@TushMagazineNig

Transcription

@TushMagazineNig

@TushMagazineNig
ONE NITE LIVE
& UNPLUGGED
CONTENT
45
PRAIZ
24
GODDESS OF SKILLZ
PEARL CANDY
14
29
06. Editorial Focus – The Nigerian Music Industry: A success story
08. UnderG – Dynamyt
10. Exclusive interview session with 960 Music’s Geoffrey & Password
14. Dear Artiste – “Finding Art & Entertainment with Purpose”
17. Interview with DJ Lo
19. Celebrity Hub – Oye Akideinde
21. Music Fizzers – Exclusive Interview with Suka Sounds
23. TPL
31. Inheritance is Accidental – written by Phidelia Imieghia
35. LMK’s Diary – Music: The new occupation
37. Jason Porshe – Fashion & Style
39. Johnnie Walker Black Podium
40. Christiano Ronaldo – Football’s most famous superstar
42. Movie Review – Selma
43. NYSC
47. Spinlet Karaoke
4 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10
Issue
X
10
A note from the Editor...
EDITORIAL
TEAM
Editor-In-Chief
Anslem Jon
Sub Editor
Leonard Onwubuoya
Editorial Consultant
Joyce “LMK” Imiegha
Senior Editor
Alexander Thandi Ubani
Art Director
Edesiri Ukiri [@edesiriuk]
Proof Read
Elite Resources CS.
Correspondents
Rufai Ahutu
Augustine Ogbonna
Jeffrey Onomoasor
Featured Writers
Phidelia Imiegha
Winifred Ononikpo
Additional Graphics
Graphixed Nigeria
Production/Research
Tush Kingdom Media
Tush Magazine is a quarterly publication of Tush
Kingdom Media, a media outfit into magazine
publishing, events organizing and event
coverage. Tush Kingdom Media possesses rights
to all published articles, interviews and pictures.
Interestingly, words cannot perfectly express the height of joy I felt when I
picked up my pen to write my intro for Tush Magazine’s 10th issue. Looking
back through time at the many successes and improvements we have made
straight up from our maiden issue until now, I cannot but give thanks to the
Almighty God for the strength and grace he bestowed upon my team and I.
Also, not forgetting the many wonderful personalities who have in one way
or the other believed and supported our movement in becoming one of
Nigeria’s prime youth platforms.
This issue – our first for the year 2015 – is a continuation of our mission of
celebrating young Nigerians excelling in the entertainment industry. Due
to insights, requests and suggestions from our consultants, the selection
process for our cover page personalities would no longer be limited to the
name or alphabet factor; We’d be giving opportunities for more people who
are worthy of it to grace our cover pages subsequently.
Our double cover for this issue focuses on and features one of Nigeria’s
most reputable vocalists and singer Praiz who has overtime developed his
singing capabilities and has further unleashed his talent in a super-packed
double debut album likewise. Also stocked in this issue as well are exciting
and beautiful pages filled with glamorous pictures from events, educating
articles centered on relationships, sports, the entertainment industry and
so many more.
I am also pleased to announce another great improvement on our digital
platform, YES! We have developed another means to aligning with the ever
fast growing digital world with the aim of serving you better by introducing
the inception of the very first Tush Magazine Mobile App which is presently
available to iOS and Android platforms only. Download to enjoy the best of
what Tush Magazine offers. [See page 44 for details.]
Before I put an end to my intro, I will like to introduce and welcome the
latest addition to the Tush Magazine family – Alexander Thandi Ubani, who
would be operating in the capacity of a Senior Editor. I’m guaranteed his
experience and skills will furthermore bring favorable achievements to Tush
Magazine subsequently.
As usual, I appeal you share this issue with a friend, colleague or family
member. ENJOY!
For comments, suggestions, criticisms or editorial
submission, write us via:
Sincerely,
[email protected] OR
[email protected]
Visit our website on: www.tushmagazine.com.ng
Anslem Jon
@TheAJCompany.
THE NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY: A Success Story
by Alexander Thandi Ubani
Unarguably, the Nigerian Music Industry is Africa’s largest
depot of talented, industrious, creative, budding and evolving
musicians who have taken Nigerian music to the world stage.
Such names as the renowned Fela, Tu Face Idibia, Don Jazzy,
Davido, Olamide, Wizkid, Flavour, Dbanj, Psquare, Banky W,
Tiwa Savage, Asa, M.I, Ice Prince, Wande coal, Naeto C et al
are household names making waves in Africa and far beyond.
The quality and style of music being dished out by upcoming
and established acts can only be A-classed.
COLLABOS...
EXPOSURE
& AWARDS...
This new development is a thing of great joy. Everyone is living
up to the challenge to be counted as the competition has
resulted in better quality of audio, video and lyrics in demand.
Even better, the music sphere is graced with international
collaborations, adding another milestone to the success story
being recorded. Well known international acts like Rick Ross
and T.I got featured by Psquare; Dbanj also saw music legend
Akon feeling it in his “Feeling the N*” and a host of other
international collaborations with Nigerian musicians which
points to the growing popularity of the industry not just in
Africa but the world.
Such banging hit songs as Olamide’s Eleda Mi; Davido’s Aye;
Flavour’s Ada Ada; Kcee’s Limpopo; Patoranking’s Girlie O;
Tiwa Savage’s Eminado; Psquare’s Collabo and a host of many
other banging hits showed the enormous growth the industry
has recorded over the years. Interestingly, the increase in the
number of television channels showing Nigerian music is a
great plus to the industry. Stations such as MTVAfrica, Channel
O Africa, HipTV, Primetime Africa, SoundCity, TraceTv, AfroPop
TV and many others play important roles in bringing many
of the numerous talented artistes to the global stage. More
so, the introduction of awards for best performing artistes
and the rewards for hard work has propelled many to work
even harder. Such ceremonies of distinction and recognition
namely: Channel O Music Video Awards, Headies Awards,
Afrimma Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) etc are
milestone novelty gestures fertilizing the rapid development
of the Nigerian Music Industry. Added to it, are the mouthwatery prizes for winners. It is no wonder then, that the
artistes have sworn an oath of high performance to churn out
high quality and top-notch audio, video and lyrics for their
teeming fans. By this gesture, Nigerian artistes have indicated
a high degree of seriousness in setting the pace for others in
Africa to follow.
However, the success story is not starved of little hiccups;
the profusion of the industry by fame-thirsty individuals has
resulted in congestion and somewhat increased number
of musicians singing for honors. We are not left out in the
controversies, gossips and rancor as it adds spice and fun to
it all. Some of the celebrities fight it out with abusive words
on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and
Facebook. On twitter, these fights become more demeaning
as tantrums fly here and there, which adds to the whole fun
after all. The Nigerian Music Industry is a bubbling platform
offering many of our idle, yet very talented youths an escape
route to stardom. It is pertinent that those who have benefited
from the industry should emulate the good gestures of their
international colleagues by providing enabling platforms
to grow others who are of little means but well talented.
This way, they would have given back to society and affect
positively the lives of others.
Today’s reigning acts like Davido, Olamide, Flavour,
Patoranking, Phyno, Seyi Shay, Praiz, KCee, Eva et al all have
the stage for grabs. It is interesting then to note that, this
industry must be supported to grow all the more as it plays
a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economy. The industry employs a
sizeable amount of our numerous idle youths who go on to
become responsible members of the society. The issue of
royalties, piracy and theft of intellectual properties (songs)
must be considered with utmost seriousness as musicians
should be given what is theirs and what they have worked
for. The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) must ensure
that piracy is rooted out of the system and measures taken to
punish people found wanting.
The Nigerian Music Industry is a wind that will blow without
stop. The future of the industry is filled with promises. Many
more will come. Let us all join hands to make it a success!
BUTS...
GROWTH...
NEXT...
UnderG
...set to blow
Dynamyt
Popularly known as Dynamyt, Damilare Olabimtan was born on the 16th of
October in 1989 to Mr. and Mrs. Olabimtan in Yaba, Lagos. Damilare attended
Bright Star Nursery and Primary School and St. Gregory’s College, and later went
to Yaba College of Technology. He started his early musical career in the church
youth choir when he was six years old and went on to be the lead singer of the
choir for over ten years.
In 2007, he started a defunct gospel band, Divine O3, with a few of his childhood friends from the choir. They
performed around churches in Nigeria for three years before the group disbanded. In 2010, he began to diversify into
different genres of music like Pop, R&B, Hip-hop and Dance. He records mostly in Yoruba dialect his native tongue, as
well as English. He got his stage name “DYNAMYT”, from friend and frequent musical collaborator, Tesan.
In early 2014, he released his first solo effort, “Hostel”, which was met with critical acclaims and had a huge
underground following. The song earned him “The Most Promising Artist” in 2012 and 2013 in his alumnus, Yaba
College of Technology. Quite luckily for him, he gained the attention of new Island-based record label, Wildlife
Records, and two months later, he signed a recording contract with them.
He released his first official single under Wildlife titled, “I Remember” on 22nd of October 2014 and an accompanying
promotional single “Jekomo” was released on the 14th of November in 2014 also. He recently released his debut
video for “I Remember” and he is concluding plans to release two follow up singles by the beginning of on the second
quarter of 2015.
TUSH MAGAZINE INTERVIEW WITH GEOFFREY OJI By Alexander Thandi Ubani
It was electrifying seeing the duo of Geoffrey Oji (Winner of Project
Fame West Africa 7.0, 2014) and the award winning talented singer,
songwriter and producer Patrick Mathias (a.k.a Password − Winner
of MTN Songstar Competition 2013). These handsome and talented men
shared their touching life stories on how they passed through many odds to
be at where they are now. It’s a story that will inspire many who are aspiring
to reach the top. The ever impressive Alexander Thandi Ubani was on hand to
follow them on this great journey. First stop is: Geoffrey Oji.
of my own and can go places. Poverty
has a way of tampering with your mind
and you forget most rights you have. My
experience has been good so far.
For the records, what is
your full name?
My name is Geoffrey Oji.
Kindly tell your fans a little
about yourself.
Considering the fortune and fame that
came with winning Project Fame West
Africa Competition, how have you been
able to handle the popularity?
