GOSPEL NEWS CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MARCY

Transcription

C U LT U R E
•
S P I R I T
•
B E L I E V E
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L I S T I N G S
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V O I C E
w w w. oht v. co. uk/ 2 get he r
ISSUE10
Erica
Campbell
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
GOSPEL NEWS
THE LATEST NEWS FROM
VINEJUICE
# 2 G ET HE RMAGAZ INE
OCTOBER 2015
1HEART TV
THE LAUNCH
CELEBRATING
BLACK HISTORY
REMARKABLE ANCIENT
AFRICAN KINGDOMS
ISBN - 65 7569MI KOVE143 STEF 1975
MARCY DOLAPO ONI
THE FACE OF THE MARCY PROJECT
Helping people make the
most of every moment.
We bring happiness to the lives of migrant communities
all over the world by providing products and services
that make their lives easier, and keep them connected
to their loved ones.
Visit the Lebara stand at the Festival of Life for our
latest offers including international calls from 1p/min*.
Always by your side
lebara.com
*1p/min calls are dependent on the specific international destination called. See www.lebara.co.uk/prepay/rates for full details.
OCT
TWENTY
FIFTEEN
Pg 10
Pg 16
Pg 6
CONTENTS
• PG 30
• BIG CHURCH DAY OUT
•
• PG 06
• PG 32
• ERICA CAMPBELL
•
• HELEN ISIBOR
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: LIVING LIFE TO
THE FULLEST
•
• PG10
• A WORLD TIME CAPSULE:
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
•
Pg 30
• MR AND MISS NIGERIA UK
2015
ANCIENT AFRICAN KINGDOMS AND
BLACK CIVILISATIONS UNCOVERED
•
• THE BRIDAL HAIR GUIDE
•
Pg 14
BRITAIN’S YOUNGEST BESPOKE FASHION
DESIGNER GBEMI OKUNLOLA
• PG 22
• MARCY DOLAPO ONI
•
FIND OUT ABOUT THE MARCY PROJECT
IN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
• PG 26
• GOSPEL NEWS FROM
VINEJUICE
•
THE JUICIEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD
OF CHRISTIAN AND GOSPEL MUSIC
Hello Readers! I’m very excited to present the 10th edition!
I pray that God’s goodness and mercy follows you all the
days your lives and may we each dwell in the house of the
lord forever and always (Psalm 23:6).
This editon we have an exclusive interview with the
gorgeous Erica Campbell, best known as one half of the
legendary gospel duo Mary Mary, but more recently as a
mutli-award winning solo artist! Discover what life has
truly been like since embarking on a solo career. Join us
as we celebrate Black History Month and look at Ancient
EDITOR IN CHIEF | Adeola Idowu | PRESS ASSISTANT| Hanaa Coan-Ali CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Adaeze
Chiwoko, Ajibola Akingbade, Deborah Adenuga, Eunice Obianagha, Helene Kleih, Kola Oluwole, Lavinia Goddard,
Lola Ogunbadejo, Zaina Kassim | ART DIRECTION & DESIGN | Axel Taylor | PHOTOGRAPHY| Erica Campbell
Images: Derek Blanks Photography, DLW Photos, Toni Estes | Alakija Studios, Atunbi Photography, Nothing Ordinary
Media, Vitae Photography, Malkia Roberts, Bella Naija, Fola Lawal, Monika Schaible, | PICTURE RESEARCH |
Adeola Idowu, Dominique Starbuck, Hanaa Coan-Ali, Lola Ogunbadejo, Michael Ayo, Zaina Kassim | PUBLISHING
MANAGEMENT | Contract Publishing UK (CPUK) Ltd | OH TV MANAGEMENT | Akin Salami, Vidal Juba, Patrick
Campbell, Kristianna Paraskeva | OH ACCOUNT & PRODUCTION MANAGER | Garmei Chan | MARKETING
Movies
Hair and Beauty
Politics
Music and Entertainment
Fashion and Culture
Food and Education
African Kingdoms and Black Civilisations. We learnt so much from this and I am certain
you’re bound to find out something you didn't know before! Check out the launch of
1Heart TV, the brand new channel with a tag line that is hard to forget; ‘Inspired by
the Caribbean. Loved by the world.’ Find out all the latest Christian music news with
Vinejuice. Marcy Dolapo Oni also tells us all about ‘The Marcy Project’ in her exclusive
interview. Lola Ogunbadejo, as always, serves up the latest gist in ‘Out and About With
Lola’. Get some tips for Bridal hairstyles with Deborah Lola. Also meet Helen Isibor, the
woman behind the world’s first pidgin opera. There is so much, couldn’t possibly write it
all here, you just need to read on and enjoy. Stay blessed everyone.
#2GETHERMAGAZINE
• THE LAUNCH OF 1HEART TV
EDITOR'S NOTES:
FOUR WAYS TO LOOK FABULOUS ON
YOUR BIG DAY
• PG 46
Pg 32
• PG 16
THE BRAND NEW CHANNEL: INSPIRED
BY THE CARIBBEAN. LOVED BY THE
WORLD
CELEBRATING THE DIVERSITY AND
CULTURE AMONG YOUNG NIGERIANS
• PG 40
• THE LAUNCH OF THE
ALO’NUKO BRIDAL
COLLECTION
•
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE WORLD’S
FIRST PIDGIN OPERA
• PG 34
• PG 14
•
RECAP OF THIS YEAR’S MEGA EVENT
• OH CREATIVE EVENTS
CORNER
•
A SNIPPET OF A FEW EVENTS
COVERED BY OH CREATIVE THIS
YEAR...
• PG 54
• THINGS TO WATCH OUT
FOR!
•
A FEW PICKS OF THE TV SPECIALS
THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS
ON OH TV
Adeola Idowu
MANAGEMENT | Kola Oluwole | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT | Yemi Adeshina| OH CREATIVES | Andrew Webber,
Daniel Ayo, Erica Mahendren, Pamela Sakyi, Sam Blankson | SPECIAL THANKS TO | Misty Anderson, Patti Conte,
Celebrity Intelligence, Digital Arkitex , Dolapo Oni, Lebara, Ultimalt, Jumbo UK, Felix Makanjuola, RCCG Winners
Pavilion Milton Keynes, Praise Harvest Church, ICSN, Rich Visions, Azimo, Adeyemi Idowu, Arinola Idowu, Deborah
Oluyemi, Susan Nduoyo, Ruvimbo Gumbo, Ekow Wilson | 2GETHER is an OH TV publication. OHTV airs on SKY
channel 199 in the UK, on free-to-air satellite across Africa and via UN1TY in the USA, Canada and Australia. OH
TV WRN Broadcast Media Village, Wyvil Court, 10 Wyvil Road, London, SW8 2TG Tel: 020 7720 8210 | www.ohtv.
co.uk | twitter.com/ohtv | facebook.com/ohtv.sky199 | Twitter @OHTV #2gethermagazine
A Copyright 2008-2018. Except where explicitly stated, all content of this magazine is A Copyright
Open Heavens Media Ltd, all rights are reserved, and content should not be copied, adapted,
redistributed, or otherwise used without the prior written permission of Copyright Open Heavens
Media Ltd. Any unauthorised publication, copying, hiring, lending or reproduction is strictly
prohibited and constitutes a breach of copyright.
This publication has been produced by the OPEN HEAVENS MEDIA LTD, All rights reserved. Production in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without written permission. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors in adverts or articles, although 2GETHER has endeavoured to ensure that all information is correct at the time of printing.Opinions expressed in 2GETHER are
necessarily that of the publishers. 2gether Magazine always strives for complete accuracy in order to meet the satisfaction of our readers, however in the heat of meeting deadlines, mistakes can sometimes slip in. We are always happy to receive your comments and feedback.
6
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
7
Campbell
Erica
Living Life To The Fullest
ERICA CAMPBELL IS CERTAINLY AMONGST ONE OF THE
MOST RECOGNISABLE FACES IN MODERN GOSPEL MUSIC.
SINCE THE YEAR 2000, ERICA AND TINA CAMPBELL, WHO
FORM THE LEGENDARY GOSPEL GROUP MARY MARY,
HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO A NEW CULTURE AND SOUND
WITHIN GOSPEL MUSIC. OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS. WE
HAVE WITNESSED THE EXPANSION OF THIS GENRE AND
SEVERAL GOSPEL HITS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY REACHED THE
TOP OF MAINSTREAM CHARTS; SISTER DUO MARY MARY
ARE LIVING PROOF OF THIS CONTINUING PHENOMENON.
RECENTLY, ERICA MADE A TRANSITION TO BECOMING A
SOLO ARTIST. SINCE THE RELEASE OF HER DEBUT ALBUM
‘HELP’ IN 2014, ERICA HAS RECEIVED A GRAMMY AWARD,
8 STELLAR AWARDS AND HER MUSIC CONTINUES TO
DOMINATE THE GOSPEL CHARTS.
IN THIS CANDID INTERVIEW, ERICA REVEALS WHAT LIFE
HAS BEEN LIKE SINCE BREAKING AWAY FROM MARY MARY.
THERE HAVE BEEN MANY HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE WAY,
BUT ALSO A FEW CHALLENGES. HERE SHE TELLS US WHAT
MOTIVATES HER TO STAY ON TOP OF EVERY SITUATION…
HOW DO YOU ABOUT FEEL COMING TO LONDON IN NOVEMBER,
WILL THIS WILL BE YOUR FIRST TIME SINCE BEING PART OF MARY
MARY?
This is definitely my first time as a solo artist and I am super
excited. I have been desperately trying to get back to the UK to
meet with all the fans. I just want to be in London, so I can sing and
share something with the people of London. I hope everyone shows
up and we can all have a really good time.
Interview By Adeola Idowu
“ The ‘Help’ album came from a place where I needed
God. With every song there is encouragement, hope and
determination. Yes the album blessed people, but honestly it
blessed me.”
A LOT OF US HAVE MISSED YOU! WE HAVE NOT SEEN YOU OR
TINA IN ENGLAND FOR A VERY LONG TIME, SO MANY OF US ARE
EXCITED!
God in my unique way. I love singing with my sister and we still
come together every now and again, but at this point I feel like I am
growing so much more as an artist, songwriter and on stage.
Thank you! I am so thrilled to hear that and I honestly cannot wait.
TINA IS KNOWN FOR HAVING SUCH A BIG PERSONALITY. IT
MUST HAVE TAKEN SOME COURAGE TO BREAK AWAY FROM YOUR
SISTER AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF SINGING TOGETHER. DID YOU
FIND IT DIFFICULT?
AFTER BEING PART OF A SUCCESSFUL SINGING DUO FOR OVER A
DECADE, HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO ADJUST TO BECOMING A SOLO
ARTIST? DID YOU HAVE ANY FEARS, HABITS, OR ROUTINES THAT
YOU HAD TO LET GO?
It was quite easy actually. Tina and I did not grow up singing
together. Mary Mary has been wonderful, but we are both very
creative and I think that God wanted us to grow as individual
artists. There were a lot of reasons for us to do solo projects but I
think this was an opportunity for me to grow and stand on my own
two feet and sing what I really wanted to sing and give praises to
I did, you see what people don’t know is that Tina really just wanted
to be home with her family. I had so much more that I wanted to
sing. Some people said, “oh you broke up the group and you forced
her to go solo”, but I was just living my life. You know we all have
different levels of motivation. Even though we are sisters in the
same group, I wanted to stay true to my heart. I had to keep singing
and writing, so I released a solo record and people were blessed by
it. I wanted to keep going, I believe God blessed that decision and I
8
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
other. There are strong men who love their wives and love the lord.
I know there is not enough of that on TV. So I felt the show was
a great opportunity to let people know that these concepts do
exist. I don’t believe in the reality show curse, I will not be divorced
because I share my love on TV at all. If I am doing it for God, then I
believe he will protect me.
“Tina and I did not
grow up singing
together. Mary
Mary has been
wonderful, but
we are both very
creative and I think
that God wanted
us to grow as
individual artists.”
How were you able to handle the fact that you were trying a build
a new career, your sister Tina was going through a tough time in her
marriage, you had problems with your vocal chords and even had to
deal with the loss of your father? All of this unfolded during filming
of the show. What was it that got you through these trying times?
It was so tough. I took one day at a time. I truly believe that God
can put anything that’s broken back together. Any time I am empty,
he can fill me, he can give me everything that I need at the moment
I need it the most. I had to learn to trust God like I have done with
every area of my life. As long as I always trust in him, I will be okay.
WHAT GETS YOU THROUGH THE CHALLENGING TIMES?
I don’t give in to stress and I don’t allow myself to get into a pity
party. I cannot go down the path of; “oh my what am I going to do,
it’s so hard, it’s so terrible”. I have to tell myself; “I will be okay, I am
a tough girl and I will make it through”. In life you cannot give into
whining or complaining, you have to rely on God for strength and
leave it to him.
YOU ARE A BUSY MOTHER OF THREE WITH A DEMANDING
CAREER. HOW DO YOU BALANCE IT ALL AND WHAT IS YOUR
MOTIVATION TO BE ON TOP OF EVERYTHING?
I remind myself of the scripture; ‘this is the day that lord has made,
rejoice and be glad in it’. If there is a problem, God will fix it, if there
is a question, he will answer it. You have to take one day at a time.
I make sure that my husband and children are loved, then I go out
and sing about Jesus. I won’t lie, it gets hard sometimes, I do get
tired and sometimes little stressed, but I enjoy what I do.
#2 G E TH E RMA G AZ IN E
DESPITE EVERYTHING YOU STILL ACHIEVED A GRAMMY AWARD
(CONGRATULATIONS), SOUL TRAIN AWARD AND A GMA DOVE
AWARD. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ALL THE ACHIEVEMENTS SO
FAR?
am enjoying it. The only challenge I had was learning to sing all the
Mary Mary songs by myself, I am used to sharing the load, so my
voice and my body had to get used to doing it alone. But I’m a big
girl and I’m strong so I figured it out.
MARY MARY HAVE BEEN ON HIATUS FOR SOME TIME, ALTHOUGH
YOU ARE VERY CLOSE SISTERS WHO STILL PERFORM TOGETHER
OCCASIONALLY. THE FANS STILL GET THE MARY MARY
EXPERIENCE FROM TIME TO TIME, BUT WILL YOU BOTH EVER GET
BACK TOGETHER AND RECORD ANOTHER ALBUM?
Absolutely! We’re working out a few plans now. This is exclusive
news for you! Tina is currently on tour, as you know she released
her new record ‘It’s Personal’, so as soon as October is over, we will
get straight back to Mary Mary.
