VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
‘I SAID WHAT I SAID’ SUE ME...
Introducing Feyikemi & Jola, Nigeria’s Podcast Queens
VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
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CONTENTS
COVER STORY: ‘I SAID WHAT I SAID’... SUE ME
INTRODUCING FEYIKEMI & JOLA, NIGERIA’S PODCAST QUEENS
04-05 FASHION THE MET GALA RETURNS!
L
et’s kick off by asking: How do you feel about the rising foreign exchange rate? This past week, the naira was around N412/$1 at the official investors and exporters window, while at the parallel market it fell to a record N570/$1. Everyone is asking why the naira is in a free fall and wondering when the tide would turn. The honest truth is that apart from sharp practices by currency dealers and some other persons, the fundamental problem is that the country is solely dependent on the importation of almost all our needs without producing enough goods and services for export. Simply put, Nigeria is not bringing in enough foreign exchange through exports to match the local demand for dollars. So the real issue here is, how does this affect businesses, individuals, and households? The naira’s fall against the major currencies has negatively affected our businesses and personal lives. We are poorer, our assets have been devalued, prices of goods and services have increased, while the purchasing power of consumers has decreased drastically and forced our standard of living to drop. Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is aggressively working to wean the country off imported petroleum products and food, has assured that the CBN is committed to cleaning up the foreign exchange market. Last Thursday, the regulator took another significant step in that direction by going after a notorious website, AbokiFX, for alleged currency rate rigging and manipulation. The damage the site and its cronies have done to the naira is unprecedented. That is a story for another day. Bank accounts belonging to the company and its owner, Oniwinde Olusegun Adedotun, which we hear have tons of money in dollars and naira from alleged illegal forex dealings have been frozen. Frankly speaking, the joker to the naira’s recovery is the Dangote crude oil refinery which when operational in the first quarter of next year as projected, will save the country about $4bn spent in importing petroleum products and also earn the nation more than $4bn from exports of refined petroleum products and petrochemicals. This will give the CBN enough firepower to stabilize and defend the naira. So whatever you do, don’t stop praying for the country. And in other news, the wishy-washy and unstable Femi Fani-Kayode has eaten his vomit and defected to the ruling APC. What hunger cannot do does not exisit. LOL. Moving on to something more refreshing, in this edition of DOWNTOWN, our cover personalities are two outstanding young women, Jolaoluwa Ayeye and Feyikemi Abudu, hosts of one of Nigeria’s most prominent Podcasts “I Said What I Said”. The ladies have captured a sizeable audience mostly made up of millennials and Gen Zs. They talk about modern-day issues ranging from work, plastic surgery, cooking, and even sex. This cover feature is one that will knock your socks off! I am totally in love with their bold passion for life and nature. This edition also features Blogger and social media entrepreneur, Tosin Ajibade aka Olorisupergal, who tells us how she is capturing the very competitive media sphere with her unique style of reportage. DOWNTOWN also serves your regular features on Culture, Fashion, Lifestyle, wellness, and beauty as well as entertainment. So sit back, relax and enjoy your read. Until next week!
@thisisogannah
AUSTYN OGANNAH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Acting Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Senior Lifestyle Editor: Ayodele Johnson Graphics/Layout: Olatunji Samson Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Interns: Kehinde Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown
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SÓRÓSOKE DOWNTOWN CILLSOUL
06
07
12-13 14-15
FEATURE LIVING BEAUTY RELATIONSHIPS GET THE LOOK: ARE YOU ‘HEADING’ A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOSIN AJIBADE ON CREATING VALUE THROUGH BOHEMIAN LIVING MY WAY? (TAKE II) TO CARING FOR OLORISUPERGAL NATURAL HAIR ROOM
CONTRIBUTORS 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.
Uzo Orimalade @uzosfoodlabs
- Contributing Writer Uzo Orimalade has a background in Law and Business and spent over a decade working in Corporate America and Nigeria in the management consulting and investment banking sectors. She switched careers to pursue her passion for baking, cooking and home entertaining. She is content creator and host of shows in various media platforms. She has been recognised by local and international media outlets including a feature on CNN’s African Voices.
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.
WHAT YOU SAID INSTAGRAM @hyperfashun
It is definitely a new normal as more regular people not even celebrities have no qualms about it. As it should be actually, if you do proper research prior. However, I can’t help thinking this is the same thing many Nigerians vilified Modupe Ozolua for. What a hypocritical bunch!
@zeelaing
You guys always have really great content. Well done.
@zinkata1
Thank you @ thewilldowndown. Brilliant feature.
@fajana_ adekunle
Interesting read here and there. Well done blood.w
@bolanle
Thanks for the feature.
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VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
FASHION
GALA RETURNS! In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion
F
BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE
ashion’s biggest night, The Met Gala, a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art returned after a one-year hiatus courtesy of the pandemic and it didn’t disappoint. The Gala, widely regarded as one of the most prominent and exclusive social events in the world was established in 1948 as a way to raise money for the newly-founded Costume Institute and to mark the opening of its annual exhibit. To enact that, each year’s event is centred around a theme chosen from the Costume Institute exhibition, and guests dress according to this theme. The event welcomes stars, young creatives, and industry paragons. The fundraiser which ideally holds on the first Monday of May annually never happened last year (planned for May 4, 2020) due to the global lockdown restrictions. This year also saw a shift in its expected date as it happened on the 13th of September 2021. However, the only shift in quality was for the better as celebrities and designers came out in large numbers and eye-catching outfits. The Institute aimed to celebrate the United States of America as the home of fashion in all of its diversity and message of inclusion, and so the theme for this year was: “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”. Here are some of the best looks from that night.
