THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 18TH DECEMBER 2022 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE Follow on @thisdaystyle

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2022

FOLAKE AKINDELE

24 YEARS OF TIFFANY AMBER

EDITOR’S LETTER

COVER NOTE

CONTENT

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Staying the course.

Society

ABIDEMI AND ADEBAYO TIE THE KNOT

It was a celebration of love for the families of Obanikoro and Falana as close friends and relatives came together to celebrate and witness the wedding of their child Abidemi Shakirat and Adebayo Akin. The couple were joined together at a Nikkai and traditional wedding ceremony held at Monarch Event Center, LekkiEpe Expressway, Lekki , Lagos.

S yle EXECUTIVE EDITOR KONYE NWABOGOR 08111847087 DEPUTY EXECUTIVE EDITOR OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI 08111847086

Lifestyle & Fashion Ten Things This Week 8 Fashion Brands that Caught Our Attention in 2022

ASSISTANT EDITOR OROMAJUMBO 08113921062 VISUAL/SENIOR DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500

GUEST CORRESPONDENT YOMI OWOPE

Christmas Shopping

The Survivor

My Lancome Experience

PHOTOGRAPHER TOBI OLAYISADE

Afrobeats: Fad or Game Changer

DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

CONTRIBUTORS AZUKA OGUJIUBA DIDEE ETA AYO LAWAL BUKOLA AMOBOYE RUKY SALAKO

@thisdaystyle |

bout ten years ago, I had an interview with today’s cover personality Folake Akindele. At the time, she had already made her mark, but she definitely wasn’t where she is today - the brain behind one of Nigeria’s leading fashion brands with a global presence—changing the narrative in the Nigerian fashion industry and blazing a pathway for others to follow. How impressive. It is such a delight to see how far she has come and still intends to go. There is a litany of fine descriptions for women like this. Among them: strong and powerful. Generally speaking, this right here is a testament to everyone who has decided to stick to their passion regardless of how hard it seems. And not particularly in the fashion industry but as a business person in this country. Doing business in Nigeria is challenging. We are plagued with all sorts of issues, from lack of basic infrastructure to red tape, bureaucracy, changing government policies, high cost of business financing, unprofessionalism and even trust. It is a lot. But it is proof of our resilience as Nigerians that we come out winning regardless. Kudos to every business owner pushing and praying to achieve their goals. May 2023 be even better. How are you all preparing for the Christmas and new year holidays? Between holiday parties, gift exchanges, family photo sessions, and last-minute shopping trips, there seems to be so much to do and not enough time. If, like me, this is you, pace yourself and do your best to embrace simplicity and a feeling of contentment. Remember that good enough is just that - ‘’good enough’’. If you are not yet in the mood, put on your favourite Christmas carols, sing along and get into the pre-holiday spirit. We made it through a crazy year in one piece. What’s not to celebrate? Also hope you are not missing out on our ongoing Christmas giveaway. There are still loads of amazing gifts to be won. Just follow us on Instagram- @thisdaystyle. Cheers to an amazing week. Love,

Konye

@thisdaystyleon | www.thisdaystyle.ng

WWW.ARISEPLAY.COM @ariseplay

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Sunday, December 18, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10083

SOCIETY

STYLE

Abidemi and Adebayo tie the knot

t was a celebration of love for the families of Obanikoro and Falana as close friends and relatives came together to celebrate and witness the wedding of their child Abidemi Shakirat and Adebayo Akin. The couple were joined together at a Nikkai and traditional wedding ceremony held at Monarch Event Center, Lekki- Epe Expressway, Lekki , Lagos. Abidemi is the daughter of former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musliu Obanikoro .

MUDASIRU OBASA; OLORI MARYAM GBOLAHAN & HRM GBOLAHAN LAWAL, SHADE RASAK & RASAK OKOYA & FMR

ABIDEMI SHAKIRAT AND ADEBAYO AKIN FALANA

& HRM OWOLABI ADENIYI GOV GBENGA DANIEL DEP GOV OBAFEMI HAMZAT OF LAGOS STATE, SEN MUSILIU OBANIKORO, GEORGE OGUNTADE

PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

PARENTS OF THE BRIDE, SEN MUSILIU & MORUFA OBANIKORO; FOR GOV IBIKUNLE & OLUFUNSO AMOSUN, IBRAHIM

BABAJIDE OBANIKORO AND FOLUKE BELLO

MR. FLORENCE AJIMOBI, ABIMBOLA FOSHOLA; FMR DEP GOV PRINCESS SARAH SOSAN

MRS OMIYALE

MRS. AZEEZAT TIJANI

GREG OZUOMBA MBADIWE AND SANUSI DAGGASHI

BASORUN DARE ADEBAYO.

ALIMI ABDULRAZAQ, AND TUNDE OGALA

MUTIU ARE, SEN GBENGA ASHAFA AND HON. SOLA LAWAL

FIRST LADY LAGOS STATE, IBIJOKE SANWO-OLU

MR & MRS OLU OKEOWO

HON. ADEYEMI IKUFORIJI.

