively, really, that’s it.

“It’s a very big entrepreneurial thing. It is an industry that has held mothers till now. Mothers in parts of our villages would live off making Adire in the villages and sending it into the cities. I don’t need to say much about Adire;”

In the film, we see themes of unconventional friendship. Can you tell us more about the on-screen relationship and their significance?

There was, between Adire’s character — which is my character — and Yvonne Jegede’s character. These ladies were from completely different backgrounds, two completely different backgrounds, yet it shows that there is more than one common ground for all women. We fight ourselves a lot out there in the world; we compete very fiercely, only for us to find out that our network, where we think is the battlefield to fight each other, is actually where we are meant to lift each other, where we are meant to rub off on each other, where we are meant to inspire and mentor each other and that happened a lot. Every ground that was meant to be a battleground in Adire turned out to be a platform for growth. It turned out to be a platform for friendship. Strangers, people that didn’t have any business becoming friends, became friends because we have one common goal at the end of the day. We are chasing the same common goal if we really look at it at the end of the day, and there is no reason to compete unnecessarily or negatively.

As a respected figure in the entertainment industry, how do you view the impact of Adire and similar projects on social issues?

Adire’s impact on social issues will be tolerance because it is key now. We are seeing so many serious incidences worldwide that we still need

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VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER

to continue to encourage humanity to be more tolerant of one another. And I think if Adire contributes its own, in its way in communities, then — I have a slogan that I say, start from the soil on which you are then you will change the world — as little as we think “oh, it’s just a film for people to be entertained,” we pass certain subtle messages to people and I think what it would do on this area you asked me is just the message of tolerance.

The movie also delves into entrepreneurship and innovation. How did you prepare for your character’s entrepreneurial journey?

Well, that wasn’t my part to do; it was the arts department. They came up with the looks for her business — I don’t want to say the business until you watch it — so that one is not my area really.

What lessons from Adire do you think your fans can carry into their own lives?

All the things I’ve said, all of them are very vital.

Apart from your role, Adire, is there any other character you gravitated towards?

All the characters were funny and interesting, and the story was funny and nice. For funny, of course, everybody was funny, then for very heavy, a character that carried a lot on her shoulder was Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi. It’s not like I’m gravitating towards one more than the other, but I felt like each person had something to do with her; each person was, one way or the other, connected to her. It is a character-driven role that really brought so much more out of her, and I’m seeing her doing more of this and people loving these character-driven roles more and more for her. It will be something to look forward to; I really loved her performance.

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VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

DÉCOR

StylingAHome ForThe Elderly

USE SPLASHES OF COLOUR

Use colour accents to bring the outside in and make it feel like home. Having the pillows, furniture, and rugs in warm colours can create a warm feeling. Whatever atmosphere you are seeking to create can be achieved with colours.

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

O

lder people have special needs when it comes to daily life. To ensure that a living environment is convenient for them, you have to tweak the furniture layout and make some sensible architectural choices. There are decor ideas you can incorporate to create a safe and secure space for them without needing to compromise on aesthetics. Follow these decor tips to create a safe, comfortable, and accessible living space for older people.

GO FOR HIGHER BEDS, FURNITURE

LET THE LIGHT IN Bringing sunlight into a place makes the dimensions feel larger, so if you were thinking of going for dark-coloured blinds, you should replace them with a lighter colour instead to draw in natural light.

Natural light is critical for aged wellness, offering vitamin D and improving the mood. It is also nature’s way of keeping our bodily clock on a healthy sleep schedule. You should also ensure proper visibility in their room at night by infusing bedside lamps.

Sometimes, low furniture can make it difficult for older people to get up and sit down independently.

For them, a higher bed is essential, such that the feet can reach the floor when seated on the edge of the mattress. Additionally, it should have a padded headboard that provides soft cushioning for them to rest comfortably. Here is a little tip: If you are considering opening a public space for all age brackets while you shop for furniture, purchase pieces at a standard height so the aged can also feel comfortable.

BATHROOM NEEDS Bathrooms can be hazardous zones, especially for the elderly. Injuries getting on and off the toilet are relatively high in people aged 65 and older.

Grab bars are a must-have as they offer additional support to hold on to while sitting down or getting up. They can also double as towel rails, but do not try to use built-in towel rails as grab bars. Also, the combination of slippery soaps and wet floors can be harmful; installing benches in the shower area is also a good idea as it is safer for seniors to take showers while seated. Another thing is the installation of slip-resistant floors. This is also good as it will aid in making the bathroom safer and reduce bathroom accidents.

SWAP A SQUARE TABLE FOR A ROUND ONE Swapping a square table for a round one is a simple solution that could save legs from bruising in a home for the aged.