Co-host Naomi Osaka showed off a colourful Louis Vuitton dress and elaborate hairstyle - said to be a nod to her Haitian and Japanese heritage. She was together with her rapper boyfriend, Cordae.
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23-year-old poet Amanda Gorman, who read poetry at President Biden’s inauguration, was another co-host. She chose her Vera Wang dress and crystal headpiece to channel “a re-imagined Statue of Liberty”.
Iman literally glowed on the Met Steps as she emerged in a gold and silver Dolce and Gabbana gown featuring a feathered multi-layered skirt and a large circular headdress. If you’re wondering where the idea for such a silhouette came from, cast your minds back to the 1950s ballroom. Explaining the inspiration behind the striking 50s-inspired Met Gala look, Iman said it remained true to their aesthetic: “Romanticism gone non-binary.”
ASAP Rocky & Rihanna Singer and businesswoman, Rihanna, turned heads once again as she posed in an all-black Balenciaga overcoat, while her boyfriend, rapper A$AP Rocky, swathed himself in an Erl multicoloured quilt.
23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams made a statement of a more colourful kind, wearing a Gucci starspangled bodysuit beneath a feather-laden pink cape.
VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
FASHION
Alicia Keys & Swiss Beat Zoë Kravitz in custom Saint Laurent.
Alicia Keys wore azfactory.
Yara Shahidi wore Dior to the Met Gala.
Jennifer Hudson in custom red AZFactory.
Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey both wore Rodarte to the Met Gala.
Megan Thee Stallion wore Coach.
Gabrielle Union-Wade wore Iris Van Herpen.
Tracee Ellis-Ross wore Balenciaga Fall 2021 Couture.
Taraji P Henson wore Moschino.
Saweetie was covered in red, white and blue by Christian Cowan.
Ciara wore Dundas.
Mary J Blige wore Dundas.
Pharrell Williams and his wife Helen Lasichanh wore Chanel.
A bold design by Thom Browne worn by Erykah Badu with a black sausage dog bag. Regina King wore Michael Kors.
Normani wore Valentino. Lupita Nyong’O wore Atelier Versace.
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VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
BY TILEWA KAZEEM
LIVING
Wall Art
Raffan Wodden Basket
GET THE LOOK
Hanging Flower Pot
Bohemian Living Room
Thick Wool Rug
V
ery few things give me an eyegasm like a Bohemianstyled living area: it adds that extra pizzazz. Just like minimalist living, this decor revitalises the entire look of a home with a free-spirited vibe but with a rustic
appeal. Things like vintage decorations, houseplants, and indoor trees never feel out of place in a Boho-centric space.The beauty of getting inspiration from this style of decorating is that you can mix and match to achieve that perfect Bohemian feel in your space.
Artificial Plant
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Round Coffee Table
Plaid Cotten Throw
Dark Gray Sofa
VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
RELATIONSHIPS
Are You
‘Heading’ My Way? (Take II)
BY TILEWA KAZEEM
C
Illustration By Victor Asowota
onsidering the previous experience with oral sex, you’d think it was traumatic enough to scar me for lifewhich, of course, it was, physically. But what is life without obstacles albeit sexual? Nevertheless, I’m walking back to my hostel wearing a smile. One that was alien to my sweaty face while I trudged to my 1pm lecture under the ferocious afternoon sun. It was a smile that could have only been brought by eye-rolling, fist-clenching and toecurling fellatio. My acquaintances, however, oblivious as I waved back at them-I wasn’t happy to see you, Emmanuel you just chose the right time to walk by; let’s see if I have the same energy tomorrow. Amidst everything, I was still tired and it took me climbing a flight of stairs to my room to find out. Finally, at the door, I reach for my key and it gets reacquainted with the keyhole for the umpteenth time. I let my bag free fall to the ground as my mind began to wander. Revisiting my latest sexcapade. The same one accountable for the unwavering smile on my face and the lightness of my feet. Maybe fatigue had a little to do with that but I can’t give it all the credit-wink wink. This wasn’t my first time flying on Air Fellatio with her as the pilot but it still gave me goosebumps. The way her body obeyed every command sent blood rushing to all the right places. Delayed gag reflexes and her segue between techniques showed she was a pro. CPR specialists would have been greeneyed at her mouthing prowess… ...Guy, why are you smiling like a kid who’s just seen candy? My roommate’s rude interruption yanked me out from my reminiscences as if I had just been snatched out of the Matrix. It’s all a distant memory now but one part of me will always remember. The North Always Remembers.
Body Language
Explore his body to learn what his pleasure points are. For her, I was a dead giveaway. She was able to map out all my pleasure points before going full beast mode on me. So as she kept switching between techniques I was there twitching like I was having a seizure. His body will tell you everything just like with women.
Ways To Be More Like ‘Her’ Grow Some Balls
No, it’s not going to bite you; if anything, you hold all the cards. Being scared to wield it unapologetically is preparing you for failure. So grab that phallus (gently) by the scruff of its trunk and suck and lick it (also very careful) till you make it pinnacle. What ‘her’ had that is hard to come by is dedication. Keep going till he tells you to stop. If he doesn’t ask you to stop but rather, he says continue, that’s a B+. If he tells you to stop immediately, you aren’t cut out for this. Stick to the basics that do not involve his genitals and your mouth.
Keep One Hand on The Wheel
Her hand wasn’t always gripping the wheel because she was a professional but for the sake of the rookies, keep using your hands as a guide. Don’t move too fast too quickly or you could choke and your eyes would turn flush red. Take it slow and get comfortable with it because it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Also, Try Not to Leave Bruises in Your Wake
I pretty much covered this in the first take but for prosperity, I’ll reiterate. Just like being a bad kisser it’s really not good for your rep. If you don’t do it at all, to begin with, then it’s understandable. But if you do, and you can’t at least try to make it good, then you are a penile assassin.