ALSO, I THINK I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE, THAT MARY
MARY ARE DUE TO PERFORM IN THE UK AFTER SO MANY YEARS. IS
THIS TRUE?
We are coming! Another exclusive for you! I will be there with
Anastasia Baker in November, but yes, Tina and I will return before
the end of the year.
MARY MARY NOW HAVE A SELF TITLED REALITY SHOW. FANS
HAVE THE CHANCE TO SEE YOU AND TINA LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF BEING IN A
REALITY TV SHOW?
To be honest, I saw it as an opportunity to show people that black
love is real and there are real families who love Jesus and love each
I am so honored that God could bless me in this way after being
successful with Mary Mary. This is not the norm and people do
not usually leave a big group and experience solo success, so I feel
blessed. I really think it is because my purpose and agenda is to tell
people about God. God has allowed me to do this and people are
blessed by the music.
I am never afraid of the naysayers. There will always be those.
Regardless of anything, I am talking about how much I love the
creator. How can you be upset with that? I don’t have the time to
worry about people who are upset with it. Let’s choose to focus on
the one that counts and that is God. If people in the UK love the
song then hey, I’m good with it!
YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING RELEASING ERICA CAMPBELL
PRODUCTS, SUCH AS A NAIL POLISH AND A HAIR EXTENSION
LINE. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO DOWN THIS ROUTE?
I’m a businesswoman and I want to expand and leave a legacy
for my children. I believe it is good to expand your territory. I like
my hair to look good and I love extensions, so I partnered with a
great hairstylist in Washington DC. ‘Gorgeous by Erica Campbell’
is coming soon. Also, I always have a different nail color on my
nails; I love mixing it up like most ladies. I know we all like to look
beautiful. The nail polish line is also coming soon, ‘ECxCC’ is like
glamour in a bottle.
WILL THESE PRODUCTS BE AVAILABLE IN THE UK?
Yes, I will make sure of it.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ERICA AND WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD
TO IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
We are now filming season 5 of the Mary Mary reality show. I am
hoping to do a tour that covers all of Europe. I will be getting back
to Mary Mary once Tina is finished with her tour. I will still continue
to do my best and live my best with my husband and children and
represent for Jesus.
Facebook.com/ImEricaCampbell
Twitter.com/ImEricaCampbell
Instagram.com/ImEricaCampbell
YouTube.com/ImEricaCampbell
ERICA CAMPBELL IS CURRENTLY ON TOUR AND WILL BE
PERFORMING ALONGSIDE ANNASTASIA BAKER IN THE UK AT THE
O2 SHEPHERD'S BUSH EMPIRE ON NOVEMBER 15TH 2015
www.imericacampbell.com
SINCE GOING SOLO YOU HAVE RELEASED TWO ALBUMS ‘HELP’
AND ‘HELP.2.0’, WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THESE
PROJECTS?
‘Help’ came from a place where I needed God. With every song
there is encouragement, hope and determination. Yes the album
blessed people, but honestly it blessed me. Especially considering
where my life was at the time, dealing with the death of my father
and you know just growing as a person. The second record ‘Help.2.0’
is literally here because I wasn’t finished. I still had more songs such
as ‘More Love’ and ‘I Luh (love) God’. Some people loved it and some
didn’t. I just kept going.
SOME WOULD ARGUE THAT RELEASING ‘I LUH (LOVE) GOD’ WAS
A VERY BOLD STEP. SINCE IT HAS THE ‘TRAP MUSIC FLAVOR',
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN PEOPLE SAY THAT TRAP MUSIC AND
CHRISTIAN MUSIC SHOULDN’T MIX? THE SONG WAS A HIT ON
SOCIAL MEDIA, THOUGH IT GOT SOME MIXED REVIEWS. HOW
9
DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS?
The single ‘More Love’ from the current album ‘Help 2.0’ is available now on iTunes
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
H I S TO R I C P E O P L E A N D P L AC E S
MALI EMPIRE
NOW: NIGER AND MALI
A WORLD TIME CAPSULE
Established: c.1230
Disestablished: c.1600
The Mali Empire was founded by
King Sundiata Keita. The cities of
Mali became important trading
centres for all of West Africa.
Timbuktu, an important city in Mali,
became one of the major cultural
centres not only of Africa but of
the entire world. Vast libraries and
Islamic universities were built. These
became meeting places of the finest
poets, scholars and artists of Africa and the Middle East. Mali was
one of the largest empires in the world. The most famous of the
Mali Emperors was Mansa Musa. Historians estimate that Mansa
Musa may have been the wealthiest person in history.
A N C I E N T A F R I CA N K I N G D O M S A N D B L A C K C I V I L I S AT I O N S U N C OV E R E D
ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FACTORS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH IS THAT REGARDLESS OF OUR INDIVIDUAL HERITAGE OR
RACIAL BACKGROUNDS, WE ARE EACH OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE AND UNEARTH A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT
LEGACIES AND PARTICULAR MOMENTS IN HISTORY THAT HAVE SHAPED AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE WORLD WE LIVE IN TODAY. WE
ARE EACH ABLE TO LEARN FROM THE PAST MISTAKES, TRIUMPHS AND DOCUMENTED EXPERIENCES OF OTHERS. IN CELEBRATION OF
BLACK HISTORY MONTH, WE HAVE CHOSEN TO HIGHLIGHT 15 REMARKABLE AFRICAN KINGDOMS AND BLACK CIVILIZATIONS THAT
ONCE EXISTED ACROSS VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD. READ ON TO DISCOVER THE STORIES BEHIND A SELECTION OF THE WORLD’S
ANCIENT DYNASTIES, EMPIRES, SOCIETIES AND HOMELANDS.
KINGDOM OF KUSH:
NOW: NORTHERN SUDAN AND
EGYPT.
Established: c.1070 BC
Disestablished: c. 350 AD
This was an ancient African Kingdom
situated on the confluences of the
Blue Nile, White Nile and River
Atbara in what is now the Republic
of Sudan. When King Kashta invaded
Egypt in the 8th Century BC, the
Kushite Kings, including King Taharqa
(690-664 BC) ruled as pharaohs
of Egypt for a whole century, until
Psamtik (the first of three kings of that name of the Twenty-sixth
dynasty of Egypt) expelled them in 656 BC. The Kushite Capital was
eventually captured and burnt to the ground by the Kingdom of
Axum.
Black History Month
Established: c.1137
Disestablished: c.1975
Established: c. 814 BC
Disestablished: c.146 BC
This empire covered a geographical
area that is now northern Ethiopia.
The Habesha; the population
inhabiting the Horn of Africa
(Northeast region), reigned with
few interruptions from 1270 until
the late 20th century. Ethiopia’s
history dates back to the Queen of
Sheba of Ethiopia and King Solomon
of Israel (according to accounts in
the Bible, Ark of the Covenant and the Ethiopian Kebra Nagast). The
exact geographical origin of Queen of Sheba has been disputed,
however Haile Selassie I (Ethiopia's 225th and last emperor) traced
his line back to Menelik I, the child of King Solomon and the Queen
of Sheba. Ethiopia is one of the oldest states in the world.
Ancient Carthage was part of the
Phoenician civilization (independent
city-states that existed along the
coast of the Mediterranean Sea
stretching through what is now
Syria, Lebanon and Northern Israel).
For much of its history, Carthage
was at war with the Greeks in
Sicily and the Romans (the Punic
Wars). Hannibal Barca, was a Punic
Carthaginian military commander, generally considered one of the
greatest military commanders in history. In 146 BC, after the final
Punic War, Carthage was destroyed and occupied by Roman forces.
KINGDOM OF AXUM:
NOW: ETHIOPIA
KINGDOM OF NUMIDIA
NOW: ALGERIA
Established: c. 100 AD
Disestablished: c. 950 AD
Disestablished: c. 46 BC
Axum was a trading nation in
the area of northern Ethiopia
and Eritrea. Under King Ezana’s
reign Axum adopted Christianity.
In the 7th century, early Muslims
from Mecca also sought refuge
from the persecution of the
Quraysh tribe by travelling to
the kingdom, a journey known
as the “First Hijra”. The Kingdom
used the name "Ethiopia" as
early as the 4th century. Axum’s
ancient capital, called Aksum,
still exists as a city within
northern Ethiopia.
ABYSSINIA (ETHIOPIAN EMPIRE)
NOW: NORTHERN ETHIOPIA
KINGDOM OF ANCIENT CARTHAGE
NOW: TUNISIA
Numidia was an Ancient Berber
Kingdom. Berber people are
an ethnic group indigenous to
North Africa. Indigenous Berber
people are considered one
of the most misrepresented
people in North Africa; they are
the present day dark-brown
people of the Sahara (Fulani,
Tugareg, Zenagham, Kunta,
Trarza, Mogharba and Chaamba
people of Southern Morocco,
Sahel, Sudan, Algeria and parts
of Western Africa). King Juba II of
Numidia (52/50 BC – 23 AD) was a king of Numidia who’s first wife
was Cleopatra Selene II, daughter of famous Queen Cleopatra VII of
Egypt and Roman Triumvir Mark Antony.
# un su ng bl a ck he roes
Wr itten by Adeola Idow u, Ajibola A k i n g b a d e , H a n a a C o a n - A l i , Ko l a O l u w o l e
BENIN EMPIRE:
NOW: SOUTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
Established: c. 1440
Disestablished: c. 1897
The Benin Empire was pre-colonial
Edo state in western Nigeria. Until
the late 19th century, it was one
of the major powers in West Africa.
When European merchant ships
began to visit West Africa from the
15th century onwards, Benin was in
control of the trade between inland
people and Europeans on the coast.
When the British tried to expand
their own trade in the 19th century, Benin warriors killed their
envoys. In the end it was Great Britain that ended the Empire as a
political polity in the late nineteenth century.
#aworldtimecapsule
11
SONGHAI EMPIRE:
NOW: CENTRAL WEST AFRICA
(MALI, BURKINA FASO AND
NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES ON
THE BANKS OF RIVER NIGER)
Songhai was one of the largest
empires in African history. The
Songhai Empire first came into
power under the leadership of
Sunni Ali, who was initially held as
a political prisoner by the leader of
the Mali. In 1464, Sunni Ali escaped
to the capital city of Gao and took control of the city. From the city
of Gao, he established the Songhai Empire and conquered nearby
regions. In the mid 1500's the Songhai Empire began to weaken due
to civil war. In 1591, the Moroccan army invaded the empire, which
later collapsed and divided up into separate smaller states.
GHANA EMPIRE / WAGADOU
EMPIRE:
NOW: SOUTHEASTERN
MAURITANIA AND WESTERN MALI
Established: c. 300 AD
Disestablished: c 1200
The Empire of Ghana or Wagadou
Empire is not in any way associated
with modern Ghana. It was located
approximately four hundred miles
northwest of modern Ghana. The
Ghana Empire grew rich from the
trade in gold and salt. The first
written mention of the kingdom
comes from Arabic-language
sources. Historians believe that a group of people called the Soninke
founded Ghana as early as 300 AD.
THE XIA DYNASTY
NOW: EASTERN CHINA
Disestablished: c.1600 BC
This is said to be the first dynasty
in traditional Chinese history. It is
believed that during this time there
were black people in ancient China
according to findings of skeletal
remains. Some believe there is
evidence to suggest black people
founded many civilizations including
the Xia Dynasty. According to
tradition, the dynasty was established by the legendary Yu the
Great and later succeeded by the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC).
The Xia Dynasty was thought to be a mythical time in Chinese oral
history. In old Chinese literature black people were called li-min,
Qiang, Yi and Yueh. There was no archaeological evidence found of
Xia until 1959.
#2GETHERMAGAZINE
10
12
| OCTOBER 2015
THE KINGDOM OF ZIMBABWE
NOW: ZIMBABWE AND SOUTH
AFRICA
Great Zimbabwe was the capital
of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe from
about 1100 to 1450. The city grew
to cover 1,784 acres. The site was
a royal palace for the monarch and
thus served as the seat of political
power. The kingdom encompassed
nearly 39,000 square miles between
the Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers.
At its peak, the city had a population of 18,000 to 20,000 people. It
would have been the largest settlement in Sub-Saharan Africa.
THE OLMEC KINGDOM
NOW: MEXICO
Disestablished: c. 400 BC
The Olmec Kingdom was an ancient
Pre-Columbian civilization in the
tropical lowlands of south-central
Mexico, parts of the United States
and a fraction of Canada. The Olmec
existed before the well-known Aztec
civilizations. Early research of Dr.
Ivan Van Sertima, in his book ‘They
Came Before Columbus’, suggests
Nilotic African (Nile River region
of Africa) presence among the Olmec through reports of skeletal
bones and iconographic stones dating to 948-680 BCE. The Olmec
heads provide snap shots of the Kemet-Nubians that sailed from
the Nile valley region (horn of Africa) to the Americas before the
Christian-era.
QUILOMBO DOS PALMARES
NOW: NORTH-EAST BRAZIL
This is considered one of the
lost kingdoms of South America.
The kingdom's founders were
Angolan slaves who had escaped
from sugar plantations in what
is now the Brazilian state of
Pernambuco. They were first
brought from Angola to Brazil
in the 1550s, when they were
used alongside local Amerindian
slaves. The importation of
Angolan slaves increased
substantially in the 1570s and
in the last decades of the 16th
century over 4,000 Africans
were being imported per year. Zumbi dos Palmares, was the last of
the leaders of Quilombo dos Palmares.
ABEOKUTA, JAMAICA
NOW: ABEOKUTA PARADISE NATURE PARK, WESTMORLAND
(NEAR NEGRIL), JAMAICA
Established: c. 1800s
Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park took its name from the Yoruba
people who came to Jamaica as indentured workers, from the city
of Abeokuta in southwest Nigeria. When they arrived in this part
of Westmoreland, they named it after where they had come from.
Abeokuta is part of the old Dean’s Valley Water Works Estate; a
sugar plantation that once covered 2,200 acres. The remains of the
plantation’s great house can still be seen amid the gardens and the
swimming pool is still in working order. At 300 years old, the pool is
believed to be the oldest in Jamaica.
THE MANDINGO COLONY,
MORUGA
NOW: MANDINGO ROAD,
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Established: 1880’s
Disestablished: Unknown
Mandingo Road got its name from
the descendants of the Mandingo
tribe of West Africa who settled in
the Moruga area during the early
1800s. Mandingo people were
sighted alongside other African
ethnic groups such as the Yorubas,
Hausas and the Congolese not only
in Trinidad but also in other islands
such as Jamaica and Montserrat. According to M.W Lewis, the
African people were settlers in the West Indies, these groups were
nomadic and settled in the West Indies by choice; compelled by the
implications of slave emancipation.
