NL magazine

The UK’s Number 1 Black Lifestyle Magazine

DECEMBER 2014

£2,99

HURRICANE TOYA MAKING A CASE FOR STRONG, CONFIDENT WOMEN

The Party Edit 20 fabulous & budget friendly dresses

ARE YOU AFRICAN OR BRITISH? BLACK BRITISH WRITERS ADDRESS THE IDENTITY QUESTION

1

2

W

elcome to our maiden issue of NL magazine. It’s with great joy and a sense of achievement that we present to you this publication- which we hope will not only be a pleasure to flick through (do tell us if it isn’t!), but ultimately our space in the world, where we can address and discuss all things Black and British.

We’ve labelled the magazine an Afro- Brit lifestyle magazine for good reason. There’s a good number of us ‘immigrants’ and descendants of immigrants living in the UK, particularly in the capital and it is our hope and belief that NL magazine will capture the real essence of life in the UK for these amazing group of people, many of whom are doing amazing things every day which largely go unnoticed.

You’ll find the theme across this issue focusses heavily on diversity in the media- something we never intended, but it’s apparent from our chat with celebrities including our cover girl Toya Washington and Playwright Bola Agbaje that this is a very big concern within our community as is the apparent lack of black role models. We on our part will do everything we can to continue to promote and inspire the Black British community with insightful features and reports on issues of interest to Afro- Brits.

As we approach the final days of autumn, and winter finally makes its grand entrance, we’ve put together a formidable beauty edit to help you get through winter in one piece with a focus on looking good from within naturally.

We hope we’ll also be able to take the pain out of choosing what to wear to this year’s Christmas party with our 3 page Party Edit featuring loads of beautiful and affordable dresses to choose from.

If the stress of it all is becoming all too much and you just want to get away..(I know I do), check out our travel features for some truly magical winter escape ideas.

Finally, as we bid goodbye to 2014, we look up to 2015 in anticipation with the hope that, whatever it holds in store for us, we’ll have the strength and will to make the best out of it.

Have a happy Christmas and an amazing 2015.

Azeezat Fadekemi Sulaiman Editor in Chief Tweet me @mediamom 3

Contents

DECEMBER

Azeezat Fadekemi Sulaiman- Editor in Chief Karine Laudort- Idonije - Lifestyle Editor Lawrenceia Osei- Fashion Writer Adeola Robinson- Beauty Writer Teniola Shobowale- Editorial Assistant Dayo Laniyan- Editorial Assistant Tetteh Kofi Andrea Mattioli- Creative Director NL magazine is published quarterly

by Talk Media Ltd. For all advertising enquiries, please contact: sales@naijalivinguk.com For feedback and general enquiries, please email enquiries@naijalivinguk.com.

For article submissions, editor@naijalivinguk.com.

To send us your feedback, please email: letters@naijalivinguk.com

5 Statement Accessories 7 Catwalk Trends 10 Beauty Notebook 12 Tenerife 16 Special Feature 20 Autumn Wish list

4

s

R 2014

22 Beauty wish list 24 Sophie Moore interview

Cover image: Ring: Mawi, The Folly Boutique.

Dress: Kosibah ÂŁ1, 250 Earrings: Mawi, The Folly Boutique Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Shanice Grant Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

26 Hat Gang 34 Toya Washington iterview 40 Party Edit- Christmas Party dresses

70 Food Fusions

44 Joanna Lipper’s Interview

72 Scents Of Luxury

48 Explore Dubai

78 Live Or Survive?

52 What Happened to Christmas?

80 Jimmy Akingbola and Fraser Ayres Interview

54 Healthy Living

86 Interiors

58 Bola Agbaje & Destiny Ekaragha interview

88 Small But Mighty

64 Decadent Treats

92 Yoga & Meditation

66 Ibiza Travel Feature

94 The Dim Sum Experience 97 Winter Reads 5

STATEMENT ACCESSORIES It’s party season, which means you’ll want to look your very best for that work Christmas party or that Christmas dinner with friends and family. Splurge on these statement investment pieces that you can wear over and over…and over.

