Allure 19072015

July 19, 2015

WIZKID - On Becoming His Own Man

CON

T S N E T e m a i l : a l l u r e fo r t h e wo rl d @ v a n g u a r d n g r. c o m

JULY 19 JULY 25, 2015

7

15

COVER WIZKID

FASHION • Porkpie Hat

• We Are Loving Ik Ogbonna

• Get Captivated

EDITOR REMMY DIAGBARE DEPUTY EDITOR JEMI EKUNKUNBOR ASST. EDITOR YEMISI SULEIMAN STYLE REPORTER PAMELA ECHEMUNOR CONTRIBUTORS PRINCESS KATE EMIKO BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA JEROME CODJO-YAOVI ONIPEDE

CONT. EDITOR LATASHA NGWUBE COPY EDITOR DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST CORRESPONDENTS FATIMA GARBA DAVINA AYODELE LAYOUT / DESIGN GREGORY OBI OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU (08034746487)

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For advertisement / enquiries, call DEBBIE: 08039675880, EBERE OKOH: 01-4534061(Office Auxiliary).

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: NELLY MESIK PHOTOGRAPHY: AHAM IBELEME STYLIST: TOLA MAKEUP: CYNTHIA FOR TOUCH OF CREE GRAPHICS: JAMES ABINIBI LOCATION: THRONE OF GRACE INTERIOR DECOR, V.I., LAGOS.

PEOPLE

• The Jack Sinatra Select Launch • Studio Of Mode Opening

QUOTES...

6 7

The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby.

13

FEATURE TEAM

8-11

14 -15

- Natalie Wood

The relationship between husband and wife should be one of closest friends.

- B.R Ambedkar

Never let a fool kiss you, or a kiss fool you.

- Joey Adams

From the editor...

Award- winning, hip hop star, Wizkid is our interview personality this week. The Ojuelegba crooner, who came into the Nigeria music industry quite young, has made quite a stride with his fan base growing by the day. Young, vivacious with good looks and c hurning out great music, Wizkid has been able to endear many to himself. But in this interview, you’d find that the young has grown and the kid is now a man, his own man. In this interview, he talks very frankly and brilliantly too with Yemisi Suleiman about his music, his influences, and his plans for the future. Pg 8-10.

On our fashion pages, it’s that time of the year again when the doors of Africa Fashion Week opens. London this summer promises to be great when the annual fashion extravaganza kicks off next month. As preparation gathers momentum, we profile some of the designers billed for the event. Pg. 4-5.

Also, on our fashion pages, we pay tribute to Wizkid’s cover style with the famous Porkpie hat. Pg 6.

See who we are loving...the dashing Ik Ogbonna Pg. 7.

As usual, we do hope this edition will make your Sunday enjoyable.

NB It’s been several weeks of being in the saddle while the Editor, Mrs. Remmy Diagbare takes a deserved rest.

She returns next week refreshed and ready to serve you better.

Jemi Ekunkunbor Acting Editor @ Vanguardallure1

FEATU RES

NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

By Pamela Echemunor

GIULIANA RANCIC ANNOUNCES SHE IS LEAVING E! NEWS After more than a decade hosting E!News on the E! Entertainment channel, Giuliana Rancic decides to step down. On august 10th, the 40 year old mother of one, will no longer host the show, although she will continue co-hosting Fashion Police and E! Live from the red carpet.

She expressed her gratitude to the company and viewers.

“For more than a decade, I was fortunate enough to play a role in the success of E! News and will miss my family at the show, E! News. At the same time, I am excited to not only continue as host of two major franchises on E! but also executive producer of the aspirational new show, Rich in Faith for Oxygen as well as take my wine and clothing lines to the next level. This is such a thrilling time for me and I thank the gang at E! for understanding my desire to embark on this next chapter in my life.” Rancic said.

Giuliana Rancic

VANESSA WILLIAMS EGYPTIAN THEMED WEDDING Hollwood actress and Emmy nominee, Vanessa Williams, looked fabulous in her beautiful Carmen Marc Valvo dress; she wore a white sleek skirt and top combo for the ceremony and a gown covered in gold leather petals for the reception.

“It was magnificent. I felt like an Egyptian goddess and that was exactly the theme I was going for.” She stated. The doe-eyed 52 year old beauty has been married two times already, once to public relations consultant, Ramon Hervey II for ten years, then later on to former NBA Basketball player, Rick Fox who divorced the actress after about five years. According to sources, she met her present husband, Jim Skrip in Egypt and chose the wedding theme in tribute to him.

Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN AND LONG TIME BEAU SCOTT DISICK SPLIT. Reality TV stars and Keeping up with the Kardashian couple, Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick, finally, end their nine year relationship. The couple who have three children together including Mason, Penelope and Reign Aston, have gone through quite a number of rough patches especially being part of a controversial family. According to sources, Kourtney had enough of Scott’s party animal lifestyle and drinking addiction, stating that their three children are her first priority. Scott had recently entered into a rehabilitation centre but reportedly checked out the same day.

He also missed his daughter, Penelope’s birthday at Disneyland.

Sources say Scott is leaving an open window with hopes to reconcile with his ex. According to Kris Jenner, (Kourtney’s mother), her daughter is “Hanging in there.”

CAITLYN JENNER’S REPORTEDLY NEW BEAU It’s no longer news that reality TV star, Bruce Jenner is now a transgender woman called Caitlyn, and after this humongous transformation, the former Olympic champion is moving on.

Sources say she is still attracted to women and is having a good time with fellow transgender woman, Candis Cayne.

The two were spotted going to watch a play on Broadway and have been seen together on several occasions.

Vanessa Williams Caitlyn Jenner and Candis Cayne

July 19, 2015 /

3

FA S H I O N

FASH IO N

I.KOLLECTION I.Kollection was founded by mother of three, Ihuaku Patricia Nweke, out of long standing passion for fashion. She started making jewellery from her study in 2006 and formed I.Kollection in 2009. She trained under established jewellery and clothes designers and followed up with a college course in Silver-smithing.

I.Kollection now designs and makes couture jewellery in precious and semi-precious stones as well as a line of clothing with authentic and contemporary African fabrics.

The foundational ethos of the brand is quality first in terms of the basic materials such as fabrics and jewellery stones, exquisite design and personal attention to individual needs.

The perspective of I.Kollection is that everyone has a unique style and can look unique whilst looking fashionable.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2015

- DESIGNERS SHOWCASE

By Yemisi Suleiman

ATHAENA BRIDE At Athaena, they custom-make luxury bridal and evening wear for the discerning woman. They are a brand synonymous with grace, elegance and craftsmanship.

Their garments are made from fine silks and fabrics, which are sourced from around the globe. They cut, drape, hand-embroider with love and care in the studio. The result is the trademark of an Athaena gown.

Come August 7-8, Africa Fashion Week London will be transforming the London Olympia into a stunning showcase of Africa-inspired designs as the 5th edition of AFWL takes off.