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VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
COVER
‘I SAID WHAT I SAID’ SUE ME...
Introducing Feyikemi & Jola, Nigeria’s Podcast Queens
Of the many new forms of media that have popped up since the advent of the internet, podcasting is the medium that feels the closest to a conversation, because it usually is. In our corner of the globe, more and more people are tuning in to their favorite podcasts on their morning commute or while performing tasks. Among these new podcasts, I Said What I Said (ISWIS from here on) has struck a particularly strong chord with listeners. The podcast format is quite simple, typically featuring co-hosts Jolaoluwa Ayeye and Feyikemi Abudu and a guest of the week. Funny, witty, and insightful, it’s easy to see why their ‘pod’ is such a hit. In their interview with DOWNTOWN’S Boluwatife Adesina, they discuss how they started out, growing pains, favorite guests and much more. PHOTO CREDIT: Images by Sukanmi Iroko for Eggcorn Digital
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VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
H
ow did the idea for ISWIS come about? Who brought it up first? Jolaoluwa: I sent Feyikemi a message about doing one together. I still have it on my WhatsApp. [laughs] Feyikemi: It was entirely Jola’s idea for us to do a podcast. She messaged to remind me about it one day and I said “ I think we move!”. That was four years ago and I’m very glad that we did move. What are some of the everyday constraints that come with podcasting in this Nigeria? Jola: Explaining to people and brands what exactly a podcast is. People want to work with us more and more, and we have to explain that getting the most out of the podcast is not going to be a cut-and-paste format. I remember reading that prior to ISWIS kicking off, there were a number of delays. What were some of the circumstances that led to these delays? FK: We didn’t take it that seriously at first. I don’t think we had any idea it would become what it has become. Jola: It was really about finding [the right] fit and a great studio to work with. If you could have anyone as a guest on your next show, who would it be? Jola: Anyone in the world? I have a long list oh. Beyoncé maybe? I love Issa Rae and Reese Witherspoon so they are definitely people I want to talk to. I’m also fascinated by people that are able to build massive businesses and products that change millions of lives so Jeff Bezos, Jack Dorsey… there are way too many people honestly .. Chimamanda, Genevieve … What is the podcasting landscape like in Nigeria at the moment? How much room for growth is there here compared to other countries? Jola: It’s wide open and that really isn’t unique to Nigeria. It’s pretty much a matter of interest and determination to be consistent. There’s room for many kinds of podcasts; sports, Pop culture, business, religion, music, news, global affairs anything really. I think we’ve barely scratched the surface. FK: The podcast landscape is small in terms of the number of people that listen to podcasts regularly, but it is definitely growing. I’m seeing new podcasts come up almost every week. The more people listen, the better for the whole industry. What are three other podcasts you’d recommend to my audience and why? Jola: 1. 90s baby podcast - I cry from laughter every single episode 2. Death Sex & Money - It’s a podcast that talks about 3 things people need to talk about but find really, really difficult. 3. The Ezra Klein show - He is really clever and so are his guests. I think quite a bit after every episode Nigeria as a whole got into podcasting relatively late. Would you know some reasons as to why? FK: It’s sometimes just how trends are. We leapfrogged the natural progression in a few sectors like fintech, but we’ve been a little bit slower with newer media. Radio is still very popular here and that has been the main form of audio entertainment. I think people will catch on quickly. Jola: Information and awareness. People still ask us what exactly a podcast is, millions of streams and downloads later!
COVER Are you looking into video pods? I know Ezra (Oluebi) recently started one. As an extension of the format. Is it something that intrigues you? Jola: We already have a YouTube channel that has abridged 10 30 minute versions of the entire podcast. It’s doing pretty well actually and we like it. What are some of the mistakes that you made while starting out? FK: We weren’t consistent at all starting out. People would have to almost beg us to get an episode out. We didn’t treat it like it was anything, but the consistency we have now has paid off in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Jola: We weren’t a weekly podcast - it was every 2 weeks and we weren’t consistent. In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait/strength someone would need to work in podcasting? Jola: Consistency and thick skin. What goes into the guest selection process? Is it always a joint decision? Jola: Who do we vibe with or think would have an interesting story to tell. More and more we consider our audience and who we think they would enjoy hearing from or about! FK: It’s quite flexible. Sometimes we have the exact same idea and other times, one of us is more convinced than the other about something specific. We trust each other, so it mostly comes down to that. It’s definitely a team effort. Jola, tell us about your site, Happy Noisemaker. How did the idea come about and what are some hopes for it? Jola: Oh Happy Noisemaker is a place I make even more noise, make people laugh but most importantly, talk about
The podcast landscape is small in terms of the number of people that listen to podcasts regularly, but it is definitely growing. I’m seeing new podcasts come up almost every week. The more people listen, the better for the whole industry.” ... Feyikemi Abudu
Feyikemi Abudu & Jola Ayeye
books. I love books and reading a lot, so I decided to start Happy Noisemaker to share that with people. I’m revamping the site so for now, the Instagram - Happy Noisemaker is where it’s at! What is a common myth about podcasting? Debunk it, please. FK: That it’s easy to do. While I enjoy it a lot, it’s almost like a second job. Like with any form of content, you have to work at it to make sure it is good. Jola: Myth? Ah, I don’t know oh. Maybe that it’s some sort of difficult task. Growth is difficult oh, but starting really isn’t. How would your parents describe what you do? Jola: I don’t know that they really know what is going on. They just say “Jola works in media”. FK: They used to think we make noise on the internet. Now that they have been to the live show, and have listened to snippets of the podcast, I think they really get it more than they did before. It’s still quite a shock to them that people spend hours listening to us every week and even look forward to it. Where do you see the podcast in five years? Jola: That you asked us about where we will be in five years is making me happy. That means you think that it’s possible. Way bigger. Millions of listeners every week. Sold out global tours…. How has this occupation impacted your family? Do they ever want to come on the podcast? Jola: They can’t believe people find me that interesting because I talk all this talk at home and quite frankly they are tired of me. I don’t think they want to, but my dad wouldn’t mind. My mum would honestly rather chew jeans [laughs] How does Jola have so many funny stories to tell? Do you actively pay attention for funny stories to present themselves as you go about Lagos? FK: Haha, Jola is a writer so her eyes and ears are always looking for stories all over. I think it comes naturally to her. Jola: I have an erm … interesting sense of humour. So, many things are actually not funny but I find them funny. It’s my personality. If you could start a business tomorrow, what would that business be? Jola: A rice and stew food truck in Marina. Trust me I’ve been thinking about it for years. Hot fluffy white rice with different types of stew - assorted meat, chicken, fish, turkey, and goat meat. Each stew will have a spicy and regular variation. No other type of rice or food. Just white rice and different types of stew. Of course, there will be plantain and moin moin as sides. I’ll be rich.