Go Regal: Look like a princess in this elegant Luna necklace.

By Loren Hope Crystal Cluster Necklace A timeless classic, perfect with a LBD.

Folly Boutique £280

5 star hotel? Meeting Her Majesty the Queen? Be the belle of the ball in this Lyra Necklace.

Folly Boutique £280

Folly Boutique £310

Make a bold statement with this studded masterpiece.

By Maria Francesca Peppe Wolf & Badger £395

For a bit of drama and colour, try this Red cluster necklace.

Go for a sophisticated and minimalist look with this Gold Obi Necklace .

The Lost Lanes £110

Noritamy £218

NECKLACES

Dazzle in this twist necklace.

Yael Solomon £210

6

EARRINGS

Gold kaledoiscope earrings Only Child £75

Michael Kors earrings House of Fraser £75

Ted Baker Earrings ASOS £49 Pandora earrings House of Fraser £49

Swarovski Mini Swan earrings £59

Star Buy Asteroid bracelet Only Child £65

Short drop earrings

BRACELETS

Accessorize £10

Splurge Rose Gold cuff.

Steal AX flower textured Cuff AX Paris £105

Folly Boutique £320 7

CATWALK TRENDS

We looked to the recent catwalk shows in London, Paris and Milan to predict what you’ll be wearing come spring next year. Bold prints and patterns that’s what…

Here are some of our favourite looks.

Burst into spring with colourful patter ns

Christopher Kane

Dior

Whites are obviously still a big of trend. Expect lots in flower y patter ns the mix too.

Erdem

8

Giorgio Armani

Go daring with mesh see through designs with crop tops and shorts

Luisa Aslop (Fashion East)

Light and feathery patterns at Fendi

H by Hakaan Yildrim

Lela Rose Fendi

Lavin

9

The Beauty Notebook

Nothing beats looking after your body with natural, essential ingredients. Now more than ever, women are becoming savvier about what ingredients exactly go into making their beauty products, as we embrace a more natural approach to beauty and healthy living. Our beauty editors have spoken to the experts in the field to bring you the latest products and innovations in the world of beauty, to help you look good and feel good au naturel- Starting with food supplements.

You may be eating a well-balanced diet, but are you getting the right amount of specific nutrients your body requires? We introduce you to the beauty supplements that will transform you from inside out, naturally.

Beautiful skin, gorgeous hair, the natural way .

LifePak®+ There is a growing number of scientific evidence demonstrating the health benefits of specific nutrients. This supplement from Scandinavian beauty experts NuSkin boasts of enriching your body with a significant amount of the required vitamins and minerals that will target nine important functions of your body.

£75.91

www.nuskin.com

Xenca Five a Day+ Is a green food product that aims to deliver the nutritional equivalent of 5 – 7 servings of fresh veg in one go. At less than 12 calories per serving and with no sugar, artificial additives, preservatives or colourings, it can be taken in water juice or as part of a delicious smoothie.

£69.95 www.xenca.com

JVi® Joie de Vivre – Also from NuSkin JVi®, is a beverage made up of nine frequently consumed European fruits and vegetables and three unique fruits (wolfberry, sea buckthorn and acerola). The latter are especially known for their high content of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, and have traditionally been consumed in South American and Asian cultures, as part of a healthy diet. This orange coloured beverage is rich in vitamin C and copper, source of biotin and contains carotenoids.

£71.23 www.nuskin.com

10

Winter Beauty Treats Get The Ultimate Spa Treatment In Your Own Home Introducing WOW Mask WOW mask is a brand NEW Bio-¬peptide Aqua Gel mask that contains innovative natural ingredients to restore the skin’s tone, elasticity and hydration to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. It releases the essence of nature’s most potent skin-loving plants at exactly the right speed for your skin to get the maximum benefit. Developed by skin rejuvenation experts in Switzerland, the gel combines the moisturising power of ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Argireline (famed for its skin firming properties).