HON. LAWAL OYEKAN -OLUMEGBAN; HON. DAPO ALI-BALOGUN; HON. MUTIU ARE; AND HON. BOOPO OYEKAN. MR. J. MAKINDE

KUNLE BALOGUN

HON. OLOYIN LATEEF ADERAYO.

MR OYEDELE

JELILI ADESIYAN, YINKA FOLARIN; AND SEN TESLIM K. FOLARIN.

HON. WAHAB OWOKONIRAN

JELILI ANIMASAHUN AND GBOAHAN IBRAHIM

NIKE &. KUNLE MAKINDE

TUNDE OGALA

YOMI AWONIYI & KABIRU SHUAIBU

BERNARD ARNAULT REPLACES ELON MUSK AS THE WORLD’S RICHEST PERSON.

FG STOPS MANDATORY COVID TEST FOR TRAVELLERS.

ernard Arnault, the chairman of French luxury goods giant LVMH (LVMHF), has just become the first European to top Bloomberg’s list of the world’s richest people, relegating Elon Musk to second place. Now worth $171 billion, Arnault’s wealth eclipsed the Tesla CEO’s $164 billion fortune, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

WIZKID PULLS A NO-SHOW AT GHANA CONCERT.

hanaian fans of Nigerian music star Ayo Balogun, aka Wizkid, have been left disappointed after the singer failed to show up for his concert in Accra. Tagged Wizkid Live Concert, it was to be the first time Afrobeats sensation would be headlining a show in the West African country. Wizkid had confirmed his attendance hours before the event via a tweet, but the Grammy award winner failed to show up. He has, however, apologised to his fans for not showing up at the event, citing issues with production and safety. He also promised that a new date and details for the concert would be made known soon.

TEMS GETS NOMINATED FOR THE GOLDEN GLOBES.

igerian music star Openiyi Temilade has been nominated for a Golden Globes award. She bagged a nomination for the 2023 Golden Globes in the Best Original Score in a Motion Picture category. Tems was nominated alongside superstar, Rihanna; composer Ludwig Göransson and movie director Ryan Coogler for their collaboration on the song “Lift Me Up” off Marvel’s 2022 blockbuster movie, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

he Federal Government, through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, has announced that pre-arrival or post-arrival testing for COVID-19 is no longer a prerequisite for travellers irrespective of vaccination their status. This announcement was contained in a Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority letter dated December 12, 2022, and addressed to airline operators. The letter reads, “COVID-19 Travel Testing: Predeparture and Post-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests are no longer required for all passengers irrespective of vaccination status. PCR tests required for all passengers who have been partial/not fully vaccinated have been suspended.”

DERINFROMISALEKO X AYABAWOMAN

igerian fashion influencer Derin Odugbesan has released a second collaborative collection with the fast-rising womenswear brand Ayaba. The collection, which comprises transitional wardrobe pieces like the plain white oversized shirt, pants, skirts and dresses, is reminiscent of Derin’s style.

DAVID OYELOWO’S’ BIAFRA’ SERIES. avid Oyelowo is currently working on a limited series with the BBC about Biafra with Fremantle and Richard Johns’ newly-launched Argo Films. Biafra is set in the UK and Nigeria, with the story unfolding across two main timelines: the present day and the 1967-70 Biafra War – which remains a largely forgotten secret in the shared histories of both countries. Seen through the eyes of a young Black British woman, the series will combine character-led personal story with themes of family, identity and belonging at its heart. Oyelowo describes Biafra as “one of my most treasured projects,” satisfying his desire to “see African stories told at the highest level.”

NEWS

Ten Things This Week

AUSTIN DE BULL DROPS TG OMORI VISUALS FOR HIT SINGLE, ‘SHEY YOU DEY WHINE ME.’

rending artist Austin De Bull, the man behind the viral song Shey You Dey Whine Me, has released a new music video for his hit single. A gospel musician from the Ogoni part of Rivers State, he was relatively unknown to Nigerians until the video of his debut song, “Shey You Dey Whine Me Ni,” went viral on social media in October. The culturally colourful video, which TG Omori directed, pays homage to the artist’s Ogoni culture.

NIGERIA AND RWANDA ARE THE FIRST AFRICAN COUNTRIES TO SIGN THE ARTEMIS ACCORDS.

igeria and Rwanda, at the first-ever U.S.-Africa Space Forum, became the first African nations to sign the Artemis Accords. The Accords were signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami and Rwanda Space Agency CEO Francis Ngabo. The Artemis Accords represent a bold, multilateral vision for the future of space exploration. Launched by the State Department and NASA together with eight nations in 2020, the Artemis Accords advance bilateral and multilateral space cooperation between signatories, expanding our knowledge of the universe and benefiting the whole world.

THE ATELIER LOUNGE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN.

he Atelier Lounge is officially open. Located at the new wing of the Muritala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, this luxurious private airport lounge is a stylish, peaceful space designed as a rexalation spot for passengers waiting to travel. An exclusive members-only lounge, it also accommodates walk-ins at a fee.