My name is Geoffrey Oji
and I am the current winner
of Project Fame West Africa
7.0. I hail from Benue State
in Nigeria and I’m Idoma by
tribe; I grew up in Kaduna
State. Everything turned
sour for me when I lost my
dad at an early age.
At age 15, I started hustling
and looking for ways to
reduce the load on my
mother; we even bought a
house which later turned
out to be a scam. Mom
had to return back to the
village because things were
very hard for us. I visited
my uncle in Lagos only to
discover he wasn’t exactly
doing well financially,
hence I slept outside in
Lagos for a whole year and
had nowhere to stay.
What kept me alive and going was
my dream and hopes of using my
talent someday; I kept pushing and
went to churches to hone my talent. I
auditioned for the MTN Project Fame
West Africa seven (7) good times
before I got picked into the academy.
It was not easy at all. That’s the kind
of persistence and determination one
needs in other to succeed.
I try my best possible to relate with my
fans and be me. I’m still the simple and
persistent guy.
What genre of music do you make?
I make `Soul and afro−pop music.
What songs have you released since
winning Project fame West Africa
competition?
I did ‘Bursting my brain’ I still have a
couple of songs I’m working on like
‘Every day is a chance’ and ‘Oh baby’.
I have close to 12 songs that are there
but not out in the market. We are still
coming out with more. My fans should
expect more.
Do you have a selling point?
Since winning Project Fame West
Africa 7.0 competition, you have
acquired a huge fan base not just in
Nigeria but all over Africa. What has
been your experience so far?
They have really been welcoming and
I know I I wouldn’t have been here if
not for them. So far so good, I would
say, the glory returns to God because I
have really experienced a lot in life as a
whole and the kind of hard things I have
gone through in life. Now, I have a car
(Laughter) I will say my eyes.
What challenges have you faced from
female fans?
(Laughter) Nothing out of the regular
challenges other male artistes face. Girls
want to be associated with me and some
of them even go to the extent of trying to
get my address to visit me.
What is your most embarrassing
moment?
Ermm, I was singing somewhere in a show
and I went off-key. It was so obvious and
I was surprised. I put the blame on the
keyboardist but I was the one that got it all
wrong. The second one was when I went
for a show with my friends somewhere
and I went to use the restroom, I came
out and forgot to wear my trouser. It was
so embarrassing, I had to run back to get
my trousers.(Laughs)
What is the craziest thing a fan has ever
done for you?
For now I would say, was when someone
put in about 500,000 naira (over $2,000)
to vote for me.
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever
done for someone?
I went to visit someone in a hospital; she
was quite old and I learnt she loved it
when people danced. I just had to dance.
I was dancing every time just to make her
happy.
Are you in a relationship?
I’m not in a relationship now. This is
because I just started my career and I
don’t want too many distractions.
Who is your ideal woman?
Everything o!
Where do you see yourself in the next
five years?
I will change a whole lot of things. I will
transform people’s character. I think
that’s one of the hardest things in life
− to make people good.
I see myself as a successful global artiste.
Define your fashion sense/style?
When are you releasing an album?
I’m just a simple guy. Anything that
makes me look/feel good is okay by
me.
Soon. I am working on two videos now.
My album will be coming out soon.
Which international artiste do you
wish to collaborate with?
I love Beyoncé. She’s very talented.
Which Nigerian male and female artiste
would you love to collaborate with?
I will love to do collaborations with Tubaba, Iyanya and Chidinma. I’d love to
work with Seyi Shay and Onyeka Onwenu
also.
What really inspires your kind of music?
Nature inspires me. Also, my experience
in life and all the things I have gone
through gives me inspiration.
Who is your role model?
That’s my pastor, Rev. Yinka Yusuf.
Do you like clubbing and partying?
I do that because of the responsibility
attached to my music career. Naturally,
I’m not the type to go clubbing or
partying. I love to stay at home and do
my thing.
Can you tell us about
educational background?
your
Good! I started my education at St.
Saviour Primary and Nursery school,
Kaduna, I also attended St. Patricks
Secondary School. Due to financial
constraints, I couldn’t further my
education because of my Dad’s death.
I later went to Yabatech for a Diploma
Programme. I couldn’t finish though
before going to Ghana for further
studies. I’m still on it now.
You are a very gifted, talented and
hardworking musician, what advise
do you have for those aspiring to be
like you?
I always tell people ‘Never fake it
to make it, Be you’. Be true to what
you are and just keep pushing. Don’t
allow anybody give you a life that
you don’t want, Don’t give up. If it
doesn’t happen today, it will happen
tomorrow. If it doesn’t happen
this year, it will next year. Just be
determined and persistent in all you
do.
I love a woman who is God-fearing,
respectful, hardworking and with
prospects. I need someone who can take
care of the home.
What do you find attractive in a woman?
Good character. I’m someone who
observers a lot. I love a woman with a
good physique also.
What features should your ideal woman
possess? Do you like it big in the back or
front?
Why did you go into music?
Honestly, the fact is that I love music.
Music found me. I thank God for giving
me this gift and I will use it to affect
people positively.
What’s your official
Instagram handle?
twitter
and
Geoffrey_Pfame.
If you have the power, what will you
change in the world?
What should your fans expect from
you this year?
All my fans should expect the best this
year. I will be reeling out good videos,
songs and collaborations.
Thanks for honouring our invitation.
Tush magazine wishes you the very
best in your music career.
Photo Credits: Fegor for 960 Music
Exclusive Interview
session with Patrick
Mathias a.k.a
Password
Geoffrey is an amazing
artiste, singer and songwriter.
Working with Geoffrey has
been like a discovery channel
for us. I like him because he’s
humble and always ready to
learn. He’s very talented too
and ready to be introduced by
those who have done it in the
industry so they can have the
password at the same time.
It was fun working with him
and importantly we have a
chemistry that works.
You won MTN Songstar
Competition 2013 and took
home two prized assets, how
were you able to achieve
such feat?
Brother, I don’t think I’m
spectacular. Well, the x−factor
in me in the first place is God;
his favour speaks for me. I
went there to do my thing,
and bagged home 16 million
naira while I was having
fun. One thing that kept me
going was faith. Opportunity
meets preparation. Always
be diligent, determined and
hardworking. Someday, your
persistence will pay off.
Which Nigerian artiste would
you want to collaborate
with?
Password is your stage name, what is your real name?
(Laughter) I would love to
work with 2face any day, any
time. I love him.
Have
you
had
controversy yet in
music career?
any
your
Yeah, there is a major one
everybody knows I had with
Davido. I’m sure you’ve heard
about it.
(sings) See gobe. Omo see gobe
Could you shed more light
on the Davido controversy?
I’m sure many of your fans
would love to read directly
from you?
First, I have to say that
Davido is my home boy; we
do business together once
in a while. Before then, his
producer Shizzi already was
my home boy back in the days.
Gobe was
one of my
demos;
Davido heard
it and liked it.
I guess the major problem
we have in this industry
is allocation of credits.
Songwriters
should
be
recognized as it is done
internationally.
My name is Patrick Mathias.
You are a record producer, award winning singer and song
writer. Can you tell your fans more about your music career
so far?
Well, for me it’s like a cliché because every artiste and singer
would say their music career started in the church; that’s
where we all honed our skills. Thank God for the church
and my background back in the days which had me playing
different types of instruments. Personally, I had a fundamental
background as far as music is concerned; I grew up in a music
loving family. It was all fun because I had the passion and flair
for it.
What inspires your music?
I don’t know if it is easy for everyone to digest but I am very
eclectic. Ultimately, I will say God is my inspiration. My mood
and life experiences are also a source of inspiration.
Can you talk about the collaboration between you and
Geoffrey?
Photo Credits: Fegor for 960 Music
Did Davido pay for the song?
Definitely, he paid. It was
business. There was no theft
issue in this matter. I don’t
know who the troublemakers
were.
What’s your official twitter
handle?
@iam_password
Who are your role models
and mentors?
That’s a difficult one. There
are two people I like to talk
about. Cobhams Asuquo. Is
one of them; I love that man.
He’s my friend and brother.
One of the reasons why I say
so is because I am learning
to see life through his eyes.
Tuface inspires me as well.
Are you in a relationship?
Right now, I like to say I am in
a relationship and it’s with…
With who?
With my music.. (Laughter)
Can you talk more about your
educational background?
Well, I like to say I am
educated. Music has taken
the center stage. I just
acquired more skills.
Can you talk about your
family?
I come from a family of 6
(six); three boys and three
girls and I am the last of
them. I lost my Dad at age
six and my mom had to
carter for us. It was so hard.
After my basic education,
I took the bull by the horn
to create my own story it
wasn’t easy at all. I don clear
Sh** happens all the time. I
can’t really remember one
now.
What inspired the stage
name Password?
What problems do artistes
face in the industry that you
will love to be changed?
It was one guy that I respect
so much. He used to be my
number one fan. I know
he’s still very passionate
about the Password brand
wherever he might be. He
called me one day and told
me that after meditating a
name just popped up to him
and it was Password. I kept
quiet for a while because I
felt like ‘this is it’. I felt the
name came with a huge
responsibility. I accepted
it ‘cos I want to be the
password to open different
doors for people.
What is your
achievement?
greatest
In 2013, I won
the NMA
Soundtrack
of the year
2013 in
the movie
HoodRush.
You know
I write
soundtracks
for movies
too. It’s really
one of my
strengths.
Have you ever been
embarrassed by anyone
before?
Nigerian artistes are hard
workers, but I think the aspect
of royalties and creating
channels for revenues for us to
make more from our creative
works will surely improve the
industry.
960 MUSIC
No! No! It wasn’t me. Trust
me man, I don’t have an idea
where that was coming from.
bush, fry garri, hawk and do
everything normal guys go
through in life.
Patrick Mathias
So it wasn’t you who used
the twitter handle to accuse
Davido
of
intellectual
property theft?
What do you make of the
Nigerian music industry
today?
The Nigerian music industry
is getting better by the day.
The more opportunities we
get, the more artistes come
into the industry and many
talented people are taken
off the streets. The industry
is creating more jobs for the
youths.
What do you think are the
reasons for the rapid growth?
I think it’s digital media, ICT age
and the recording equipment
for better quality of music
has helped in improving the
industry.