14
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
15
Fashion and Culture
dresses I still had so many designs in mind so I would incorporate ideas into the pieces
as I went along. The whole process took about 9 months.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BRITAIN’S YOUNGEST BESPOKE FASHION DESIGNER?
It’s quite challenging but at the same time it’s very encouraging because when I hear
that title I know I must live up to it. At the same time I remind myself that when you
set a standard its important to maintain it because there is always going to be people
who will come and do the same thing as you whether it’s now or in future.
YOU APPEARED ON THE BBC'S YOUNG APPRENTICE IN 2011. WHAT IMPACT DID
THAT HAVE ON YOUR JOURNEY?
THE LAUNCH OF THE
ALO’NUKO
BRIDAL COLLECTION
EARLIER THIS YEAR, OH TV WERE PROUD TO SPONSOR
THE LAUNCH OF THE ALO'NUKO BRIDAL COLLECTION.
ALO’NUKO HAS GRABBED THE ATTENTION OF MANY
IN RECENT MONTHS, NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE
EXQUISITE AND IMPRESSIVE DESIGNS, BUT ALSO
BECAUSE OF THE YOUNG MASTERMIND BEHIND THE
BRAND, 20 YEAR OLD DESIGNER GBEMI OKUNLOLA.
Gbemi is currently Britain’s youngest bespoke fashion designer,
who started her career as a fashion designer at the age of 11 and
now, almost 10 years on, she has launched her new breath-taking
bridal collection. On Thursday 9th July 2015, the fashion designer
gave 400 guests an exclusive first look at 15 hand-stitched wedding
gowns in a catwalk style fashion show and launch of her brand new,
luxury bespoke creations.
To be honest, the young apprentice had more of an impact on my personal
development rather than my business development. I say that because you don’t
really get the opportunity to watch yourself on TV on any given day, so I was able
to see myself in action. I was able to watch the way I express myself, how I work
in a team and how I handle myself in specific situations. I was able to identify my
strengths and weaknesses and improve on what I observed.
Written by Adeola Idowu and Hanaa Coan-Ali
Back in 2011 Gbemi was encouraged by family and friends to
apply for BBC’s Young Apprentice. Aged 16, Gbemi appeared on
our screens alongside other young entrepreneurs to compete for
an investment from Lord Alan Sugar. Although she did not get the
money, she says the experience helped her personal growth journey.
In an article with Wedding Ideas Magazine, Gbemi was quoted
saying; “Working in fashion and starting my own business whilst
growing up in Peckham saved me from a lot of things that I could
have been involved in. I feel like a lot of the violence and youth
crime in South London is because people are idle and are afraid to
follow their dreams”.
We spoke to Gbemi at her launch event, to find out more about her
and the new collection and this is what she had to say...
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR BRIDAL COLLECTION?
The collection is based on the idea of growth
and new beginnings. That is why a lot of the
designs and embroideries include flowers. It all
began with small details that transformed into
bigger, greater elements. A lot of inspiration
came from Vera Wang, one of my favorite
designers. She incorporates a lot of beadwork
and embroidery in her designs; these features
can also be found in my designs.
HOW LONG WAS THE DESIGN PROCESS?
I started designing last year August with
over 600 designs. I kept filtering designs and
developing them. Whilst I was making the
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR NEW BRIDAL COLLECTION IN 3 WORDS, WHAT
WOULD THEY BE?
I would say; it’s classy, elegant and sophisticated.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG FASHION DESIGNERS WANTING TO STEP
INTO THE INDUSTRY?
The best thing to do is literally get going, there is no amount of money or no amount
of good words from anybody that’s gone before you that can make you get to where
you want to be. You literally have to start, make errors and keep going.
THE ALO’NUKO BRIDAL COLLECTION FOCUSES ON HIGHLIGHTING THE BEAUTY,
CONFIDENCE AND STYLE THAT LIES IN EACH AND EVERY ONE. THE ALO'NUKO
DRESS WORKS WITH THE CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITIES WITHIN A WOMAN,
TO EDIFY HER BEAUTY THROUGHOUT. EACH DRESS ENCAPSULATES CLASS,
SOPHISTICATION AND ORIGINALITY WITHIN EVERY PIECE THAT IS INTRICATELY
MADE.
16
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
TUESDAY 21ST JULY 2015 MARKED THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH EVENT FOR 1HEART TV. THE EVENING WHICH PROMISED
TO BE A WARM AND LIVELY GATHERING OF FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES, TURNED OUT TO BE JUST THAT AS GUESTS CAME
TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF A TRULY PIONEERING CHANNEL DEDICATED TO THE CARIBBEAN AND ALL OF
IT’S GREATNESS.
THE LAUNCH OF 1HEART TV
The well-attended event took place at the Jamaican High
Commission in London and attracted top Caribbean media
outlets such as Carib Direct, Phoenix Newspaper, Keep The Faith
and The Voice Newspaper. There were also an array of guests in
attendance such as Capital Xtra DJ Jade Avia, MOBO award winning
Saxophonist Yolanda Brown, Jamaica Tourist Board Managing
Director Elizabeth Fox, Jamaica’s High Commissioner Her Excellency
Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba and many more.
“I’m pleased to see that this idea of sharing a positive side of the
Caribbean with the world is growing. I’m looking forward to seeing
us on television here in the UK in a way that some people may not
realise or understand. We can’t wait on people to tell our stories, so
we should tell them ourselves.”- Jamaica’s High Commissioner Her
Excellency Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba
Patrick Campbell of 1Heart TV led event proceedings and shared
the grand vision for 1Heart TV. He introduced guests to British
Comedienne Angie Le Mar, host of 1Heart TV’s flagship show ‘Home
Sweet Home Jamaica…with Angie Le Mar’ and 1Heart TV Live
presenter Leah Charles-King. Together they presented the exciting
programme teasers and a sneak peak into the content on 1Heart
TV. With further support for 1Heart TV, OH TV Station Director
Vidal Juba and OH TV CEO Akin Salami also gave guests a warm
17
Written by Adeola Idowu, Eunice Obianagha and Hanaa Coan- Ali
welcome and thanked everyone that came together to be a part of
1Heart TV.
“Somebody, somewhere, is going to build a global £100 million
company, that reaches a 100 million people based on celebrating
The Caribbean. I truly believe that 1Heart TV could be that
company. At 1Heart TV we stand by the ‘4 Cs’; we Create, Curate,
Connect and spark Conversation. This is the driving force behind
what we do and where we do it is simply on TV, Online, Social and
Digital.” Patrick Campbell, 1 Heart TV.
During the launch event, guests indulged in a selection of tasty
bites from the likes of Port Royal Patties, The Kings Room Catering
and cakes from Cakes by Kels. Guests were also provided with
exotic Caribbean beach cocktails from Ravissant Drinks and Dub
Jam.
The evening featured entertainment from Britain’s Got Talent
series 7 semi-finalists Gospel Singers Incognito, followed by a mini
carnival display from the Elimu Mas Band.
The occasion provided all attendees, sponsors and those with a
close connection to the Caribbean a time to come together and
appreciate what 1Heart TV has on offer. The 1Heart TV launch
event was also sponsored by the Clarity Events Group, Caymans
Rum Cakes, Marley Coffee and supported by the Jamaica High
Commission and the Jamaica Tourist Board.
18
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
Written by Adeola Idowu and Hanaa Coan- Ali
THIS SUMMER MARKED THE LAUNCH OF 1HEART TV, AN INTERNATIONAL CHANNEL DEDICATED
TO PROFILING THE VERY BEST OF THE CARIBBEAN CULTURE AND THE DIASPORA. ON TUESDAY 28TH
JULY 2015 1HEART TV MADE HISTORY ON INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION, BY BEING THE FIRST EVER
CHANNEL IN THE UK DEDICATED TO THE CARIBBEAN.
Taking its cue from the tag line, “Inspired By The Caribbean. Loved
By The World”, 1Heart TV is a brand new multi-platform, multigenre channel providing the best of Caribbean inspired content,
culture and news from around the world.
With some of the most beautiful locations, the most iconic names
and faces on the planet, and music that has kept the world moving,
there is just no where quite like the Caribbean and no where that
epitomes the effortless cool of this continent.
1Heart TV is a unique platform that showcases the influence the
Caribbean has brought to the world. On offer is access to the
iconic personalities, entertainers and up to date news related to
the continent. 1Heart TV also have exciting plans to work with
production partners and rights holders across the Caribbean and
the diaspora to produce ground-breaking new content and welcome
opportunities to produce cross regional, cross county content.
“We are excited to host 1Heart TV on our network. This is just what
the community needs and we at OH TV are pleased to be home
to 1Heart TV, one of the few platforms in the world devoted to
broadcasting content inspired by Caribbean. This is a great, dynamic
partnership." Vidal Juba, OH TV Station Director.
Setting the channel off with a bang, 1Heart Live aired on Tuesday
28th July as a live and interactive prime time show, with awardwinning presenter Leah Charles-King as the host.
“1Heart Live is a mixed bag of entertainment, insightful chat and
awesome guests with great stories to tell. The Caribbean is an
amazing collection of vibrant, colourful and unique islands, and it's
great we can showcase them in this way." Leah Charles King, 1Heart
TV live host.
1Heart Live is a fast paced, high-energy show that wraps around
all the 1Heart TV presenter and former Miss Jamaica UK Gemma
Feare, who also hosts 1Heart TV live says;
“It's all about putting Caribbean's on the map, for more reasons
than our ability to excel in music and sport. Our charisma is
contagious and we inspire others with our warmth and energy.
There are incredibly talented Caribbean's in business, media, law
and health, as well as a fresh new wave of young and successful
entrepreneurs. Let’s put real role models on the television. 1Heart
TV is about connecting the people who love all of these things and
the islands of the beautiful Caribbean.”
19
Another feature of 1Heart TV is the channel’s flagship programme
‘Home Sweet Home Jamaica… With Angie Le Mar’. This 13 part
series contains exclusive interviews with some of the island’s
biggest stars such as Shaggy, Taurus Riley, Levi Roots, Sly Dunbar of
Sly & Robbie and many more.
"1Heart TV has been some journey. It’s exciting to go from a big
idea to seeing a living breathing show with scores of stellar guests,
a great team and knowing we are providing a platform for a culture
in a way that is not normally seen. For me, its really important that
we hear from our audience, we need feedback on what’s working
and what’s not working. Our big challenge is for the business and
commercial sector to come on board the 1Heart TV vision and
invest their money in sponsoring content and advertising on the
platform." Patrick Campbell, 1Heart TV.
For more information on 1Heart TV visit www.1Hearttv.com
20
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
21
BE INSPIRED: YOUNG MEN OF THE FUTURE
KOYE ADESANYA – MOJO KOJO
If you haven’t heard of Mojo Kojo yet, you
will soon. The African fashion brand has
turned typical african inspired fashion on its
head, welcoming an even younger and more
western market. With its sample collection
sold out already, the brand is certainly set
for a bright future.
We talked to British Nigerian Koye
Adesanya, to figure out how, at just 21
years old, he’s managed to juggle getting
a top class Politics degree at University of
Manchester whilst marketing, designing and
distributing his clothing brand Mojo Kojo.
So Koye, what inspired you to start up your
own clothing line?
I wanted to get more young people wearing
African print. I feel personally, as a young
guy, there aren’t many lines that I would
buy from. Most of the big names at the
moment, despite their success are all
producing prints that look similar. I wanted
to create something. I looked at Moschino
and Versace prints and cuts from the 90s
and created African two pieces that are
more relevant to a young, modern market.
African prints have become popularised in
mainstream fashion. How do you feel your
brand differs?
Mojo Kojo is basically an infusion of
western and African culture with garments
that aren’t exclusive to people of African
heritage. Our prints are symbolic with
repeated motifs like huts, elephants and
masks. They have images that symbolise
‘what is African’. I feel that if younger
people, like my-self get involved with
African prints, they have to relate to
something they know. For example, our
African dancer print has proved to be a sellout. It’s more fun than your typical dashiki
print.
What’s your process in regards to producing
your garments then?
Firstly, I go through suppliers back home
in Nigeria and pick the prints from a local
market in Lagos. I just choose my favourite
prints and buy them in bulk. I then work
with a designer and pattern cutter from
Manchester, Melissa Jade Young. I sent her
images of the cuts I preferred and then we
just went through the process of whittling
ideas down so that she could make a final
sewing pattern.
We saw Rinse FM host, Yinka Bokinni
rocking your Selassie print trousers at this
year’s Notting Hill Carnival. What’s the
reception been like to your first collection?
Amazing, especially to have a young
Nigerian in the media representing us! All
of our market stalls, like our one at POW
in Brixton have proved to be a success and
Mojo Kojo’s recent feature in The Tab (an
online national student newspaper) has got
almost 400 shares which has also helped
with sales.
How have you managed to balance your
Politics degree with running your own
business. What advice would you give to
other young entrepreneurs?
Well, I think the most important thing is
time management. You definitely need a
structured daily timetable because the
days and hours just pass by so quickly.
You need to find the right balance and
prioritise because you just can’t forget how
important University is. That’s exactly why
I had to cut back on my social life, if I was
to get Mojo Kojo up and running before I
graduated.
So what do you expect for the future – for
both Mojo Kojo and yourself?
I’m hoping to get our website up by this
month and start selling Mojo Kojo’s second
collection. After that, I personally want to
go into either recruitment or management
consultancy and hopefully work for a big
firm, whilst running Mojo Kojo on the side.
So, I want to take time this year doing
things properly and setting up new business
plans, so that when I get another job I don’t
have to be so hands on.
It sounds like you’ve got it all sussed out!
It’s been great to chat to you Koye, and
we look forward to Mojo Kojo’s second
collection.
Catch Mojo Kojo’s Instagram @mojokojomcr
for the exclusive release!
Written by Helene Kleih
SOLOMON SMITH - BRIXTON SOUP
KICTHEN
What inspired you to start up the Brixton
Soup Kitchen?
Solomon Smith is the young man behind
the successful Brixton Soup Kitchen, a
grassroots organisation that offers help and
support to homeless people from across
London. Solomon Smith, a youth worker
and lifelong Brixtonian, realised there was
a desperate need for such an organisation.
Since starting in January 2013, over 10,000
meals have been served to those in need.