“BATTLE ON BUKA STREET’ IS LIKE A FAREWELL BECAUSE I AM GOING TO BE THE NEXT DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE,’’, SAYS FUNKE AKINDELE

ilmmaker and politician Funke Akindele has disclosed her plans to step away from Nollywood to focus on her political career, as she hints at ‘Battle on Bukka Street’ as her last movie. In a recent interview, she stated that her most recent film, ‘Battle on Buka Street, is her final project before delving fully into politics. “a great change has happened positively if you noticed. From being an actor, I also write, produce, direct and discover new faces. So, I have passed the baton of production to the young people because I have moved into politics now. So, ‘Battle on Buka Street’ is like a farewell because I am going to be the next deputy governor of Lagos State. So, I am passing the baton to the new ones because we need to give them an opportunity.

Sunday, December 18, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10083

FIVE FASHION BRANDS THAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION IN 2022

Orange Culture

Probably one of the most flamboyant designer brands to come out of Nigeria, Orange Culture has served as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive audience that’s daring and expressive. The peacock riot collection, which was dropped earlier in the year, addresses the political and social situations that plague Nigeria. With each outfit inspiring individuality through colours, silhouettes and fabrics, they tend to give off strong but classy vibes that serve as a form of protest even through clothing.

As we wind up on yet another productive fashion year, we relish the fact that with each passing year, the industry records significant growth and improvements, and this year was no exception. This year, our indigenous brands created clothes and placed Nigeria on the map for their ability to stand out with each of their designs. With some of them standing in the gap for a new era of fashionistas who were bent on seeking individuality at all costs. Today, we present a list of five of them who caught our attention simply because they got the memo and executed it in grand style. By Charles Didee Eta

Atafo

One of the most anticipated fashion events of the year was Atafo’s first stand-alone show; as expected, the brand didn’t disappoint. Not one to disappoint, The ATAFO’s Spring/Summer 23 collection, tagged ‘The Atelier’, can be described as stylish yet functional. Seemingly elevated with structure but still very adaptable with individual styles. It’s no surprise that the Atafo brand has stood the test of time, earning its place amongst the leading designer brands in Nigeria.

Emmy Kasbit

Emmy Kasbit is a sustainable fashion brand focused on creating luxury and timeless pieces for the unconventional person who tends to think outside the box and is willing to be deliberate with their outfits. Recently they showcased their rather intriguing Spring/Summer 2023 collection, which was an exciting mix of colours and uniquely tailored designs with a modern approach but still celebrating our vibrant African culture through fabrics, nonetheless.

Banke Kuku

The Banke Kuku brand is literally everywhere, and that’s a fact. Known for her vibrant textiles and incredible slips, she has been commended for her impeccable taste worldwide. She has also been consistent with her efforts for quite a while now. For her most recent SS23 collection, it was a splash of colours and newer fabric designs for her iconic pyjama set, bubus and sexy dresses.

Ash Luxe

This brand has gotten a major spotlight this year, probably due to the publicity they get from its long list of highly profiled celebrity customers. They are arguably the most popular goto streetwear brand known for providing its customers with cutting-edge designs and accessories.

COVER

Sunday, December 18, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10083

FOLAKE AKINDELE 24 YEARS OF TIFFANY AMBER

When Folake Akindele decided to go into fashion, it was simply because she needed to do something productive to while away time. ‘‘I needed to do something during the 13 months of holiday in my first and second year of law school in Abuja. ‘’ she says. Little did she know that this hobby would someday blossom into a full-blown career and fashion empire where she would sit atop as one of Nigeria’s most successful fashion designers. Twenty-four years later, she has, through a cocktail of creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurial skill, created a brand that has, alongside others, helped place Nigeria on the global fashion scene. This right here is the Tiffany Amber story. A timeless brand that exudes a strong sense of femininity with a distinctly African attitude. Recently she launched a first-of-its-kind experiential flagship store, The Tiffany Amber Gardens setting a standard for luxury fashion retail in the country. Alongside this was the Tiffany Amber Heritage collection presentation, with each piece reminding guests why the brand has over time, become a prolific success. At this point, it is safe to say that Folake Akindele is a moving train that doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon. In this interview, she speaks to Konye Chelsea Nwabogor on what has kept her going and what more we are to expect from the Tiffany Amber brand. Congratulations on your recent show and the launch of Tiffany Amber Gardens. Twenty-four years in the Nigerian Fashion industry definitely isn’t a walk in the park. What has kept you going? I am an eternal optimist with an inborn drive to succeed. People who are driven to succeed never really sit on their laurels; they are constantly building and creating. It has been a long journey, challenging and rewarding. Moments of triumph and moments on the precipice of throwing in the towel. Charting and navigating a course that had no blueprint was definitely very daunting, but I chose to take full advantage of the huge possibilities that came with it, which has now become the Tiffany Amber story. Let’s take it back a bit. When did you know you wanted to be a designer? I don’t think I planned to be a designer or planned not to be a designer. I grew into becoming a designer. I had a 13-month holiday between my first and second year of law school and wanted to use my time productively. That time was spent producing my first-ever fashion show where Tiffany Amber was born. I haven’t looked back since then. I used to ask myself, what is it about fashion that I like so much? Then I realised it is not about what I like; it is about wanting to succeed in anything I do, whether in fashion or any other aspect of life. What are some of your earliest memories of you trying to build the Tiffany Amber brand? I will have to say my very first Fashion show at Flamingo restaurant held on November 28, 1998. Back then, people went to Fash-

