THEWILL DOWNTOWN FEB. 21-27 EDITION

V O L . 1 N O. 2 • F E B R U A R Y 2 1 - 2 7 , 2 0 2 1

AYO ANIMASHAUN: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC POWERHOUSE

VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE

CONTENTS

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6-7

COVER STORY: Ayo Animashaun:

REMEMBER TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

#BELIKENGOZI

The Man Behind The Music Powerhouse

The experience of being Nigerian is one that is increasingly fraught with frustration and more than a smidge of resignation. You’re tired of the things that don’t work, you’re constantly drained and on top of that, we are still in a pandemic!

And then Nigerian-born Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is appointed DG of the World Trade Organization, becoming the first woman and African to hold the position. In one moment, all our lives shine a little brighter and as a people, we are filled with hope for the future. DOWNTOWN’s newlyappointed Editor-at-Large, Chalya Shagaya, discusses the NOI ripple effect across social media and business of fashion.

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The Review Downtown

As we celebrate Nigerians defying odds in the diaspora, we must also look within and spotlight those who have journeyed across a different trajectory with equally impressive results. Our Cover personality- Ayo Animashaun is one of the people who will go down in history as being monumentally instrumental to the growth of the Nigerian/African music and entertainment scene as we know it today and quite possibly the foreseeable future. With The Headies Awards taking place tonight, Chisom Njoku holds down the Hip TV boss in conversation on what it takes to host one of the biggest live shows on the continent while juggling fatherhood, mentorship, an insane work schedule and his love for dogs! It’s a must-read.

8-9

It’s a glorious Sunday and you’re still here.

Consider yourself blessed or simply count your blessings. Mask up, practice COVID-19 protocols and stay safe for you and yours. Til next week!

Amanda Gorman: Fashion’s New IT Girl…

And She’s Black!

LATASHA NGWUBE @latashalagos

Follow us on Instagram @TheWillDowntown

THE TEAM Publisher/Editor-In-Chief: Austyn Ogannah @ogannah Editor: Latasha Ngwube Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya @chalya Beauty Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahgram Contributing Editor: Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity Senior Writer: Chisom Njoku @inchisomwetrust Contributing Writer: Boluwatife Adesina House Photographer: Rachel Seidu @rachelseidu Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes Graphics/Layout: Olatunji Samson Digital Media: Olanrewaju Balogun Intern: Sophia Edisi

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10-11 SIMPLE WAYS TO RECREATE A SPA-LIKE EXPERIENCE AT HOME

12

The Scene Downtown

VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

ODUN OGUNBIYI

ODDBOD & THE CITY

Tales From The Second Wave headache and weakened leg muscles. I had also obviously stopped going to work and was now confined to my bedroom with the distinct feeling that my roommate had descended into Lord of the Flies territory after being left to her own devices.

I had to take myself to the general hospital in Yaba, where they run the DNA test (apparently, it’s the most accurate result you will get) and, four days later, I got a positive result.

In the meantime, I developed symptoms, thankfully nothing respiratory. My wifey brought me a pulse oximeter and I was doing my oxygen saturation levels twice a day and nothing horrid was going on there.

I

t pains me to say this, but I was among the “they” that thought we just had to somehow make it to the end of 2020 and things would be better. More fool me. This year has been the trauma they told us to expect last year that did not materialise.

Every day seems to bring with it more bad news, the virus has a Nigerian mutant strain, vaccines are not going to make it to Nigeria in my lifetime and worst of all, without a doubt, is reading the names of those you know and love in the WhatsApp obituaries and memorials.

My up close and personal experience with the Covid-19 started when I randomly decided to have everyone around me at home tested. It was a Saturday, I was giving myself a home manicure (I find doing my nails very therapeutic), then I discovered that I was positive.

Everyone else around me was negative thankfully, the only thing worse than being sick yourself is your child being sick. I decided to get another test done because it made no sense—I had no symptoms.

My next result came back that evening and it was negative.

I found myself sleeping about 18 hours a day…

I think we can all agree this may have been depression-induced. The whole time I was waiting for the other shoe to drop—a tale that would go, “she felt well on Monday, breathless on Tuesday, dead on Wednesday.”