The 2-day event brings together fashionistas and industry professionals from around the world to Europe’s largest event while highlighting a unique and fashionforward catwalk collection with daily runway shows and vibrant exhibitions.

Now in its 5 year the AFWL is

MARY MARTIN LONDON Mary Martin is a self-taught, award winning fashion designer; setting fearless trends and taking Africa by storm. Mary is still studying Fashion in London, which is remarkable – considering she was asked to headline the International Fashion Week 2015 in Accra, Ghana, and as a result, was honoured as Best Designer in Africa.

She has a faithful fan-base of celebrities who adore her outrageous, bespoke designs.

Her self-produced catwalk shows in Mayfair are always a sell-out.

Self-driven for success and a desire to ensure longevity in her designs, Mary is on a mission to ensure that her designs outlast her as an individual.

TANGERINE This is a ready-to-wear/couture brand based in Abuja. The brand is known for designing timeless, simple and elegant pieces.

The brand is run by Ibee Egbuson who quit her 9-to-5 job 4 years ago to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is also the creative director of the fashion design brand.

The Tangerine woman is simple yet classy; stylish and definitely loves colours! She is no slave to trends yet she has enough funk regardless of her age.

The brand is working towards stocking pieces with retail outlets in major cities in Nigeria and even beyond.

Europe’s largest catwalk event, providing relatively unknown and emerging designers a platform to showcase their Africa-inspired designs to an international audience.

This year the event promises to be one of the biggest yet, as a record number of designers have applied to showcase, with country-sponsored exhibitors creating pavilions of style, hair and make-up demonstrations.

We bring you some international and Nigerian designers showcasing at the Olympia this year.

AIMEEKU Aimeeku is a newly established Africa-inspired clothing brand based in Taiwan, a new tribe of fashion designed with lots of wax prints, colourful tweed, coloured denim and picturesque patterns for men and women.

NEEDLE POINT Needle Point is a lifestyle brand defined by love for African culture and fashion. As a brand, Needle Point, focuses in creating contemporary ready-to-wear clothes in African print. It is distinguished by the use of high quality prints and embellishments to create timeless pieces that transcend seasons in addition to impeccable customer service.

It caters to the personal style needs of its clientele of varied ages who seek to be effortlessly stylish, elegant and comfortable in their clothes. Founded by Creative Director, Theresa Onwuka, as a hobby in 2006, Needle Point was re-launched in 2010 with the opening of its flagship store in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.

Theresa has a passion for making women look amazing in her timeless pieces. According to her, “It’s all about adding that touch of effortless chic to every piece”.

The need to collaborate with other brands while staying true to their core brand DNA, saw the launch of a commensurate line, “Needle Point Xchange” in October 2014. Each Xchange collection, is exclusive to the brand it is associated with. This way, the uniqueness and intrinsic values of the collection are maintained.

4

/ July 19, 2015

FARIDA’S ATELIER

GRAZEE STITCHES KILUMBA Kilumba’s (beautiful woman) is an Africa- inspired fashion brand of choice, symbol of quality, style and comfort internationally. Created, in late 2013, by the main designer and founder, the Angolan Luciana Peres and her team, it is the first ready-to-wear and accessories brand of African origin.

Grazee Stitches is a clothing line known for its simple but sophisticated and stylish designs for men, women and children. They encourage the use of Africainspired designs for people of class.

Designers at Grazee Stitches are top of the range, having gone through formal fashion training. The focus of the fashion house, currently, is to make stylish designs with African/Western touch and achieve global appeal. These outfits include casual and formal designs.

They aim to be a leading international clothing brand with a knack for stylish designs with a blend of African/Western touch as they continue to strive towards introducing their clothing line.

Support for the less-privileged remains at the core of all they do.

Farida’s Atelier was founded by Farida Musa Halliru. Farida is an award-winning, emerging African fashion designer from Nigeria. She specializes in women’s bespoke clothing and ready-to-wear.

Her designs are a blend of African prints in European contemporary style. Her inspiration comes from almost anything that catches her eye; from prints, pictures, accessory objects, patterns and even a woman’s silhouette.

Her flair for fashion motivates her and pushes her to be unique and true to herself. When designing, Farida puts the modern African woman in mind and creates flattering feminine designs that would accentuate a real woman’s body. Her technical knowledge of proper cloth fitting and design alongside her creativeness enables her to design clothes that reflect the modern day African woman.

July 12, 2015 /

5

FA S H I O N

FASH IO N

I.KOLLECTION I.Kollection was founded by mother of three, Ihuaku Patricia Nweke, out of long standing passion for fashion. She started making jewellery from her study in 2006 and formed I.Kollection in 2009. She trained under established jewellery and clothes designers and followed up with a college course in Silver-smithing.

I.Kollection now designs and makes couture jewellery in precious and semi-precious stones as well as a line of clothing with authentic and contemporary African fabrics.

The foundational ethos of the brand is quality first in terms of the basic materials such as fabrics and jewellery stones, exquisite design and personal attention to individual needs.

The perspective of I.Kollection is that everyone has a unique style and can look unique whilst looking fashionable.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2015

- DESIGNERS SHOWCASE

By Yemisi Suleiman

ATHAENA BRIDE At Athaena, they custom-make luxury bridal and evening wear for the discerning woman. They are a brand synonymous with grace, elegance and craftsmanship.

Their garments are made from fine silks and fabrics, which are sourced from around the globe. They cut, drape, hand-embroider with love and care in the studio. The result is the trademark of an Athaena gown.

Come August 7-8, Africa Fashion Week London will be transforming the London Olympia into a stunning showcase of Africa-inspired designs as the 5th edition of AFWL takes off.

The 2-day event brings together fashionistas and industry professionals from around the world to Europe’s largest event while highlighting a unique and fashionforward catwalk collection with daily runway shows and vibrant exhibitions.

Now in its 5 year the AFWL is

MARY MARTIN LONDON Mary Martin is a self-taught, award winning fashion designer; setting fearless trends and taking Africa by storm. Mary is still studying Fashion in London, which is remarkable – considering she was asked to headline the International Fashion Week 2015 in Accra, Ghana, and as a result, was honoured as Best Designer in Africa.

She has a faithful fan-base of celebrities who adore her outrageous, bespoke designs.

Her self-produced catwalk shows in Mayfair are always a sell-out.

Self-driven for success and a desire to ensure longevity in her designs, Mary is on a mission to ensure that her designs outlast her as an individual.

TANGERINE This is a ready-to-wear/couture brand based in Abuja. The brand is known for designing timeless, simple and elegant pieces.

The brand is run by Ibee Egbuson who quit her 9-to-5 job 4 years ago to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is also the creative director of the fashion design brand.

The Tangerine woman is simple yet classy; stylish and definitely loves colours! She is no slave to trends yet she has enough funk regardless of her age.