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VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY

The Healing Power of CBD in Skincare Hype or Reality

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

C

BD (cannabidiol) has recently become extremely popular in the cosmetic and skincare industry. CBD-infused products seem everywhere, promising to work wonders for your skin, from creams and serums to oils and masks. But is this a genuine scientific advancement, or is it just another fad? Let’s examine the specifics of CBD in skincare and examine six healing properties that set the truth apart from myth.

4

.WRINKLE WARRIOR

The antioxidant benefits of CBD are great for preventing ageing symptoms. It aids in reversing the harm done by free radicals, which can result in premature wrinkles and fine lines. CBD helps you look younger and more radiant by shielding your skin from oxidative stress.

1

5.STRESS-BUSTING SENSATION

.ANTIINFLAMMATORY SUPERSTAR CBD is well known for having strong anti-inflammatory effects. It can calm inflamed skin and reduce redness when used topically. According to research, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to control inflammation and treat illnesses like rosacea, acne, and eczema.

Your skin may become dull and prone to breakouts due to stress.

CBD can help you manage stress internally, in addition to its amazing exterior effects. CBD may lessen stress and anxiety by interacting with receptors in the brain. Your skin is less vulnerable to stress-related problems when you’re less stressed.

2.MOISTURE LOCKING MAGIC

SKIN 6.SENSITIVE SAVIOUR

CBD’s ability to help seal in moisture is one of its notable qualities in skincare.

Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which form a barrier of protection on the skin’s surface, are frequently found in CBDinfused products. Your skin will feel moisturised and supple due to this barrier’s ability to stop moisture loss.

3.ACNE ANNIHILATOR

CBD may be the answer you’ve been looking for to the frequent skincare problem of acne.

According to studies, CBD can lessen excessive sebum production and stop acne-causing germs from proliferating. In this situation, its anti-inflammatory qualities also come into play, assisting in reducing the redness and swelling connected to acne breakouts.

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If you have sensitive skin, irritation and redness are nothing new. Due to its mild nature, CBD is a fantastic option for people with sensitive skin. It is an ally for those with fragile complexions because it is less prone to produce allergic responses and can help soothe the skin’s sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Scientific studies do support the therapeutic properties of CBD in cosmetics. Its anti-inflammatory, moisturising, acne-treating, antiageing, stress-relieving, and sensitive skin-soothing characteristics have transcended the hype. It’s important to remember that different people may respond differently to CBD skincare products. What works wonders for one person could have a different effect on someone else.

Consult with a dermatologist or skincare specialist to ensure CBD products are appropriate for your skin type and any specific concerns before introducing them into your skincare routine. You may maximise the benefits of CBD for healthier, more beautiful skin with the appropriate direction and cautious choice. The buzz surrounding CBD in skincare isn’t just hype; it’s a reality worth exploring.

VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BON APPÉTIT

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR WINE?

ROSÉ

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

This wine looks similar to its name. It has a pink colour, ranging from pale onionskin orange to a vivid near-purple, depending on the grape varieties used and the winemaking method. It is fermented for a short period - about 2 - 24 hours and is also the most straightforward wine to make with the skin contact method. It is labelled rosé in French, Portuguese, and English-speaking countries, rosado in Spanish, and rosato in Italian. Seafoods like lobster, seared salmon or tuna, cheese, or cured meats can be paired with rosé.

B

eing knowledgeable about the different types of wine can be helpful. It adds to the drinking delectation, elevates social experiences, lets you wholly grok what is in your glass, and gives you confidence when matching your wine with a meal, as you know what meal best complements a particular wine. Here is information about some wine types to help you build your wine knowledge.

FORTIFIED WINE WHITE WHINE

There is a common misconception about white wine, which is that it is made from white grapes. White wine can be made from any grape colour, from white to red to black grapes. What gives white whine its colour is the process of white winemaking. When it is being made, only the grape juice is utilised while the pigments are extracted. White wine is best paired with seafood, or white meat.

SPARKLING WINE Sparkling wine has a significant level of carbon dioxide, giving it its sparkling quality.

It is usually either white or rosé, but there are also examples of red sparkling wines.

The sweetness of sparkling wine ranges from dry, hard styles to sweeter, soft style varieties.

You can pair sparkling wine with oysters, crab, salmon, steak, chicken, beef or truffles.

Fortified wine contains a distilled spirit like brandy, and their ingredients and level of fermentation make them differ in flavour. Fortified wine should be taken moderately and is best enjoyed as an occasional treat as part of a well-rounded, healthy diet. Taking it in excess may be harmful to your health.