ion shows for fun, and so I knew I had to make it fun and also be able to market the pieces. My models were my friends or friends of friends. They sang and danced on the runway; it was a fun show with emphasis on the clothes. It was a huge success which we followed up with a pop-up store at Mega Plaza. I featured 365 pieces that sold out in 3 days. From there, it became very clear to me that there was a huge gap for ready-to-wear in Nigeria that was made in Nigeria by a Nigerian and Tiffany Amber was going to be a pioneer. At the time, I hid Tiffany Amber from my father, of blessed memories, for five years. I could not muster the courage to tell him that with my law degree and Masters in Petroleum Law, I wanted to be a Fashion Designer. Fortunately, I had the full support of my mother, who was and continues to be the wind beneath my wings. Back then, it was somewhat a taboo to come from a particular background and become a fashion designer or a tailor, as my father used to call it. I remember him introducing me to his friends, saying remember my daughter who studied petroleum law ... well, she’s a tailor now... and I would laugh and say Nooooooo, daddy, I’m a fashYou can imagine my ion designer... you can imagine the pride I had pride when I was when in the years to come, I was named on the named on the Forbes Forbes 20 Power Women list in Africa... I was 20 Power Women list like, “Dad, a tailor made it on the Forbes Power in Africa. I was like, Women’s list...imagine that. As God would have it, he ultimately became one of my biggest fan ‘’Dad, a tailor made it and supporter; it made me wish I had told him on the Forbes Women’s about it earlier than I did.

power list...fancy that’’ 15

Sunday, December 18, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10083

COVER

Sunday, December 18, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10083

Your passion and flair for fashion is evident – you didn’t start off with any formal training and, at the time, described yourself as “self-taught”. In what ways has this helped liberate your creativity and set you apart from your peers? Initially, this was difficult for me because not having formal training made growth slower, but then I’ve always had a predilection for colours, textures, and art coupled with a creative soul. As the brand grew, I improved my craft, strengthening my style and design awareness. The pieces from time reflected my learning process. There’s a visible transition of design, look and feel as I began to find the Tiffany Amber DNA. This DNA I now define as fashion exuding timeless chic in a space of undeniable glamour in a truly authentic African way. To succeed in fashion, you need a combination of talent and hard work but more slanted towards handwork. Many designers may have much greater talent than I do but may not have a powerful drive. They may not work as hard; they may not have the focus or the desire. To a great extent, I think I have a fair balance of creativity, hard work and a business mind and depending on the season, one plays a greater role over the other, and in some seasons, the three of them have to play together. On the launch of your personalised flagship store - Tiffany Amber Gardens. This points to the importance of your customers enjoying a luxury “experience” beyond the top-quality and beautiful pieces they purchase. How would you define the “luxury experience” for a consumer? It’s difficult to describe the luxury experience because I don’t think there is one definition of what luxury means to everybody. I can only create what I consider luxury in the Tiffany Amber Universe and then share it with the world. For me, luxury is serenity; luxury is peace; luxury is the freedom to get lost in your own mental space, and luxury is ease. If you find any of these to be luxury, you will definitely feel at home at Tiffany Amber Gardens.

To succeed in fashion, you need a combination of talent and hard work but more slanted towards handwork. Many designers may have much greater talent than I do but may not have a powerful drive.

Looking back at 24 years of incredible work, how do you feel your brand has changed or evolved? My creative drive is quite obsessive. Perfectionism is almost an illness for me. The older I get, the more I realise there is no such thing as perfection, and sometimes you have to know when to reel it in. No matter what season it is or how much I explore, I keep reinventing the brand repeatedly without straying too far away from its DNA. What was your inspiration for the Heritage collection? When people ask me who or what inspires me

for any collection, the women always come to mind. Usually, stylish and iconic women who live in the real world with a real career, a real job, and a life story. It is about their individuality, which is why such a vast range of women come into Tiffany Amber and can connect with our pieces. Life in general also inspires me, I go by the mood of the world. It is important for Fashion Designers to be in the world, to look at art, read magazines, watch television, and even junk television. You have to know where culture Is today to react to it, be contemporary, and respond to it. What story are you telling about the women who wear your designs? The Tiffany Amber designs embodies a multitude of women who are classic yet youthful, vibrant yet sophisticated, and sexy yet demure. They are women of cultures who are confident with themselves, women aspiring to be more and leaders in their fields of expertise. Women who travel the world but feel at home when dressed in Tiffany Amber. These women continue to be my primary source of inspiration. I am always keen to be in tune with the next level of what they want and need. One of the biggest compliments I have received is that “Tiffany Amber knows what women want to wear even before they know it”. Your designs have such a strong sense of femininity. From the silhouettes to the fabrics and soft designs that still feel empowering and strong. How vital is it for a fashion brand to exude originality to stand out in a fiercely competitive market? Any business that involves image is all about perception. What one person considers original can hugely differ from what another person considers original. That is to say, who I am is not as important as who you think I am. Marketing always has a key role to play because you end up throwing a lot of money out of the window and pray that it lands in the right place so it can walk back through your door. This would explain why a fashion brand would spend millions year in year out on marketing as a way of entering the mind of their consumers and hitting the emotional spot to make them desire whatever it is they are creating. At Tiffany Amber, we are guided by a unique DNA design that exudes an innate sense of glamour and an unfailing eye for timeless chic with a distinctly African attitude. With what we all saw on Sunday, it is fair to say you have set a standard. How do you hope this impacts the fashion space in Nigeria? I hope it inspires the younger generation of designers that they can achieve what they put their minds to with a lot of handwork and focus. For the first few years, it was just a business but as I started to dream, I saw the opportunities and the business exponentially grew. So dream and dream big. As we all know, if your dreams