The brand is working towards stocking pieces with retail outlets in major cities in Nigeria and even beyond.

Europe’s largest catwalk event, providing relatively unknown and emerging designers a platform to showcase their Africa-inspired designs to an international audience.

This year the event promises to be one of the biggest yet, as a record number of designers have applied to showcase, with country-sponsored exhibitors creating pavilions of style, hair and make-up demonstrations.

We bring you some international and Nigerian designers showcasing at the Olympia this year.

AIMEEKU Aimeeku is a newly established Africa-inspired clothing brand based in Taiwan, a new tribe of fashion designed with lots of wax prints, colourful tweed, coloured denim and picturesque patterns for men and women.

NEEDLE POINT Needle Point is a lifestyle brand defined by love for African culture and fashion. As a brand, Needle Point, focuses in creating contemporary ready-to-wear clothes in African print. It is distinguished by the use of high quality prints and embellishments to create timeless pieces that transcend seasons in addition to impeccable customer service.

It caters to the personal style needs of its clientele of varied ages who seek to be effortlessly stylish, elegant and comfortable in their clothes. Founded by Creative Director, Theresa Onwuka, as a hobby in 2006, Needle Point was re-launched in 2010 with the opening of its flagship store in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.

Theresa has a passion for making women look amazing in her timeless pieces. According to her, “It’s all about adding that touch of effortless chic to every piece”.

The need to collaborate with other brands while staying true to their core brand DNA, saw the launch of a commensurate line, “Needle Point Xchange” in October 2014. Each Xchange collection, is exclusive to the brand it is associated with. This way, the uniqueness and intrinsic values of the collection are maintained.

4

/ July 19, 2015

FARIDA’S ATELIER

GRAZEE STITCHES KILUMBA Kilumba’s (beautiful woman) is an Africa- inspired fashion brand of choice, symbol of quality, style and comfort internationally. Created, in late 2013, by the main designer and founder, the Angolan Luciana Peres and her team, it is the first ready-to-wear and accessories brand of African origin.

Grazee Stitches is a clothing line known for its simple but sophisticated and stylish designs for men, women and children. They encourage the use of Africainspired designs for people of class.

Designers at Grazee Stitches are top of the range, having gone through formal fashion training. The focus of the fashion house, currently, is to make stylish designs with African/Western touch and achieve global appeal. These outfits include casual and formal designs.

They aim to be a leading international clothing brand with a knack for stylish designs with a blend of African/Western touch as they continue to strive towards introducing their clothing line.

Support for the less-privileged remains at the core of all they do.

Farida’s Atelier was founded by Farida Musa Halliru. Farida is an award-winning, emerging African fashion designer from Nigeria. She specializes in women’s bespoke clothing and ready-to-wear.

Her designs are a blend of African prints in European contemporary style. Her inspiration comes from almost anything that catches her eye; from prints, pictures, accessory objects, patterns and even a woman’s silhouette.

Her flair for fashion motivates her and pushes her to be unique and true to herself. When designing, Farida puts the modern African woman in mind and creates flattering feminine designs that would accentuate a real woman’s body. Her technical knowledge of proper cloth fitting and design alongside her creativeness enables her to design clothes that reflect the modern day African woman.

July 12, 2015 /

5

FA S H IO N

PORKPIEHAT

By Folakemi Ojutiku

The porkpie hat has been in existence since the middle 19th century. It was mostly associated with 1920s and ‘30s Britain, Buster Keaton and also the jazz-era America. The traditional rounded hat got its unique name from porkpie because of their resemblance.

The hat is made of felt and has a cylindrical crown and a flat top. It is almost like a fedora but with a flattened top.

The brim on the porkpie hat is slim,short and it is mostly flipped up. The stylish hat can transform a person’s look from unserious Janelle Monae in or playful to porkpie hat a very serious look.

A porkpie hat is meant to be worn straight across the forehead but can be tilted to the side, it could also be brought forward to the eye level to give a more mysterious look. The hats are finished with embellishment like feathers and patters or stripped bands.

Different stars are rocking the classic hat with different incredible outfits. It has even become a signature style choice of the famous artist, Bez.

Beyonce in porkpie hat

straw PORKPIE hat

Men’s PorkPie Hat

porkpie hat

porkpie hat Bez in porkpie hat

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/ July 19, 2015

We are loving...

FA S H I ON

IK OGBONNA

By - Pamela Echemunor

Model and Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna is known for his risqué fashion sense. The Nollywood actor who has a lot going for him at the moment, always manages to make a statement on and off the red carpet. Aside from being nominated for Best Actor at the AMVCA awards, he also welcomed a baby

This skinny pair of trousers suit is reminiscent of the 70’s look

IK brought his A-game on at the last AMVCA with this monochrome tuxedo.

boy into the world with his Columbian Fiancée Sonia Morales. The Odin-like hunk, loves his fashion and he isn’t afraid to play with various styles and trends. With his assortment of hats, shoes and other accessories he steals the spotlight wherever he goes.

This 2-button double breasted suit is another of Ik’s great picks.

Full of surprises, IK has the skill to pull off any trend. This outfit complete with a walking stick is another of his creations.

July 19, 2015 /

7

REPORTAGE

REPORTAGE play the keyboard. Then, he invited us to his studio and that was how it started. Since then, I just fell in love with music.

Do you write your songs?

I write my songs. Even at that time, I wrote everybody’s part and told them, ‘you take this part, you take that part’. That was how we used to make our music.

I have always been a writer.

What was your first album?

My first song was ‘Holla at Your Boy” but I think the first major song I did was the song with MI, ‘Fast Money, Fast Car’. I featured in the album and people started noticing me. Then, I released my single ‘Holla at Your Boy’ with Banky W. So, what role did Banky play?

He played a very important role in my career. I will always be thankful to him because, at that time, a lot of people wanted to sign me on. When I met Banky and we had a conversation, I realized that he is someone that understands my vision. He was just like a big brother to me. It was not just business; he was interested in what was happening to me. It was more like a family thing. He was like the big brother I never had.

Who or what influences you when write your songs?

A lot influences me. It depends on the kind of music that I make. If it is a party song, I already know what my people want to hear. For instance, songs like ‘Ojuelegba’ (and) ‘Joy’, I take my time. Sometimes, it takes a month or two months to finish a song. I might have the chorus and not have the verses. I might have the verses and not have the choruses. For me, it is a gradual process. Music is my life. I wake up in the morning, eat, sleep and dream music.

Wizkid

What sort of music did you grow up listening to as a young boy?

As a young boy, I listened to a lot of gospel music. My mum loved to play a lot of gospel music. My older sister listens to a whole lot of American music so, I kind of hung out with her a lot and started falling in love with the music.

Then, I started listening to rap music. I started listening to Snoop Doggy, Master P and the likes. I also listened to G Unit.

I actually saved to buy the CDs. On another level, my dad was always playing Fela in the house. Fela and Sunny Ade’s music was what he loved to play. Unknown to me, I picked up a lot from listening to him play that.