The project receives no official funding and
Solomon has been financing the project
himself alongside co-founder Mohammmed
Hashi, relying on donations and help from
volunteers. More than just serving food,
Brixton Soup Kitchen offers CV workshops,
job guidance and advice on housing and
benefits.
We just felt that this was a service that the
community needed.
You may have seen the Brixton Soup
Kitchen on ITV’s ‘Surprise Surprise’ last year
and news about their work in national news.
We spoke with Solomon during a recent
visit to the OH TV studios to find out about
his work for the community…
Tell us a little bit about the Brixton Soup
Kitchen…
The Brixton Soup Kitchen is a service that
provides hot meals and hot drinks to the
homeless, the needy and the lonely. We’ve
been running since January 2013 with
no government funding and I repeat NO
GOVERNMENT FUNDING. We also supply
a food bank; we provide takeaway food and
also clothes, trainers and shoes. The Brixton
Soup Kitchen also counselling sessions,
mentor sessions, job search, housing advice
and also opportunities to talk to a solicitor
that comes in every Monday
So you featured on ITV’s ‘Surprise Surprise’
in November 2014. What was that like?
It was absolutely fantastic. They surprised
us with a lovely new kitchen to help us
work with many more people. For us it was
a great that such a big organisation, like
ITV took interest with an organisation in
Brixton.
So tell us a little bit about your
partnerships, in particular ‘Heeling Soles’.
What are you guys aiming to do?
So we linked up with ‘Heeling Soles’ and
our aim is to make sure we put shoes and
trainers on every homeless person’s feet
this winter. We’ve linked up with M&S,
we won their ‘M&S charity of the year’
award. We’re just so lucky that we have
organisations like that, again who want to
work with an organisation like ourselves.
We had Citibank do our back garden, M&S
and ‘Spark Something Good’ giving us a
fantastic living room. Talk Talk have given
us free Internet and The Sun newspaper
actually provided us with a brand new
smart car.
Amazing! So many blessings and supporters!
Who else have you had recognition from?
We’ve had recognition on channel 4’s
‘Something for Nothing’. We were also on
‘The Fried Chicken Shop’ on channel 4 and
have also won an award with Bafta ‘Back
to Black’ awards, and won the community
recognition award. Recently, the Evening
Standard mentioned us in the 1000 most
influential people, as well as being on the
Independent’s ‘Happy List ’, of the 100
happiest and heroic people in the UK. We
received the ‘Our Heroes’ award by South
London press. I also appeared on ITV’s BBQ
Champ, with Adam Richmond and Myleene
Klass. We were actually in talks with them
about creating my own ‘Brixton Sauce’ with
Adam Richmond (host of Man vs food).
What are your plans in the future for
Brixton Soup Kitchen?
We will work with more young people and
get them into work. We’re going to be doing
more fundraising just so that we can be
more sustainable. We are trying to get a
mobile van and we’re encouraging members
of the public to help us fundraise for this.
The idea is to raise £4,000 so we can have a
mobile soup kitchen. We’re also going work
with ‘Give a Car’, the UK's first car donation
scheme that gives proceeds made from the
auction sale of old cars to charities. We
have also linked up with another homeless
organisation in East London called ‘2 Shades
of Life’ who perform similar outreach work.
A lot of the work we do is not just for
Brixton, it’s for everyone. We’re trying to
teach everyone to give back.
HELP BRIXTON SOUP KITCHEN RAISE
MONEY TOWARDS THEIR MOBILE
SOUP KITCHEN AND VISIT: WWW.
GOGETFUNDING.COM/MOBILESOUP-KITCHEN-VAN. FOLLOW @
BRIXSOUPKITCHEN ON TWITTER AND
STAY UP TO DATE WITH THEIR PROGRESS!
Written by Hanaa Coan- Ali
22
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
23
Career and Business
“I love this quote by Oscar Wilde
that states; ‘be yourself, everyone
else is already taken’ ”
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO ENTERTAINMENT?
When I was 10 years old I was watching the musical “Aspects of
Love” by Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Oxford Playhouse. I will never
forget it. I sat there in awe thinking, “I want to do that” and that's
where it all started.
NOT ONLY ARE YOU A SUCCESSFUL TV PRESENTER WHO HAS
INTERVIEWED THE LIKES OF VENUS AND SERENA WILLIAMS,
DON JAZZY, FEMI KUTI AND SEAN PAUL, YOU ARE ALSO AN
ACTRESS IN THEATRE, TV AND FILM IN THE UK, NIGERIA AND ALSO
SOUTH AFRICA. HOSTING, ACTING AND INTERVIEWING ARE ALL
PART OF WHAT YOU JUGGLE. HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO
BALANCE IT ALL AND WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ALL YOUR
ACHIEVEMENTS?
Interview by Adeola Idowu
MARCY DOLAPO ONI
DOLAPO ONI, AS SHE IS COMMONLY CALLED, IS ONE
OF THE LEADING PRESENTERS IN NIGERIA AND HAS
DEFINITELY MADE HER MARK IN THE INDUSTRY. I
REMEMBER WATCHING HER INTERESTING INTERVIEW
WITH AFROBEATS SENSATION WIZKID ON STUDIO 53
A FEW YEARS AGO AND SEEING HER APPEAR IN WOLE
OGUNTOKUN’S ORIGINAL NIGERIAN ADAPTATION OF
‘FOR COLOURED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE/
WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF’ (BY NTOZAKE SHANGE)
IN 2011. EVER SINCE THEN, SHE HAS GONE ON TO
INTERVIEW MANY MORE CELEBRITIES, APPEAR IN OTHER
ACTING ROLES, CO-HOST ONE OF THE MOST WATCHED
SHOWS IN NIGERIA ‘MOMENTS WITH MO’ AND NOW SHE
HAS HER OWN SHOW TITLED; ‘THE MARCY PROJECT’. I
RECENTLY CAUGHT UP DOLAPO DURING A RECENT VISIT
TO THE OH TV HEADQUARTERS IN LONDON AND HERE’S
WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY…
YOU ARE DESCRIBED AS ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNISABLE FACES
ON AFRICAN TELEVISION RIGHT NOW, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH
ALL THE ATTENTION AND FAME THAT COMES WITH YOUR JOB
AND CAREER?
I don't find it particularly hard to deal with because its not as if I’m
getting mobbed by fans when I leave my house. I have goals that
I’m focused on so I don't get caught up in the whole fame aspect.
DOLAPO ONI DURING AN INTERVIEW WITH DON JAZZY,
MULTI AWARD-WINNING RECORD PRODUCER AND CURRENT
CEO OF MAVIN RECORDS
CAN YOU TELL US WHAT ELSE YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING ON
LATELY AND ANY FUTURE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR?
I'm currently working on season 2 of ‘The Marcy Project’. I have a
movie due for release in November titled "Diary of a Lagos Girl" by
Parables Entertainment. I would say the future is more work on TV,
film and stage. Also I will be officially married, so I’m really excited
about what the future holds.
Well when you start to list them I do think wow… that’s not half
bad! I've learnt to give myself the occasional pat on the back.
Before, I would do something and then move on to the next. Now
I take time to let it all sink in. When it comes to balance, I guess I
keep work at work so to speak. Even though I don't have a 9 to 5
job, I always make time for friends and family. So as much as work is
very important to me my private life is also extremely important.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR
CAREER SO FAR?
Having my own show ‘The Marcy Project’. It has been a real
challenge but I have to say I'm very proud of it.
TELL US ABOUT THE MARCY PROJECT, WHAT CAN OH TV VIEWERS
EXPECT?
‘The Marcy Project’ is a talk show with a twist. I interview African
celebrities, established as well as up and coming. Each episode I
perform a funny, quirky and interesting project. OH TV viewers can
expect to see me doing very random things on the streets of Lagos.
Nothing illegal of course!
DOLAPO ONI PICTURED WITH SUPERSTAR AMERICAN TENNIS
PLAYERS SERENA AND VENUS WILLIAMS
24
| OCTOBER 2015
where you want your career to go. I love this quote by Oscar Wilde
that states; “be yourself, everyone else is already taken”
“Before I left drama school we were told that 90% wouldn't
find work. It took me a year after drama school to get my
first gig. I was miserable, but you have to keep pushing on if it
truly is your passion. That’s what really gets you through.”
ALSO, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RECENT NUPTIALS TO
PRINCE ADEGBITE SIJUADE! A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING! HOW WAS
THE DAY FOR YOU AND YOUR NEW WEDDED HUSBAND?
Thank you. Our traditional wedding was absolutely beautiful, one of
the best days of my life, so euphoric.
HOW DID YOU BOTH MEET?
We met in May 2011 when I was in Abuja for the weekend. I was
staying at a friend’s house and he was one of the people that came
to take us out. I was actually a bit rude when I first met him. We
saw each other the next day at a pool party and that’s when we
really started talking and then the rest as they say is history!
YOUR WEDDING RECEIVED A LOT OF MEDIA ATTENTION, AS ONE
WOULD EXPECT SINCE YOU ARE IN THE PUBLIC EYE. WITH THE
RECENT WEDDING ON EVERYONE’S LIPS, DO YOU ANTICIPATE
THERE MAY BE A LOT OF ATTENTION ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP?
The attention is interesting. I mean it’s nice to see so many people
helping us to celebrate and for that I am grateful. I think the
attention will die down once our white wedding is done. We have
managed to keep things quiet before the wedding and things will go
back to the way it was after. Hopefully!
THE AFRICAN FILM, TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
IS REALLY BOOMING RIGHT NOW, STEADILY GROWING AND
REACHING GREATER HEIGHTS, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON
THIS?
If I compare how the industry was when I moved back to Nigeria 5
years ago, it has changed so much. The amount of musicians, actors,
designers we have right now is phenomenal. We have stopped
looking to outsiders to tell our own stories and that makes me
extremely proud. The amount of auditions I went on in the UK
where I was told I didn't look African enough, it’s safe to say when I
go for a casting anywhere in Africa no one is telling me that!
LASTLY, DOLAPO YOU ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FABULOUS WITH OR
WITH OUT MAKEUP! DO YOU HAVE ANY BEAUTY SECRETS?
Wash your face before you go to bed or else you will be sorry. VERY
SORRY!
THE MARCY PROJECT
COMING SOON TO OH TV!
BEING IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY ISN'T ALWAYS
SMOOTH SAILING, WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AND
HOW HAVE YOU GOT THROUGH THEM?
Wow, how long do you have? Yes there have been challenges.
Before I left drama school we were told that 90% wouldn't find
work. At the time you are sitting there thinking I’m not the 90%
obviously. It took me a year after drama school to get my first gig.
I was miserable, but you have to keep pushing on if it truly is your
passion. That’s what really gets you through.
GROWING UP, WHO DID YOU LOOK UP TO AND WHO INSPIRED
YOU IN YOUR PURSUIT OF BECOMING THE WOMAN YOU ARE
TODAY?
My mum. She is my Rock. She's a very strong woman and she
taught me great work ethic. If I am able to achieve half of what she
has done I will be a very happy woman.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP-COMING TV
PERSONALITIES?
Be patient, it’s very easy to be a flash in the pan. One minute you're
hot and the next you're not. It’s always good to also think about
Marcy Dolapo Oni has her own show! The Marcy Project Is a
30-minute lifestyle and entertainment programme that mixes
web features, pre-recorded video footage and of course, fashion
tips. During this show Dolapo interviews acts and celebrities
from various industries, and undertakes interesting projects
suggested by viewers, social media followers and guests. Watch
out for ‘The Marcy Project’ premiering soon on OH TV!
26
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| OCTOBER 2015
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2GETHER |
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VINEJUICE
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Soak up the all the fresh news brought to you by the fabulous ladies of Vinejuice.co.uk. The ‘Juicy
Ladies' Adaeze and Lavinia fill us in on the juiciest news from the ever growing and thriving world of
Christian and Gospel music!
wants to be happy. And we will try different things all in the pursuit
of that feeling. With this song I’m saying if you really want to be
happy, you have to start with the originator. It’s like wanting to
lose weight. Do you really want to lose weight? Because if you do,
there’s a price to pay: You have to work at it. This song is saying if
you really want to be happy, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of what
that is. We’re not the architects of our lives. We’ve got to go to the
manufacturer. It’s my goal to try to lead people to the manufacturer
of their souls.”
27
“The best you can do is to prepare your heart and be obedient… you
have to be willing to become invisible. It’s never about you. Nothing
in the service is about you. People aren’t coming to see you. They
are coming to experience God.”
This is the opening paragraph of the ‘About’ page on the website
of award winning worship leader and Gospel artist Pastor William
McDowell. The man who brought us some of the most powerful
worship albums in Christian history such as ‘As We Worship’, ‘Arise’
and ‘Withholding Nothing’ which saw him nominated for a Grammy
Award in 2015.
It is with excitement that the V2V Community Church in London
have invited William McDowell to minister at their upcoming ‘The
Prophet and The Psalmist Conference’. They also hope that he would
take one or two seminars to teach on worship.
The story is built around the story of a married couple. Tony
and Elizabeth Jordan appear to have it all; great jobs, a beautiful
daughter and their dream house; but the couple’s world is actually
crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage. While Tony basks in
his professional success and flirts with temptation, Elizabeth resigns
herself to increasing bitterness. Their lives take an unexpected
turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara, and is
challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for
her family.
A spokesperson from the church said: “We have had Pastor
McDowell here before and he always delivers. Our church is centred
on worship and his ministry really encapsulates that.”
‘The Prophet and The Psalmist Conference’ including a William
McDowell concert takes place on 28th October – 1st November at
V2V Community Church in Harrow, London. Find out more at www.
v2vchurch.com
The movie opened on 28th August 2015 at cinemas across the US.
It is currently unclear whether it will be released on UK cinema
screens.
NEW MUSIC FROM KIM BURRELL
NEW MUSIC FROM KIRK FRANKLIN
PASTOR WILLIAM MCDOWELL TO IMPART WORSHIP KNOWLEDGE
AT LONDON’S V2V CONFERENCE
Following the release of her brand new album, ‘A Different Place’
which dropped on 4th September 2015, Kim Burrell shares in an
interview that this album is her “first recording in life” that she had
to do without her mum and close friend Whitney Houston.
CHRISTIAN MOVIE ‘WAR ROOM’ GIVES ‘STRAIGHT OUTTA
COMPTON’ A RUN FOR ITS MONEY
The 2015 faith based movie, ‘War Room’, took the US box office by
storm since its recent release on US movie screens; a huge surprise
to many.