don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. I’m still dreaming, so help me God! Let’s also talk about the Nigerian Fashion industry. What one aspect do you find troubling and would, if given a chance, permanently change for the better? For me, it would definitely be production. Creativity is only half the work to get the fashion industry going. The fashion industry is not where it could be today because the average Nigerian has yet to experience what Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs can do, from the high-end to the mid-end to the low-end brands. I believe it’s because of production. Take music, for instance; when an artist comes out with a song, the whole world can immediately hear that song because of the distribution channels. It’s so easy for it to become a hit; you stream it and download it...... there are endless possibilities for the music industry. However, for fashion, it is far from it. You come up with a design that can

potentially do so well, but it is truncated at the production level. Investment in Human capital and training of apprentices with global industry standards would go a long way—also, easier accessibility to raw materials. The best way to probably do this is backward integration which might be slow initially but ultimately most sustainable. What would you like the Tiffany Amber brand to accomplish in the next ten years? The life of the Tiffany Amber brand has been cocooned thus far. Everything I’ve done for the brand and everything that has happened to it has brought it to this moment. Now it is a butterfly, a beautiful kaleidoscope of discipline, commitment, resilience, undeniable passion and love for the art. I believe we are at the start of a new journey; imagine a butterfly that has been flying for ten years. It would have touched ground almost everywhere and shared its beauty with everyone.

Sunday, December 18, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10083

THE

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: GETTING THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR PARTNER

By Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru

It’s the red and green season and also the time to shop for gifts for your loved ones. Need help with what to get? We’re here to help.

irst things first, start early. The last thing you want to do is wait until the last minute before you begin shopping; not only will the rush be crazy, you are less likely to find a worthy gift by this time. Also, contrary to the practices of other countries, prices in Nigeria tend to go up when it gets closer to Christmas. At this point, they know you are desperate. If you are one of the latecomers, expect to spend almost twice, if not more, of your initial budget. Secondly, pay close attention. Chances are that your partner is already giving you hints about what they prefer the most for a Christmas gift. Unless you’re getting them something you think they need and you’re sure they would appreciate it, don’t just assume, and don’t get them generic gifts. Pay attention to your conversations in this period; a hint or two should drop. Is there anything your partner might have mentioned in passing that they needed but are yet to get? Pull a surprise and get it for them as a gift. If you have a female partner, you have a long list of options; a skincare set, a box of perfume, scented candles and diffuser, shoes, bags, a spa session, wigs, jewellery, a portrait of her, a phone, etc. The list goes on and on. If you’re still clueless or what they are hinting is way beyond your budget, don’t worry, we’ve got your back still. For male partners, you’re not as limited as you think either. You can get a great pair of shoes, a spa session, perfume and diffusers, a phone, a portrait, a PlayStation, shirts, wallets, wristwatches, a beard kit, etc. However, you must know that while these gifts are good, not all are suitable for your partner. You must think in line with what you know is their preferred choice. Lastly, if your partner runs a business, get them something you think their business needs for expansion. For instance, if your partner is a baker, get her an extra oven or an industrial one. To score super extra points, add handwritten notes to your gifts; there’s just nothing cuter! It lets them know that it’s not a generic gift, but you were thinking of them when you got it.

By Bukola Amoboye

Dear Reader, Welcome to the WARIF Survivor Stories Series, a monthly feature, where stories of survivors of rape and sexual violence are shared to motivate and encourage survivors to speak their truth without the fear of judgment or stigmatization and to educate the public on the sheer magnitude of this problem in our society. The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-profit organization set up in response to the extremely high incidence of rape, sexual violence, and human trafficking of young girls and women in our society. WARIF is tackling this issue through a holistic approach that covers health, education, and community service initiatives. WARIF aids survivors of rape and sexual violence through the WARIF Centre - a haven where trained professionals are present full time, 6 days a week including public holidays to offer immediate medical care, forensic medical examinations, psycho-social counseling, and welfare services which include shelter, legal aid, and vocational skills training. These services are provided FREE of charge to any survivor who walks into the Centre.