Then, I started listening to anything that sounds good. It was a whole mix for me and I loved every bit of it.

“On Becoming His Own Man”

By Yemisi Suleiman

W

hen Ayodeji Balogun dropped out of Leads City University where he was studying International Relations to pursue his dream in music full-time, not a lot of people could comprehend the crazy idea.

However, years later, with a number of hit songs on music charts and exciting videos ruling the air waves, Wizkid, as he’s popularly known, has grown to become one of the most sought-after musicians in Africa.

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/ July 19, 2015

His work and contribution to the Nigerian music industry, has earned him several achievements including a BET Award, a MOBO Award, The Headies Awards, two Channel O’ Music Video Awards, four Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and a Ghana Music Awards, amongst others.

From being just a music artiste to owning his own music label, Star Boy Entertainment, Wizkid, in this interview, tells his story in the most frank way ever.

How has it been since you started?

I started about five, six years ago and I want to say that I am thankful. I feel blessed to be where I am today.

There are a lot of people doing what I do. Apart from hard work and dedication, you also have to acknowledge the fact that I am blessed and I am thankful for that and for my fans as well.

What are the challenges you face doing what you do?

The challenges, generally, are the same every time; since started music. Every time, my fans want something new, there is always demand for music videos and they always want to see me perform. So, I am always on the road. For five years, I have not slept properly. I have not gone on a holiday in five years!

Almost every weekend, I have shows, video shoots, and performance and I thank God for that.

At what point in your life did you realize that this is what you wanted to do?

From the first day I decided to go to the studio. That was when I was 11 years old. In church, I got a couple of my friends together and I said to them ‘let’s go and make a record’. Before then, we used to just hang out and rap freestyle. We approached a guy, in church, who used to

You made this Yoruba song that everybody loved but what you do now is sing more of girls and booty.

Why is that?

Not exactly. I have a song like ‘Ojuelegba’, which is my biggest song now so I don’t understand what you are saying. (laughs) I make music that sells. Period. I don’t care what people think or say. I don’t listen to people because, if you listen to people, you won’t even pay attention to yourself.

I have grown better as an artiste. I made something like ‘Jaiye-jaiye’. Can anyone say ‘Jaiye-Jaiye’ is not a sensible song or that ‘Ojuelegba’ is not? I have songs that are inspirational as well.

So you kind of mix them up?

Of course, I have to balance my music because, at the end of the day, I am not a priest. I am not a pope. I give my fans what they want to hear. My music is lifestyle and my fans are in love with my lifestyle; not just my music.

They want to know what I am up to. They want to know what new tattoo I have. They want to know who I am sleeping with. It is everything to them.

So, who are you sleeping with?

My baby boy. (laughs) Growing up, what was your childhood dream before music?

Before the love of music, I really wanted to be a lawyer because, I think I would have made a very good lawyer. To be honest, everyone in my family tells me that

till I started doing music and everyone was like okay, he has another love.

When you finally decided to settle for music, how was it received by members of your family?

My mum accepted it because I was already doing it in church. My dad was a little sceptical about it but when I actually said I was going to do it full time, that was when the problem started. My parents didn’t want that. They just wanted me to go to school like every Nigerian parent would want their children to stay in school.

It was kind of hard for me because, I had to convince my parents that I could actually do music exceptionally well and I can be good in school too. It was really a crazy period for me.

Did you do that?

Of course, I did that till I dropped out of school. I had good grades all the time.

So, why did you drop out of school?

Well, the pressure was getting too much. I was in class, people knew who I was; I was Wizkid. I had lecturers picking on me just because I wasn’t frequent in class. I couldn’t be in class whenever I wanted to. I missed classes. I missed examinations. I missed tests; because I had shows I had to perform at.

It was kind of difficult so I had to take a little break.

I hope to go back to school because school is very important. For me, it is not even about going to school. It is about educating yourself about life and the things that matter.

Sometimes, a lot of people go to school but they don’t pass through school. It is after school that they actually realize what life is (about). I had to become a man at a very young age. I had to make better decisions. I had to sit down in board meetings and talk to older people. I had to educate myself and I try to do. I read a lot. I read anything that I come across.

What are you reading right now?

Right now, I picked up another John Brishin. I have read it before but I just picked it up again. I am weird, trust me. A lot of people expect that when they meet me, I am loud, crazy; because of the type of music I make. But it is just entertainment.

Where did you grow up? What was life like growing up?

I grew up in Surulere which just made me a better man. Growing up in Surulere, kind of shaped me into the kind of person that I am because, I hustled on the street. I know what it feels like not having enough. I know what it feels like being hungry. I know what it feels like being rejected.

For me, now that I have, I have better knowledge in managing what I have. Surulere is like foundation for Whiz-kid; everyone looked out for me – like OJB, Abass; everyone from Surulere who was making music in Surulere looked out for me.

I was like the little baby of Surulere. It was fun. It was hectic and crazy but I am thankful to God for what and where I am.

How do your parents see you now?

My parents are proud of me now. Anytime I am with my dad and we talk, he is amazed about how much knowledge I have about life. I realised early that people can teach you things but to be a better person, you have to go in search of information; in search of life, in search of anything you want. Not everyone knows who I am but they have different interpretations of who I am.

Tell us what we don’t know about Wizkid?

I am a little bit chilled; a lot of people expect too much from me. I am quiet. Sometimes, I get really shy.

I don’t say much and people ask ‘why is he quiet; is he arrogant?’ And, I tell them, I am just shy. It has nothing to do with arrogance. Sometimes, I am just shy.

When you have to take time off for yourself, how do you relax?

July 19, 2015 /

9

REPORTAGE

REPORTAGE play the keyboard. Then, he invited us to his studio and that was how it started. Since then, I just fell in love with music.

Do you write your songs?

I write my songs. Even at that time, I wrote everybody’s part and told them, ‘you take this part, you take that part’. That was how we used to make our music.

I have always been a writer.

What was your first album?

My first song was ‘Holla at Your Boy” but I think the first major song I did was the song with MI, ‘Fast Money, Fast Car’. I featured in the album and people started noticing me. Then, I released my single ‘Holla at Your Boy’ with Banky W. So, what role did Banky play?

He played a very important role in my career. I will always be thankful to him because, at that time, a lot of people wanted to sign me on. When I met Banky and we had a conversation, I realized that he is someone that understands my vision. He was just like a big brother to me. It was not just business; he was interested in what was happening to me. It was more like a family thing. He was like the big brother I never had.

Who or what influences you when write your songs?

A lot influences me. It depends on the kind of music that I make. If it is a party song, I already know what my people want to hear. For instance, songs like ‘Ojuelegba’ (and) ‘Joy’, I take my time. Sometimes, it takes a month or two months to finish a song. I might have the chorus and not have the verses. I might have the verses and not have the choruses. For me, it is a gradual process. Music is my life. I wake up in the morning, eat, sleep and dream music.