What’s your fashion style?
I’m trying to be an “Iyanya”
but I don’t know how to walk
in chains. I love vintage. I go
easy on all that stuff. I like to
keep it simple.
What do you have to tell
your fans?
Well I like to tell my fans, I
mean my friends out there,
life is not a bed of roses. In life,
you have to be very particular
about what you want. I don’t
believe in luck ‘cos life is no
fluke. Sometimes I cry looking
at my life story and where I
am today. God has been so
faithful. I believe in working
hard and putting God first in
all I do. Just have faith and
work hard.
DearArtiste
On March 7th 2015, renowned OAP and inspirational mentor, Fola Folayan converged music industry personalities for
her educating platform #DearArtiste. The platform over its period of inception has seen experienced industry personalities
dole out advices for emerging artistes and managers alike teaching them about the importance of understanding the
craft they practice. This edition tagged: “Finding Art & Entertainment with Purpose” had speakers like ID Cabasa, Alero
Eghagha of Cool FM, Somto of Spinlet, Demilade and the convener herself, Fola. The interactive session was held at
Yusuf Grillo Hall in YabaTech and had partners like: Spinlet, CoolFM, 360Nobs, Tush Magazine and Pulse.ng
FREE SPINLET SUBSCRIPTION >>
Voucher code: DEARARTISTE
Value: 1 month Spinlet Premium Subscription
Validity of code/Expiry Date: June 30, 2015
Please note the voucher code cannot be used on Etisalat network and it also only
works on Android and BB7 downwards.
Our Goddess
Newof Skillz
Crush
Beautiful Goddess of Skillz has proven to be a master in her selected choice of career; being a model, TV
Presenter and Video vixen, she has immensely proven her worth and having her for your gig or appearing on your
video is a huge plus. Plying her presenting skills with an urban TV channel, Goddess of Skillz has created a
brand image for herself. Tush Magazine’s representative hooked up with her and here are some of the answers
she offered in a quest to getting to know her better.
Q. Goddess of Skillz is a catchy stage
name, what is your real name?
television presenter, model and……. the
list goes on.
A. My real name is Oruwari Kaine Daala
Q. Can you talk about your educational
background?
Q. Can you tell your fans more about
yourself?
A. Well, I’m not sure what exactly they
would want to know but I’m from a family
of five, with one older sister and one
younger brother, I’m a visual/fine artist
as well as a graphic artist, makeup artist,
basketball player, rapper, singer, dancer,
A. I attended Fountain Nursery and Primary
school, Queens College for secondary
school and the University of Lagos.
Q. How do you combine modeling, TV
presenting and Red carpet hosting to still
deliver such stunning performances?
A. It’s really complicated but I do my best
to balance it out, and luckily for me it’s all
intertwined. One thing I make sure I always
do is avoid getting too swamped with it all.
I usually just take each day as it comes.
Q. How will you rate the Nigerian
Entertainment Industry today?
A. Over 10? I would give it an 8. The
Nigerian Entertainment industry has
come such a long way since as far back as
I can remember it. If we were still stuck
in that era, we wouldn’t be able to have
as many international recognition and
collaborations as we do now.
Look at the likes of D’banj who got signed
to G.O.O.D music or Psquare who have
worked with the likes of TI and Rick Ross,
and these are just a few examples. There’s
people like Omotola Jalade Ekeinde getting
featured on Time Magazine’s list of 100
most influential people in the world in
2013 and Genevieve cinching international
roles, it’s safe to say even in the movie
industry front we are doing great.
Q. As a TV and Public figure/personality,
what challenges have you faced?
A. Challenges? I don’t face challenges; I
have experiences, because that is what
they are. A brick gets thrown at you, you
my mind to do (except mathematics.)
Q. What were the early days of your
career like?
A. It was pretty cool back then. I got to take
first hand notes from people like Denrele
Edun and VJ Adams and watch them while
they worked so it is quite safe to say, I got
a pretty good start, and so many of the
artistes like Iceprince, MI, Jesse Jagz and
others were so cool and made the job not
so difficult.
Q. What is your selling point?
A. Selling point? I would say my dexterity
and versatility and ability to adapt to
almost any situation, but people say it’s
my hair, or lack thereof, so yeah, my selling
A. Not really, I try to stay out of trouble
as much as possible, but if I really have
to mention one, it would be the one with
Seyi Shay which I don’t believe was as
big a deal as people made it out to be.
Q. Define GODDESS OF SKILLZ in one
sentence?
A. It’s pretty expressive; Goddess of Skillz is
a strong female with an inhuman amount
to talents for one singular person.
Q. Who are your role models?
A. My mom for one, she’s the most
hardworking and smartest woman
I know. Ryan Seacrest is another
person who I look to for inspiration.
Q. Are you a fashionista? What goes for
you?
A. Fashionista? Nah!! I wouldn’t say I am.
I actually refer to my style as “Homeless
fashion”. It’s kind of like how Johnny Depp
dresses most times when he looks very not
put together. I could wear my brother’s
jeans, my dad’s shirt, mom’s jewelry, sister’s
belt and my shoes and still look super cool.
Q. Name five Nigerian musicians you
love their music?
A. OMG!! there are so many talented
artistes in Nigeria, but of the top of my
head, I would definitely pick Phyno (even
though my Igbo is terrible and I have
entirely no idea what he is saying half
the time), MI Abaga (because of his word
play and lyrical skills), Olamide (because
again just like Phyno I have no idea what
he is saying because my yoruba is bad, but
his flow is insane), Yemi Alade because
watching her fiery performances on stage
gives me so much life and everyone else. Q. What is your greatest achievement so
far?
A. My greatest achievements so far,
would be getting to interview Jah Rule
and Ashanti, meeting Amber Rose, Akon
and attending the 57th Annual Grammy
awards in 2015.
pick it up, next time a brick comes flying,
you will find that you are in a better place
to deal with it because you start getting
used to dealing with challenges.
Q. If given the power, what will you
change in the industry?
A. Looking at the ratio of successful male to
female artistes in the industry, one thing I
would change if I had the power is the fact
that female artistes aren’t recognized and
find it very hard to get into the industry. Q. Do you have other talents?
A. I’ve already given a list of them above,
but to add to that I’m a great cook
and I’m pretty good at anything I set
point is my head.
Q. Are you in a relationship?
A. Nobody has sent me flowers
or brought me flowers in a while
so I guess I’m not in any *laughs*
Q. What are the qualities you want in
your ideal man?
A. Excessively rich so I can retire before
I’m 30, [Loool] just kidding (but I really
wouldn’t mind). My Ideal man would have
to be God fearing, Understanding, Athletic,
Brilliant, Loyal, Sensitive and the usual. Q. Have you had any controversy in the
industry yet?
Q. Where do you see yourself in the
coming years?
A. I see myself working in one of the biggest
Television stations in the world and possibly
being a cinematographer/ film maker.
Q. What will you tell many women out
their aspiring to be like you?
A. Just be yourself, do what you
do because you love what you not
because you are trying to make other
people happy, because happiness
comes from within. Continue being
a #StrongBlackAfricanWoman (or a
light skinned one) and if you are a
#baldblackbeauty like myself, then ROCK
ON!!! T USH MAGAZ
INE INTERVIE
W WI T H
FEMALE ^DJ
SENSAT ION^
, DJ Lo
By Alexander T h
an
Tell us about Dj Lo.
My name is Cleopatra Amartey, I am a
DJ and I go by the stage name DJ Lo. I
am in my twenties, Ghanaian and grew
up in Lagos.
What was your childhood like?
It was fun like every childhood.
You are one of the very few female
Disk Jockeys (DJ) in the industry?
Sure. EDM is my specialty. But, I play
a lot of AfroHouse/Afrobeat/Dance as
well.
Can you talk about your educational
background?
I attended Queens College, Yaba Lagos
and later went to Lagos State School of
Nursing and Midwifrey. I am a nurse by
profession.
How did you become a DJ?
Well, music has always been a
fundamental part of me. I used to think
I was going to become a rapper till I
realized that path isn’t for everyone.
Then this passion was discovered. Now,
it is a more creative way to express the
music I love.
What have you done to grow more in
the art so to say?
I am always open to learning new
things. There is no such thing as too
much knowledge. So I try to learn new
techniques through various online
platforms and from some mentors.
di Ubani
It must be a bit challenging to be a
female DJ in the industry?
As a DJ, have you played in any show
yet?
Yes. For the greater part of 2014,
I played at Blak Lounge/Sand Bar
Elegushi on a regular basis. I also played
at the last TPL. I also recently played at
the Afro POP Party.
In the world we live in, it is challenging
as a female to survive in a male
dominated field. I’m working to make
a difference. That’s why I focus on
originality and sticking true to what
I believe in. For me, that is enough to
boost my excellence.
Who is your favorite Nigerian Artiste?
To be a DJ is serious business, how
have you coped in the industry?
My all time favorite, now and forever
would be Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Learning everyday helped me and is still
helping me cope. More so, being new to
the industry, it all about understanding
how the particular industry operates in
a given country.
Who is your role model?
What challenges do DJs face?
We face different challenges such as late
bookings to impromptu cancellation of
shows and many others.
My role models because they are
definitely more than one. I have
Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Louie
Zamperini.
What is your twitter and Instagram
handle?
@sensei_lo
Why did you choose this particular
calling?
What would you consider as your
greatest achievement?
I would say this calling chose me. It has
been a part of me. So it’s hard to think
of it as me choosing this calling.
My greatest achievement is to have
gotten to this stage I am in as a female
with lots of restriction around me. To
have been able to successfully combine
two opposing careers and master them
both, that to me is great.
What projects are you working on?
Well, there are lots of projects
presently on ground. But for the
purpose of privacy, I cannot disclose
their particular names. But, I can assure
you that they would be explosive pieces
coming very soon.
Define your fashion style?
My fashion sense is basically me just
being original and retro when possible
i.e. being an 80’s kid. Just real like that.
Do you like clubbing and partying?
Lol. Clubbing and Partying? Cleo is
quiet shy and reserved. But Lo is
more the open type. So I’d say a
little in between the two.
Where do you see yourself in the
next five years?
Ok. In five years, God willing,
I see myself being the best
DJ to come out of Africa.