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My name is Tayo*, I am 22 years old, and this is my story I grew up in a village in southwest Nigeria and lost my father to a ghastly motor accident at a young age. After my father’s death, his farmland and other properties were taken over by his relatives because my mum did not bear him a male child. My mother had to do a lot of menial jobs to feed us, house us, and send me to school. She eventually developed a heart condition that got worse over the years but still managed to take care of our needs. On a fateful day, after my last WAEC examination paper, I got home and discovered that my mother had been rushed to the hospital where the doctor confirmed that her condition was critical. I was confused and afraid, my mother was incapacitated, and I could do nothing to help her. We found a little solace when a neighbor who had always been supportive suggested that her older sister Mrs. Igwe*, who is based in Lagos, was willing to take me in and train me through the university. This news lifted my mother’s spirits and she agreed. Mrs. Igwe came to the village the following week and all arrangements were concluded for me to join her family in Lagos within three months. Unfortunately, my mother passed away a few weeks later. The date arrived and I went to Mrs. Igwe’s residence in Lagos. It was a rude shock when I was given the rules I was to abide by. First, I could not be sent to the University until I had served her household for 5 years. I was to wake up every day at 4 am daily to do all the household chores including making the meals; I

was not permitted to eat when the family was eating; I could not sleep till everyone else had gone to bed. Moreover, Mrs. Igwe’s children were unruly, yet I could not reprimand them no matter what they did. I was not allowed to eat any freshly made food, only the leftovers. Mrs. Igwe also physically, emotionally, and verbally abused me. How I survived those horrendous treatments, I still cannot understand. Some months after, Mrs. Igwe’s husband began to sexually abuse me. He would return home when my madam had gone to work, and the children were still in school to rape me. He threatened to kill me if I ever told anyone about the incident and would force me to take pills after the act. I endured all this continuously for 5 years,

Some months after, Mrs. Igwe’s husband began to sexually abuse me. He would return home when my madam had gone to work, and the children were still in school to rape me. He threatened to kill me if I ever told anyone about the incident and would force me to take pills after the act. I endured all this continuously for 5 years, hoping to be sent to the University as per the agreement when I was first brought to Lagos.

hoping to be sent to the University as per the agreement when I was first brought to Lagos. However, this was not to be; my madam had no intention of sending me to the university. I could not bear the psychological trauma any longer, so I ran away. While on the run, I encountered various men who took advantage of me sexually. After a few weeks of being on the run, I met a “Good Samaritan” who saw me roaming the streets and took me in. She listened to my story and immediately took me to the police station. She reported Mrs. Igwe to the police and her husband was arrested and subsequently charged to court with rape. At the police station, they promised to find the other perpetrators and I was referred to the WARIF Centre. At the center, I was given medical assistance, treatment, and psycho-social counseling. The side effects of the abuse such as flashbacks, fear, guilt, self-blame, anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings which I used to experience are all gone. I had attempted suicide on two separate occasions in the past, but I no longer feel the need to commit suicide to end all my pain. The counselor helped me realize that what happened to me was not my fault, I was encouraged and taught coping mechanisms that have put me in a better place mentally. Thus, I am hopeful for a better tomorrow. It’s been 9 months since I met the WARIF team, and I am doing well. I made the cut-off marks in the recently concluded JAMB exams and I gained admission to study accountancy at the University I will be resuming in a few weeks. Many thanks to the WARIF Team!

Dear survivor, please know that you are not alone and it is not your fault. Help is available. If you have been raped or you know someone who has, please visit us at The WARIF Centre - 6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, Yaba or call our 24-hour confidential helpline on 08092100009. For questions or more information please contact: info@warifng.org

Sunday, December 18, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10083

MY LANCÔME EXPERIENCE; AN INFLUENCER TRIP TO ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA Lancôme, the world’s leading luxury beauty brand, hosted its first Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) influencer trip to Zanzibar earlier this year. On this trip, I was joined by influencers Sharon Mundia and Natalie Tewa from Kenya, Khosi Ngema from South Africa, Sharon Ooja and Kim Oprah from Nigeria, and Andrea Kakou from the Ivory Coast and the Lamcôme team for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the five-star resort, Zuri Zanzibar. By Funke Babs Kufeji

SHARON MUNDIA

NATALIE TEWA

KHOSI NGEMA

SHARON OOJA EGWURUBE

KIM OPRAH

SUNSET CRUISE ON THE INDIA OCEAN, FRONT ROW: L-R SHARON OOJA-EGWURUBE, ADREA KAKOU, SHARON MUNDIA, NATALIE TEWA BACK ROW L-R-JOSIE, KHOSI NGEMA, FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI &KIM OPRAH

DAY 1 The experience started with a warm reception at the lobby of the resort, which was temporarily transformed into a Lancôme Eden, where cold mocktails were served, followed by a brand immersion session with David Sharp, the brand’s national makeup artist. Afterwards, we were all given personal welcome notes, beauty gifts, and colourful indigenous Tanzanian head wraps called Khangas to welcome us all in true Tanzanian style by the Lancôme team. As soon as we dropped our bags in our individual bungalows, we set sail on a sunset cruise over the sparkling Indian Ocean, where each one of us was gifted a bottle of “La Vie Est Belle Soleil Crystal” Eau de Parfum, a fragrance inspired by “spring’s first sunshine,” a fitting start to our once-ina-lifetime experience.

RÉNERGIE H. F. C. TRIPLE SERUM & YOGA CLASS SESSION

Later that evening, an Idôle cocktail party themed “Power Suits” was held for the influencers who turned up dressed in power suits for a night of fun activities. The night was filled with an endless supply of cocktails, personal photo sessions, and an Idôle masterclass that educated us all on the history and notes of the Idôle signature fragrances. The highlight of the Power Suit evening was learning and performing a dance routine that embodied the essence of Idôle fragrance: empowerment. At the night’s end, everyone was gifted all four Idole fragrances, including the hero ‘Idôle’ Eau de Parfum, the radical fragrance of rose and jasmine.