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VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
COVER
People new to what we do will come across a clip from the podcast and take it out of context. The aim here is to primarily give people something to smile about in a country that often does everything in its power to prevent just that.” ... Jola Ayeye
Jola Ayeye & Feyikemi Abudu
Jola: What is a funny story your family tells about you that you’d like to share? Jola: I don’t know that there is one in particular but it amuses my dad, a man who has built an incredible career in finance for decades that he is more and more being recognized as “Jola’s dad” or “Jollz’s dad” What do you think makes your podcast stand out as much as it does? The relationship between you or what do you think? FK: I think it’s mostly the fact that when you are listening to us, it feels like you are sitting and gisting with your friends. It’s the feeling we hope to create, so I’m really glad people comment on that often. Jola: I really don’t know. Maybe our sense of humour, and the way we relate to our guests. I really can’t say for sure because it amazes me that thousands and thousands of people really listen to my friend and I talk every week! Who have been your most important professional mentors? FK: Generally, when it comes to business, the women in my family inspire me the most. There’s my grandmother, Mrs. Dupe Sagoe who is an institution in the lace industry, my mum Ekua Akinsanya, who founded Greenwood and sits in leadership positions in several associations, my aunty Mo Abudu who is trailblazing with Ebony Life, my other aunt Aunty Araba Morakinyo with Araba’s Homemade and my aunty, Deola Sagoe.
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What occupation (other than your own) would you like to try? Jola: A rich woman. That’s what I’d like to try. Wealth and being wealthy as an occupation. You recently had your first live show. I listened and thoroughly enjoyed the format. Is this something you’re interested in doing more often? Jola: Not too often oh! But yes, in more cities for sure. FK: Definitely! I was really nervous about it at first, but there was something very special about seeing people actually enjoying themselves in person and getting to interact with them. People actually came to take pictures with us which is still quite surprising to me. What do people misunderstand about you most? FK: You’ll have to ask them. I try to focus more on the people who do
understand me, but I think sometimes people assume I have other motives than I do when I say or do things. Particularly after End SARS. You’ll always get that on the internet though and there are a lot more people who support us than there are people who are committed to misunderstanding us. Jola: I think our sense of humour. People new to what we do will come across a clip from the podcast and take it out of context. The aim here is to primarily give people something to smile about in a country that often does everything in its power to prevent just that. What will you tell anyone who’s starting a podcast? How can they grow as quickly as your podcast has? Jola: Just start, be consistent and sift through feedback. You’ll be fine. Where can listeners find you online? You can check out our website isaidwhatisaidpodcast.com. Or look for I Said What I Said on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google podcasts, SoundCloud, and anywhere else podcasts are found. We’re also on YouTube - I Said What I Said podcast.
VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music)
Movie Review:
Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Spotify)
Playlist for the week
LUCA
Directed by: Enrico Casarosa Written by: Jesse Andrews, Mike Jones Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Saverio Raimondo, Maya Rudolph, Marco Barricelli, Jim Gaffigan, Sandy Martin Runtime: 126 min
Synopsis: Set in a beautiful seaside town on
the Italian Riviera, Pixar tells a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer), but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. Pixar is arguably one of the best studios out there. From their incredible consistency in delivering emotionally powerful films to their impact in the animation industry, it’s hard to find someone who genuinely dislikes a third of their movies, let alone most or all of them. For me, it became one of the rare studios from which I always add their films to my year’s watchlist, independently of who directs, writes, or stars. Having in mind that the only movies I didn’t connect with come from the Cars saga, I was obviously excited for Luca, a film set on the Italian Riviera during summer. With a first-time director, Enrico Casarosa, and a relatively unknown duo of screenwriters -
Jesse Andrews, Mike Jones - I didn’t expect much more than having a good time. And a good time I had! First of all, let’s get the obvious out of the way: the entire movie looks stunning. The Italian coast is depicted beautifully with the blend of 2D and 3D animation, which offer tremendous visual detail. The town of Portorosso features gorgeous backgrounds, especially the traditional houses drawn by hand. From the first second the viewers get out of the water and set foot on land, the colourful world fills up the screen, as does Dan Romer’s memorable score. The latter elevates the happy, fun moments between Luca and Alberto - but it also knows when to tone it down and make a scene feel much more moving and tear-inducing, a trademark of Pixar’s music. Story-wise, Andrews and Jones deliver a simplistic narrative about “feeling different” without ever really exploring the sensitive theme that is discrimination based on physical appearance. Pixar doesn’t need to constantly deliver profound, complex stories such as the recent Soul, so it’s completely fine that Luca chooses to offer a lighter tale. Luca and Alberto are sea monsters able to transform into human beings while on land, and they’re being hunted by the population scared by the “flesh-eating beasts”, a myth that serves as an easy metaphor for how the world wrongly looks at “different people” that come from outside their village, city or country with their own culture. While the development of this theme is efficient, its resolution falls short. Luca is far from being an innovative story with jaw-dropping revelations or mind-blowing moments. Enrico Casarosa sticks to the basics and follows the studio’s successful formulas that have originated so many great films. There are barely any surprising plot points or character decisions, but due to remarkable storytelling and exceptional characters, all carry enough emotional weight to make a