DJ Lo
Celebrity HUB
Oye Akideinde
Oyebowale Babatunde Akideinde, popularly known as Oye A.K.D. was born
in the late 70s in Lagos to a lovely family of six [parents inclusive] as the last
child and third son of the family.
Although his parents are from Ogun State, Oye was born in Lagos and also
had his childhood in Lagos – Surulere to be precise where he had his nursery
and primary education at Sunnyfield Schools, then later attended Federal
Government College, Odogbolu for his secondary education. He studied
in Odogbolu for a year and then transferred to Lagos State Model College
where he completed his secondary education.
He got into the University of Lagos to study
Computer Science, and after graduation, he got
posted to Abia State for his youth service. From
Abia state, he redeployed back to Lagos state and
got posted to a newspaper company called Comet
Newspaper in Ijora, Lagos. At Comet was where
he first got his taste of working with websites as
he was required to update and post content on
their website daily. He then joined an Internet
Service Provider - Prodigy International as a
Web Developer where he nurtured his skills to
perfection.
After working for 2 years, Oye went to the UK for his Masters’ Degree and
while in the UK, he tried his hands on music as a rapper seeing that he
severally got applauded on for his rapping skills back in secondary school
but he had to stop to focus on his primary assignment there. Done with
his studies, Oye moved back to Nigeria in 2004 and joined the queue of
graduates seeking jobs. Luckily for him, at a point where he was already
getting frustrated by the situation, Oye got a job with UACN Plc as a Project
& Web Manager making him the one of the youngest managers to achieve
such a feat albeit it being a new position in the group. He would hold several
other positions and one of his proud achievements during his stay at UACN
Plc was the Corporate Rebranding project he project managed.
After working for four
years with UAC, Oye
moved to FCMB as
the Head of Debit &
Prepaid cards where he
worked for two years
and also successfully
implemented several
projects such as Verve,
MasterCard & Visa
Credit card projects
amongst others.
All along, Oye had always
been [and still is] a music bluff
and when MI Abaga came into
the music industry with his
Talk About It album in 2009,
Oye deemed it fit and wrote
an album review on it which
received many applauds
from his friends and even got
published in the newspapers.
While at FCMB, one of his friends –
Noble Igwe reached out to him to help
advise on developing a website which
was meant to be an entertainment
platform.
On near completion of
the website, Noble asked
Oye to come on board
as a music editor for the
website but during one of
their many meets, Noble
invited a mutual friend in
the person of Anthonia
Soares [presently the
editor of Complete
Fashion Magazine] and
during the discussion,
the idea of three of them
becoming directors
sprung up and was
immediately adopted.
Celebrity HUB
Oye Akideinde
continued from Pg. 19
Still working at the bank, Oye’s
‘workaholic’ energy arose; he was
working 9-9 for the bank and the rest
of the evening on the website.
With their combined efforts, they
managed the website so well that its
traffic began to increase on a monthly
basis. Five years on, the website –
www.360nobs.com has grown to
become one of most visited sites in
Nigeria with millions of views monthly.
Oye left FCMB for a CIO
role at CCM Limited
and then eventually left
to focus on 360nobs
fully for nine months
to put in structures and
processes. SPINLET then
came calling. Before Oye
took up the offer, he had
several discussions with
the founder who did let
him in on the vision of Spinlet. Sharing the same
digital vision, Oye joined Spinlet and is currently
the Head, of Business Development globally; a
position that interestingly doesn’t clash with his
commitments at 360nobs. One way he ensures that,
is doubling the efforts into his duties at Spinlet.
Oye’s 15 years+ big picture doesn’t end with all this as he has a few upcoming
projects which should affect quite a large number of individual’s lifestyle in
Nigeria.
In his words “I tell people life is one step at a time, Keep up with your
competitors and always have a plan.”
Happily married, Oye is the proud father of his beautiful Oluwadarasimi and
she is one of the main reasons that make him work harder.
Music Fizzers
Tush Magazine Exclusive
Interview with Suka Sounds
The quality of music being released recently in Nigeria has increased greatly when compared
to the past. Asides the improvements in the production of beats, we now enjoy clearer,
melodious and soothing music. Most of these improvements in the quality of music are being
made possible by sound engineers who mix and master songs. In Nigeria, we have quite a
few talented ones and amongst them is a young chap who has lately, successfully created a
niche for himself in the world of mixing and mastering or better put - sound engineering.
Out of a possible 10 released songs today, 7 of them are possibly mastered by Suka Sounds;
largely because of the creativity he inputs into songs to make them perfect. Tush Magazine
hooked up with the amazing Suka Sounds in his studio for an exclusive interview. Find
below excerpts of the interview session.
Q. Glad to meet you, Suka Sounds. Is that
your real name?
Actually, my name is Suka Andrews.
Q. Tell us a little about yourself?
to manage and be the in-house producer. I
also went to School of Audio Engineering
to enhance my career before being called
upon by E.M.E to be the in-house producer
and sound Engineer. That’s where I am
now.
Suka Andrew is from Jos, Plateau State
Nigeria. I am a Sound Engineer and a
lover of music.
Q. How long have you been in the Nigerian
Music scene?
I am from a family of five.
Professionally, I have been in the industry
for 8 years.
Q. Can you talk more on your educational
background?
Q. What actually is your specialty?
I attended Amazing Grace Private School
for Primary Education before going to
Science Day Private Secondary School. I
also went to a music Institute in Jos to add
more value to my trade. I had wanted to
be an architect but eventually fell in love
with music. I later went to Studio One
for 2 years as a sound Engineer. It wasn’t
long before I was called upon by another
major studio for another 2 and half years
For me, it is music production. I am a
general Music Producer but people know
me more as a Sound Engineer.
Q. Can you mention some artistes you’ve
worked with in the music Industry.
I have worked with the likes of Brymo,
Shady, Banky W, D’banj and Davido.
Basically, I’ve worked with almost all the
artistes in the industry.
Q. Can you mention some notable
songs you’ve worked on?
Q. What projects are you working
on now?
I did Brymo’s ‘Ara’; Davido’s
‘Owonikoko’; Wizkid’s Album;
Banky W’s Album and 6 tracks on
Dbanj’s recent album; DJ Jimmy
Jatts’ ‘Eto be’ and so many others.
I’m working on a whole lot of
projects. Many of the artistes are
working hard to drop quality songs
and I am working to make their
dreams come true.
Q. What challenges have you faced
in the industry?
Q. How will you rate the Nigerian
Music Industry?
Some challenges I faced then was
having clients complain about my
ability to mix and master sounds.
It was really challenging but those
moments of rejection made me
better. The growing phase was also
very challenging. Thank God I have
passed through that and now, I have
been established.
Yeah. We are definitely growing.
Just that we are having a little
congestion. It’s more like we
are forcing the world to hear us
and they are listening. We have
knowledgeable professionals in
the industry; back then, everyone
wanted to do things themselves, but
we have outgrown that now, We are
really growing.
Another challenge we face in the
industry is recognition; Sound
Engineers are not given much credit
for the work they do. We are not
recognized in the industry especially
in the areas of awards. A category
should be created to recognize the
important role Sound Engineers play
in the industry. It is important.
Q. Why did you choose this line of
duty?
Well, the truth is that I love
creativity; It is real fun for me ‘cos
it’s like putting puzzles together. I
love the technicalities, frequencies
to cut, some calculations to do to
get it right. I’m just in love with
engineering and music.
Q. Do you have an official website?
www.sukasounds.com
It’s a site to let you know what I do
generally. I also build studios. You
know, I built Wizkid’s studio, the
very first Davido’s studio and many
other studios. The site will also show
you some of the works we’ve done
for people. You know I’m a general
sound Designer and Engineer, so I
do almost everything. There is a
provision for uploading of songs too.
Q. Who are your mentors?
I love Christy Jones, he’s one great
Engineer.
Q. What inspires you?
I’m inspired by good music.
Q. What is your greatest
achievement so far?
I will say my brand Suka Sounds.
That’s the mother achievement of all
I have achieved now.
Q. Could you elucidate the
importance of Sound Engineers to
the Nigerian Music industry?
Sound Engineers enhance sounds
from its raw state to a more
acceptable top quality. We are like
the interior designers of a house.
Q. In 5 years, where do you see
yourself in the industry?
I see myself owning a record label
called Suka Sounds if God wills it.
Q. What more are we expecting
from you?
Expect more music, more good
music. You guys should watch out
for more Suka Sounds on your
radios and TVs.
Q. What are your twitter and
Facebook handles?
Twitter: @Sukaonpoint
Instagram: @SukaSounds
Thank you for your time and the
enlightenment!
From what we have already, it is a possible outcome.
What’s the idea behind this project?
Interview with
Oluwafemi Adebule
of the TWITTER
PREMIER LEAGUE
By Alexander Thandi Ubani.
In this exclusive interview with Oluwafemi Adebule, Managing
Director of Twitter Premier League, he explains more on the
fascinating concept, aims and objectives behind the Twitter
Premier League.
The idea is to give people the opportunity to meet and
express themselves, have fun and not just talk about
soccer but also participate and play football.
Why is it called Twitter Premier League and what role
does twitter play in this regard?
We chose that because it started on twitter. I and Efe (my
co-director) thought out the name because it also had a
nice acronym, so we took it up. Everybody has a twitter
handle; it’s the easiest way to get word out to the general
public.
How and who can participate in this game show?
Right now, we have 6 male teams and 2 female teams.
We usually make a call out for new participants and get
proposals as to what they can offer to TPL. The easiest way
to participate is to join a team; it’s open to everybody but
there is a selection process. You can check out the teams
and know if you can fit in. You can choose to own you own
team and assemble your players or walk up to any of the
captains to join their teams.
What does TPL aim to achieve?
The predominant aim of TPL at this point in time is to
be the number football tournament in Lagos for people
between the ages of 20−40. We aim at making the TPL
bigger, better and more expansive.
What are the processes for participation?
All participants must have twitter accounts and we don’t
accept people that play football every day for a living. We
don’t take professional footballers.
How did you fair in the last three editions?
Can you explain what TPL stands for?
It’s the Twitter Premier League. We gave it the name since
everybody likes tweeting about the team they support especially
in the English Premier League, so we created an avenue for
people to come, meet and play football together.