Wizkid

What sort of music did you grow up listening to as a young boy?

As a young boy, I listened to a lot of gospel music. My mum loved to play a lot of gospel music. My older sister listens to a whole lot of American music so, I kind of hung out with her a lot and started falling in love with the music.

Then, I started listening to rap music. I started listening to Snoop Doggy, Master P and the likes. I also listened to G Unit.

I actually saved to buy the CDs. On another level, my dad was always playing Fela in the house. Fela and Sunny Ade’s music was what he loved to play. Unknown to me, I picked up a lot from listening to him play that.

Then, I started listening to anything that sounds good. It was a whole mix for me and I loved every bit of it.

“On Becoming His Own Man”

By Yemisi Suleiman

W

hen Ayodeji Balogun dropped out of Leads City University where he was studying International Relations to pursue his dream in music full-time, not a lot of people could comprehend the crazy idea.

However, years later, with a number of hit songs on music charts and exciting videos ruling the air waves, Wizkid, as he’s popularly known, has grown to become one of the most sought-after musicians in Africa.

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His work and contribution to the Nigerian music industry, has earned him several achievements including a BET Award, a MOBO Award, The Headies Awards, two Channel O’ Music Video Awards, four Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and a Ghana Music Awards, amongst others.

From being just a music artiste to owning his own music label, Star Boy Entertainment, Wizkid, in this interview, tells his story in the most frank way ever.

How has it been since you started?

I started about five, six years ago and I want to say that I am thankful. I feel blessed to be where I am today.

There are a lot of people doing what I do. Apart from hard work and dedication, you also have to acknowledge the fact that I am blessed and I am thankful for that and for my fans as well.

What are the challenges you face doing what you do?

The challenges, generally, are the same every time; since started music. Every time, my fans want something new, there is always demand for music videos and they always want to see me perform. So, I am always on the road. For five years, I have not slept properly. I have not gone on a holiday in five years!

Almost every weekend, I have shows, video shoots, and performance and I thank God for that.

At what point in your life did you realize that this is what you wanted to do?

From the first day I decided to go to the studio. That was when I was 11 years old. In church, I got a couple of my friends together and I said to them ‘let’s go and make a record’. Before then, we used to just hang out and rap freestyle. We approached a guy, in church, who used to

You made this Yoruba song that everybody loved but what you do now is sing more of girls and booty.

Why is that?

Not exactly. I have a song like ‘Ojuelegba’, which is my biggest song now so I don’t understand what you are saying. (laughs) I make music that sells. Period. I don’t care what people think or say. I don’t listen to people because, if you listen to people, you won’t even pay attention to yourself.

I have grown better as an artiste. I made something like ‘Jaiye-jaiye’. Can anyone say ‘Jaiye-Jaiye’ is not a sensible song or that ‘Ojuelegba’ is not? I have songs that are inspirational as well.

So you kind of mix them up?

Of course, I have to balance my music because, at the end of the day, I am not a priest. I am not a pope. I give my fans what they want to hear. My music is lifestyle and my fans are in love with my lifestyle; not just my music.

They want to know what I am up to. They want to know what new tattoo I have. They want to know who I am sleeping with. It is everything to them.

So, who are you sleeping with?

My baby boy. (laughs) Growing up, what was your childhood dream before music?

Before the love of music, I really wanted to be a lawyer because, I think I would have made a very good lawyer. To be honest, everyone in my family tells me that

till I started doing music and everyone was like okay, he has another love.

When you finally decided to settle for music, how was it received by members of your family?

My mum accepted it because I was already doing it in church. My dad was a little sceptical about it but when I actually said I was going to do it full time, that was when the problem started. My parents didn’t want that. They just wanted me to go to school like every Nigerian parent would want their children to stay in school.

It was kind of hard for me because, I had to convince my parents that I could actually do music exceptionally well and I can be good in school too. It was really a crazy period for me.

Did you do that?

Of course, I did that till I dropped out of school. I had good grades all the time.

So, why did you drop out of school?

Well, the pressure was getting too much. I was in class, people knew who I was; I was Wizkid. I had lecturers picking on me just because I wasn’t frequent in class. I couldn’t be in class whenever I wanted to. I missed classes. I missed examinations. I missed tests; because I had shows I had to perform at.

It was kind of difficult so I had to take a little break.

I hope to go back to school because school is very important. For me, it is not even about going to school. It is about educating yourself about life and the things that matter.

Sometimes, a lot of people go to school but they don’t pass through school. It is after school that they actually realize what life is (about). I had to become a man at a very young age. I had to make better decisions. I had to sit down in board meetings and talk to older people. I had to educate myself and I try to do. I read a lot. I read anything that I come across.

What are you reading right now?

Right now, I picked up another John Brishin. I have read it before but I just picked it up again. I am weird, trust me. A lot of people expect that when they meet me, I am loud, crazy; because of the type of music I make. But it is just entertainment.

Where did you grow up? What was life like growing up?

I grew up in Surulere which just made me a better man. Growing up in Surulere, kind of shaped me into the kind of person that I am because, I hustled on the street. I know what it feels like not having enough. I know what it feels like being hungry. I know what it feels like being rejected.

For me, now that I have, I have better knowledge in managing what I have. Surulere is like foundation for Whiz-kid; everyone looked out for me – like OJB, Abass; everyone from Surulere who was making music in Surulere looked out for me.

I was like the little baby of Surulere. It was fun. It was hectic and crazy but I am thankful to God for what and where I am.

How do your parents see you now?

My parents are proud of me now. Anytime I am with my dad and we talk, he is amazed about how much knowledge I have about life. I realised early that people can teach you things but to be a better person, you have to go in search of information; in search of life, in search of anything you want. Not everyone knows who I am but they have different interpretations of who I am.

Tell us what we don’t know about Wizkid?

I am a little bit chilled; a lot of people expect too much from me. I am quiet. Sometimes, I get really shy.

I don’t say much and people ask ‘why is he quiet; is he arrogant?’ And, I tell them, I am just shy. It has nothing to do with arrogance. Sometimes, I am just shy.

When you have to take time off for yourself, how do you relax?

July 19, 2015 /

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REPORTAGE I have songs that I made because I didn’t have the right equipment at that time. I made songs that are still evergreen, like ‘Pakuromo’. They are evergreen. At that time, we had little equipment. Right now, we have proper equipment; I have proper mixers. I mix myself. So now, the sky is the limit. It is just to take it there and that is what I am trying to do with my next album.

So, who would you say are your biggest contenders the industry?

To me, I would say in Africa, I don’t see nobody; to be honest. It is not like I don’t recognize what everyone does. I respect what they do but I am still making good music. I am making money and I have been doing shows like since January.

I am probably the busiest artiste. I don’t see anyone that is as busy as I am. I am not just trying to feel like I am too big; I am just stating fact. So, I don’t think of anyone as competition. I think, if we come together, we can make it bigger but sometimes, you just have to stay by yourself.