In its first weekend on general release the ‘low budget’ movie took
in an unexpected $11 million at the box office. It then went to
the top of the US box office charts outrunning the popular N.W.A.
biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’.
‘War Room’ stars Priscilla C. Shirer, sister of popular gospel singer
Anthony Evans. It was directed by Alex Kendrick and produced by his
brother Stephen Kendrick, the award-winning creators of ‘Fireproof’
and ‘Courageous’, who are regarded as the ‘Spielbergs’ of Christian
cinema. ‘War Room’ is a compelling drama with humour and heart.
It explores the power of prayer on marriages, parenting, careers and
friendships.
Kirk Franklin is back after almost 5 years of musical silence. You
would be forgiven for thinking that he has been enjoying the fruits
of his previous billboard smash hits, pouring his heart out in his
regular blog and posting his thought-provoking comments on
twitter (which we really enjoy to be fair). But it seems you would
be wrong! The multi-award winning Gospel artist has been working
away in his lab on a brand new album.
“Wanna Be Happy” is the first single released off the forthcoming
album. It dropped in August 2015 via his record label, Fo Yo Soul
Recordings. When asked what had inspired the single, Kirk Franklin
said on Billboard.com: “First and foremost, every human being
Kim Burrell says that she wrote this album from ‘a place of pain’
during an interview due to the tragic death of her close friend
Whitney Houston and losing her mum to cancer. However, it seems
that this ‘place’ has caused her to record one of her most ‘real’
albums to date. Kim Burrell said: “I’ve always practiced “I’ll keep my
pain in because I don’t want to impose that on the consumer; they
want to hear Kim the artist, but Kim the person is on this one.”
28
| OCTOBER 2015
It would seem that her fans appreciate her openness as they pushed
‘A Different Place’ to the top of the Gospel charts within hours of
its release.
artist that he is, Aaron rushed off to rest after the concert to be
fresh and ready for his video shoot the very next day. So look out
for that coming soon!
Kim Burrell is what we would refer to as a ‘Veteran in the Game’
with 29 years in music under her belt, and a CV that lists her
working with the likes of Diddy, Kirk Franklin, Missy Elliot and Stevie
wonder. This is her 6th solo album!
‘A DIFFERENT PLACE’ IS AVAILABLE ON ITUNES AND AMAZON
JUICY PICKS
We love discovering new music and
upcoming artists. Here are just a few
of those that we are excited about at
the moment and want to #Introjuice
to you:
Marcus McFarlin
American worship leader and Gospel
Artist. We’re loving his single – ‘Like My
God’ taken from his album ‘More’ which
dropped in July 2015.
AARON T AARON’S BRAND NEW ALBUM ‘HERE AND REAL’ IS
AVAILABLE ON ITUNES
KEEPING IT ‘JUICY’ WITH VINEJUICE!
Emaé
We’re loving this Scottish songstress
with her clear vocals and message
filled lyrics. Her debut song ‘Something
Beautiful’ was released back in 2014
and she returned this summer with a
new release – ‘Know You’.
Natty Joshia
Hailing from the West Midlands this
RnB Gospel singer is turning the tides
of UK Gospel. He is definitely in our
‘One-To-Watch’ category. He released a
new single ‘Try’ in September 2015.
EVENT REVIEW: AARON T AARON ‘DOXAZO’ CONCERT
Up and definitely coming (if not already arrived) Nigerian UK
Gospel artist, Aaron T Aaron, smashed it at his recent concert in
London. The CD launch and live DVD recording was held at New
Wine Church, London on August 30th 2015.
The multifaceted event was a showcase of musical talent from his
backing vocals team ‘Sound of Praise’ and his experienced band.
Special guest performers on the night included Junior Garr, Mike
Abdul from Midnight Crew, Noel Robison, Philippa Hanna and
several more.
Founded by Adaeze Chiwoko and Lavinia Goddard, also known
as the ‘Juicy Ladies’, Vinejuice is a media company based in
Manchester that works to promote all the good stuff coming out of
the Christian, Community and Charity sectors. This includes events,
music and juicy news.
Using the Vinejuice vibrant and highly engaged website, social
media and online livestream show #VinejuiceTV, Vinejuice is fast
becoming the ‘go-to’ platform for all that is ‘juicy’ in the North
West and across the UK. Visit vinejuice.co.uk to discover and
promote all that is ‘juicy’ in your area.
Additionally, tune into our weekly radio show called ‘The Juicy
Ladies Radio Show,’ which broadcasts every Thursday from the
North West’s prominent community radio station – Legacy FM 90.1
(formerly Peace FM).
UK Gospel giant, Muyiwa Olarewaju, hosted the fairly well attended
event. Aside from a start time that managed to take the term
‘African Time’ to an altogether new level, the Juicy Ladies were
extremely impressed by the quality of the music and Aaron’s ability
to entertain with an undeniably strong essence of worship.
To top it off, Aaron launched his new album. Being the hard working
W r i t t e n b y : L a v i n i a G o d d a r d a n d A d a e z e Ch i wo ko
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| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
31
Written by Adeola Idowu and Hanaa Coan-Ali
ON SATURDAY 23RD AND SUNDAY 24TH MAY 2015 OVER
20,000 FESTIVALGOERS DESCENDED UPON THE BREATHTAKING GROUNDS OF WEST SUSSEX’S WISTON HOUSE,
FOR ANOTHER INSTALLMENT OF ONE OF THE UK’S
LARGEST CHRISTIAN EVENTS; BIG CHURCH DAY OUT.
This year’s mega-festival included memorable performances from
exceptional Christian artists such as Lecrae, Israel Houghton, Rend
Collective, The Watoto Children's Choir, Switchfoot, Christafari,
Faith Child, LZ7, Bethel Music and many more.
Big Church Day Out is an annual 2-day event filled with live music
performances from a selection of the biggest names in Christian
music, great food, a huge bazaar marketplace and several fun-flled
activities for all the family to enjoy. Big Church day Out is a nonmoney making festival that has been fortunate to receive donations
and support from organisations across the UK. Big Church Day out
serves to show people that the ‘Church is still alive’ and welcomes
those who are Christian and non-Christian.
At OH TV, we are inspired by the Big Church Day Out event every
year. We find that the festival matches our vision to provide the
best uplifting and inspirational messages to the UK. We are always
in support and admire organisations that exist to bring people,
faiths and families together. That is why this year in particular,
we were encouraged to join in with the fun and meet and greet
members of the public at the festival’s bazaar with our very own
OH TV stand.
OH TV AT BIG CHURCH DAY OUT 2015!
Our team of reps which included Lola Ogunbadejo (OH TV
presenter), Hanaa Coan-Ali (Press Assistant), Adeola Idowu (2gether
Magazine Editor in Chief), Kola Oluwole (Head of Marketing) and
Deborah Oluyemi (Executive Assistant) met with thousands of
festivalgoers who visited the Big Church Day Out bazaar. Alongside
the OH TV stand were several other Christian organisations such as
Christian clothing lines, Churches, charities, media outlets and so
many more from across the UK, who each came together to spread
their message and celebrate Christianity. Over the course of two
days, the OH TV stand attracted weekenders with a vibrant stand
and our team of reps who handed out free OH TV gift bags full of
goodies and copies of 2gether magazine.
Our OH TV reps also had front row passes to the Illuminate stage
and Main stage where we saw performances from some of the
greatest names in Gospel music!
Faith Child received a rousing reception from the large energetic
crowd as he performed tracks from his latest album ‘Airborne’
alongside his music pals AStar and Happy.
Grammy award winning Christian Rap artist, Lecrae also took to the
main stage with an electric and unforgettable performance that had
thousands waving and singing along to his songs.
The 2-day extravaganza brought people from all denominations
around the world together to celebrate the glory of God. From day
to night, we were able to watch the power and energy within the
festival. Here are a few snap shots of Big Church Day out 2015.
32
Written by Hanaa Coan-Ali
| OCTOBER 2015
I think for me music has always been a refuge, when you can go into
a song, you can be really expressive and you can be political, being
in a country where being political is supressed you can actually
express those feelings in music or various forms of art. Music is
about breaking barriers, allowing people to see the commonalities
that we share rather than the differences; music is great because
you don’t even have to speak the language of music to feel it.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR GENRE OF MUSIC?
I like to experiment with different sounds; I would call my genre
of music ‘syntagmatic afrobeats’. It’s only lightly influenced by
afrobeats, a lot of the music that I actually play are the Congolese
kind of patterns. My genre is really just about bringing different
sounds that don’t usually come together very often.
“Pidgin for Nigeria is like
the colloquial speak and a
lot of cultures use Pidgin,
it comes about when there
isn’t a common language
so people pick up these
broken languages and put
them together.”
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MESSAGE YOU WANT TO GET
ACROSS IN ANY ONE OF YOUR SONGS?
Peace, to be honest. A lot of the songs in this opera are about peace,
there’s so much happening in the world today with so many people
struggling with different things as communities and on the inside.
It’s about finding peace, and not trying to make a perfect world, but
accepting it and making the best of the situation.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MUSICAL ICONS?
Yes, I have loads. I love Kate Bush, I love Fela Kuti, I love Can, I love
Jefferson Airplane all those psychedelic bands. People who were
pioneers in what they did. Not just that they were musical stars, but
the fact they were creating something new and different.
YOU’RE THE CREATOR OF ‘PIDGIN OPERA’. HOW DID YOU
GO ABOUT PUTTING THE TWO TOGETHER?
HELEN
ISIBOR
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE WORLD’S FIRST PIDGIN OPERA
I went to the Royal Opera House around 2 years ago, that was my
first time there and I watched Wagner perform and I just remember
thinking I just need to ‘Pidgin up’ this whole situation, I just wanted
to bring something different to it. I wanted to see how it would
work bringing two different cultures together, Pidgin for Nigeria is
like the colloquial speak and a lot of cultures use Pidgin, it comes
about when there isn’t a common language so people pick up these
broken languages and put them together. I wanted to bring that
to the concepts of Opera and pidgin English together. I wanted to
challenge people to see that actually we’re singing about the same
things, the stories are very similar; the mythologies around the
world are also similar. Just to highlight again that we’ll always have
more similarities than differences.
WHAT WAS THE PREPARATION BEEN LIKE FOR THE TOUR?
HELEN ISIBOR HAS BECOME KNOWN FOR HER
CAPTIVATING AND TRANCE INDUCING LIVE SETS, HER
IMMERSIVE PERFORMANCE ART SHOWS AND IMPROMPTU
SOUND JOURNEY DISPLAYS. HELEN IS KNOWN FOR
HER DISTINCT STYLE AND UNIQUE MUSICAL DRUM.
SHE HAS CREATED MUSIC FOR CHRISTIAN DIOR, SONY
PLAYSTATION, DISNEY, OXFAM, AND THE BRITISH ASIAN
TRUST (ONE OF HRH PRINCE CHARLES’ PERSONAL
CHARITIES).
READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HELEN PARKERJAYNE ISIBOR …
TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU DO…
Yes, I’m a composer and performance artist. I really like wonderful,
beautiful, avant-garde things. This pidgin opera is in fact the first
in the world of it’s kind and I’m working with some really amazing
singers, musicians, contemporary dancers and a visual artist from
Denmark. People have literally come from all over the world to put
this together and I think it’s a really beautiful expression of modern
day in any given city in the world, getting influences from all around
the world to create something that’s new and beautiful, fresh and a
little bit funky.
TELL ME ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL DRUM?
It’s called a Hang there are not so many in the world. They are made
in Switzerland, everyone thinks they’re African, but I am influenced
by a lot of instruments around the world but this is a Swiss German
instrument.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE YOUR MUSIC?
I really want to have conversations that people can’t have speaking,
It was really insane because we were putting it together in quite
a short space of time; it was literally weeks really in terms of
having the show booked. The arts council has sponsored it, which is
amazing. The tour started in London and will continue in Lagos then
to South Africa and then come back to the UK. It’s my first piece
like this, so to be able to have this happen is actually a dream come
true. I’m just trying to breath in and breath out and enjoy every
moment and keep working hard.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR FASHION INSPIRATION?
I call it kind of bush, psychedelic. I love groups like ‘Earth Wind and
Fire’. I love their costumes. I just show on the outside what I feel on
the inside and I hope it emanates something positive, bright, and
multi-cultural.
THE VENUS BUSHFIRES: HELEN PARKER-JAYNE ISIBOR
Helen Parker-Jayne Isibor also known as The Venus Bushfires
explores the ethereal sounds of the hang drum and the power
of the talking drum cross- fertilising multiple visual and
musical styles. Helen harnesses influences from avant-garde,
psychedelic arts and draws inspiration from 70's musical
pioneers such as Fela Kuti and Can. She describes her music as
'Cinematic Afro-Folk'.
In 2008 she orchestrated the world's first ever 'hang flash
gig' at the Lovebox festival which was broadcast on Channel
4 (UK). In the summer of 2012 she found herself playing
percussion for Sir Paul McCartney which she says was a "huge
and surprise blessing that came out of nowhere". She has
recently performed at The Saatchi Gallery, London Fashion
Week, the Victoria and Albert museum, Old Vic Tunnels,
Amnesty International, Oxford University, BBC radio and TV,
Royal Horticultural Society, The Honourable Society of the
Inner Temple and various festivals from Brazil to Benin City
(Nigeria). She has now made history by initiating the first
ever Africa-inspired pidgin opera.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE VENUS BUSHFIRES AND THE ‘SONG
QUEEN: A PIDGIN OPERA’ TOUR VISIT: WWW.THEVENUSBUSHFIRES.COM
34
| OCTOBER 2015
Fashion and Culture
MR & MISS NIGERIA UK 2015
SUNDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2015 MARKED THIS YEAR’S MR AND MISS
NIGERIA UK CULTURAL PAGEANT. LONDON’S 229 THE VENUE,
GREAT PORTLAND STREET PLAYED HOST TO THE SPECTACULAR
EVENING THAT ATTRACTED HUNDREDS OF GUESTS FROM ALL
OVER THE COUNTRY.
The evening set off with a bang when all 12 finalists opened the The
evening set off with a bang when all 12 finalists opened the stage
with a dance performance introduction. Throughout the night the
loveable presenter and host Remel London introduced us to the
contestants as they each were given the opportunity to express
their knowledge, talents and style to impress in front of the judges
and guests.
Speaking on the participation of the contestants on the night, host
Remel London said; “I think the most important thing about this
seeing all the contestants present their culture and pride of being
British Nigerians especially. It is great to find out about all the
places people come from in Nigeria. It is great to see everyone’s
passion and love for being Nigerian.”