What do you do at Twitter Premier League?
We organize football tournaments. We plan to develop leagues
for private schools, under 12’s and we have a lot of charity works
we do. Every year, we give money to states to send children to
school. We also do the Christmas on the street – where we go and
feed people on Christmas day on the streets. So, the TPL is fun
and simple; there are also a serious set of people behind it. It’s a
brand that speaks for itself.
Does TPL involve growing football talents also?
TPL 1 didn’t have so much publicity and we had 350
people who turned up for the event in Lekki. Inspiration
FM gave us audience too and that went well. TPL 2 was
very massive as we had about 700 people who turned
up for the event. Although the publicity was backboned
on twitter, the turnout was impressive and the total
experience was exhilarating for everyone present. We took
TPL 3 to ELTV, radio and TV stations, about 1,200 people
came to watch at Lekki. So far, the planning and execution
of the TPL has been challenging but very successful.
What actually is the main attraction of the league/event?
If I am to be honest, most of us on twitter are like a family.
Many of us have been tweeting together for years and
with time, find ourselves become close. It’s often hard to
organize a meeting and meet up. So, TPL is one avenue
[ ...Continued ]
to meet everyone and have fun. It’s a lot of fun, football and
friends. All of that! I know some people dating that met at
TPL1. It’s a plus for all of us.
finding sponsors are no longer hard.
By partnering with ELTV which was aired on DSTV, it gives
TPL more credibility, how do you plan to make this more
interesting for many Nigerians out there who will be
interested to participate?
For the first time, we are introducing lots of entertainment
like popular Nigerian artists performing, dance shows, plans
for kids and the likes. We have a whole lot of entertainment
and fun for people that will come.
What plans do you have for the future?
What challenges have you faced in setting up such a massive
event?
The major one is funds; we need more sponsors for this great
programme. We also have issues with organization as most of
the directors are top bankers, IT gurus, Government workers
etc. Well, it’s hard but all of us prioritize to make it happen.
Thankfully, we have reached a stage where raising funds and
We want to ensure that the brand continues to grow, remain
fresh and provide entertainment and fun for everybody out
there.
MEDIA LINKS:
Youtube: thetpltv
Twitter: @thetpl
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetpl
Face
of Amber
The memory of this event still lingers
in the mind of guests that attended
the well organized and star studded
event. Held at the prestigious Hotel
Constantial in Benin City and hosted
by Melvin Oduah of BBA, the event saw
18 years old BOLARINDE DAMILOLA
emerged as the new Face of Amber.
Face of Amber is powered and
organized by CYNOSURE MAGAZINE.
Praiz
www.tushmagazine.com.ng
Tush Magazine
Interview
with
Praiz
When MI dropped his sophomore album in 2011, he had a huge audience anticipating the release largely because
of the tactics his team used in dropping the album. Amongst the songs included in the album was Epic, where he
featured Praiz and we were all made to wonder who the talented singer was. Then in 2012, Bez got him featured on
his ‘Stupid Song’ and yet again, we all marveled at the serenity at which this talented individual sang.
Moving on, Praiz released his first official single titled “Rich and Famous” - a song that importantly stamped his
spotlight glee. Interestingly, this once MTN Project Fame finalist had his story.
Praise Ugbede Adejo was born in Lagos but had his upbringing in Kaduna. At age 2, his family moved to Kaduna
when his father got transferred there. An Igalla by tribe, Praiz is from Kogi State and is the second child of his parents’
five children. He attended Kaduna State Polytechnic where he studied Computer Science. Here are excerpts from the
interview we had with him.
Photo credit: Dele Lawal
Make up: Blessings
Tush Mag: You recently dropped your
debut album, how would you rate it in
your own expectations?
Tush Mag: Putting together
the albums, you worked with
other artistes, how would you
explain the experience?
Praiz: It was awesome, I
had a super packed album
working with the likes of
Wizkid, Sarkodie, Patoranking,
Shaydee, Seyi Shay, Chidinma,
Sammy, Sound Sultan and a
couple of others and basically
for me, it was huge working
with these talented acts.
Tush Mag: Let’s talk a little on
how music started for you
Praiz: Personally for me, the Rich
& Famous album is one of the best
albums out of the country and I’m
proud of them both. Although it took
me a while to put them out, I’m proud
to have released two albums as my
debut.
Tush Mag: What is the idea behind the
double albums?
Praiz: The idea behind my double
albums is to showcase my versality.
The Rich album is the RnB album while
the Famous album is the Afrobeat
album. Both albums came on the
number 1 spot on the iTunes chart and
quite honestly for me that was huge
and I’m proud to have achieved that.
Praiz: For me, music started in
the church. I could remember
as a little kid, I played the
drums quite well in church and
after secondary school there
was this studio I visit where I
occasionally play live drums
for recording when they need
it. Although I haven’t played
the drums in a while, the skills
are still in the blood [Chuckles]
Praiz: It was actually fantastic. After
recording, I played it to a couple of
friends and family members and they
all gave me positive feedback, so I kept
recording and recording to perfect my
vocal strength. I went as far as putting
out two singles back then and it grew to
becoming number 1 and 3 respectively
in a local radio station in Abuja. I was
in Kaduna State Polytechnic while
still pushing, then a friend advised I
participate in some of the reality shows
being organized which I did; Infact I
participated in virtually every reality
show back then but I couldn’t make
any headline till 2008 when I entered
for MTN Project Fame West Africa.
Tush Mag: From participating in MTN
Project Fame till now, how would you
describe your progress?
Frequenting the studio during
that period actually influenced
my abilities as an artiste; I
learnt how to produce beats,
engineer songs and record
there, I also had my first
recording there – just to hear
how I would sound basically.
Tush Mag: How was the
feeling and what followed
next for you?
Praiz: [smiles] From Project Fame till
now has been one word – progress. I
have moved from being underground
Photo courtesy: Maureen Adepitan for X3M Music
to participating in reality TV shows
to getting featured by a great rapper,
getting signed on a label and releasing
my own albums; there is no other
way to describe it apart from one
progress to another one.
Tush Mag: Between participating in
Project Fame and getting featured
on MI’s Epic track, which would you
choose as the milestone that broke
you out?
Praiz: Like I earlier said, my musical
career has been one progress to
another. Participating in Project Fame
sort of shot me into the spotlight
and then MI came through as well.
It didn’t end there for me; I worked
on Bez’s “Stupid Song” which ended
up becoming the first Africa song
to premiere on BET 106 &
Park, after that I released my
own single which was received
positively
from
everyone.
Each move has always being a
milestone for me. I try to always
make my next move greater
than the last and I’m grateful for
his mercies.
Tush Mag: Trying not to come at
you but what is the reason for
you switching your style now?
Praiz: I am usually surprised
when people ask me why I
changed my style of singing.
Nobody
questions
R.Kelly
when he does a party jam or
a gospel song and then goes
back to his normal RnB pattern
but when it comes to a Nigerian,
many speculations and criticisms
fly around. For me, being an artiste
doesn’t limit my capabilities; Yes!
I’m RnB and I forever would be,
but then again as an artiste, there
is a responsibility where you need
to satisfy your fans and not all the
time are they in for RnB, so doing
a different genre of music for them
only shows your versatility.
Tush Mag: You are one of the brand
ambassadors for MTN, how is it
being such?
Praiz: Being a brand ambassador
to the biggest telco firm in Africa
one of those factors that keeps me
working hard and I’m grateful for
being one of their ambassadors.
A graduate of Geography and Regional Planning from the prestigious University
of Lagos, Pearl Hart or Pearl Candy as she is often called in not your average
presenter. Her ever smiling and ever bubbling personality has a captivating
prowess with which she succeeds in holding her viewers spell bound.
Born Pearl Hart in the 80’s, Pearl is a Rivers State indigene but had
her upbringing in Surulere – a place she visits every weekends
as a point of duty except for weekends when she is out of
the country or engaged on official assignments; her family
house is in Surulere.
Although the last child of her parents, Pearl had
learnt to be contented and independent at
an early stage in her life prompting her to
engage in activities that could earn her
extra cash. At age 15, Pearl featured
in a couple of Nigerian movies
using her acting skills; she
decided to concentrate
on modeling when
she got into the
u n i v e r s i t y.
Screen Kings:
Pearl
While in her
sophomore
year in the university,
she attended an audition
organized by SoundCity and
was amongst the few selected;
she went on to becoming one of their
presenters. Presenting became a new hobby
for Pearl coupled with her dramatic nature and
interesting personality, she excelled quite well and hosted
some major events even as a newbie.
Continues on the next page.
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Pearl
Inheritance is accidental
Written by Imiegha Phidelia [@ThePhidelia_]
“Ovbiemwen, Lahor, bring the children to see me, the end is near.”
Those were the contents of the text message Ivie received a week ago from her mother that forced her to
take her children to Ologbo, Edo state, to visit their estranged grandmother. Ivie had bluntly refused to stay
at her mother’s place, she chose instead to lodge at a hotel a comfortable distance from the house. She had
a premonition that staying at that familiar, old house would awaken the demons she had left behind. The
hotel had poor service, poor food, no hot water and rude attendants, but she didn’t care.
Surprisingly, little had changed in the last 10 years since she left Ologbo. The red sand which was everywhere
still had the same bright and fierce color she remembered, the families that lived in her street when she
was a child still lived there, and the street tap, although now rusted from lack of use or repair, still stood
at a strategic point in the middle of the street. Ivie’s mother’s 3 bedroom bungalow remained unpainted
and ungated, the same old furniture lying around the living room; a tattered couch and three arm chairs
arranged in a semi-circle; even the tiny black and white TV which had gone bad a few months before she left
home remained on a small stool at the front of the room, unrepaired. The pots and pans and plates in the
dark, warm kitchen, had not been changed. The familiar smell that had enveloped the house all those years
ago still lingered, carrying a lot of memories with it. Ivie found herself wondering how ten years could go by
with so little changing.
Ivie had spent 3 days in Edo State, taking the children every day to visit her mother but never actually talking
to her. She would sit in a corner, allowing her mother and the children talk and play until she decided it was
time to go. It annoyed Ivie that her mum still insisted on calling her ‘ovbiemwen’ meaning ‘my child’, a name
she had always called her as a child.