It feels unbelievably insensitive to complain because, by all accounts, I was afflicted with a very mild case.

Here are five things that I learnt during isolation 1. You cannot underestimate the emotional, physical, and psychological torture and of course the fear of long-term repercussions of the virus.

2. Google is not your friend. There is too much information out there.

3. We are nowhere near having a complete picture of this virus.

4. Maintain an attitude of gratitude - I would like to take this opportunity to give a shout out to my village members; from food and medication deliveries to the constant checking up and entertainment, it was much appreciated, and I love you all.

5. If you are coping, you are winning!

Nothing left to say but try your best and keep safe.

I was rolling around in confusion and had now managed, through the power of my mind (I thought) to manifest a persistent mild

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VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

THE EDIT BY CHALYA SHAGAYA

#BELIKENGOZI

SETTING A TONE FOR NEW FASHION AND STYLE DIRECTION IN NIGERIA

O

n February 15th, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala one time Minister for Finance in Nigeria made history by becoming the first woman and first African to hold office of Director General of the World Trade Organization. Congrats are definitely in order! Okonjo- Iweala who had spent 25 years at the World Bank as a development economist, rose to the position of managing director at the bank.

In a bid to pay homage to Her, “Nigerian Twitter” (mostly female) dressed in similar style using her signature look as inspiration and began posting images with the hashtag #BeLikeNgozi. She is known for her choice in traditional styled clothing made with ankara or adire. And her head wrap which she always has tied in a particular fashion has become a favorite among many just like former First Lady the late Maryam Babangida did in the 80s.

The challenge has reached over 60,000 tweets with hashtags mentioning #BeLikeNgoziChallenge and #AnkaraArmy. And was trending at the very top regionally on Twitter.

So, just what are the implications of the ‘Ngozi Effect’ or “Ngozi Style” on the Nigerian fashion industry? And what does her status as a global finance icon mean for the direction of trends, especially when it comes to gele and ankara designs? Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has set a fashion trend and we predict that she will influence the Nigerian fashion Industry with her understated signature fashion style. Simple, yet very elegant. Unique, confident and timeless. Unstudied, yet stylish at the same time.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

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Her term at the WTO will begin on March 1 and will initially run until August 2025.

VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

Must-See Music Videos of the Week

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

Fridays are my favorite day of the week and it’s due to the sheer deluge of content we’re always likely to get and just on brand Last Friday was yet another day full of new releases. Singles were dropped, videos were premiered and we were treated to so much new content. This is a short list of my 5 favorite new music videos of the week.

Movie Review:

Namaste Wahala (2021)

Nollywood and Bollywood collide in a film that in the end has a quite hopeful message: love knows no nationality or culture. Distributed globally by Netflix on Valentine’s Day, Namaste Wahala (Hello Trouble) is a showcase of what both film industry powerhouses bring to the table and potentially the first of many collaborations going forward.

Namaste Wahala follows leads Didi (Ini Dima-Okojie) and Indian actor Raj (Ruslaan Mumtaz) as they fall in love at first sight and try to navigate all the growing pains that family will inevitably create as their inter-cultural relationship blooms. The movie is executive produced and directed by former restaurateur-turned movie director Hamisha Daryani Ahuja and there are multiple scenes where the Indian/ Bollywood influence shines through. I went into this movie expecting at least one musical number and wasn’t disappointed (we got 3!). The movie follows a pretty well established rom-com structure, down to the montages that show their relationship getting ever more intimate. The chemistry between the leads is superb and pushes the movie along quite nicely.

With the families of Didi and Raj now in the picture, culture ceases to be a unifier but a reason they should be apart. “You bring me an Indian?” Didi’s father Ernest (Richard Mofe-Damijo) blurts out when Didi introduces Raj to her parents, as if he’s just been served the wrong order in a swanky restaurant. Raj’s mother (Sujata Segal) is the other dissenting party to this union and it is in the efforts to change their minds that the main plot of the movie revolves around.