The panel of Judges included Mr and Miss Nigeria UK 2014 winners,
Bisi Akindayini and Bilal Nosa-Eweka, JDFitnessUK founder Jamel
Dietz, former athlete and model Tope Owolabi, presenting duo Pure
Yinkz and Uncle De and Miss Barbados 2015 Victoria Small. OH TV
Head Press Officer and Editor in Chief (2gether Magazine) Adeola
Idowu, also on the judging panel shared her thoughts on the event;
"Mr and Miss Nigeria UK is more than just another pageant, it is
an avenue for young Nigerians to take pride in their heritage and
learn something beyond physical beauty. Each contestant gave their
best shot this year, but in the end only two can be crowned
winners. I want to encourage every participant to continue
to believe in their dreams and strive towards reaching their goals.”
Performances on the night included Afro-Brit Sensation, Homebros
dance duo and boy band LDNC who brought astounding energy to
the crowds, all accompanied by music from Dj NaijaBoi.
Ganiyat Alli, who founded Mr and Miss Nigeria UK two years ago,
felt that British Nigerian representatives were missing from UK
Written by Hanaa Coan – Ali
pageants. “In 2013 I went through a very traumatic experience, I
almost lost my mother to an illness and I found myself in a dark
place, I didn't know my purpose and I wanted more from life. The
last Miss Nigeria was held over 4 years ago and did not look as if it
was coming back. When I thought about organising this pageant, I
also wanted male British Nigerians to be celebrated, as a result Mr
and Miss Nigeria UK was formed.”
Over 9 weeks, contestants face intensive training sessions and are
all required to educate themselves with in depth knowledge about
their country, arrange speeches and performances for the live
final. Event founder Ganiyat officially announced 22 year old Theo
Ogundipe from Northampton (representing Osun-State Nigeria)
as Mr Nigeria UK 2015 and 20 year old Janelle Ezeanaka, from
Thamesmead, London (originally from Nanka, Anambra State) as
Miss Nigeria UK 2015.
“I really can't believe it, I feel honored and very privileged to be
crowned Mr Nigeria, it hasn’t fully sunk it yet. The Mr and Miss
Nigeria UK team are the best team ever. You learn a lot about
yourself and this can open doors to so many great opportunities”
Theo Ogundipe, Mr Nigeria UK 2015.
“I’m very shocked, I still haven’t taken it in and I’m just processing
everything because it’s so right now. It feels amazing when you
actually achieve something that you put your mind to. I’m just
impressed by the whole show and I am so overjoyed” Janelle
Ezeanaka, Miss Nigeria UK 2015.
Mr and Miss Nigeria UK cultural beauty pageant is held in support
of Compassion UK. OH TV Sky Channel 199 and several other
organisations including Circle Channel TV, African Dazzle Magazine,
Nothing Ordinary Media, Hair-iD VHS, Black Secret Make-up and
many more supported the event.
Mr and Miss Nigeria UK celebrates the diversity and culture among
young Nigerian talent and commemorates the beauty of Nigeria
and its people.
For more info about the pageant visit www.officialmmnuk.com.
THE BEST OF AFRICAN ENTERTAINMENT
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| OCTOBER 2015
“On one level this film is about the
deterioration of a relationship, but on
another it is about something deeper than
that...”
Interview by Adeola Idowu and Hanaa Coan - Ali
SECOND WIND
UK SHORT FILM SET TO SCREEN AT AFRIFF 2015
AFTER MUCH SUCCESS WITH BLACK INTERNATIONAL, PORTOBELLO
AND JAMAICA FILM FESTIVAL, UK SHORT FILM DRAMA ‘SECOND WIND’
EMBARKS ON CONQUERING AFRICA AFTER BEING OFFICIALLY SELECTED
FOR THE AFRICA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. 2GETHER MAGAZINE CATCHES UP WITH WRITER / DIRECTOR ANDREW
WEBBER FOR A QUICK UPDATE!
Hey Andrew! How do you feel about being selected for AFRIFF?
All I can say is... wow! The team is so excited. The film continues to do well internationally and
we are honoured for it to be in the biggest film festival in Africa. Amazing!
That’s nice. How did you film career begin?
The first editor I knew was my father. He used to make videotapes for me of cartoons ‘The
Simpsons’ and ‘GoBots’ with no ad breaks, this made it seem as if it was one continuous
episode. At age seven I was marvelled by this so I learnt what he did and tried myself. Record,
Pause, Record. Playback etc… It was the fundamentals of my editing career. 25 years later
with two feature films, seven shorts, countless of TV programmes on OH TV and Channel 4 as
an editor. My filmmaking journey has just begun.
If you could describe ‘Second Wind’ in three words, what would they be?
Original. Emotional. Drama.
Give us a quick summary of the film?
It centres around the simple premise, If you had five days to save your marriage, what would
you do?
That’s very deep. Where did you grab inspiration from for ‘Second Wind’? Co-writer, producer and great friend of mine, Joshua Bailey and I ventured out to create a film
with a universal message that would touch peoples’ hearts. On one level this film is about the
deterioration of a relationship, but on another it is about something deeper than that. Filmmaker Andrew Webber
What was casting like for this film? Was it easy to match actors and actresses with
the original script?
The cast were a dream to work with, they all brought passion to the table and as a director, this
made it an absolute pleasure. I needed strong actors with regional accents who I could take on
an emotional roller coaster. Emma and Joshua were the perfect choice. Emma Jeng is a seasoned
actress who has worked in popular shows such as Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Joshua is a
new actor but had the raw talent and fire inside. We had so much fun on set but everyone knew
when to snapback into character. As a first short I could not have asked for any better.
How long did it take to film ‘Second Wind’ and was it an easy or difficult experience?
The film took four days to shoot on location in the West Midlands. We chose to film there as we
found that there is a saturation of London based dramas, whether it be television, cinemas or
online. As producers we are passionate about bringing the audience something new and unique. We’ve seen the film. It is really touching. What do you want viewers to take from
this film?
Thank you! The moral of the film is; life is too short. If your partner leaves to go work in the morning, embrace them as if it is the last time you will see them. You never know, it might be. Well Andrew we wish you all the best but to finish off, what is your favourite food? Curry goat and rice, but I do love beef suya. Yum!
YOU CAN CATCH SECOND WIND AT THE AFRICA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, NOVEMBER 8TH - 15TH 2015 IN LAGOS, NIGERIA.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.AFRIFF.COM OR THE OFFICIAL FILM WEBSITE: WWW.SECONDWIND-MOVIE.COM
vs
Proudly African
Competing
Brands
=
*Based on Flavour Concentration & Cube Size
40
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
THE BRIDAL HAIR GUIDE FOUR WAYS TO LOOK FABULOUS ON YOUR BIG DAY
Fashion and Culture
DEBORAH LOLA, EXPERT BRIDAL HAIR STYLIST PROVIDES
SOME INSPIRATION ON A FEW OF THE LATEST BRIDAL HAIR
TRENDS THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER….
Whether you are a bride to be that’s still undecided about
which hairstyle to have on your wedding day or you have set of
bridesmaids and no idea what style to choose for them all, I know
first hand that choosing the perfect style can sometimes require a
little inspiration. Over the last few years, I have specialised in bridal
hair and I can see the growing trends amongst brides. So to help
you decide, I have decided to share four of my favourite looks that a
number of my clients have fallen in love with lately.
Written by Deborah Adenuga and Ade ol a Idow u
THE CLASSIC BRAIDED CHIGNON
THE EVENING RECEPTION LOOK
This flawless updo is suitable for the traditional bride. It is all about
elegance, charm and simplicity, perfect if you are into chic and
simple varieties. This elegant, sleek bun updo is a no fuss option,
even if your hair is short or medium length, hair extensions can be
added to provide volume.
This stylish option is the perfect look for the evening reception. It
has a messy but chic vibe, ideal for the bride that’s ready to party!
Whether it’s straight, loose body waves, deep waves or tighter curls,
opting to have your hair down for the reception is a popular choice
amongst many brides.
This timeless style is perfect for the traditional type of bride who
is interested in a classic look with a modern twist. A chignon is
feminine and modest, but if it’s not exactly for you, it could be an
option for bridesmaids. Braids are also popular nowadays, so why
not combine the classic chignon with the stylish braid trend…
ABOUT DEBORAH LOLA
Deborah Adenuga,
best known as
Deborah Lola is
a qualified and
professional hairstylist
with over 5 years
experience. Based
in London, Deborah
was introduced to
hairstyling from a
young age by her
mother who is also
a hair stylist by
profession. With great
eye for detail and a
wealth of experience behind her, Deborah Lola is committed
to providing the best hair experience possible. Deborah
Lola has styled celebrities such as Gospel Artist Rachel Kerr,
Britain’s Got Talent Semi-finalists CEO Dancers, Ghanaian
actress Juliet Ibrahim and Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay
Okocha, to name a few. With the ever growing changes within
the hair and fashion industry, Deborah Lola prides herself
in reinventing the most unique styles and ensuring this is
translated in the individual service provided to every client.
“My passion for hair originated from my mother who would
insist that I help her in her salon on the weekends and
weekday evenings whilst all my friends were out enjoying
themselves! After many years of assisting my mum and doing
hair for friends and family, it was clear that I had developed a
love for the hair and beauty industry.”
www.deborahlola.com
Instagram: @deborahlola_
Facebook: Deborah Lola
Twitter: @Deborahlola_
Snapchat: @deborah_lola
41
THE ELEGANT BUN UPDO
HAIR: DEBORAH LOLA | MODEL: SOPHIE AGHATISE | MAKEUP AND PHOTOGRAPHY: MALKIA ROBERTS
THE PLAYFUL SIDE SWEPT SPIRAL CURL
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This contemporary option is best suited for the modern bride with
a passion for sophistication and elegance. The combination of the
braid and swept curl adds a fun and playful side. This style is best
for the non-traditional type and can be worn by bridesmaids also.
E V E R Y T H I N G
Y O U
W A N T
A N Y T I M E
A N Y W H E R E
E V E R Y W H E R E
Welcomed at millions of locations displaying the
MasterCard acceptance mark
NO CREDIT CHECKS
PAY-AS-YOU-GO
TOP IT UP WITH CASH
AVOID OVERDRAFT FEES
THE OH CARD IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE 18 OR OVER WHO IS A UK RESIDENT*
*SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY, FEES DO APPLY
www.ohtvcard.com
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
43
HOL’ UP HOL’ UP NAIJA!
Fashion and Culture
# 2 G E TH E R MA G A Z IN E
I just love Nigeria, that’s why I keep
coming back! This time around I’m
working on even more exciting
projects and the next season is set to
be even more fabulous than the last.
Now I can’t say much just yet, but I
can say that I’ve been busy working
alongside our partners at UN1TY TV.
So watch this space, it’s going to be
epic!
Whilst in Nigeria I’ve even bumped
into a fair amount of celeb pals since
my arrival, such as CEO and publisher
of Ovation International Mr Dele
Momodu and Burna Boy who I
met at the airport. It was nice
to see musician and Project
Fame judge Ade Bantu. I also
met social media sensation
Crazeclown, have you seen his
funny videos on Instagram?
With over 300K+ followers I am
pretty sure you probably have!
Just hilarious! Check him out if
you haven’t already.
LOLA OGUNBADEJO, AWARD WINNING HOST OF OH TV’S HIT SHOW ‘OUT AND ABOUT
WITH LOLA’ GIVES US THE LATEST SCOOP ON WHAT SHE HAS BEEN UP TO! CELEBRITIES,
TRAVELS AND EVENTS SHE HAS IT ALL!
EVERY WEDNESDAY 10:30PM
Hi Everyone,
About Lola Ogunbadejo
Lola Ogunbadejo is one of the first names that come to mind when discussing
prominent faces in the African entertainment scene in Europe. An award-winning
presenter (Nigerian UK based Achievers – Best TV Presenter Award’ 2013 and
Women4Africa – Media Personality of the year award’ 2012), producer, Lola has
proven to the world that her brand is a force to be reckoned with. Her flourishing
career started a few years ago, at the biggest BME channel in Europe, OH TV.
She has interviewed some of Africa’s biggest celebrities such as Genevieve Nnaji,
Omotola, Jim Iyke, 2Face Idibia to name a few on the popular magazine show
‘Afrika Rising’ which aired for 3 years on OHTV’ as well on Africa Magic on DSTV.
2012 saw the birth of her exciting magazine show ‘Out & About with Lola’ which
sees the on screen personality attend the most exclusive and anticipated African
related events. Described as ‘riveting’, ‘high quality’ and ‘extremely entertaining’–
‘Out & about with Lola’ has amassed a huge following from season to season.
Press Pictures! You know me, I do like a good photo shoot! This time I worked with Wordless media in conjunction with Saltlight management
to take some lovely press pictures! This picture to the left is just one of them, the rest can be found on my Facebook page! Hope you like them!
Facebook: Lola Ogunbadejo | Photography: Wordless media and Emmanuel Hammond photography | Makeup: Deborah Oluyemi
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.OHTV.CO.UK | TWITTER: @OHTV & @OAA_with_Lola
How have you been? Hope you are all loving episodes of Out & About with Lola! Thanks to all those who send tweets, like on
Instagram and follow on Facebook, I appreciate the love and support. I am so excited because the Out & About team and I are
working on a number of special things just for you, so stay tuned for a brand new season coming very soon! For those of you still
not in the know, ‘Out & About with Lola’ is a vibrant African entertainment show filled with celeb interviews and juicy news. Catch
weekly episodes every Wednesday at 10:30pm.
When I’m not soaking up the sun, sipping on bitter lemon and
enjoying tasty shawarmas at my leisure I’m usually checking
and comparing the prices of things (hand covers face). As you
can imagine, things are generally a tad bit more expensive in
Nigeria compared to London. In fact Lagos sure does bring about
the ‘Ijebu’ in me haha! Especially when it comes to food! I’m
finding it a bit hard to eat healthily in Las Gidi and very easy to
gain the pounds! For example, I’ve seen a small bag of broccoli
for an astonishing 2000 Naira which is equivalent to £6.50! So,
bearing in mind these prices and the task of keeping my waistline
in check, I’ve been watching my meal portions as well as doing a
couple of workout videos that i've found online. However, when
I’m not trying to eat the biggest bowl of vegetables I can find,
I’m dipping a spoon into some sweet and absolutely delicious
Coldstone Creamery ice cream. I usually go to the branch in
Palms shopping centre in Lekki. I love the ‘Birthday Remix’ which
consists of sweet cream ice cream, chocolate brownie and sugar
sprinkles all mixed together, yum!