Zulu Screams (ft. Maleek Berry) GoldLink
I’m a King - Bobby Sessions & Megan Thee Stallion
Koroba - Tiwa Savage
African Giant - Burna Boy
My Way - WSTRN
Coming 2 America - John Legend & Burna Boy
Shesha - De Mthuda & Njelic
4 Ya - WSTRN
Know Your Worth - Khalid & Disclosure (ft. Davido & Tems)
couple of tears travel to the viewers’ eyes. However, the conclusion to the main topic addressed in the movie is extremely abrupt, leaving the audience with an underwhelming feeling. There’s a constant sense of danger and an element of tension throughout the runtime that ultimately feels irrelevant due to the ending that solves everything way too easily. Honestly, I don’t usually use this expression to describe a Pixar film, but Luca feels like a “studio flick”, in the sense that its narrative is a by-the-numbers, generic story that goes through every predictable development and respective outcome. This doesn’t mean it’s a negative aspect, much on the contrary. The difference is that the studio is Pixar, instead of a cheap, repetitive, dull company that continuously delivers the exact same action/horror movie, just in a different location with other actors. A Pixar film being “generic” still means that the movie possesses heartfelt storytelling, a compelling narrative with relatable characters, fantastic animation, and an unforgettable score. This is the “average standard” that Pixar built. So, yes, Luca might not be at the top of my Pixar ranking, but it’s still a film I really enjoyed watching. The voice work is incredible from everyone in the cast - including a hilarious cameo from quite a popular actor - and the production value is priceless. Overall, the characters steal the spotlight. Luca, Alberto, and Giulia (Emma Berman) are more undeniable proof that Pixar knows how to create relatable protagonists. It’s impressively easy to connect with each of them, and I didn’t even realize how much I cared about them until the emotionally resonant third act. The latter works perfectly due to the brilliant treatment of their friendship. From their amusing interactions to their personal issues, it all feels remarkably authentic. I can’t ask for more than that.
Final Thoughts
Luca follows the studio’s formulas of success closely without taking any unique detours, but it still tells a compelling story with relatable characters that gets to the viewers’ heartstrings. From the detailed animation that makes the Italian coast look realistically astonishing
Yard (ft. Haile) - GoldLink to Dan Romer’s rich score that hits all the right notes, without forgetting the outstanding voice work, every Pixar’s trademark technical attribute is present in an admittedly less complex, unsurprising narrative. Enrico Casarosa takes Jesse Andrews and Mike Jones’ light screenplay through a generic structure, where the “feeling/being different” theme is efficiently developed but closed in an underwhelming manner. Nevertheless, predictability means nothing in a movie where fully-developed characters spend the summer creating genuine friendships with an impactful emotional weight that might induce a couple of tears in the last few powerful minutes. It’s not my favorite Pixar flick, but it’s definitely a good film that I wholeheartedly recommend watching. 7.7/10
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VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
BEAUTY
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CARING FOR
NATURAL HAIR
Almond and Avocado Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque DESIGN ESSENTIALS
Deep Condition Weekly Use a deep conditioner weekly with a plastic cap in the shower, under a dryer, or even overnight to activate the heat. Steam treatments are also a great idea as they are beneficial because they open up the cuticle of the hair and deposit hydration. If your hair still feels too dry, you can add a hot oil treatment to your deep conditioner. Apply the hot oil to the scalp and when you go to rinse off the conditioner, you rinse through the scalp. It helps the oil seal in the conditioner over the hair strand because oil is a sealant.
BY CHISOM NJOKWU & K E H I N D E F A G B U L E
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eginning the natural hair journey can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’ve been chemically treating your hair in the past and don’t know how to deal with your new texture.It’ll take some getting used to but it’s very doable. The natural hair movement has become quite popular, but what does it mean to go natural? Simply put, it means wearing your hair in its natural state and avoiding any form of heat damage and chemicals that straighten or otherwise change the texture of the hair. We are aware of the difficulty and attention required so here’s all you need to know to grow and care for your natural hair.
Shea Butter Intense Mask FEKKAI
Co-Wash Daily Washing with conditioner, also known as “co-washing,” is a way to mildly cleanse hair and replenish dry strands at the same time. Co-washing keeps your hair soft and hydrated. If your hair is very fragile, particularly for type 4 kinky hair, co-washing can be done very frequently. Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash PANTENE
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Coconut Co-Wash AS I AM
VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
BEAUTY SinglePass X 1.5 Inch Wide Flat Iron
Avoid-Heat Try to avoid heat drying and styling if you can until your hair is in great shape. If you are going to apply heat, use a heat protectant, keep temperatures low, and use a blow dryer with a comb attachment to prevent excessive damage.
Radha Eucalyptus Oil
Use Essential Oils Raw Shea Butter Extra Moisture Detangler SHEA MOISTURE
Detangling Milk PANTENE
If you are plagued with an itchy scalp, peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil are both great remedies for that and it doesn’t stop there. There are a lot of different oils you can use for different things. Use some in your prepoo (aka before you shampoo your hair), or on your scalp as you style.