The sweeter styles of fortified wines are after-dinner digestifs, while the drier styles tend to be served as aperitifs.

Meats, poultry, shellfish, and game birds are a nice pair for fortified wine.

RED WINE

Red wine is made from dark-coloured grape varieties, which are bluish and purply black. The colour can range from intense violet for young red wines, brick red for mature red wines, and brown for older red wines. The juice from the grape used for making red wine is greenish-white. The red colour is derived from the pigment present in the skin of the grape. Red wine is best paired with cheese, pizza, chocolate, tomato-based pasta, and red meat dishes like steaks, ribs, smoked meat, and game.

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VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

PIER HARBOUR Spa Grand Opening

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

T

he Pier Harbour Spa launch came with an ocean of enthralling activities, which left the attendees with beautiful memories to cherish forever. SRS collection, which already boasts The Good Life Restaurant, The Good Life Cafe, Clayhall by SRS, Seattle Residences and Spa and is also renowned in Lagos as experts in crafting luxurious health and wellness escapes, welcomed Pier Harbour Spa as a new addition to its family. Wumi Jubril, the collection’s visionary CEO, opened up the evening with a soul-touching welcome address. The ribbon-cutting celebration gracefully matched the expectations as guests were treated to a luxurious preview experience of the spa’s recuperating massages, leaving them itching for future visits.

Serenading activities like the beautiful words of the spoken word artist Ibquake, a harmonic live musical performance, and eye-catching fireworks that lit up the sky all infused eloquence and vibrancy to the evening, making it one to remember.

Nicole Chikwe

Bolanle Austin Peters

Kate Henshaw & Beatrice Eneh

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Vanessa Azar

Ozinna Anumudu(L)

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Kate Henshaw, Uti Nwachukwu & Rita Dominic-Anosike

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, Ruth Osime, Bo Toke Benson Awosika & Nkiru Anumudu

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Wumi Jubril

Ifeyinwa Ighodalo

Ego Boyo

VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

SIP, SAVOR, AND CELEBRATE The Highlights From Lagos Cocktail Week 2023

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

T

he Lagos Cocktail Week, dedicated to celebrating the art of mixology and cocktail’s dynamic culture, has now grown into one of West Africa’s finest gatherings.

The event witnessed attention-grabbing workshops followed by a 2-day spectacular affair on the 19th and 20th of October, tagged Lagos Cocktail Village, which commenced with an inaugural toast featuring Laurent Perrier and the Cocktail Week founder, Lara Rawa. This was succeeded by compelling presentations by the workshop guest speakers, Uchedu Egbuna, Bolanle Tyson, and Rhys Wilson.

The second day saw a heart-pounding bar battle for the title of Lagos Cocktail Week Champion between talented mixologists Victor Ugo for the Chivas Challenge, Terna Benjamin for the Bombay Challenge, Uyounwu Innocent Jaja for the Gordon’s Challenge, and Victor Archibong for the Fayrouz Challenge emerged as winners.

Lara Rawa & DJ Tgarbs

Uriel Oputa

Nahi Halabi

White Money

Cocktail Lovers at Lagos Cocktail Wee

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k& ktail Wee agos Coc

Chef Fergs & O

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Bar Battle Winners -Terna Benjamin, Victor Ugo& Innocent Jaja

L Guests At ho e b G e Shyn

di Wanni X Han

Groovy

Saga x Sheggs

Akin Faminu

Rhys Wilson Workshop Session at Lagos Cocktail Week

Timini Egbuson

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VOL 3 NO. 44 • OCTOBER 29, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

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

Halloween

I don’t typically watch horror films. Maybe it’s a wildly overimaginative brain, but I have generally chosen dreamless nights over a possible nightmare. I also generally find the genre a little stale. Essentially, the marginal utility of jumpscares and gory scenes is at an all-time low. There’s only so many times startling your audience into a fright can be impactful. Eventually, you get numb to it. A solid plot and snappy repartee, however, stick in your craw and are extra essential to make the best movies in this genre stand out from the dreck. With that said, I decided to watch a scary movie every night for the month of October (I really frightened myself for you guys, oh ) to try and face my fears a little.

As such, I’m ready to recommend some frights for anyone looking for a cultured scare, if you will. It’s also just in time for Halloween.

I know it isn’t “in our culture” to celebrate, but why not indulge in a few flicks? So, for anyone trying to split a spleen, glean a scream, or just have a night unserene, watch these six on Halloween!