There is gist about you and some artisteS having issues. Is that true?

Everyone of them have issues with me. I don’t know why; maybe because I am the one on top, that is why they want to throw shots at me. I don’t understand; but to me, I just advise every young artiste doing their thing to face their music and do their thing. That is what I do.

I don’t pay attention to anybody, to anything. I just do music. I don’t care about what you are eating because it is none of my business. I care about what is on my plate and what is on the plate of my family. That is what is very important and how much people I can help. That is what is important; that is what I care about.

If you don’t want to talk to me, it is cool; you don’t have to. In life, not everyone has to like you. That is how I understand life. The most important thing is to pay attention to yourself. Life is too short.

What should your fans be expecting?

I have a new album I am working on; apart from the one that I dropped. I have one that I am dropping in September this year. I am actually dropping two albums. I actually dropped one last September but it still feels like it was done this year because the music is everywhere.

What is fashion like for you?

I love to look fresh. I never want to look like anyone else. I go to stores and shop myself. I travel a lot so I get different pieces from different places. So, when I put them together, it is just different.

When it comes to music, who do you look up to?

I look up to Fela.

I hang out with my son. I let them bring my son over and I hang out with him. He is four right now. He is growing and making me feel old. I love him so I try to hang out with him every little time I have.

I sleep when I get the chance; I try to sleep because my work life is hectic.

The industry is very vibrant right now. When you think about it, where do you think your kind of music stands?

I don’t make African music. I don’t make Nigerian music. I don’t make anything that anyone makes. Even when I make party songs, I don’t make it the way anyone does. It will never sound like anyone else’s. It will always sound like me; I never sound like anyone else in the industry because I have a direction.

There is a structure. There is a plan of where we are trying to take the music – global – and if you want to get that global sound, you have to have good producers, proper mixes. I pay attention to everything; my mixes, my sounds. I don’t play with my sound. I don’t play with anything that has to do with my sounds. I don’t play with anything that has to do with my music. I take it hundred percent serious because I want to make evergreen music.

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Why Fela when you were pretty young when he was alive?

I was pretty young but, like I said, in life you have to search for information; you have to know more, like I know everything about Fela. I didn’t have to be there at that time to know things about him, see how he performed or how he put his stuff together or how he lived his life.

From research, Fela was an amazing person, an amazing artiste. He is the most amazing artiste that ever came out of Africa. No one else, for me, has done anything in music like him. And that is what I am trying to do; to do something that is exceptional, something that is big – that cuts across the world without changing my style. That is the most important; that is where I trying to groom my music.

Where and how did you get the name Wizkid?

It is so funny and weird. I gave the name myself. I used to be called Little Prince and that sounded a bit cliché; we had little bow wow. I felt Whiz-kid suits me better. I am a smart guy. I chose my name and it stuck.

My sister used to tease me then; when she calls me Wizkid and it stuck.

Have you ever considered calling yourself Wiz-man?

Not exactly. It is the meaning of the name. Wizkid is a pretty smart person; someone who is exceptionally good at what he or she is doing. So, I will still be Wizkid.

Whether I have 32 kids or grow old, have grand children,

it is still going to be Whiz-kid. They should get ready to call me Grandpa Wizkid. (laughs).

What is your dream for the Nigerian music industry?

I want to be the first artiste out of Africa that has a major label. What I mean by a major label is a label that is recognised worldwide, not just in Africa. That is my dream. With that, I really want to change a lot of lives.

I know (that) once I am able to do that, I would be able to touch a lot of lives, help a lot of young talents on the street. It is not just music, art. It is anything that has to do with entertainment. It is about building an empire that can reach out to people and help them achieve their dreams.

That is going to make me happy.

When I am old and I have like 20 artistes that I helped and mentored doing their own thing, I will enjoy it. It will make me happy than anything else.

What are the challenges performing on stage? Was there any time when you felt you flopped on stage?

That was years ago, about three years ago. For now, nothing like that. I rehearse with my band every week because we perform every weekend. So right now, I can close my eyes because I know my band will play what I want them to play; because we have rehearsed it. We have mastered the craft. So we have to keep getting better.

You have a couple of tattoos on you? What do they say?

I just have a couple of them. They say a lot. I have a lion heart because I take a lot of decisions; not a lot of young people can make decisions that I make and a lot of people look at me and say that I am crazy. Like, when I dropped out of school, a lot of people abused me; that because of ‘this small money’, you are making (all manner of decisions) and things like that. But that small money that I was making is big money now. I have gone

I

Before the love of music, I really wanted to be a lawyer because, I think I would have made a very good lawyer from being with EME to having my own label.

I have a tattoo of Fela on me. That is how much I love Fela. I have my mum’s name, my sister’s name on me. I don’t have girls’ name because, I don’t think I want to tie any girl’s name on me. You never know.

How do you handle to your female fans?

I love them all. That is all I can say. I show them love. I love them, love them all.

But you have to love one specially.

Well, sometimes, yes.

So what do we expect, say in the next five years?

One thing I want to say to my fans is that number one, I am not about the hype. I am making real music. I am trying to do real stuff that will add to you. They should keep supporting me like they have always done; coming to my shows, buying my CDs. I do appreciate that. That is what makes me who I am.

Let them keep supporting me and I will never let them down. I have said that a couple of years ago and I believe I have still not let my fans down.

IQ

IQ

A

s the African Fashion Week Nigeria show kicked off, other fashion designers both those showcasing and otherwise put their products and services on display for the attendees to patronize them. Among these business minded experts was the uniquely crafted Morinn O Bags made from genuine leather both imported and locally produced, we caught up with one of the representatives and this was how it went.

NENE PETER THOMAS - MORIN O LEATHER BAGS

emphasize that enough, she is an authentic leather person, if one looks at our products, one would find that they are made of either crocodile skin or snake skin all authentic leather.

What is your target market?

Every confident human, yes I said human (Laughs), I say that because our bags cut across both sexes, we also have bags for men, we target the mature minded, from like 18 and above, from where you are independent and know where you want to go, our bags take you where you want to go, because when you carry a Morinn O hand bag you stand out.

How affordable are your bags?

It is very affordable, like one of our bags can be bought for about 38,500 which is the least. We also have bags ranging from 150,000-180,000.

What makeup item can’t you do without?

I would say the mascara, I have really tiny eyes and mascara helps enlarge ones eyes somewhat, so yeah it’s my mascara.

How long does it take you to prepare for events?

I am not one of those people who spend so much time getting dressed, I would say I use about an hour to dress up, make up and arrange my hair.

IQ

What do you think about Africa Fashion Week?

Oh it is a really good means of exposure for Africans and Nigerians especially, opening us up to the world, like the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, at least we are starting somewhere and we are definitely going to get there soon.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Nene Peter Thomas and I represent Morin O. Morin O is a contemporary leather goods brand inspired by ethnic designs and accessories for the chic, sassy, confident and innovative individual.