YOGA SESSION “MY SKIN, MY STRENGTH.” FRONT ROW: L-R KHOSI NGEMA, FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI, JOSIE, KIN OPRAH, SHARON MUNDIA, NATALIE TEWA BACK ROW: L-R ANDREA KAKOU, SHARON OOJA EGWURUBE

DINNER SETTING ON THE BEACH

SHARON OOJA EGWURUBE GETTING HER 15MINS MAKEUP DONE

SHARON MUNDIA GETTING HER 15MINS MAKEUP DONE

After some hours of rest, the influencers participated in the Lancôme Make-Up Masterclass with David Sharp, regional makeup artist and trainer for Lancome South Africa. The Masterclass was centred around the best-selling Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Foundation, the best-selling foundation that delivers 24 hours of comfortable wear in 50 shades with a natural matte finish. We were taught how to shade match and achieve a 15-minute flawless makeup look in class. .

ADREA KAKOU, KHOSI NGEMA & SHARON OOJA-EGWURUBE ON THE BEACH

THE LAST NIGHT of the trip was truly magical. Everyone, including the Lancôme team, showed up beautifully dressed in champagne gold and pink as a way of paying homage to the product of the night, La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum, the brand’s declaration that life is beautiful and an invitation to share in the joy of happiness. The unmissable fragrance, centred around the evening dinner on the beach, celebrates olfaction with noble iris, patchouli, and vanilla. The beach shore was lit up with the ubiquitous Lancôme logo.

INFLUENCERS POWER SUIT IDOLE COCKTAIL, L-R, BR SHARON OOJA EGWURUBE, KHOSI NGEMA, KIN OPRAH, FR L-R SHARON MUNDIA & NATALIE TEWA

INFLUENCERS WITH OTHER LADIES BEING TAUGHT THE DANCE IDOLE EMPOWERMENT DANCE ROUTINE!

DAY 2 of the trip began at the break of dawn with a yoga session themed “My Skin, My Strength.” A fivestep lesson and practice guided the 2-hour session: meditation and cleansing the skin, toning the muscles and focal skin, strengthening with Advanced Génifique Serum for healthy skin, and targeted training with stretching for Rénergie H. F. C. Triple Serum. The star products at the My skincare, My Strength masterclass were Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Serum, the iconic skincare staple for radiant, even and strengthened skin, and Rénergie H. F. C. Triple Serum. This new product expertly combines hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide and ferulic acid for potent anti-ageing and fighting dark spots. Everyone, including the influencers, got to explore the textures of these products and were gifted with the entire skincare range.

There was great food, amazing music, a fire dance show, and an endless selection of gifts from the entire La Vie Est Belle range. It was a special night that encapsulated happiness the Lancôme way. The generosity of the Lancôme brand is unmatched. Lancôme has successfully upheld the happiness banner for over 85 years, and this Sub-Saharan trip has officially inducted influencers from across Africa as “Happiness Activists.” FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI & IJEOMA NDEKWU

Sunday, December 18, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10083

AFROBEATS: FAD OR AFROBEATS: FAD OR GAME CHANGER GAME CHANGER

They went wild, hollering, “last last, na everybody go chop breakfast!” The dreadlocked By Yomi Owope performer turned his microphone to the crowd, the music stopped, and everything went quiet for a second. Then the sudden groundswell They wentof wild, hollering, “last last,rent na evand air calypso was thevoices rage of “shayoooooooo!” the night from the erybody go chop breakfast!” The dreadlocked that drove the 60s and theEko 10,000 people. This wasn’t Tafawa Balewa Square or the performer turned his microphone to thethis crowd, 70s.summer Today, theyinare vintage Convention Centre; was last Montreal.