Delia | Inheritance is Accidental
On the evening of the 3rd day, Ivie visited her mother with her two children to say goodbye. Approaching the
house, she heard a soft, familiar song playing loudly from one of the houses in the street; an old bini song by
a local artiste whose name she tried to recall but failed. The song instantly made her feel nostalgic; it was
one of her late sister’s favourites back in the day. She felt a lump form in her throat as she held back a sob.
As Ivie watched her mother tell her children ancient Edo tales and sing songs she had sung to her as a
child, the memories of her childhood which she had tried so hard to forget for years came flooding back
& she felt an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, again. She felt her eyes brimming with tears and quickly
excused herself to the veranda. It was almost 6pm and dusk was already beginning to set in; the chickens
that moved out in groups at dawn to search for food in the streets and in dustbins had already returned to
roost. Ivie hugged herself tightly, only just noticing that the cold breeze had caused goose bumps to form
on her skin. The familiar sound of men laughing and talking loudly at a nearby beer parlour and of women
loudly conversing in their backyards while cooking dinner transported her decades back. She had lived in
this compound for twenty years; more than half of her life. This was where she had grown up and shared a
life with her younger sister, and suddenly, the reality of her sister’s death hit her harder than it had in years.
Unable to help it anymore, she burst into silent tears.
Ivie was raised by her mother, along with her late sister, Amenze, in abject poverty in this house. Their
father, now dead, was a prominent titled chief, who married dozens of wives, who in turn bore him scores
of children. When Ivie was barely 3 years old, shortly after Amenze was born, their mother left their father’s
compound and brought them here to stay in the house she had inherited from her grandmother, so there
was very little she could remember of her life in her father’s house. She only saw her father on the local TV
channels, ITV and EBS when he either hosted or attended events. The only time she had seen him physically
was when, against her mother’s warning, herself and Amenze attended his lavish birthday party in Benin.
She struggled through the crowd to get close to his seat, expecting some kind of recognition, willing him
to look at them and say, “Oh! There you are my daughters; I’ve been looking for you.” But Chief Imade had
looked right through her, and when she and Amenze tried to go further, his huge bodyguards warded her
off. They both returned home in disappointment, the kind of disappointment that numbed the pain of her
mother’s lashes as she flogged her later that night for disobeying her orders.
Their mother was an abusive mother — she liked to call herself a disciplinarian but she was really just taking
out her frustrations on her children. Whenever she had a bad day at the market where she sold second hand
clothes, she would verbally abuse them and curse their father. She never told them why she had left their
father’s compound or why she hated him so much. She would call him all sorts of names and blame him for
everything that went wrong in their lives. When she didn’t have money to buy food or to pay bills, she would
lament and curse the day she met him. Sometimes, she would tell Ivie and Amenze that giving birth to them
was the biggest mistake of her life.
Amenze was the only solace Ivie had known. They would stay up at night for hours and talk about all the
faraway places they would travel to, to escape their mother’s bitterness. They had inside jokes and nicknames;
they shared everything and did everything together. People often asked if they were twin sisters. They both
went everywhere together, and when Ivie got admitted into the University of Benin, Amenze studied very
hard to ensure she also got in two years later. They both had plans of becoming successful women and
proving to both their parents that they weren’t useless after all.
When Ivie was in her final year at Uniben, Amenze fell sick. The doctor said her heart was packing up and
she needed a transplant. Ivie couldn’t understand how a heart could suddenly pack up. The surgery could
not be done in Nigeria and when Ivie heard the amount needed to fly Amenze out for surgery, she almost
wet her pants. She went on the internet and searched for heart foundations and NGOs for people needing
heart transplants. It would take months for Amenze to get to the top of the waiting lists and according to the
doctors, she barely had weeks. After thinking very hard for a solution, Ivie finally came up with a seemingly
brilliant plan and happily went to share it with her mother who was at Amenze’s side at the hospital. She told
her mother that she would go to her father for help and her mother screamed that it would be over her dead
body. Shocked, Ivie asked why and her mother became silent. Ivie tried to get her mother on board with the
plan but she blatantly refused and kept insisting that ‘God would provide’.
A week later, with Amenze’s condition worsening, Ivie decided to go to her father on her own. She wasn’t
even let into his compound; who would give a strange girl claiming to be the estranged daughter of a rich
chief any audience anyway. She returned to the hospital in dejection, lost as to how to save her only sister’s
life. The hospital ejected Amenze 3 days later due to lack of funds. Apart from the small deposit made by
her mother’s brother, they had not paid a dime. Ivie cried and begged her mother to reach out to her father
for help but she refused, and chose instead to borrow from her friends. After borrowing all she could, the
money wasn’t even enough for the flight ticket.
The day Amenze passed away was a peculiar day, the sun was shining and rain was falling at the same time; it
made Ivie think of elephants in labour in faraway lands. The house was very silent, apart from Amenze’s loud
breaths and her (Ivie) own silent sobs. Ivie was massaging Amenze’s head with a wet cloth to bring down her
fever when suddenly she had a seizure. Not knowing what to do, Ivie held Amenze, screaming, crying and
praying it would stop. It did eventually, but so did Amenze’s breathing.
Ivie blamed her mother for Amenze’s death back then and she still blamed her. She hardly spoke to her
after her sister died; talking to her only when necessary, in mono syllables and when her mother, frustrated,
finally screamed at her about her attitude, she screamed back at her and said a lot of hurtful things. About a
year later, to her utmost relief, she got posted to Lagos for her NYSC. She never returned until now.
A nearby sound awakened Ivie from her reverie. She looked at the watch — 6:45pm — they had to get to
the hotel before it became too dark. She got up from the bench she had been sitting on and headed into
the dark living room.
“Iye, ma kian kpa. We have to go, it’s getting late.” She said to her mother.
Her mother, reluctant to part with the children replied,
“Ovbiemwen! I don’t know why you won’t stay here, ehn. There’s a lot of room for the three of you.”
When Ivie remained silent, she continued,
“You will come tomorrow abi?”,
She looked very hopeful and for once, Ivie felt sad for her. She truly was old and alone. Still Ivie replied curtly,
“Eho, no, we have to leave very early tomorrow. We won’t be stopping by.”
As her mother averted her face quickly to hide the tears that had just now formed in her eyes, Ivie felt a
pang of guilt.
Her mother walked her and the children to the front of the house where the taxi she had called was waiting.
After she and the children had hugged and said their goodbyes, her mother tapped her as if to say something.
She looked at her pleadingly and said,
“Ovbiemwen, my child, I know you may still be angry at me over what happened to our dear Amenze. But
you can’t desert me like this, you are all I have”
Ivie winced a bit when she mentioned Amenze. They both had avoided the topic during her short and forced
phone conversations over the years; the ones where she informed her of her marriage and then the birth of
her children, more to fulfil obligations than from the need to share her life’s details with her mother.
Now holding her palms together, as if she was begging, her mother continued,
“Tohan mwen, please forgive me. I wronged you and I failed as a mother but I want to be a grandmother to
these children. They are my children. Ivie, ghė gui.”
Ivie stared at her mother for a few seconds, wondering how a mother would rather watch her child die than
swallow her pride. Ivie muttered weakly,
“I’ve heard you. The children are tired. Goodnight ma.”
As Ivie made to open the car door, her mother made one last attempt to change her mind.
“I did not kill Amenze, I didn’t kill my child.”, She said weakly.
“You didn’t kill her, but you let her die”, Ivie replied accusingly.
“Stop running away from your mother, Ivie”, she said, finally letting the tears fall.
“You chased me away”, Ivie replied quietly after a brief pause. She then got into the car and it sped off into
the night leaving her weeping mother in a cloud of dust.
7 months later, Ivie received the news of her mother’s death and it affected her in ways she didn’t expect.
It opened up fresh wounds and she regretted not forgiving her mother when she still had the chance. It
dawned on her that she had become exactly like her mother – stubborn, cold and unforgiving.
LMK’s Diary
MUSIC: The New Occupation.
It sickens me when I hear people tag and blame the
government and lack of job opportunities on why the
entertainment industry, especially music industry is
oh-so crowded today.
But come on, let’s be realistic; which job doesn’t
require you to leave the comfort of your home unless
you got interviews, appearances, shoots or recordings
to attend to? I mean which job gives you the leverage
to party all day and night with the finest and wildest
girls out there? How many jobs out there actually
offer you over N500,000.00 for a sitting? Which job
guarantees you an endorsement deal in the long run
of your career? While your 9-5 mates are stuck in
traffic after a long day at work, who entertains them
on the stereo?
These and many more are the reasons why over
50% of our youths today want to try out a career
in music probably regardless of an actual talent in
making music and yeah our artistes up there aren’t
exactly making it less worse. They putting out posts
on instagram, twitter, facebook and snapchat (we
can’t blame them) that psychologically frustrates and
motivates emerging artistes on a daily basis.
While Davido is making these kids believe that money
is the way forward (well, why not?), Wizkid kinda gives
them the optimistic impression that singing about
girls and the way they “whine and roll it” would get
their songs on every body’s lips. Yemi Alade got the
girls believing that if they sing about men’s incessant
womanizing would get them far enough to be popular.
M.I.. this amazing rapper made people “discover”
their careers in rap music; I am a witness to the
fact that majority of them are still stuck somewhere
between giving up or just trying one more time. Don’t
get me wrong, I don’t blame the artistes; I blame the
psychological effect it’s having on us.
The list is endless and our youths are hypnotized with
the notion that the life of a superstar is probably all
that there is to success. They believe that the life of
a professional party dog is the easy way out of reality.
These and many are the reasons why we have endless
strings of upcoming artistes who aren’t exactly
“breaking” into the industry.
We just have a bunch of okay singers and rappers
who do not exactly have budgets hence you see them
begging producers, graphic designers, promoters and
finally, begging their BBM and Whatsapp contacts
to kindly listen and download their songs. How many
times does the struggle actually surmount to a
performance slot at the Industry Nite, talk less of a
paid event??
The struggle out there isn’t easier I know, but it’s way
better than the money I’ve seen some artistes waste
on production and promotion before falling out of sync.
I imagine investing some of this money sometimes.