Namaste Wahala is quietly a more progressive film than a lot of Nollywood films are or would ever let themselves be. Didi, a strong female lead who is successful in her career is an archetype I’d like to see more of in Nollywood.The film also addresses violence against women as a serious issue, looking at the complicity of structures and institutions that allows gendered violence to be maintained in a B-plot that is every bit as engaging as the main story.

The performances of the two leads are quite good as I’ve stated previously. Their chemistry is easy and palpable everytime they share scenes together. The supporting cast is either quite funny (K10, Broda Shaggi in an absolutely hilarious cameo) or delivering a solid performance (Richard Mofe-Damijo and Joke Silva are incapable of mailing it in). The rest of the cast includes Osas Ighodaro, Adaora Lumina, Ibrahim Suleiman, Big Brother Naija’s Frodd, Imoh Eboh, Osas, Eneeicha.

I did have a few issues with the movie however. The film does veer from cheesy to downright corny in some scenes (the second musical number is pretty awkward), there’s the odd audio mixing that seems to rear its head in a lot of Nollywood movies and there’s also the issue of the B-plot almost threatening to usurp the A-plot at a point. The pacing of the movie is also quite off as well. The time between the initial meet-cut of the lead characters and the discussions about marriage was just a little too abrupt for me.

On the whole I thought Namaste Wahala was an okay rom-com. Sweet, consciously cheesy and hopeful, it didn’t reinvent the wheel or break new ground cinematically, but it did open up the door to bigger and better collaborations between Nollywood and Bollywood which can only be a good thing. Here’s to more.

4.5/10.

1. For You- Teni ft. Davido Poised as a single off her upcoming album WONDALAND, For You is an emotional track that sees Teni the Entertainer and Davido trading vocals against poignant acoustic production.

According to Teni, “For You” is a record she made to celebrate the essence of love, sacrifice, and the reaffirmation to always be there for that special someone who means the world to you. The music video is Entertaining (see what I did there?) as well.

We find Teni stuck behind bars before her best friend, Davido breaks her out – but not without consequences.

2. Focus - Joeboy “Focus is a song about unrequited love and a romantic interest not being straightforward about their intentions with you,” JoeBoy says, noting that the lyrics were based on situations experienced by one of his producers during the making of his debut album Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic.

3.Burna Boy - Onyeka (Baby) The latest song from Twice As Tall to receive a video, Onyeka is a celebration. A joyful Burna croons over the song while in the video his flirtations with his woman in an old Nigeria setting are interspersed with footage of children playing and riding around town. You can’t watch this and not leave it in a good mood.

4. Stefflon Don - Can’t Let You Go Remix ft. Tiwa Savage & Rema As fun as these music videos can be, I’m always itching for something new, something different. This new video certainly fits the bill as it is entirely computer animated and save for some uncannyvalley evoking facial animation the video is really well done.

Set on a fantastical planet lush with wildlife, the 3 artists avatars gyrate and get down to the pretty catchy song.

5. Falz - Squander ft Niniola The video is a very well done Nigerian version of a heist movie. Falz is the ringleader, Danny Ocean type, leading his crew on a mission to steal from some socialites at an event. The mission of course goes wrong at points (the secret sauce of any heist movie) but in the end our heroes get away with the money and immediately give it to the masses, making them a robinhood of sorts. A quite enjoyable watch.

So, these are 5 of the new music video releases I saw in the last week that piqued my interest. If any of these sound interesting do give them a listen.

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VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

COVER FASHION

AYO ANIMASHAUN: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC POWERHOUSE

Arriving at the Hip TV office on possibly their busiest week in the year, I visibly notice the hustle and bustle as staff and non-staff pace around trying to get things in place for The Headies Awards Show.

Mr. Animashaun is in his third meeting for the day and he’s far from finished. We meet briefly and exchange pleasantries as he urges me to be patient while he rounds up his current engagement. While waiting, I see an influx of hot new artistes like Bad Boy Timz and Alpha P to mention a few and their presence is just another day in the office for most. It was all just a subtle reminder that Ayo Animashaun runs a powerhouse.