OUT&ABOUT WITH LOLA – EVENTS! EVENTS ARE MY THING, SO HERE
ARE A FEW OF MY FAVES THAT I’VE ATTENDED…
LAURYN HILL LIVE IN NIGERIA!
Finally the day had come for one of the world’s most
respected vocalists to perform in the most anticipated sold
out concert of 2015.
Lauryn Hill, the astounding American singer, rapper,
songwriter, producer and actress performed for Nigerian
fans on Sunday 30th August 2015 in the popular Eko hotel,
Victoria Island Nigeria courtesy of May Day Live.
We all know the talented songstress for being a former
member of legendary Hip Hop trio ‘Fugees’ as well as for her
solo debut and only studio album to date; ‘The Miseducation
of Lauryn Hill’.
Lauryn was actually meant to perform Lagos back in May
2015 but due to unforeseen circumstances it just didn’t
happen. Ms Hill expressed her uttermost disappointment
and promised fans a new date via a video clip. Of course the
clip did rounds on the Internet, further generating hype over
when she will eventually make it down to Nigeria. Then low
and behold, a new date was set and the sold out concert
took place. The night opened with some of Nigeria’s finest
artists including Shaydee, Tesh Carter, Tekno, DIL, Capital
Femi, Kenyan singer Victoria Kimani as well as UK based
artists Aina More and Rachel Kerr.
Lauryn proceeded with a 2 hour set that was mind blowing!
Supported by her 25-man band and lively backing vocalists,
her energy and poise left the crowd dancing and listening
carefully to her well-constructed lyrics and timeless hits.
Aside from her classic tracks ‘Ex Factor’ and ‘Killing me
softly’, she performed her awaited new material including
songs from the 2002 MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 (Live) Album.
We rocked to the early hours of the morning as the event
started at 11pm and ended around 3.30am! She completed
the concert with an extended version of one of her most
popular songs to date, ‘Doo Wop: that thing’! One thing is
for sure; Lauryn and her fans will definitely remember this
concert, for years to come.
#2GETHERMAGAZINE
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44
| OCTOBER 2015
Lola pictured with rapper Breis, actress Dakore Akande and actress Diana Yekinni at Lauryn Hill Live in Lagos. Music star Rachel Kerr also on the red carpet.
WHAT A WEDDING! TV Personality Dolapo Oni and Prince Adegbite Sijuwade
Sunday 2nd August 2015 saw stunning TV gem Marcy Dolapo Oni get hitched to her partner Prince
Adegbite Sijuwade, the son the Late Ooni of Ife.
As you can imagine many celebrities, politicians, and of course members of several royal families
attended the glorious traditional wedding held in the plush Landmark Centre, situated in Victoria Island,
Lagos Nigeria.
I loved the choice of Aso Ebi (cloth of the family and close friends) at this wedding; it was just beautiful;
intricate red lace coupled with a red and silver head tie.
Dolapo’s industry pals came ready to celebrate her nuptials by wearing creative attires made out of the
chosen fabric. Actress Beverly Naya wore my personal favorite outfit of the day.
After being spoiled with an array of delicious Nigerian delicacies, guests were entertained with live
music by ‘Shuga Band’ and a performance from award winning artist ‘Sean Tizzle’. There were so
many familiar faces, including recently married couple Gbenro and Osas Ajibade as well as one of my
favourite actors OC Ukeje who I managed to get a quick snap with.
It was a lovely day and I wish the couple a happy married life!
MTV SHUGA SEASON 4 PREMIERE
I was also present at the premiere of MTV’s
Shuga (Season 4 ). The premiere for the
popular TV Series took place at Silverbird
Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos. Gracing the
occasion were reputable Nollywood stars
and cast members. The acclaimed series is
targeted at encouraging responsible sexual
behavior in Africa’s youth.
101 CLOTHING!
I’ve been fortunate enough to have worn unique
garments by several talented designers including
Ghanaian designer Henry Opoku Amponsah, the
Creative Director of fashion label ‘101 clothing’.
The vibrant colours, unique designs and chic cuts
are what get me noticed on the red carpet! From
the stunning blue velvet backless gown I wore to
the 2014 Nollywood Movie Awards to the Dashiki
crop top I rocked to the ‘Lauryn hill live in Lagos’I always end up looking gorgeous! Thanks 101
clothing! Make sure you check out their designs.
Instagram & Twitter: iam_101clothing | Facebook: 101clothing
HOTSPOT ALERT! BOGOBIRI HOUSE
If you love live music, poetry and generally a good sing along then you should go to Bogobiri
House, an African-themed boutique hotel and restaurant located in Ikoyi, Lagos. They hold an
open mic night every Thursday that is heaps of fun! Hosted by singer-songwriter and vocal
coach Loloipirma Eremie also known as ‘Lolo’, this event is a great way to enjoy the Nigerian
live and underground music scene.
Musician Bez during performance at Bogobiri
CULTURE
•
SPIRIT
•
BELIEVE
•
LISTINGS
•
VOICE
Emily Hutson
M E E T TH E T E A M !
I
N
S
I
D
E
O
H
T
V
WHO WE ARE: OH TV is respected within the industry for producing quality and inspirational content. Behind the scenes at OH TV there is vibrant team of staff that include Editors, Directors, Producers, Production Staff, Graphic Designers,
Press and Marketing Staff, Schedulers and Researchers right through to Internal Management and Administrators who all work hard to preserve the reputation of the evolving Open Heaven’s brand. Now seven years in broadcasting OH TV is
constantly growing with a flourishing team full of creative individuals. Here we introduce you to the selection of people that make up the in house OH TV family!
Akin Salami
Kristianna Paraskeva
Chief Executive Officer
Head of Operations
“The best thing about being CEO at OH TV is that I
work with a team that leave me free to paint a picture
of what our successes will look like. I work as part of a
great team and they leave me free to dream. I look up
to God for ideas and my team for inspiration.”
“Over the years, I have witnessed the channel grow
from strength to strength. A major highlight for me
was moving to our current premises in Vauxhall back
in May 2010, where we have a contemporary hi-tech
studio and outside broadcast system that allows us
to broadcast live across the world!”
Sam Blankson
Programme Planner
Senior Producer
“I’ve been at OH TV about two years and honestly
every day is a different day. The team is great; they
make it nice to come into work each day. Can’t think
of just one highlight that sticks out in my head there
are so many to choose from!”
“I love OH TV because of the high level of production
and the quality we are able to output also the makeup
of the staff and their variety of backgrounds. My
highlights this year have been the Nigeria Eko Atlantic
polo tournament and also producing the Valentines
Day idents.”
Hanaa Coan-Ali
Press Assistant
Esther Alade
Acquisitions and Licensing Executive
“I haven’t been working at OH TV very long, but I
can already see how the staff are one big family. I’m
extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity
to work here and everyone has made me feel so
welcome. I’m also lucky enough to have had input in
this edition of 2gether magazine, I hope readers enjoy
it! I’m looking forward to the year ahead at OH TV.”
“I enjoy the variation of my role. It’s also a bonus
to be able to work with passionate and motivated
people. It is great to be part of a team that strives
for the best. My highlight would be the fact that
everyday is not the same!”
Franklin Boateng
Patrick Campbell
Station Director and Head of Production
Creative Director
“The key to achieving success is to assemble a strong
and stable team. Meet the OH TEAM. #DreamTeam”
SOME DREAM OF GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS,
WHILE OTHERS STAY AWAKE AND DO THEM.
2GETHER WE ARE OH TV.
Office Supervisor
“I’ve been at OH TV for almost four years! I love the
people I work with, so many characters and there’s
always something going on! There’s no place like OH!”
#2GETHERMAGAZINE
Vidal Juba
Neha Patel
Garmei Chan
Account and Production Manager
“I have worked at OH TV for over four years and
can honestly say I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly! Every
day is different; it’s a very dynamic and fast paced
environment. The best part of working at OH TV is
the team; there are so many characters and creative
minds in one place!”
Andrew Webber
Producer and Director
“OH TV is an exciting place full of young passionate
creatives. It is a melting pot of talent. My highlights
have been editing two feature films that have gone on
to win numerous awards around the world. I also pride
myself in producing and directing ground-breaking
reality programmes with cinematic high production
value.”
Pamela Sakyi
“One thing I like about OH TV is the togetherness,
everybody feeds off each other in order to produce the
highest quality of work. This is an integral part of our
being and we pride ourselves on efficiency, quality and
success. I look forward to the future of OH TV.”
"OH TV is a little creative hub with a family
environment. I've been here for almost three and a
half years and it's amazing to be working alongside
an army of hardworking people. It constantly keeps us
on our toes, especially in post production where we
always encourage each other to do our best."
Video Editor and Producer
“The past year three years at OH TV for me has
been brilliant. I get to work alongside fun, vibrant
and multitalented people. There is an eclectic bunch
of people who all make an excellent team. My
highlight has to be the vast majority of people I
have met since working with OH TV.”
Janet Olaofe
Deborah Oluyemi
Executive Assistant
Programme Planner
“I joined the OH TV team fairly recently and I have
to say that this is a vibrant place to work. You have
the opportunity to work alongside a brilliant, fun,
creative and passionate group of professionals who
are responsible for putting together programmes that
motivate, elevate and entertain the audience.”
Matt Benn
Kola Oluwole
Head of Marketing
Social Media
Social Media
“Working with OH TV is always interesting, there is
something new all the time. Coming up with social
media campaigns for new projects and the live shows
on the channel have to be the highlights of my work
with OH TV.”
“The people here are great and it’s a good working
environment. From the time I’ve been here, I’ve learnt
so much. I love being around young people who strive
for greatness. It’s very inspiring.”
Adeola Idowu
Editor-in-Chief and Press Officer
“I've been with OH TV since 2012 and I can honestly
say that it has been a journey! I’ve witnessed the
growth of the network and I’m glad to be a part of
it. I'm really proud of how far 2gether magazine has
come. We are now on the 10th edition! Time flies
when you’re having fun…ahem I mean working hard!”
Michael Ayo (Faith Child)
Lola Ogunbadejo
Presenter and Producer
“I love it at OH TV, everyone makes it interesting
and enjoyable. I’m really happy about the progress
of ‘Out and About with Lola’! The feedback has been
great! I’ve been traveling a lot attending international
events, interviewing celebs! Sounds glamorous but
its hard work, not complaining though! I’m extremely
excited to see what the future has in store.”
Asten Regis
Video Editor
“I love OH TV because firstly the people, it has a
family atmosphere, for me that’s more important
than anything else; this always comes first in our crew.
Secondly, I love what I do, I have two major passions
one is martial arts and the other is film making. When
I come to work I feel like I'm playing. “
OH TV IS AN INTERNATIONAL TV NETWORK PROVIDING CONTEMPORARY ENTERTAINMENT, WHICH REFLECTS THE
BLACK EXPERIENCE WORLDWIDE. BASED IN LONDON ENGLAND, THE OH TV NETWORK COMPRISES OF OH UK & EUROPE
(BROADCAST VIA SKY CHANNEL 199), OH USA AND OH AFRICA (BROADCAST VIA THE UNITY IPTV PLAYER). THE OH TV
NETWORK DELIVERS FAMILY FRIENDLY, ETHICAL PROGRAMMING WHICH IS INNOVATIVE, INSPIRATIONAL, AUTHENTIC AND
ENTERTAINING; SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE INTERNATIONAL BLACK DIASPORA.
Tobi Karunwi
Presenter and Ambassador for UPRISE TV
Set Designer
“I’ve been working at OH TV around six years now, I
find it liberating and I love having responsibility over
the creative directions for various sets. I enjoy being
involved the pre-production stages and then seeing it
all come to life in the end.”
“I think it’s a great environment with a conducive
atmosphere. I love the fact that I have the opportunity
to progress and further the gospel scene. I like that
OH TV have good resources to effectively execute a
strong vision.”
Ajibola Akingbade
Marketing Assistant
“OH TV is a young, vibrant entertainment media
company. I have been a part of the team for about 4
months. I can see that OH TV is focused on working
alongside a diaspora and generation that is tune with
their culture more than ever before. This is something
I am very excited to be a part of.”
Nicole Taylor
Video Editor
“I like everything about being at OH TV. It is such
a unique place to work, with a lot of talented
individuals. Everyone works hard and this really
boosts your creativity. My highlight would be working
on Unplugged. It’s really rewarding to seeing the
work I’ve edited come to life.”
Yemi Adeshina
Erica Mahendren
Production Co-ordinator
Business Development
“I’ve been at OH TV for over a year and a half
now and my journey at OH has been amazing. I’ve
enjoyed getting to know my crazy work colleagues.
I’ve really grown and have learnt so much about
the wonderful world of television production!”
“The people here at OH TV are great. There are
also good perks involved such as travelling to
other countries and cities for productions. I’ve
enjoyed project managing major events such as the
successful Mali Music concert. Being at OH TV has
opened my eyes to so much and provided many
great experiences.”
Zaina Kassim
Receptionist and Administrator
Daniel Ayo Oduwole
“I’ve been working at OH TV for a year and half
now and as the saying goes, time flies when you’re
having fun. From day one I was made to feel like
family and a year later that has not changed. I’ve
enjoyed meeting the many interesting faces that
have walked through the OH TV office and I'm
excited to see what the future holds.“
“OH TV is the best place to be, it has a free
environment that encourages you to express your
creativity. It has some of the greatest people I’ve ever
worked with. I’ve gained a lot since working here and
learnt so many new concepts about graphic design.”
Graphic Designer
Bisi Bakare
Production Co-ordinator
Lanre Forward
Camera Operator
"I can sincerely say this team and company has
developed me, I am always happy whenever I
am on set or on any assignment because I know
the result is always off the hook! Thank you God
for making me part of this ever creative OH TV
family.”
“Working with OH TV has been three things for me;
a learning experience, a time of self discovery, and a
real blessing.”
MISSION AND VISION
Andrew Usifoh
Camera Operator
“If OH TV was a football team it would be the ‘AllStars’! It gives me joy to work alongside a team of
people who are the best at what they do.”
The OH TV Network is a world-class media brand dedicated to providing compelling and thought
provoking content that inspires, enlightens and entertains. Our audience is the Black diaspora
worldwide and everyone interested in Black culture irrespective of race, religion or background.
Our focus is on delivering content that highlights and celebrates Black culture at its broadest.
MISSION: Our reason for being is to bring people together. We do this by creating, acquiring
and delivering content, products and services that inspire positive change, challenge the status
quo and truly make a difference in people’s lives.