Detangle With Care Detangling on dry hair is not a good idea as it is easier to detangle your hair in the shower when it is full of conditioner and wet. Section the hair off into two parts, then split that into four. You have to take your time — be gentle, start from the ends and work your way to the roots.
Japanese Peppermint Oil SVA ORGANICS
Sleek Edges Scissors
Get Regular Trims Don’t be afraid to get haircuts because tangles, single-strand knots, and split ends are characteristics of needing a trim because those ends are begging to be set free. Getting a trim every three and a half to four months will keep your kinks and curls popping and looking their best.
Protect Your Edges Damage usually happens at the hairline regardless of texture, and that’s why it’s called “baby hair.” It’s the finest, softest hair, but you can avoid breakage by keeping your baby hair soft and moisturized.
Issa Rae
Be Mindful of Protective Styles Protective styles are great because they give your hair a break from constant manipulation, offer style versatility, and give your hair a chance to grow. The key to wearing braids, twists, weaves, and wigs is to not wear them for too long or forget to take care of your actual hair underneath. Three to four weeks is as long as you can wear a hairstyle before your scalp gets funky and you need to switch things up. Samira Wiley
Her
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VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
FEATURE
TOSIN AJIBADE
On Creating Value Through OloriSuperGal Throughout history, the dissemination of information has taken different forms. One of these forms is blogging which became significantly popular as technology became more commonplace during the early 2010s. Tosin Ajibade knew to delve into this rather untapped market before its boom as she created her blog, OloriSuperGal, which has grown to become one of the most reputable media platforms in the country today, eleven years later. She wouldn’t stop at just blogging though; Tosin Ajibade is also an author, activist, and convener. To discuss the industry, her books, and her passion for creating value despite the toxicity, DOWNTOWN’S Kehindé Fagbule chats with Tosin Ajibade.
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ow did blogging start- you studied accounting in school, why blogging? Blogging for me started on February 8, 2010. My love for media grew over the years so it became a full-time job in no time. It moved from a platform where you’d go to talk about yourself, family, and things happening in your life to putting out commercials, information, edutainment, thoughts on socio-political happenings, and breaking news. That’s the journey so far and we thank God for what it has become today because it wasn’t always a recognised job. Gone are the days when it was seen in the same light as “yahoo” (internet fraud) seeing as we were always online at a time when it wasn’t very common to be. In a ridiculously saturated blogging space, how have you managed to stay afloat with OloriSuperGal? It’s not been easy. At the time I started, it was Linda, Bella Naija, 360nobs and Celeb Region. Those were the platforms then, but right now, everyone is a publisher. If you could also remember back then,
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we would have to get sources from celebrities’ camps to give us exclusives. Right now, however, it’s the celebrities giving us the exclusives on their social media pages, so a lot has changed. Because of the saturation, it’s difficult to break news, so you have to compete for that and move at the speed of light. Evolving and moving on with the trend have helped to stay afloat in the business. Also back then, you could publish with just your phone. Nowadays, you use a camera to do it professionally, your reporting too has changed. ‘Copy and paste’ was also very common back then, now the rules on plagiarism are strict. Now you have to verify your stories, they need to see that your platform is credible before they associate with it. OloriSuperGal is one of the most reputable and popular blogs in the country. Seeing that it’s also been known to call attention to social issues in the past (especially as it affects women and girls like the child molestation case in Queen’s College), how important is this to you? We didn’t just break that story, we
did a follow-up on it until the end. It was so big, Channels TV, AIT, TVC, and other reputable TV stations picked up the story from our page. We handled the case brilliantly despite a lot of pressure from some people trying to get us to drop it as they accused us of lying. It helped that other survivors stepped forward even though the original survivor requested to drop the case. Social causes are something that we hold dearly to our hearts. We’ve done a few of them over the years from the ‘Save Debbie’ campaign which helped a breast cancer patient; to the ‘Walk Against Rape’, to keep spreading the awareness on domestic violence, gender-based violence, and other social issues. You are the organizer of the New Media Conference which held annually from 2015 until 2019. Tell us about it. When blogging picked up, there were several
VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
blogs and the comparisons became too much. They’d often belittle you or reduce your intelligence to nothing. However, although people see it as a useless job, there are other ways in which you can prove yourself. The conference started on May 27, 2015, and was called the New Media Conference. The conference was about bringing new media enthusiasts to talk about the social media space and also profer solutions in our industry. The first event was a success. We had our first international event at Michael Joseph Centre in Nairobi, Kenya in September 2017. So that was two events that year: one of them in Lagos. Our last event was in 2019; of course, we didn’t do it last year because of the pandemic. So far, the event has created a lot of impact amongst young people and we’ve had a lot of testimonies in terms of job creation and significant career achievements. Are we expecting it to be back soon? Right now, we are looking at 2022 as we’re already in Q4 and for us, this is a busy season. I can’t guarantee that there is going to be one this year because to plan for an event, we need about six months to source sponsors, get speakers, and whatnot. We look out for value, we’d rather invest our time in putting together a successful event as opposed to doing it just for the sake of it. You are also an author of two books, From Social Misfit To Social Media Hero (2018) and The Influencer Blueprint (2020). The former is an inspiring story of perseverance. Can you tell us about your phase as a social misfit? When I wrote the