Arguably a pioneer of the music award shows in Nigeria, Ayo Animashaun is an entertainment entrepreneur and television executive, the brains behind Hip Tv and The Headies as well as CEO of Smooth Promotions. Many might not know this but Mr. Animashaun is a core family man and regardless of his various obligations, always puts family first.

After an 18 hour wait that housed a couple of false starts and a carryover into the next day, Downtown’s Chisom Njoku (special thanks to Oye Akideinde) finally caught up with him for a conversation on reflection, appreciation [of the journey so far], and exchange of thoughts on Nigeria’s music and entertainment industry.

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G

ive us some insight into who Ayo Animashaun is?

I’m a media entrepreneur. I started my media career with my first project - a songbook [booklet with song lyrics] when I was 19 and everything took off from there.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Ilorin, Kwara State. I spent my first 17 years there before moving to Kaduna to study Business Administration and Management at Kaduna Polytechnic. From there I moved to Katsina to serve and finally arrived in Lagos to start Hip Hop World Magazine in 1994.

What was it like growing up there [Ilorin] as a youth who was fascinated by music and pop culture?

I grew up listening to largely foreign music apart from the music my dad would play like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, etc. When I entered my teenage years, I developed my own musical interests in RnB, pop, and hip hop and spent a lot of time listening at a record store not far from my home. The music they played there shaped my taste and interest.

It’s not always about where you grow up, it’s about who you meet, who you are, and what influences you.

VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

COVER Some of your earliest work was the Hip Hop World page in Fame Magazine, how did it feel driving the music culture in a pre-social media era?

I went to Fame Magazine because I wanted to publish Hip Hop World Magazine not because I wanted to write for Fame Magazine but then I thought I could do a better job with those pages so I requested and got my opportunity.

It was a different time then and I looked forward to my articles being published every week.

As a music lover, you went on to turn the Hip Hop World page into a music magazine but the question is how did that passion translate into a sustainable business?

I didn’t think this was going to be my bread and butter, as it was just an interest I developed when I was a boy. When I started writing the songbooks, it was just for my pleasure.

I realized I could hear almost everything the artistes were saying clearly so I started putting it on paper and I would spend hours writing. I would compile and photocopy this makeshift songbook and sell them like handouts. There was this progression at every stage and I was just doing it and having fun but everything changed when I decided to stay on my own because I had to provide food and transportation for myself.

I wasn’t born poor, in fact, the street I lived in Ilorin was named after my dad but he died and though we were still good, it wasn’t business as usual. I chose the hardship I put on myself because I wanted to step out and do something.

What was the inspiration behind The Headies Awards?

Many years before The Headies, we toyed with the concept of running a music award show for Africa. The Headies started when Hip Hop World Magazine hit the ten year mark and we wondered what next. I had been fortunate to travel and see the beauty of different award shows around the world. I believed we could do this in Nigeria and set standards, but we didn’t have a dime, however one or two clients saw the vision and passion I had and that’s how it all began.

What has been the most difficult part of hosting the yearly award show and at any point in time, did you consider calling it quits?

Yes, the 2015 Headies with the Olamide and Don Jazzy incident. I felt like I shouldn’t do it anymore because it seemed the industry was not appreciative because even when we do get sponsors, a lot of my money still goes into it that doesn’t come back.

The Headies has been accused of bias on numerous occasions; What is the truth behind the selection and awarding process that people don’t understand?

We continue to educate people but it’s [the selection process] clear, the year in review is within a specified period and the definition of each category is spelt out but people will still pick from outside the year in review. The fact that an artist has a song or album from that year does not automatically qualify them for nomination and the fact that they’re not nominated does not mean they didn’t do well.

We start shortlisting from two hundred and something entries and we have to narrow it down to four or five. Awards are never going to stop being controversial because you can’t please everyone. There’s a reason why some award shows don’t say ‘The winner is’, they say ‘The award goes to..’ because all the nominees are good but the award has to go to someone.