MOVIE REVIEW: 2. Hereditary (2018)

Whether you think it’s “the scariest film since The Exorcist” or simply one of the best horror films in the last decade, Ari Aster’s debut feature is one remarkably self-assured, genuinely disturbing take on family dynamics. It knows exactly when and how to jump headfirst into insanity. Its mix of grief, grotesquerie and ghost-story dread feels nigh unbeatable. Toni Collette’s performance as an artist dealing with loss(es) is a masterclass in how to play someone slowly losing their mind; Alex Wolff’s portrayal as her son, equally heading off the rails, matches her step for step. Everything from the cinematography to the score suggests a bad dream you can’t wake up from. The movie requires several viewings, at least, so you can see how impressively the film is planting clues about what’s really going on the whole time. And then there’s the climax, which references numerous supernatural horrormovie ancestors without once seeming like it’s ripping them off. A new master has blown into town. Hail Paimon.

3. Midsommar (2019)

1. It Follows (2014)

It Follows boasts one of the most extraordinarily clever concepts for a horror film in ages. The story centres on Jay (Maika Monroe), a sweet high school girl who finds herself caught in a deadly bind after she contracts a sexually-transmitted death sentence after giving into her adolescent lust one night. Jay hasn’t caught an STD, but something much worse: a ghoulish apparition that stalks her wherever she goes, ever close behind.

It follows. When “it” reaches her, she will die…horribly. She can give it to someone else by sleeping with them, but if it kills them, it will move back to her, and so on, right up the line of everyone who’s ever caught it. David Robert Mitchell’s concept is brilliant, and while the script fumbles at moments, his execution of that concept is gorgeous.

The film is shot with a hazy, dreamlike aesthetic that’s strengthened by Disasterpeace’s alternately ethereal and ominous score. Playing on our innate fears of intimacy and mortality, It Follows excels at a sensation of creeping unease; a relentless dread and paranoia that will…well, follow you for days.

PAGE 16

How do you follow a dark, shadow-filled fever dream like Hereditary? If you’re Ari Aster, you drag your horror into the light — specifically, a Scandinavian summer festival where the sun hardly sets at all. A group of Americans, including a lone female ( Florence Pugh!), have come to this far-away, once-in-a-lifetime event to study folkloric customs and mythology; the sense that there’s something wicked happening right below the smiley, happy surface starts to take hold. Midsommar is the sort of movie that delights in turning its wheels so slowly that you’re not even sure it’s a horror story…until it confirms that it is and completely drops the floor out from under you.

4. Carrie (1976)

Brian De Palma brought the adaptation of Stephen King’s first novel to the screen a mere two years after it was published. It hardly seems a big deal now when virtually everything King writes ends up in front of the cameras almost as soon as the ink is dry, but back in 1976, this was a gutsy, cutting-edge movie.

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

This is a disturbing drama of bullying, as Carrie is tormented both by her classmates and her psychotic, religious mother (played by a wonderfully over-the-top Piper Laurie) who has taken it upon herself to “spread the gospel of salvation through Christ’s blood”. King’s masterstroke is in the supernatural/ telekinetic payback Carrie doles out when her prom night turns into a literal bloodbath.

Thanks to lead actress Sissy Spacek and De Palma, this is one horror film that’s as likely to make you cry as it is to make you scream (and it will definitely make you jump, no matter how many times you rewatch that scene).

Amanaz - Khala My Friend

Britney Spears - Toxic

Joji - Die For You

JPEGMAFIA_ Danny Brown_ redveil - Kingdom Hearts Key (ft.

Madlib - Road Of The Lonely Ones

Michael Jackson - Thriller Single Version

Nelson Freitas_ DJ Maphorisa_ Kly - Set Me

Sam Smith_ Kim Petras Unholy (feat. Kim Petras)

The Kooks - Seaside

The Police - Roxanne

5. The Witch (2009)

A masterpiece of atmospheric horror, Robert Eggers’ brilliantly crafted period piece follows the descent of a 17th-century New England farm family into despair and madness after a local hag snatches their baby. Though the film contains some genuinely terrifying sequences, much of its overwhelming sense of spookiness comes from what isn’t seen on the screen, along with the tension that inevitably results when the family pits their unbending Puritan outlook against the merciless power of Mother Nature. And Black Phillip, the family’s goat, will put you off petting zoos for the rest of your life.

6. Infinity Pool (2023)

Infinity Pool, from director Brandon Cronenberg (son of famous freaky movie director David Cronenberg), is another movie you’re best going into absolutely blind. If you need selling on by anything, the movie’s cast includes both Alexander Skarsgård (Succession) and Mia Goth, both of whom you’ve likely watched before and enjoyed quite a bit. In a nutshell, Infinity Pool is a deeply bizarre and surreal movie that will start, slow burn for a little bit, and then reveal to you eventually; this is what the movie is about.

It is nothing less than a trip. And a good trip at that.