first book, I had initially titled it The Journey or The Process. However, when I talked to my editors (from Okada Books and Farafina), they discouraged me from proceeding with those titles because of their simplicity which meant that so many authors have used them in the past. The title From Social Misfit To Social Media Hero came from an angle where an introvert became the popular person, having exposure and fame with no manual on how to navigate through it. We used ‘misfit’ because I used to be very shy before social media came and blew it all up. As the saying goes: there’s no hiding place for the goldfish; so it took me time to take up the mantle and build my confidence up. Influencers, as you rightly mentioned in your book, have a lot of power and responsibilities online. How are you able to stay level-headed? You have to know who you are. My first experience in the media industry wasn’t just starting as a blogger, I had a 9-5. I worked in organisations such as Laff Mattaz ventures, BHN, Net NG, and Acada Magazine. I got my first job in school during one of the strikes and it shot me straight up into the entertainment industry where I started seeing a lot of celebrities and was never starstruck. With fame, if you don’t understand where you are, you get it and lose it at the same time - something we’ve seen happen time and again in the industry. Controversy sells, so it is pretty easy to become popular. However, staying relevant is the hard part because then you need to give in value. For me, I’ve observed the industry, learnt from people’s mistakes, and been exposed to all sorts thanks to the business. Knowing yourself gives you the power to control things, shape your perspective and stay focused. It’s not easy staying relevant for three months not to talk of five years. I was called for an award this year and I said to myself “They still remember me?” *laughs*. People don’t tend to talk about failures in the business, all you see is the Glitz and Glam, you don’t get to hear the stories, the death threats, the attacks, and a lot of things that come with the business. I remember in 2012 it got so overwhelming, I was very close to giving up and going back to my 9-5. Who are your influences? When I look at people I want to be like such as Oprah Winfrey and Mo Abudu, I realise that I just need to keep doing it. I look up to Mo Abudu a lot because she is living my dream. Let’s talk about the social media space. It is increasingly difficult now to put out content as a blog with flagging and censorship. How do you navigate that? Earlier, I talked about how ‘copy and paste’ was a thing people could get away with back in the day. Nowadays, it is considered intellectual property, and stealing it is copyright infringement. So let’s say you took a post from a content
FEATURE creator’s page, and let’s assume that the content features a song from a popular artist such as Wizkid for instance. Your page will be affected. There are two reasons why; it is either your page is affected by the Wizkid’s song that was used in the video or the content owner claiming you didn’t get permission from them, this will lead to your post being flagged. So right now, it is a little bit dicey lifting other people’s content and assuming that it will fly, so what we do is ask for permission. For each staff member that joins our company, we hand them a guide to go through which helps them navigate these. Data is the new crude oil we’ve come to realise now. How do you keep track of that to run the business of social media? Data, of course, is crude oil. Content is gold right now but without data, you cannot run it. This country is messed up when it comes to data. In this business, you need to have about three different networks you use just to stay afloat. Also, you’re spending so much on data to stay in the business. How do you source news? How do you get the gossip required to run a lifestyle blog? We don’t carry gossip. For starters, we get a lot of emails from different people every day, maybe about their client or a story they need to put out. Then again, social media has helped as celebrities often put out their own stories without getting it exclusively, so it’s about who sees it first. In addition to that, we get content from event coverage as well as press releases from events happening all over the country. Lastly, we also create numerous in-house content from playlists to movie reviews. We have a YouTube channel. Currently, we are doing Big Brother Naija interviews as well where we chat with current ex-housemates. So you never run gossip? If you check the platforms, the only things that could be considered as gossip are the times that the celebrities themselves spread their dirty linen. When you say gossip, it sounds so destructive because someone or something gets affected. It’s either you’re destroying homes or someone’s personality. There are several gossip platforms but we are not one. I hate the word “Blogger” because it doesn’t come with joy, it comes with hateful thinking.
People don’t even want to get to know you but they want you to post and talk about them but they don’t want to be friends with you. The entertainment industry is very toxic. Every day you’re facing new battles so who has the time to sit down, write about and plot their downfall? I tell people my personal life and my work are opposites. Tosin Ajibade is completely different from OloriSuperGal, I’ve just been able to balance it over time, but it is crazy. How do you think the blogging industry can be better? We don’t share enough within our community to know what we’re going through or what the business challenges are. However, I am always willing to share. I teach and train people. I am all about value, the industry is toxic enough, and I don’t have any idea on how it can get better because I wing it every day. It is not as easy as we make it seem.
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VOL 1 NO.32 • SEPTEMBER 19 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
SÓRÓSOKE DOWNTOWN BY AYODELE JOHNSON
CILLSOUL
Grooming a music career needs wits and deliberate efforts that alternative singer Cillsoul has found. Although the pandemic came along with losses, with her power of hindsight she can recall reasons for optimism. The loss of a vital creative element that her music required as well as inhibitive social distancing restrictions that kept her away from fans living in the quarantined megacity of Lagos led her to see a bright side no less. In the future, Cill plans on keeping a firm focus on the issues that matter. Her spell with advocacy has the singer campaigning for wider voter participation in elections and the rest of the year is looking good with an imminent EP that promises to beat the imagination of fans.