Also sometimes artistes don’t vote [or canvas for votes], they just assume they’ll win. When

Awards are never going to stop being controversial because you can’t please everyone…The fact that an artist has a song or album from that year does not automatically qualify them for nomination and the fact that they’re not nominated does not mean they didn’t do well people see a nominees list they already assume the winner in their head but there’s a voting process and it’s the guys that put in the effort [with voting] that eventually win.

It’s been 8 years since you successfully set up the inclusion of Hip Tv on Multichoice (DSTV). How does it feel operating a major TV station? Is it everything you hoped it would be?

No, far from it. What we are doing presently is just a small fraction of what we plan to do but, of course, there are challenges so we take it a day at a time. Hip Tv has massive growth potential, not just in Nigeria or across Africa. Our music [Urban Contemporary Nigerian Music or Afropop] is a worldwide phenomenon now, you can go anywhere in the world and we’re there. So why do we only promote on platforms within the continent? Why can’t we have representation outside Africa? We[Hip TV] have our growth strategy that is being deployed.

You turned 50 last year, based on your wealth of experience in the industry, what gaps in the Nigerian entertainment industry do you feel still needs attention?

That’s difficult to answer because everywhere you look there are gaps and so to narrow it down to one, is to look at the entire music and entertainment spectrum from a myopic point of view.

A major one is managing the rights of artistes to collect their royalties because there are always issues. There are so many artistes, producers and writers making good music who would be paid anywhere else in the world but they make no money in Nigeria.

The way the Nigerian music industry is structured, if you’re not performing you’re not making money. Although we’ve made progress, there’s still so much more to do.

In your opinion, what is the future of the Nigerian music and entertainment industry?

Since the late 90s, our artistes have been taking over the continent and now they’re taking on the world. I remember in 1999, when Femi Kuti won “African Artiste Of The Year” in South Africa.

We’ve shown dominance through our music, our style, videos, and the quality of our productions.

Nigerian artistes win the African artiste titles at award shows like MTV and BET above all other African countries put together.

Now they amass big streaming numbers from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube, sometimes they even outshine other artistes around the world indicating they’re doing well.

At the moment Burna Boy has a chart-topper with SIA and that’s huge so things are definitely looking good.

Which of your personal strengths do you feel have helped you in the course of your career?

I read a lot so I apply the knowledge I get from those books, I don’t give up and I believe nothing is impossible. If we’re not on the same page, we can’t work together for long and I also put in a lot of quality work which has earned us client trust.

Then of course I only work with the best, if it’s not the best then it’s not good enough.

Looking back, is there anything you would’ve done differently?

I don’t think I would change anything if I’m being honest… perhaps I wouldn’t have gone as broke as I did but that’s part of the process so it’s okay.

Can you tell me about the last great career obstacle you encountered and how you navigated the situation?

I’ve always gone through one obstacle or the other, there’s no way you can build a very successful brand without facing obstacles.

However a major incident was when a fire razed down the studio destroying equipment and sensitive data in there. It was a very tough time but we got through it.

Do you believe in grooming for leadership? And if so do you mentor any future Ayo Animashauns?

I definitely believe in grooming for leadership and I have a couple of guys that are smoking hot, full of passion and matched with knowledge. I’ve invested my energy, time, and experience, sharing mistakes I’ve made in the past while encouraging them to do better. I’m now blessed with guys that have been with me for several years and can continue when the time comes for me to step out.

What does success mean to you?

Success means the fulfillment of your purpose.

Not a big bank account but rather the ability to help others shine through you and using your light to light other candles.

On a lighter note, you are a known animal lover. What’s your favorite thing about dogs, and are there any breeds you’d like to own/adopt?

I think dogs are brilliant, they’re just so adorable and right now I have a Boerboel, a chow chow then I have a Rottweiler. I love small dogs, golden retrievers, and the likes but I don’t have any of those yet..

You’re very concerned about fitness, how do you balance staying in shape with your busy schedule?

I always make time… for instance two days ago I woke up at 6 am and ran for over two hours. I find time for sports because you don’t know what you’re missing if you’re not athletic or you’re not engaging in any sport. Being active is a form of self care, not just physically but mentally because you’ll be able to see clearly, think better, become lighter and move faster.