In my 4-year experience as a media consultant and
a publicity strategist, I have encountered people who
wasted ill-gotten millions trying to be like Davido and
his cohorts. Some of them also have it all figured
out that if you collaborate with A-lists on your songs,
you’re likely to blow. I know a lot that didn’t. Why? they
lacked promotional and marketing strategies. Some
of them couldn’t even lace good songs after paying
hundreds of thousands for collaborations and topnotch productions.
I have patted the backs of many who finally confided
in me about giving up and finding something much
more feasible to try out. It is heart breaking. We
know hundreds of artistes who showed up on our
favorite blogs and we were totally digging them and
asking them for Mixtapes, EPs or Albums and all of an
inevitable sudden, they disappeared from the music
scene. Many of whom we know have settled for being
Twitter and Instagram celebrities today (Uhm hmm).
Unless probably given an opportunity by a record label
who is also trying out, accompanied with a trashy
contract most times to try out your luck, you really
should save the money you have and invest it into
3000 and a slave.
something that may turn out to be very profiting or
find a job then maybe you can consider hitting the
studio. I’m a music lover, but I admire a youth who is
an entrepreneur much more than my favorite rapper
and singer. No lie.
Until you, your record label or managers are able to
comfortably afford the demands of the industry, I’d
advise you to just remain a fan of the industry, no hard
feelings. The industry is spinning faster than it ever
has, everybody’s demanding from you and very few
people are actually helping you. Radio and TV rotations
are no joke. Online publicity and social media brand
publicity is becoming more and more expensive on a
monthly basis. The industry is a whirlpool of swindlers,
bluffers, and ballers who would hardly even believe in
you.
Okpolor eye, no be open eye. Be wise, and above all, I
wish you success in your musical careers!
One.
Flash
Fiction
by Phidelia.
I’m lying on my bed hoping and praying that tonight my owner will fail to visit. He has never missed a night, but
somehow, I still manage to harbour this strong hope every single night, that he would fail to come. I listen to the silent
ticking of the clock above my head, counting the seconds, and then the minutes, still hoping. But at exactly 3a.m, as
with every night since I came to be his slave when I was 14, I hear my owner’s light footsteps approaching my room.
I count his footsteps, it takes him 14 steps to get to my room and I count 14. I am precise, I count everything. It’s
all I can do. Just as he begins to knock softly on my door, I make the decision I’ve been afraid to make for years, the
decision which will free me as much as it will destroy me. It ends tonight; I feel under my pillow to make sure the knife
is still there, it is, right where it has been for 3 years. And then he knocks, 3 sharp knocks, the sound I dread, ‘ko ko ko’.
I swiftly get up from my bed and open the door to find the fat bastard grinning as he sees me naked. He immediately
reaches for my breasts and squeezes them while he shoves me roughly to the bed. I lie on my back, while he mounts
me and starts pounding with reckless abandon. His eyes are closed; he is lost in ecstasy so he doesn’t see me reach
for my knife. He doesn’t see me hesitate for just the slightest moment, before I aim the knife at his chest.
He feels the cold steel of the knife touch his chest and his eyes immediately widen. He sees what is about to happen,
he sees his imminent end and opens his mouth to scream but I am faster. I plunge the knife deep into his heart and
silence him forever. His body goes limp as blood sputters all over my body from his bloodied chest. I struggle to push
his heavy body off of me and eventually succeed. There is blood everywhere; my hair, my clothes, my bed, the floor.
But today it doesn’t irritate me; today it feels me with an overwhelming joy.
I may escape, I may get arrested, I may get the death sentence, I may even be tortured first, but right now, I don’t
care. For 8 years, 2 months and 18 days, exactly 3000 days, I have been a slave, and every day I counted down to this
moment, in this moment, I am free.
Jason Porshe
Nigerian luxury bespoke fashion design label “Jason Porshe” is a brand which solely focuses on bespoke
tailoring, with Design aesthetic of redefining classic masculinity and feminity. Established in 2012, the Jason
Porshe Brand is owned by 21 year old award winning menswear architect Jason Samuel.
Jason Samuel has unveiled series of collections, But is known for his
collection “Elusive Invasion” which made its Debut at the Native and
vogue international week and “SkyFall” which Featured Celebrity
models and Nollywood actors Alex Ekubo, Ik Ogbonna, Bryan
Okwara & more.
The Creative Director of the Jason Porshe Brand has been able to raise a celebrity clientele with the likes of
Korede Bello, Yemi Alade, Praiz, Eva Alordiah, Uti Nwachukwu, Gbenro Ajibade, Denrele Edun & a lot more.
Jason Porshe
Jason Samuel - Creative director
Abuja Takes a Step Up To The
Black Podium
The Johnnie Walker Black Podium brought bold, unforgettable performances to Abuja
From top artists to double-jointed contortionists,
the Johnnie Walker Black Podium set the new
benchmark for entertainment at XO in Abuja
with a unique blend of performances, ushering in
an entirely new entertainment experience for the
capital city.
Along with reggae-dancehall maestro, Burna Boy
and hit maker, Kiss Daniel, the bold and diverse
line-up included DJs Nani and The Mouth DJ,
contortionist act Dflex, saxophonist Doyin Sax and
dancers. The evening was hosted by charismatic
radio personality Sensei Uche.
“The night was a blend of top-class performances,
sometimes unreal and definitely unseen before
in Abuja! The event underscored the Johnnie
Walker Black Podium’s reputation for bringing
masterful acts to the country’s stages and raising
the caliber of Nigerian nightlife,” says Liz
Ashdown, Head of marketing, spirits and RTD at
Diageo Brands Nigeria.
Among the numerous memorable moments of
the night was the phenomenal performance by
Burna Boy, who alongside a never seen before
contortionist act, brought to life the kind of
performance that sets the Black Podium apart from
any other event in Nigeria.
Over the months to-date, guests to Black
Podium events have experienced everything from
mind-bending contortionist acts to magicians,
star-studded artists and top class DJs, as this event
series continues to bring bold and unexpected
entertainment to Nigeria.
For those who missed this magnificent installation
of the Johnnie Walker Black Podium, more
events are on the way, and more information
can be found at https://www.facebook.com/
johnniewalkernigeria.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Football’s most famous Superstar.
He is handsome, athletic, rich, famous, and classy. Cristiano Ronaldo is a famous
football star whose name reverberates on the lips of every soccer fan and even
beyond. A superstar brewing with talent and dazzling footwork, Ronaldo is a
dribbling ace and soccer genius shining more brilliantly amongst his mates. His
physique, charming face, stylish hairstyle, amazing celebration and enchanting
smile gives him away any time. A woman’s dream man, Cristiano Ronaldo is a
story of fame, determination, hard work and trials.
Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos is a Portuguese professional footballer plying his
trade with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Ronaldo is the first Portuguese player to
win three FIFA Ballons D’or awards in 2008, 2013 and 2014 respectively. He also
won the 2013/14 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award and has scored over 400
senior career goals for his club and country.
He is one of the best soccer stars to grace planet earth; he’s built with amazing
speed, pace, strength and outstanding skills and immense talent. C. Ronaldo has
been classified and described as a notorious goal-poacher, ace free-kick taker
surgery was performed and the area of his
heart cauterized to stop the condition. The
surgery was successful as he returned to
training just a few days later. If that was not
detected early, it would have put a dent to
his career.
Today, Cristiano Ronaldo is a celebrated
world class star, model and an inspiration for
the many youths who want to be like him.
He is a success story of sheer hard work
and belief in determination. A class on his
own, he has broken records after records
and set records for many to challenge. He
is football’s most prolific scorer of goals and
the first footballer to score against every
team in a single season in La Liga.
CR7
and a goal-scoring machine. He is Portugal’s best player of all time and has won
three Premier league competitions, one FA Cup, two Football League Cups, one
FA Community Shield and Champions League trophy with Manchester United.
He also has won one La Liga, two Copas del Rey, one Supercopas de España, one
UEFA Champions League Trophy, one UEFA Super Cup and two FIFA Club World
Cups trophies with Real Madrid. He is the only second Portuguese player to win
three European Golden Shoe awards. Ronaldo holds the record as the first player
in England to win all four main PFA and FWA awards. In 2008, he won 3 of the 4
main PFA and FWA trophies and was named the FIFA World Player of the Year,
FIFPro Player of the Year, World Soccer Player of the Year, and the Onze d’Or.
He is the world’s most expensive player bought from Manchester United to Real
Madrid in 2009 for a staggering sum of $132 million dollars. He is ranked as the
best player in the world for his numerous contributions to the world of sports.
His rise to fame is soiled in many troubles as early life was not kind to him. Cristiano
Ronaldo was born into a family of four; his father was a municipal gardener while
his mother was a cook who lived in the neighborhood of Funchal Maderia. Things
were not that very easy with his family because they were not rich, he had to
cope with his brother and sisters in their little cubicle. The youngest of the lot, he
was a controversial figure during his early days in school that once resulted in his
expulsion from school after he threw a chair at his teacher. Life was really difficult
and knowing that education wasn’t his greatest strength, the young Ronaldo who
got his name from the former United states President - Ronald Reagan, pursued
a career in soccer.
He was good with his legs, very fast and had many footy tricks in his boot. At 14,
Ronaldo decided to give football all the attention it needed. Football was his life
and even at a tender age, he had begun winning laurels when in 1995, he won
the title with Nacional. C. Ronaldo was diagnosed with a racing heart - a heart
disorder that causes it to beat faster than normal, forcing the heart to pump
less efficiently and provides less blood flow for the rest of the body, hence a
He is poles apart from many of his
contemporaries and is classed as the one
of the best football player ever. Apart from
the World Cup, Ronaldo has won every of
the globally recognized football trophies on
planet earth. In December 2014, Ronaldo
became the fastest player to score 200 goals
in La Liga when, in his 178th La Liga game,
he scored a hat-trick against Celta Vigo; his
23rd hat-trick was also a La Liga record. He
has amassed individual records and awards
too numerous to mention.