VISION: To become the world’s most trusted and best loved organisation serving and
connecting the global Black diaspora to each other and the wider world.
OH TV’S CULTURE: WE HAVE A CULTURE AT OH TV OF CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND PROVIDING INDIVIDUALS WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF WHAT IT TAKES TO WORK IN A
BROADCASTING NETWORK. WE HAVE A NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE; UNDERGRADUATES AND POSTGRADUATES RIGHT THROUGH TO VETERAN MEDIA PROFESSIONALS WITH
BACKGROUNDS IN THE BBC, ITV, CHANNEL 4 AND HOLLYWOOD.
ABOUT US: LAUNCHED IN 2008, OH TV HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH AND IS NOW THE UK’S NO.1 BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TV CHANNEL VOTED THREE TIMES ‘BEST
BLACK CHANNEL OF THE YEAR’ IN 2011 AND HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL MORE AWARDS EVER SINCE. OH TV BROADCAST 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK IN THE UK ON THE BSKYB
PLATFORM IN THE HIGHLY COVETED ENTERTAINMENT SECTION WITH 700,000 UK TV VIEWERS PER MONTH AND AN ESTIMATED 25 MILLION VIEWERS WORLDWIDE. THE OH TV
WEBSITE ALSO ATTRACTS OVER 9 MILLION HITS PER MONTH.
IN 2011, OH TV LAUNCHED A NEW IPTV PLATFORM, THE OHBOX AIMED AT A GLOBAL AFRICAN AUDIENCE. A SET TOP BOX THAT FITS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND AND GIVES YOU
ACCESS TO HUNDREDS OF CHANNELS. IN 2014 THE OHBOX WAS ACQUIRED BY THE HD IPTV APP UN1TY.
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Adeola Idowu, G a rm ei Cha n, Ha na a Coa n-Ali , J a n et Ol a o fe
Movies
Hair and Beauty
Politics
Fashion and Culture
Food and Education
RE AL TALK
Career Nuggets is the brand new business and career discussion
programme presented by Morenike Ajayi. Join Morenike and her
esteemed guests each episode as they discuss the current topics
surrounding employment and business. Find out how you can take
your career aspiration to another level with this programme that is
designed to educate and inspire.
Hosted by award winning journalist and presenter Trish Adudu,
Real Talk focuses on the weeks hot topics. Real Talk explores
and questions the public on their views of the week’s current
topics. The weekly debate show includes a special guest panel,
discussing the areas of issues faced by Black Britain and the wider
communities. Real Talk is your show, have your say and connect
with the live show on social media or email [email protected].
EVERY
FRIDAY
6:30PM
C ARE E R N U G G ETS
Unplugged showcases the finest underground artists, performing
covers or their own songs at the OH TV studios. These gifted artists
perform acoustic compositions with a relaxed and chilled vibe,
simply giving viewers the opportunity to focus on the voice of the
artists. This flagship show allows artists to promote their music on
an exclusive platform. If you would like to appear on Unplugged
send an email with a link to your material to: [email protected].
BE F ORE 3 0
The much anticipated drama series is finally on our screens! This
is a must watch and what’s more fantastic is OH TV is the only
official station to air it in Europe. Before 30 is fabulous drama series
that follows the lives of 4 Nigerian women and the challenges they
face in their personal relationships as well as their struggles with
the societal pressures to be married before they turn 30. Starring
Damilola Adegbite Attoh, Beverly Naya, OC Ukeje and more.
Out and about w ith lola
EVERY
MONDAY
7:30PM
UNP LUGG ED
LET US KNOW WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHOW! TWEET US ON @OHTV OR WRITE TO US ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK/OHTV199 OR EMAIL [email protected]
Find out what award-winning presenter Lola Ogunbadejo is up to
as she takes us out about. This is the fun packed show featuring
glittering highlights from the most anticipated events, such as
concerts, film premieres, live shows and award ceremonies in the
world of African entertainment from Lagos to London. Enjoy the
hottest reviews, celebrity interviews and ear- tingling celebrity
news in ‘Gist Me’ with co-host Adeola Idowu.
GIDI UP
The show where Ghanaian bombshell actress and presenter Joselyn
Dumas invites celebrities into her home for a unique twist of
interviews, fun and banter. This is just the perfect show to watch
during your evening, giving you the chance to know your favourite
celebrities. Join the beautiful hostess in her show featuring a host
of personalities from Africa and the UK who share their interesting
stories from the comfort of Joselyn’s comfy couch.
EVERY
SUNDAY
9PM
EVERY
THURSDAY
6:30PM
This is the show where we bring you the latest gospel and inspirational
tracks to date. OH music provides the freshest music videos from UK
and International artists. Featuring all the different flavours including
gospel, soul, jazz, RnB, hip hop, pop, rock and reggae. Don’t miss the
Black History Month episodes celebrating some of the most iconic
black musicians and music of our time. To have your music heard on
our usual show, send your videos in to: [email protected].
EVERY
WEDNESDAY
10.30PM
The one and only UPRISE MUSIC TV hosted by chart topping gospel
artist Faith Child and Co-Presenter Mercedes. Bringing you the very
best of urban gospel music and entertainment. Look out for a host
of guest presenters such as Liz AV, Sabrina Emmanuel, Deborah,
Coco Dupree and many more. As always expect exclusive concerts,
music videos, the latest interviews and inside scoop on your
favourite gospel artists. Watch out for exclusive coverage of UPRISE
in Vegas!
OH M USIC SHOW
EVERY
MONDAY
8PM
Upri se Mu s ic TV
A drama story focussed on the relationship between three families:
The Akanbis, The Adelekes and the Olowolagbas. All three families
are at rivalry for several reasons, with themes of love, hatred, lust,
betrayal, confusion and dismay. OH TV brings you NECTAR the
drama series, starring Sola Sobowale, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Fausat
Balogun, Lara Akinsola and many more
EVERY
WEDNESDAY
8PM
EVERY
MONDAY
1PM
Naija Bites is back, this time set in the USA! With a brand spanking
new set of guests such as Hollywood stars Mo’Nique, Tasha Smith,
Harmony Samuels, J Que, radio host Sway Calloway and many
others! Not only do you have this to look forward to but you can
also expect to see a new presenter, Esther Alade in Los Angeles and
American TV chef Rasheeda Omolade in New York!
NE C TAR
EVERY
SATURDAY
9PM
#2GETHERMAGAZINE
Nai j a B it e s
RETURNING
SOON
HANDPICKED FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE
TOP TEN
TA K E A LO O K A T TH E TO P
RA TED S H O W S O N YO UR
F A V O URI TE NETW O RK .
W r i t t e n
b
y
Z a i n a
G ET THE
MY
OFFICE
K a s s i m
LO OK
Garmei’s Outfit
STYLE
Maintaining your sense of style while transitioning from summer wear to autumn
garments can be a daunting task particularly when juggling a hectic schedule. To
help ease the transition into the colder seasons, we’ve caught up with OH TV team
members, Faith Child and Garmei Chan to get their take on how to achieve the
ultimate autumn / winter look whilst remaining true to your profession.
Garmei shows how a black and white dress paired with the right boots can
create the right smart casual look for your office environment.
Black Check Dress
French Connection
£57.96
Black boots
New Look £39.99
Trousers
H&M £14.99
Black Tights
New Look £7.99
“My style at work is very different to my style of out the office, for obvious
reasons! I would describe my style as eclectic, I tend to wear what suits my
mood and occasion; from girlie dresses to leather pants and leopard print!
However, saying that I am happiest in my PJ’s.”
Faith Child gives us a lesson or two on how to combine a few qurirky items
into a rather stylish camden street inspried look. He also adds a touch of
perosnality to his style with his trademark eyewear.
Dr Martens Shoe
Topman £100
Jumper
ASOS £28
Black Jacket
Zara £50
Black Hat
Boutique store in
Camden
£36.95
Wax Jeans
Zara £39.99
“I would describe my style as edgy, quirky and me. I can go from dressed down in
rolled up jeans, a varsity jacket and converses to a fitted salmon colour suit with
suede-tasseled loafers. Being well dressed brings confidence and it’s not about
what you wear, but how you wear it.”
Name: Garmei Chan
Occupation: Accounts and
Production Manager
Faith Child’s Outfit
Name: Faith Child
Occupation: Ambassador and
Presenter for Uprise Music TV
| OCTOBER 2015
2GETHER |
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR!
BRAND NEW
CAREER NUGGETS
God’s Children Great Talent
(GCGT) is a cutting-edge gospel
talent TV show, filled with
excitement, fun and most of all
a celebration of talented young
children. The show will expose
and develop talented children
and provide a Christian platform
to discover the next big gospel
child star. This exciting series is
set to air on OH TV and various
channels in Africa, Europe and the
USA. Look out for GCGT auditions
coming soon to a city near you!
For more info visit ohtv.co.uk.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW PICKS OF THE TV SPECIALS THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS ON OH TV!
BRAND NEW KIDS TALENT SHOW - GCGT!
55
SEASON 2
After a successful first season, Career
Nuggets is set to make a return to our
screens with season 2! The business and
career discussion programme presented
by Morenike Ajayi will continue to delve
into hard-hitting topics surrounding
employment and business development
in the UK. Join Morenike and her
esteemed guests as they discuss more
topics relating to career development,
climbing the employment ladder,
financial freedom, entrepreneurship and
so much more. Through this show, find
out how every individual can achieve
career progression and even make the
transitional success from employee to
business owner!
COMING SOON | EXCLUSIVELY ON OH TV
UPRISE IN LAS VEGAS
Yes indeed, the Uprise crew haved
wrapped up filming in the glitzy city of
Las Vegas! Faith Child and co-presenter
Mercedes will bring you an exclusive
set of episodes all shot in the city
that never sleeps! Look out for their
coverage of 2015 Stellar Awards in the
USA and special interviews with your
favourite American gospel artists!
“The Uprise team and I had an amazing
time in Vegas. Seeing so many famous
hotels and attractions that had featured
in movies, I felt like I had stepped foot
on set of the next blockbuster movie! We caught up with all the stars who
were in town such as Deitrick Haddon,
J Moss, Erica and Tina Campbell, The
Walls Group, Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin,
Shirley Ceaser… I could go on! They
were great fun and very down to earth;
from Deitrick Haddon who shared his
interesting fashion tips to Marvin Sapp
who gave me sound advice on how to
grow a beard! The American’s were very
accommodating and happy to have us
on their soil, we look forward to going
back in the near future!” – Faith Child,
Uprise Ambassador and Host.
COMING SOON TO OH TV
EXCLUSIVE:
OH CREATIVE
ANNOUCED MEDIA
PARTNERS FOR AY MOVIE SEQUEL
Nollywood’s highest-grossing Movie of
all time, 30 Days In Atlanta (produced by
AY the Comedian) received many honours
and awards last year. The movie grossed
N140million in cinemas during its first few
weeks of release. The smash hit film, which
features American actors Vivica A. Fox
and Lynn Whitfield alongside Nollywood
stars Ramsey Nouah, Desmond Elliot and
Mercy Johnson was critically acclaimed as
the best comedy of 2014 with audiences
clamouring for more. Now the man behind
the film has confirmed that we will get
more of 30 Days in Atlanta and its lead
character, Akpos (played by AY himself).
OH Creative have been named as media
partners for the sequel and production for
the movie is due to commence early 2016.
Visit the official movie website for more
information: www.30daysinatlanta.com
54
OH CREATIVE EVENTS CORNER
A S N I P P E T O F A F E W E V E N T S C OV E R E D B Y O H C R E A T I V E T H I S Y E A R . . .
RIP THE RUNWAY UK 2015
years event included South Africa’s KZN Fashion Council, Taiwanese
designer AimeeKu, Kenya's Njema Helma, South Africa's Amanda
May, Noir from the Gambia, Nigeria’s Needlepoint and several
more. Founder Ronke Ademiluyi said; “Africa Fashion Week London is
at the forefront of capturing the surge of the African inspired trends
in the fashion industry. Our aim is to celebrate the work of African
and African inspired designers worldwide”.
THE WEDDING OF OSAS IGHODARO AND
GBENRO AJIBADE
OH Creative has managed the film production of Rip The Runway
UK since 2013. This years event was hosted by Rinse FM radio DJ
Maya Jama and comedian Eddie Kadi and attracted a number of
VIP’s such as Krept and Konan and BBC1Xtra’s Jade Avia. The event
featured performances from Maleek Berry, Rough Copy, Mista Silva,
Mark Asari, J hus, Ghetts, Daj Jordan and Fuse ODG. Nicholas Dex
who launched Rip The Runway UK 6 years ago said; “Unity is very
important within our community and supporting homegrown talent
is also vital. Rip the Runway UK focuses on a collective of cultures
and celebrating unity through fashion, music and arts.”
AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2015
OH Creative were also commissioned to film the celebrity wedding
of Osas Ighodaro and Gbenro Ajibade. Both the Traditional wedding
in Benin City, Nigeria (June 20th 2015) and the white wedding in
New York City, USA (July 4th 2015) were captured for an exclusive
wedding documentary.
Celebrity guests at the Benin ceremony included AY, Waje, Cynthia
Morgan, Timaya, Ozzy Agu, Stephanie Coker, I Go Dye, Elenu, Gideon
Okeke and many more. Ubi Franklin, Kenneth Okolie, Dr. SID and
Praiz (who performed John Legend's ‘All of Me’ ) Annie Idibia, Sika
Osei, Paul O, Seyi Shay and many more attended the wedding in
New York.
OH TV’s Lola Ogunbadejo who spoke to the newlyweds during
filming for the documentary revealed that the couple were so
overwhelmed by the love and support from friends and family. Even
on the day of their traditional wedding the local airport in Benin
had shut down, so many of their loved ones made the effort to
travel to their wedding by road.
ABOUT OH CREATIVE
Earlier this year, OH Creative were commissioned to film the 2-day
event held at the London Olympia on 7th – 8th June 2015. Africa
Fashion Week London is currently considered as Europe’s largest
African inspired fashion event. Exhibitors and designers at this
www.ohtv.co.uk
At OH TV we pride ourselves in producing high quality
content for television. Our work has led to us to being
commissioned to produce, film and broadcast some of the
largest spectacles in the UK and Africa. OH Creative is a key
strand of the OH Network; part production company, part
creative agency, we produce adverts, campaigns, and branding
for external clients and content for all media platforms,
becoming a fully integrated agency that provides 360°
creative solutions.

GOSPEL NEWS CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MARCY

Transcription

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