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ow, you have the power of hindsight. Looking back, on the past while you relish the achievements of the present, do you get the feeling that you are exactly where you have projected to be? 2020 was the year that I had plans to travel a lot within and outside Nigeria. I wasn’t able to do that at all. Everything went to a standstill. The world was on a mute and then everybody had to find alternative ways to live life. I didn’t just survive 2020 – I actually really thrived. I got the opportunity to look deeper and find stuff that I really like to do and spaces that I wanted to work in. Connecting with fans under COVID lockdown needed wits. What hack did you invent to cope? There was actually a deliberate effort to connect. Prior to 2020, I didn’t do a lot. I don’t think I did any video like Instagram live. So, I got pushed because that’s the way you can connect with people in real time. They are seeing what you are doing right now and they want to be part of that world. I met a lot of fans that I didn’t even know that I had. I met fans from Brazil, Germany, Ghana- places that I never thought I had a fan base. There was actually one particular fan – I think he is a footballer in Brazil. He actually translated my song into their dialect and he sang it back to me. Those moments were very priceless. I really connected with people that I didn’t know that I had. It was really good. I think that pushed me to do more. I used to have sessions regularly on Sundays. I will just play my guitar to sing. I even won an online competition during that period. There were a lot of things happening online – I think everybody was just trying to be relevant. For me it wasn’t so difficult because I was already a live performer. There are many artists that are only recording artists, so when there was a pandemic, they probably struggled a bit because they never liked going to performances. But I’d pick up my guitar and serenade my audience and everybody was happy. Those were some of the things that I found myself doing. I think I was forced to come out of my shell a bit more and interact with my fans in that way. You studied law at the university yet you started your work life at a top accounting firm. The vast number of employment-seeking youths would wish to have that. How did you manage the decision to defect to music? The simple answer is that I wasn’t actually thinking about that. I wasn’t thinking straight. If I was, I probably wouldn’t have done that. The restlessness that I was feeling about not doing music outweighed other concerns. I think I was just blinded by the restlessness and the desire to actually do something that I would say was my own because working in an office is like building somebody else’s empire which is not a bad thing to do but I got to a point in my life where I realized that this is somebody else’s business. This is their empire. This is their baby. I want to have something that I would say is mine too. The one thing that has been with me for years – that has grown with me and has not left me even though I have grown from different stages of my life is music. Somehow I tried to run away from it but it was just glaring and unavoidable. I told myself that if I didn’t jump on this opportunity to pursue music right now, I would probably grow old, regret, and ask myself why I never gave it a chance. I remember talking to a manager at my office when I was resigning. One of the things he said to me then was that he used to be a producer. He used to know Don Jazzy. He used to send Don Jazzy beats. And then I told myself that
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I don’t want to be that person that would be like I used to know this person; we were friends. I didn’t want that for myself because I knew that I would really feel bad. For me, I knew that I was good at whatever I did. That was a given. I was good at the job I was at. I felt that if I put that same energy into something of my own, I would still be successful. That was what was in my head. Rendering soulful covers seem like your MO – how did you get so good at it? As far back as when I started singing in church, I never really knew how to learn other people’s songs. I struggled with it a lot. The first time I ever sang in a church – I was invited to sing – I sang my own song. I just felt like why don’t I create my own music? And that’s who I was. I even struggled in a choir because of that. The first cover that I
ever posted was 2019. I had a setback that year where I just stopped creating a lot because I lost my friend, producer, and drummer so it was a rough year. By 2019, I was working on my EP with a producer back then and everything just went into shambles. I had to do something to get my page and career running so I tried doing covers. My own idea of doing covers was different because I wanted people to experience how I hear music. The first song I ever did was Baby by Joeboy. I merged Joeboy’s and Fireboy singles Baby and Jealous and it turned out so nice. I was shocked by the reactions because I didn’t expect much. It was the encouragement that I needed to continue. And that was what kept me going up to my last single and music video. Doing covers was something I stumbled into. I literally had no choice but to do covers. Let You Down with Sigag Lauren is an opportunity for your fans to listen to you through the prism of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). How do you feel pulling that off? It was still within my comfort zone if you ask me. I think the thing that was a bit challenging for me was trying to tone down a bit on what I would normally do on an alternative sound. I was less expressive, more soulish, and calm. The focus of EDM is more on the sound and less on the voice. It was actually fun working with Sigag. He already laid out the music. He had made his vocals. I wrote my own part. He did what he usually does and it came out really nice. I see myself doing that again and again with other EDM producers. I enjoy doing stuff like that because it is a way to explore something different. Do you see a future involving a record deal at the Mavins? I didn’t set out looking for a label. It wasn’t my goal initially. One, because I was very focused on trying to develop myself and having an identity. If you join a label as an empty slate, they would probably just write anything that they like on you, so I wanted that identity and sound. Two, I just felt I won’t function too well in a label situation. I am a very independentminded person. Whether I am interested in being signed? Well, we will see. I have had good offers that I should have explored but I think I wanted to put out a body of work on my own first just to have an identity out there so that anyone who is coming on board would work within that framework or not too far from it. I just feel like it is better for me that way knowing the kind of person I am. I will probably have a distribution deal. Some deals that are not 360 degrees. You have entertained the guests at advocacy events. Will you talk about the issues that bother you? How are you trying to make a change? I definitely have issues that I am very passionate about. One of them is elections – free and fair elections in Nigeria. I used to volunteer in an organization where we monitor elections – see how voters’ registration is done and see whether the guidelines are being followed. When I worked there, it was really an eye-opener because you’d see a lot of community conspiracy; underage voting. You’d see voter apathy. In the last elections in Nigeria, a lot of people were just not interested in participating at all. That’s something I will really love to lend my voice to, especially in Nigeria. I am always available to perform at events where such causes are the topic of discussion. I will lend my voice in singing – even contributions. It is apparent that you have enjoyed the reception from your last single Taratara. What form of a singer are your listeners likely to meet in Cill’s subsequent projects? Of course, you will meet Cillsoul. It is just a different flavour. Based on where I am coming from with my experience doing covers for Afrobeat songs, I have had a way to incorporate some pop into my sound. It is still me you will meet. There is Cillsoul in full – an improved Cillsoul 2.0. That’s something to look forward to. I think a lot of people will be interested in this project because they will see a part that they have never seen before. Maybe one that they have seen but it was just in their heads, so I am bringing that vision to life. How do you match spirituality with music? I have this deep connection with God. I will say that my inspiration comes from Him. The ideas that I have – how I do marsh-ups, even how I create – I feel like it is not natural. It is not something that I ordinarily by myself would be able to think of. Ideas that come up are sometimes not what I am looking for. They just come to me. There is always that consciousness that God is with me and present in everything that I do. It is not just music.