How long has Morin O been in existence?

We debuted at the African Fashion Week Nigeria in 2014.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is me, I wear what I am comfortable in, I believe that it’s not about the clothing it’s about who you are and how you put them on, you could take an expensive outfit on a person, if the person’s inside is shabby, the dress will come out shabby, if one is confident, it will show, your style should be you, my style is Nene, my style is confident, beautiful and my style above all is African.

What fashion item can’t you do without?

(Laughs) Bags, I absolutely cannot do without them.

Tell us about Morin O? Morin O is a leather accessory design and manufacturing business, what we do is we spend a lot of time on little details other people usually overlook; we make sure our bags are finished perfectly and also we get our leather from Italy, India and Nigeria.

What is the inspiration behind the Morin O bags?

The CEO was formally a pharmacist, but she was very much into arts , so she is inspired by her love for detail and authenticity as well as ethnic designs, I cannot

July 19, 2015 /

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B EA U TY

3

Shape Your Arch

The best way to get the perfect shape is by using a magnifying mirror. Trace brow in thin line with pencil from start to end point, at top and bottom.

Use either brow filler or pencil to fill inside brow carefully avoiding outer parts of pencil line.

Eye pencil

Brow filler

Foundation and Powder coverage Finally cover face with foundation carefully, apply powder with wide brush, lightly smooth brush across brow for an even tone and use pencil or filler to touch up brow at the middle. Ensure beginning of brow is lighter than the other part.

Mac foundation

funke akindele

1

Find the starting and ending points Place the tweezers vertically alongside the outer edge of the bottom of your nose. The point where the apex lands is where your brow begins.

This point should be the inner corner of your eye.

Take a pencil and draw a line to mark the starting point. To find the ending point, take the tweezers and place it in an angular position between the top of your cheekbone and your end of brow, mark the point.

2

Revlon Tweezers

4

Revlon press powder

Get the

Perfect Brows

By Pamela Echemunor Eyebrows give ones face definition. It is an expressive part of the face and delineates ones facial structure completely. It’s difficult to wear makeup without fixing brows properly because the final outcome of makeup depends on how the brows look in most cases. To get brows to die for, here are a few tips to follow.

5

MAC Concealer

Tweezing

Turn your tweezers upside down; get a professional tweezers with sharp outer edges and the perfect width between the two ends. Tweezing can be tricky sometimes because if you do it wrong the first time, the brows might appear either misshapen or mismatched.

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/ July 19, 2015

Magnifying mirror

Angled Brush

Concealer

Use and angle brush with concealer to line the outer parts of brow carefully to smoothen brow shape and lighten the outer edges. Ensure concealer is a shade lighter than foundation.

Tracing

Take a pencil and lightly trace the outline of brow from start to end point at the bottom. Use tweezers to pick any stray strands outside line. Repeat method at the top of brow and pluck strays.

HEA L T H

HEALTHY LIVING101 By - Teri Mendes

8 Healthy Foods You

Should Eat Every Day (1)

e t o u Q of the week

It’s easy to blame it all on life’s pressures. But in fact, you may be eating the wrong foods. Today I have highlighted the 8 key eats that lead to better wellbeing, a clearer head and a longer life. Bonus: They’re all amazingly delicious. And I’ve provided a long list of substitutes, so even picky eaters can get better right now.

1. BLUEBERRIES OR PURPLE GRAPES: Host to more antioxidants than any other fruit, purple grapes can help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory. Studies show that purple grapes and blueberries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, also boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 cup fresh grapes or blueberries a day, or 1/2 cup frozen or dried.

An easy way to get it in as you start your day is our amazing smoothie!

Substitutes: Acai berries, blueberries, prunes, raisins, strawberries.

2. SPINACH: It may be green and leafy, but spinach is no nutritional wallflower. This noted muscle builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bonus: Folate also increases blood flow to the nether regions, helping to protect you against age-related sexual issues. And spinach is packed with lutein, a compound that fights macular degeneration (and may help your sex drive). Aim for 1 cup fresh spinach or 1/2 cup cooked per day.

Substitutes: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce Get your fix: Make your salads with spinach; add

Beauty is but a lease from nature.

- EDWARD COUNSEL, Maxims juice, and 1 cup fresh baby spinach for a nutrient-rich blast. spinach to scrambled eggs; or drape it over pizza; Whip this up: Sesame Stir-Braised Kale. Heat 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet. Add 2 tablespoons water and 1 bunch kale (stemmed and chopped).

Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Drain. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.

3. YOGHURT: Various cultures claim yogurt as their own creation, but the 2,000-year-old food’s health benefits are not disputed: Fermentation spawns hundreds of millions of probiotic organisms that serve as reinforcements to the battalions of beneficial bacteria in your body.

That helps boost your immune system and helps provide protection against cancer. Not all yogurts are probiotic, though, so make sure the label says “live and active cultures.” Aim for 1 cup of the calcium and protein-rich goop a day. When you’re at the store stocking up.

Substitutes: soy yogurt Get your fix: Yogurt topped with blueberries, chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseed, and honey is the ultimate breakfast—or dessert. Plain low-fat yogurt is also a perfect base for creamy salad dressings and dips.

Whip this up: Power Smoothie. Blend 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 cup carrot

TERI Speaks Dear Teri, Please, how many cups or litres of water should someone consume in a day? Thanks.

Dare

4. TOMATOES: There are two things you need to know about tomatoes: Red are the best, because they’re packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene, and processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones, because it’s easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease the risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for 22 mg of lycopene a day, which is about eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice.

Substitutes: Red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya, guava Whip this up: Red and Pink Fruit Bowl. Chop 1 small watermelon, 2 grapefruits, and 1 papaya. Garnish with mint. Fruit salad prêt a manger!

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK…

BEAUTY BYTES:

People with oily hair may need to shampoo every day, while people with dry hair may only need to shampoo once a week.

That is it for today my readers! Hope you enjoyed this piece! Remember you read it here first!

For comments and questions please email terimendes@gmail. com, @terimendes. I would love to hear from you, till next week. - it’s ta ta for now! XOXO

Dear Dare, Thanks for writing in. Daily required amount of water intake is 8 Tall glasses equating within the range of 2.5 - 4litres every day.

Hope this helps! Happy drinking!

Teri M

July 19, 2015 /

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F EAT U R E not relating to each other. Are we going to keep turning our face the other way saying if and when they need help they will go out and look for it? We can’t allow this to go on in our own generation! IF YOU ARE A MAN who is having issues with your wife, and you still love her dearly and just wish things can work out between you and her, but have not done anything up till now either because your ego keeps getting in the way or you just don’t know what to do, please call me sir, I will like to help you keep your wife and love her than exposing her to the wolves in sheep’s clothing out there. May no man put asunder what God has joined together.