This amazing talented superstar football
maestro who scaled all odds to climb the
pinnacle of success through sheer hard work
and telling brilliance deserves nothing but
great recommendation. He is an enigma,
dynamo, a paragon of raw ego, an achiever
and a shining star. Ronaldo is a true assurance
that obstacles cannot hinder the success
of those who have made it a case to be
successful. Through odds and intimidating
challenges of early hard times, he fought
his way to world fame by harnessing his
potentials fully. We give it up to this amazing
human, son, brother, father, star and hero
- Cristiano Ronaldo. He is football’s most
famous Superstar.
©Copyright 2015 Alexander Thandi Ubani
Movie Review
SELMA
CAST
David Oyelowo – Martin Luther King Jr.
Carmen Ejogo – Coretta Scott King
Oprah Winfrey – Annie Lee Cooper
Tom Wilkinson – President Lydon B. Johnson
Common – James Bevel
Wendell Pierce – Rev. Hosea Williams
Giovanni Ribisi – Lee White
Director: Ava DuVernay
Duration: 128 Minutes
Release Date: 06-02-2015
Genre – Drama
Selma is a small town in lower west Alabama,
where the eyes of America turned nervously in the
spring of 1965, sensing a revolution. It was hardly
a hotbed of racial unrest. It wasn’t Harlem. It was
the strategic site of a battle, a historic march for
voting rights, and a bitter but long-awaited victory
for Martin Luther King in his ongoing fight for
democratic parity.
What he’s up against isn’t just the hard-dying
legacy of racism in the South, but an administration
fobbing him off with “not now”. The issue at
hand is the black vote – legally guaranteed by
the Constitution, but practically stymied by all
the literacy tests and intentionally obstructive
registration rules local government had managed
to pile up in its path. In the early Sixties, more than
half of Selma’s citizens were black, but only 1%
were registered to vote.
Oprah Winfrey (Annie Lee Cooper) is turned away
at the film’s start for failing to name Alabama
County’s 67 judges. And because registration was a
requirement to serve on juries, black people had no
Movie Review
SELMA
[ ...Continued ]
say in their own trials, and brutality against them
went unavenged by the justice system time and
again.
King explains all this in the Oval
Office to Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom
Wilkinson), but it’s no good:
the latter is busily embroiled in
Vietnam, and extends a welcoming
arm across King’s back which
tells us exactly how he plans to
patronize and humour him.
Wilkinson’s Jowly Avuncularity can jar in some
American films, but this is the best use of him
in years. By the end, after the flare-ups in Selma
have made it impossible to table the voting issue
any longer, we get the irony of LBJ’s March 1965
address, whose final three words come straight
from King’s phrasebook: “We Shall Overcome”.
When King comforts the grieving grandfather of
slain protestor Jimmie Lee Jackson, whom police
chased into a café behind Selma’s church, and
shot, unarmed, at point-blank range, it’s a scene
that’s desperately moving for all it’s holding in,
and holding back. You see King as an almost
intimidating inspiration – a leader commanding
so much respect that grief has to compose itself.
But you also see him as a man, especially in close
quarters with his wife Coretta (a forceful Carmen
Ejogo), who elicits a subtle confession of his extramarital affairs.
Ava DuVernay, previously
responsible for the little-seen
features I Will Follow (2011) and
the Oyelowo-starring Middle of
Nowhere (2012), makes a thrilling
surge into the front ranks of
American filmmakers here. She’s
likely to be the first black woman
ever nominated for the Best
Director Oscar.
Working again with consistently inspired
cinematographer Bradford Young (Ain’t Them
Bodies Saints) and Editor Spencer Averick,
she reconstructs Selma’s whole tug of war –
bludgeoning outside the courthouse, the two
marches across Edmund Pettus Bridge, and the
terrifying rampages of mounted police, glimpsed
through a fog of tear gas – with a righteous visceral
authority. Young’s camera inscribes people’s fury,
pain and bewilderment: when Winfrey is knocked
to the ground, it goes down with her. DuVernay’s
film goes down with the lot of them, drags itself
back up, and never lets that summit out of sight.
Culled from, the Telegraph.
N.Y.S.C. OR …?
Written by Winifred [@TheWinifred]
I cannot begin to recount the numerous tales I heard about the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) before it was
finally my turn to serve. All overwhelming if I must say, But before I delve into the crux of this write up, a few “fun
facts” about NYSC.
The N.Y.S.C. was established on May 22, 1973 by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General
Yakubu Gowon, after the Nigerian Civil War (July 6 1967- January 15 1970) with the
primary aim of integrating and uniting the whole of Nigeria. It comprises of 4 cardinal
programmes; 3 weeks Orientation Camp, the Primary Assignment, the Secondary
Assignment also known as Community Development Service (CDS) and then Passing Out.
When any Nigerian graduate is through with his/her tertiary education, he/she
is expected to serve Nigeria under the auspice of the NYSC. Unfortunately, the
purpose for which NYSC was established has been relegated to the background.
Blame it on the moral decadence which is rampant among the youth who are the
core participants in this programme.
First of all, integration is not achieved in the highest capacity because people
“work” their posting to favorable places as against being randomly mobilized to
places different from the individual’s state of origin or residence. Take the situation
in 2014 Batch C for example – everyone wanted to serve in Lagos and the over
population of intending corpers in the state led to a split into two streams; this has
never happened before. This indicates there are many lagosians and residents of
Lagos State serving in Lagos.
Secondly, based on popular opinion, the best part of NYSC is the Orientation course
simply known as “camp”. Camp is supposed to be a time where intending corp
members are drilled and lectured on what is expected of them during service year.
This in no doubt, takes place in full capacity but the free time given to corpers to
interact is where the trouble comes in. Now, there is this mentality where people
believe camp is the time to explore all their sexuality; basically, take advantage
of “fresh fish” from other institutions they will be meeting for the first time and
probably never see again. Once, I wouldn’t succumb to this guy’s whims and he
said “why are you behaving like this, is this not camp?” indicating I was supposed
Someone
described
camp as “three
weeks of gross
indiscipline”.
That is
decadence
against unity
through service.
to throw caution to the wind and act carelessly. Someone described camp as “three weeks of gross indiscipline”. That
is decadence against unity through service.
I made effort to ask a couple of corp members, both past and present what NYSC experience was like, especially
camp; and I got practically the same response – high rate of depravity. There are cases of people engaging in intense
make out sessions, performing oral sex, actually having sex, married/engaged ladies taking off their rings and hiding
them just to take part in the fun. Once, there was a case of a married woman caught making out with a fellow corper.
She was decamped and her husband was the one who came to pick her up. Imagine what would have transpired
between them in the car on their way home and what would have become of that marriage all because of NYSC. In
one of the camps in 2014, there was a rumor about an orgy involving a married woman. In another, used condoms
littered about the parade ground every other morning. Well, if it is any consolation, at least they practiced safe sex.
Haven heard these stories and with everyone saying “I’d cave
and go with the crowd”, I made up my mind to prove them
wrong. Not everyone who goes into camp has to mingle and
partake in the things that are not pretty. I’m not reprimanding
or appraising anyone; I believe everyone has what drives them
or keeps them going. But best believe, leaving camp with your
dignity intact comes with a really good feeling.
It is also good to know there are upsides to camp. People have met their spouses there and are happily married, people
have established and maintained life long friendships with people they met in camp, there is the Skills Acquisition and
Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme on the platform of NYSC where people have become successful
entrepreneurs and employers of labour, to say a few. Different interpretations have been given to the abbreviation
NYSC – Now Your Success Comes, Now Your Suffering Continues, National Year for Sex and Cuddling etc. At the end of
the day, it is really what works for you, what you want to be remembered for and how you’ll like to feel about yourself
after spending one calendar year serving your beloved Nigeria.
One Nite Unplugged with M.I
LoudNProudLive celebrated
its February Editions in style
with a Loopy music ‘All Stars’
showcase & ‘The Chairman’ MI
who headlined the popular ‘ONE
NITE: LIVE & UNPLUGGED with
MI’ premium solo artist platform.
First up new recruit ‘Milli’ set a high standard with a sterling set receiving rapturous
applause from a upbeat audience.
On SATURDAY 28th FEBRUARY at
QUILOX, NMO Management & PR
Ltd presented:
‘Pastor’ LOOSE KAYNON’ brought a touch of humor to his set with a series of tracks
including the hilarious hit song ‘Halellujah’. Loopy Music ‘All Stars’ & fierce skillz on
the decks by DJ Lambo correctly set the scene, for the Main act of the night.
LoudNProudLive Series: hosted
Loopy Music ‘All Stars’ + One
Nite: Live & Unplugged with MI’
The Chairman’s full live band performance was highly anticipated- MI flowed like the
lyrical wizard he is & African No1 Rapper crown he owns, just as the audience flowed
back in full verse to ‘Safe’ like a church Choir in song. The atmosphere charged, venue
full & cameras jostling for space as MI ABAGA played keyboards with his band. He
effortlessly displayed a diverse & versatile side to his music repertoire performing hits,
including the smash ‘Bad Belle’..... Mr INCREDIBLE we Salute you!
The Loopy Music ‘All Stars’
were on fire on stage on
LoudNProudlive stage as they
joined their CEO Mi as headline
host at ‘One Nite Live &
Unplugged’
Dj Lambo, host for the night did the honors of introducing another Loopy Music
‘Family’ member RUBY. In sensational vocal form, she belted out a succession hits
including ladies anthem ‘Good Man’ followed by a super music segment of African
‘genre themed’ medlies which showcased her awesomeness & the ‘One Sound’ band.
One Nite: live & Unplugged - every last Saturday of the month – a LoudNProudlive
production
LoudNProudLive.....Keeping REAL music ALIVE
One Nite Unplugged with M.I
SPINLET KARAOKE
The March edition of the monthly Spinlet Karaoke featured one of Nigeria’s talented music producer - LERIQ.
Spinlet Karaoke is a monthly gig being held at Shaunz Bar in highbrow Victoria Island holding every last Wednesday of each
month and it is a musical platform in which a selected artiste/producer is made the headliner; guests also get to participate and
the best singer gets either a bottle of champagne or #20,000 cash.
Since it inception in late 2014, Spinlet Karaoke has featured Falz, Blackmagic, Oritsefemi, DJ Jimmy Jatt and it is fast becoming
one of Nigeria’s anticipated musical event.
@TushMagazineNig

@TushMagazineNig

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