My life revolves around family, work and exercising.

As a husband and father, what’s your favorite family bonding activity?

Reading is a big part of our household culture. I buy a lot of books and my kids enjoy consuming them. They often times have to either present summaries of what they’ve read in PowerPoint format and on some occasions, to build their confidence, I invite them to my office to present to my team! It’s a rewards system that keeps them motivated...for example, this Valentine’s Day gone past, I bought my son a PlayStation 5 but he has a book to finish first before he gets his hands on it!

Traveling is also a big part of our bonding time as a family but for the pandemic, we would have gone on vacation this Easter and the summer holidays as well.

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VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

FASHION

AMANDA GORMAN: FASHION’S NEW IT-GIRL…AND SHE’S BLACK!

Gorman in a pink Khiry gown for Time Magazine shoot

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“In this truth, in this faith we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us” Words of a young black poet who has become a fashion icon and inspiration to millions of young women of color across the world. National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman a force to be reckoned with, whose entry into our collective orbits at the US Presidential inauguration ceremony, brought a fresh wave of strength and hope for the nation.

Gorman was selected by Glamour Magazine in 2018 as one of their “College Women of the Year” and made Root Magazine’s “Young Futurists”, an annual list of the 25 best and brightest young African-Americans. The 22 year old poet represents a new kind of style icon for fashion and loves to make a style statement wearing bold hues that span the color spectrum. She has been an upcoming fixture in both poetry and fashion circles for quite some time, doubling as her own stylist makeup artist and stylist. With her shining bright profile, gorgeous rich black skin and innate sense of style, Amanda has attracted the talents of Celebrity stylist Jason Bolden who is weaving sartorial magic from fashion brands Alexander McQueen to Chanel. Whether it’s head-totoe Prada outfits or high street trends, it’s clear Ms Gorman is here to stay.

For the 10th Anniversary of The Women in the World Summit at Lincoln Center on April 2019. Amanda Gorman dazzles in a crisp white Prada shirt dress with an embellished collar and matching yellow Prada handbag and heels.

VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

FASHION

Head-to-toe Prada look for Milan fashion week autumn/winter 2020 in 2019.

Amanda wears a tangerine-hued asymmetrical gown and fire-hydrant red pumps for Black Girls Rock Show in Aug 2018.

She looks divine in an abstract green dress and bag from Prada at the Prada’s Spring/Summer 2020 show in Milan.

Gorman in a sunflower yellow coat and red satin headband from Prada at the U.S presidential inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021.

Gorman in dramatic sleeved, asymmetric tiered dressed Alexander McQueen dress.

A vision in this blush plisse dress and bag from Prada for the American Black Film Festival Honors Awards ceremony in February 2020.

Women of Worth Event in Dec 2017 in a floral dotted dress with fuchsia and blush toned flower crown for L’Oreal Paris.

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VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

BEAUTY

BY ONAH NWACHUKWU

Dodos Uvieghara

SIMPLE WAYS TO RECREATE A SPA-LIKE EXPERIENCE AT HOME With the coronavirus pandemic still in the air, a trip to the spa isn’t exactly tops on our list when we feel like we really need to relax. Do not fret, there’s a solution to this- recreate a spa-like experience at home. So how do you recreate a spa-like experience you ask? It’s really quite simple; all you need to do is set the mood, follow the steps below, and you should be well on your way to creating a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home.

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VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

BEAUTY

DR. MICHAEL K. OBENG AND HIS HEART OF GOLD 4. STEAM YOUR FACE LOHN LAGOS Grapefruit and Mango Candle LOHN LAGOS Basil Flower Soy Candle

1. LIGHT A CANDLE The first thing you notice when you walk into a spa is the fragrance that fills the atmosphere. You can recreate this at home by incorporating something as simple as a scented candle into your space. Go for one with a relaxing effect.