Get Captivated By - Jerome Onipede

GROWING SEARCH FOR COMPANIONSHIP OUTSIDE MARRIAGE I am amazed to let you know that the number of married women who still live with their husbands and are asking for extra marital relationships have gone on the increase. Majority of these women join social networks on the internet now with the specific purpose of meeting old boyfriends, or some lost fellow who is also looking for an easy prey. I get calls from this category of women who always start by asking for phone mates, someone they can just talk to, or just someone they can sit down and talk with once in a while. Some of these women start by calling me with anonymous phone numbers, and as they get comfortable with me, start allowing their numbers to show and eventually pay me a visit in my office. They warn me before coming, because they always tell me they are the least persons I will expect to be doing this, and true to their words, when I meet them, I wish I can tell you that I don’t become very concerned. Most of these women are fulfilled in their profession and have great responsibilities as wonderful mothers, but are dying for love from absentee husbands. Before I forget, the ladies are workers in Churches too.

Okay Jerome this isn’t new, and I don’t see it

10

as breaking news, you may say. Well it is breaking news, because IT IS ON THE INCREASE! How will you feel if you heard that your mother came to see Jerome to introduce her to a man while she is still living in the same house with your dad? Or it could be your wife, sister, sister in-law, cousin, respectable female boss? Or worse still, your pastor’s wife? It has come closer home to us now, and we all have to be sensitive. So many couples are in pain right now, living together, yet

POCKET FINA By - Omilola Oshikoya COMMON BAD MONEY HABITS

Everyone has bad money habits and these habits differ. What may be a bad habit for you, may not be a big deal for someone else. We are going to focus on the most common money habits and how to overcome them.

DEFINITION OF A HABIT: Let’s start by defining what a habit is. A habit can be defined as recurrent, often unconscious, pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition. The key word here is UNCONSCIOUS. The first thing is to be aware that you have bad money habits and then you can tackle them.

COMMON BAD MONEY HABITS 1. Living pay check to pay check or constantly accumulating debt. A lot of people live from pay check to pay check. Before the end of the month, they are broke and have to borrow to make ends meet and once their next pay-check comes, they are paying off debt from the previous month and the cycle continues.

Solution: • Track your spending • Live on a budget • Avoid using cash at home, on the flip side use cash when shopping. Take only the exact amount of cash you need when shopping.

Save • • Avoid debt as much as possible. Instead of borrowing to buy, save to buy

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/ July 19, 2015

PHILOMENA At 42, if you are her man, you will love to see her in Trousers, because it looks great on her.

Her dark skin is without blemish, and WITHOUT a protruding stomach which is unavoidable in a woman her age.

Apart from English, though not Ibo, but speaks Ibo fluently. She also speaks Yoruba as expected.

An Entrepreneur/Administrator, who plays Volleyball, watches lots of Movies, and enjoys Travelling. She lives and works in Lagos.

Will be excited to meet a Man who worships at DAYSTAR CHRISTIAN CENTRE, though not an absolute. She has preferences for tall men, focused, pragmatic and Family Oriented between 38-50 years.

For more on Philomena, please call +2349051669991.

Counseling inquiries on Marriage, Relationships, Career and Matchmaking >> @jeromeistalking on Twitter. “Like” Jerome Yaovi Onipede on Facebook.

NCE

instead. That way you are earning interest as opposed to paying interest. It’s all about delayed gratification as opposed to instant satisfaction.

2. Deals & Discounts – Bargain hunting. A lot of people do not take advantage of bargains or discounts. A lot of money can be saved through deals or discounts.

Solution: • Look for deals and discounts.

• Compare rates. There are platforms that make this possible. For example Top check provides rates from different services such as insurance etc.

3. Saving without a goal While it is a good thing to save it is not so good when you save without a goal. You may have cash lying idle and may lose money instead. You maybe better off investing your cash.

Solution: Always save with a goal. Set SMART financial goals. Visualise your goal by putting a picture. It is reported that a study was done in Yale. According to the study only 3% of a graduating class had clear written goals. 20 years after the same 3% were earning ten times more than the 97% who didn’t have written goals. Check www. pocketfinance101.blogspot.com for articles on goal setting.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK…

Omilola is a UK certified life coach, financial/wealth/business coach, public speaker, entrepreneur, media and publications specialist. Omilola spent the last 12 years in Finance/Investment banking and Accounting in different sectors such as Healthcare, Aviation, Hospitality and Retail, Financial Services, Infrastructure etc.

For comments and questions please email pocketfinance101@gmail. com. Follow @pocketfinance and @omilola on twitter. Also visit www. pocketfinance101.blogspot.com www.omioshikoya.blogspot.com

PEOPL E

“ O N E PA RT Y AT A T I M E ! ”

THE JACK SINATRA SELECT LAUNCH

by Latasha Ngwube

The Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select launch event was an ode to the lifetime friendship between the Jack Daniel’s brand and music Legend, Frank Sinatra. It held at Avenue Suites in highbrow Victoria Island area of Lagos. The guest list was an impressive boast of CEOs and high net-worth individuals who epitomise the classy elegance of Music’s legend, Frank Sinatra, and brought together to sample the premium brands of the Jack Daniel family. There were two-tone cocktails served as well as a 5-course dinner prepared

by Chef Fregz after which they were treated to Jack Daniels Sinatra Select infused canapés and deserts.

The cocktail reception was held at the banquet hall where a jazz band serenaded guests to timeless classics and Sinatra hits.

Temilola Adepetun

Richard Harries

Fauzi Fahm

Mr Tunde Busari & Mr Biodun Adesanya

Funke Fowler & Ifeoma Williams

Bola Balogun & Funmi Victor-Okigbo

Olisa Adibua, Ono Bello & Lara Rawa

Funmi St Matthew

George Richards & Jenevieve Aken

Folakemi Fatogbe, Funso Olusanya, Funmi LanrePhillips

Buki Oyinloye, Toyin Adesanya, Buki Daramaja

Shina Peller, Gbemi & Jibade Laolu-Adewale

Archie & Dola Bamgboye

STUDIO OF MODE OPENING

by Latasha Ngwube

Mr & Mrs Agbaje

Denola Adepetun

Folashade Alli

Kabir Shagaya & Amina Buba

Bolaji Kekere-Ekun

Mode Aderinokun

General Ajibade

Bayo Oke-Lawal

Makida Moka

Mr & Mrs Imoyo

Koye Kekere-Ekun

Bolanle Austin-Peters

Mode Aderinokun, daughter of the Late Tayo Aderinokun, officially declared the Studio of Mode open to the public recently.

Located in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, the space contains a gallery, art shop and private workspace for the visual and creative artist.

Friends and family turned out to support and encourage the brand while browsing the art pieces and also networking. It was a classy affair for all who attended.

Bimisola Osibodu & Bayo Akande

Harriet Agusto

July 19, 2015 /

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