the music stopped, and everythingBywent quiet genres, treasured by a few Yomi Owope for a second. Then the sudden groundswell but possibly awaiting a reThat’s the phenomenon of afrobeats, Again, soukous music popularised of “shayoooooooo!” rent the night air from the surgence in the was future. Nigeria’s biggest cultural export in by Awilo Longomba and made voices of 10,000 people. This wasn’t Tafawa Promoters of afrobeatswaves history, because of its sheer power in Europe for a time. For the older Balewa Square or the Eko Convention Centre; contend that the music hits and the immediacy of its impact generation, highlife and calypso was this was last summer in Montreal. differently that 1972 on billions of people. From the taxi the rage that today, drove the 60s and the That’s the phenomenon of afrobeats, Nigeria’s and 2022 are widely dispadriver in Mumbai bobbing his head 70s. Today, they are vintage genres, biggest cultural export in history,tobecause rateby - a 50-year leap into a to CKay’s “love nwantiti” Obama’sof its treasured few but possibly awaiting playlist Wizkid and sheer power and featuring the immediacy of itsTems, impact different dimensioninexposed a resurgence the future. afrobeats boasts Promoters afrobeats contend that on billions of people. From the an taxiimposing driver in to speedofand technology. BURNA BOY presence on every important chart the music hits differently today, that Mumbai bobbing his head to CKay’s “love Today, afrobeats is catone think of,playlist and heavy airplayWizkid on 1972 egorised and 2022as areworld widelymusic, disparate - a nwantiti” tocan Obama’s featuring radio worldwide. 50-year leap into a different dimension and Tems, afrobeats boasts an imposing presanother term for nonexposed to speed and technology. ence on every important chart one can think of, Western music, or music Several Nigerian afrobeats artists have and heavy on radio year: worldwide. primarily based in the hadairplay an outstanding Burna Boy, Today,not afrobeats is categorised as world Several Nigerian afrobeats had music, United States – or that Wizkid and Davido artists toppedhave the bill another term for music non-Western an outstanding year: Burna Boy, Wizkid and is not 100% English. Like with sold-out arenas from Europe to music, or music not primarily based in North America. Tiwa sold-out Savage’s arenas Water Davido topped the bill with calypso, soukous andthat samba the United States – or music is not and Garri Tour America. had a strong showing English. Like calypso, from Europe to North Tiwa Savage’s 100% music, afrobeats is not soukous in several European US showing capitals. in and samba music, afrobeats is not Water and Garri Tour had a and strong mainstreamed and is mostly Electrifying performances by Rema mainstreamed and is mostly seen as several European and US capitals. Electrifying seen as quasi-traditional. and Fireboy have us all hopeful about quasi-traditional. This means it runs the performances by Rema and Fireboy have us This means it runs the risk the next generation of acts as they risk of being on the sidelines like other all hopefulwork about thetonext generation of acts as of being on the sidelines like hard cement their influence world music before. Therefore, a helpful they work hard to cement their influence on an other world music before. on an industry driven as much by approach to maintaining relevance industrypop driven as much by pop culture as by hasTherefore, a helpful approach culture as by streaming data and been features of mainstream pop streaming data and dollars. to maintaining relevance dollars. artists like Justin Bieber, Brandy, Ed ASAKE AND TIWA SAVAGE and others. Wizkid pioneered Only a few years ago, performances on the Sheeran, has been features of mainfew years performances move with popular scale weOnly havea seen in theago, past two years would thisstream popDrake’s artists wildly like Justin on the scale we have seen in the “One Dance” collaboration. New York have seemed implausible, but an increasingly Bieber, Brandy, Ed Sheeran, and others. Wizkid past two years would have seemed Times called it a transnational danceconnected world and the instantaneity of digital pioneered this move with Drake’s wildly popular implausible, but an increasingly floor lullaby, one of Drake’s breeziest experiences means that everything in the world “One Dance” collaboration. New York Times connected world and the instantaneity and most accessible songs. Since is now happening literally at the means same time called it a transnational dance-floor lullaby, one of digital experiences that on then, a slew of songs has captured every continent. But is this enough afrobeatsWestern of Drake’s breeziest and future’s most accessible songs. everything in the worldfor is now audiences, including to stand the test of time and trend, more than Since then, a slew of songs has captured Westhappening literally at the same time hit song “Wait for U” featuring Tems, on every continent. is this enough other forms of music that But came before it? Goingwhich erndebuted audiences, including future’s at number one on the hit song “Wait afrobeats to stand thewhen test ofanother time Billboard 100 a Tems, few weeks ago. back to afor time in the early 90s, for U” Hot featuring which debuted at number and trend, more than other forms of Accessibility afrobeatsHot by 100 global global phenomenon called ragga-dancehall one on theto Billboard a few weeks ago. music that came before it? Going audiences is key to its survival, and took over the airwaves. Most people who came Accessibility to afrobeats by global audiences back to a time in the early 90s, when so better coordination within of age during that time remember Shabba is iskey to its survival, and so the is better coordinaanother global phenomenon called one-billion-strong African market. Ranks’ragga-dancehall “Ting-a-Ling” and “Mr. Loverman.” They tion within the one-billion-strong African market. took over the airwaves. The success of K-POP and China’s danced to Patra’s “Romantic Shag- C-POP The stands success of K-POP andlocal China’s C-POP Most people who cameCall,” of ageand during primarily on their gy’s “Mr Bombastic.” By the late 90s, dancestands primarily on their local that time remember Shabba Ranks’ audiences, who understand theiraudiences, who hall’s popularity hadand begun to wane asThey it madelanguage understand “Ting-a-Ling” “Mr. Loverman.” and cantheir truly language connect toand the can truly connect to Patra’s “Romantic way for the danced resurgence of hip-hop andCall,” RNB. tothey the artist they callIftheir artist call their own. Africaown. can If Africa can do Shaggy’s “Mrwas Bombastic.” By theby do the wewe need notnot worry Again, and soukous music popularised thesame, same,then then need worry if the world’s late 90s, dancehall’s popularity had if the world’s attention turns Awilo Longomba and made waves in Europe attention turns away from away afrobeats to the next begun to wane it made wayhighlife for the fromiteration afrobeats the nextstyle. iteration of for a time. For the olderasgeneration, ofto gagnam resurgence of hip-hop and RNB. gagnam style.

TEMS

CKAY

WIZKID

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