Steaming the face is quite refreshing. Not only does it give you that glowing look, but it also unclogs your pores. It’s pretty easy to do. Simply bring some water (say about 1.5litres), to a boil and pour into a bowl. Then bend over the bowl with a large towel over your head. This will help trap the steam-be sure not to be too close to the water so you don’t scald. After a while, you should feel your face swelling, do not panic that’s just your pores opening up. Steam for10 minutes.

Kiehl’s Calendula and Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque

2. THE RIGHT MUSIC Another thing you notice when you walk into a spa is the music. The right kind of music is quite important when trying to recreate a spa-like experience; try apps such as Calm for this.

5. MASK AWAY Slathering on moisturiser to our face works wonders but sometimes it isn’t enough. You see, as we get older, our skin cells don’t produce moisturising oils like they used to, so we have to help it by using a hydrating face mask. Use once a week at bedtime for great results.

Over the last couple of weeks the Internet has been abuzz with the story of Tessica Brown, AKA ‘The Gorilla Glue Girl’. For the benefit of those who haven’t been following the story, Tessica Brown a 40-year- old mother of five from Louisiana, U.S.A ran out of hair spray and proceeded to use a very strong adhesive, Gorilla Glue on her hair. This left Brown’s hair glued for about a month. She tried getting it off through various means but nothing worked. That is until renowned Ghanian born, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael K. Obeng, offered to help and successfully dissolved the glue. As we all know the procedure that was meant to cost $12,500 was done for free, but what do we know about the solvent Dr. Obeng created?

After researching the compounds of Gorilla Glue; one of which is polyurethane, and based on his chemistry background, Dr. Obeng went on to mix an antidote consisting of medical-grade adhesive remover, aloe vera, olive oil, and acetone. After a procedure that took four hours, Tessica Brown’s hair came undone.

Perhaps most shocking is the fact that she retained her hair after the procedure but Dr. Obeng says that, that was the idea behind the solvent he made, it was never going to break off her hair.

This isn’t the first time Dr. Obeng has rendered his services free of charge; he runs a non-profit organization called R.E.S.T.O.R.E(Restoring Emotional Stability Through Outstanding Reconstructive Efforts). He and his R.E.S.T.O.R.E team of volunteers have been involved in humanitarian work for approximately 13 years now. According to Dr. Obeng, the organization undertakes mission projects to other countries to provide free reconstructive surgery and related medical services to abused children and battered individuals with accidental and congenital deformities.

3. DRY BRUSH Simply grab a body brush and brush your body in circular motion-applying medium pressure as you do so, moving upwards towards the heart. Dry brushing has a lot of benefits; it helps exfoliate the skin, getting rid of dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, which in turn improves its appearance.

It also improves circulation.

TWININGS Camomile Tea

6. CALMING BEVERAGE We always get a calming beverage at the spa when we visit, whether it’s tea or infused water. You can recreate this with a cup of chamomile tea while you pamper yourself away.

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VOL 1 NO.2 • FEBRUARY 21-27, 2021

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

BY SOPHIA EDISI

Eddie Madaki, Movie Leads- Sharon Ooja & Daniel Etim Effiong and Senator Comedian

Adenike Oyetunde

toxic relationship. The lead characters are played by actors Sharon Ooja and Daniel Etim Effiong. Other stars featured in the movie are Lulu Okonkwo, Bethel Njokwu (Senator) and Eddie Madaki with a special guest appearance by renowned Gospel legend Dr Panam Percy Paul.

Adenike Oyetunde

Toro & Tochukwu Okide

The movie was produced and codirected by Dimbo and Karachi Atiya and distributed by Genesis Pictures.

STILL FALLING The Movie Premieres in Lagos

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t was an evening of glamour and celebration as Nollywood feature film Still Falling premiered recently at Ebony Life Place in Lagos. The romantic movie follows the story of former lovers Bono Kuku and Captain Lagi Gowon, whose reunion reignites tough memories from their

Dimbo & Karachi Atiya

Mimi Onalaja

Pastor Shola & Pheobe Olapade

Chris Okabgue Yewande Osamein

Susan & Doyin

Chioma Chigul Omerua Mr & Mrs Ejugbo PAGE 12

Chisom Agoawuike