£99.99 www.dremacaredirect.co.uk

AgeLOC® Edition Nu Skin Galvanic Spa System™ II Don’t have time for a facial, but want to awaken those muscles and joints right in the comfort of your own home? This small but powerful spa system can do just that. The ageLOC™ Edition Nu Skin Galvanic Spa System™ II features patented self-adjusting currents and interchangeable conductors that work synergistically with Nu Skin®’s specially formulated treatment products to facilitate the transport of key ingredients to the skin. The portable hand held also includes a large, bright display, intuitive usability and enhanced ergonomics making it very easy to use. It should be used together with the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa System Facial Gels with ageLOC: the facial gels are said to restore the skins freshness and resilience by removing impurities while delivering targeted ageLOC® ingredients.

£291.30 www.nuskin.com

Carol Joy Spa set Everything you need to wrap up an indulgent Spa treat at home. From luxury anti- ageing skincare brand Carol Joy, the set includes a Daycare Moisturizer, Cleansing Cream and Cloth, Pure Collagen Eye Mask and luxurious soap bar. Natural ingredients including shea butter, Vitamin E, anti-ageing millet oil and plant extracts make these treatments an essential part of your winter skincare routine.

£130 www.caroljoy.com

11

12

The Ultimate Beauty Treat This Christmas 1.

3.

2.

4.

5.

7.

10.

1.GHD v wonderland deluxe gift set £160, lookfantastic.com 2. Chanel No 5 £92 Debenhams 3. L’Occitane Shea Butter Delights £10 John Lewis 4. Molton Brown Stocking Fillers Body Wash Collection Gift Set £39.00 John Lewis 5. Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll Mascara Gift Set £24.50 John Lewis 6. Jo Malone Peony & blush suede home candle, Selfridges £40.00 7. Dior Addict Lipstick in Red £24 Harrods 8. OPI Take Ten Mini Kit, lookfantastic.com £21.50 9. Sanctuary Ultimate Pamper Gift set Debenhams £24 10. Bobbi Brown warm eye shadow palette John Lewis £37.50

6.

8.

9.

St Kitts and Herbery Mist gift bag.

Surround yourself with a light fragrance with notes of lemon and eucalyptus balanced by delicate neroli and deep notes of rose and amber. The hand cream is smooth and leaves a luxurious feel great for moisturising hands during th harsh winter months.

Gift set contains hand and body wash, cream and hand bag size roll on perfume. £40

13

Travel

TENERIFE If you’re looking for lots of sunshine, a stunning mountainous landscape that reminds you of Africa and a weather to die for, then look no further than the Gran Canarian Island of Tenerife.

WORDS BY

Azeezat Fadekemi Sulaiman

14

I

f you’re looking for lots of sunshine, a stunning mountainous landscape that reminds you of Africa, and a weather to die for, then look no further than the Gran Canarian Island of Tenerife.

One of Britain’s best loved budget destinations and a hop, skip and jump away from Morocco, the Island is rich in culture and offers sun seekers the holiday of a lifetime, whatever time of the year you visit. Being a well-worn destination for Brits makes it prone to negative reviews which conjure up images of rowdy, boozed up youths, but if you plan carefully and go off season, Tenerife is actually quite beautiful and possesses a quiet charm of its own.

At first glance, the dark volcanic sandy beaches seem ominous, while the steep hilly terrain makes taking a stroll down to the beach a near herculean task, but give it a few days and you’re sure to warm up to the old Canarian charm and even those pebble beaches will grow on you! If you’re after some respite from the cold winter months, Tenerife should be on your radar. It’s hot all year round, won’t burn a hole in your pocket and is only 4 hours away. Just picture yourself sunbathing on the beach reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘Americanah’, instead of huddled up close to your radiator wrapped up in a blanket- no brainer really. If you plan on visiting Tenerife, here a few tips to make your trip to the Island a memorable one.

Where to stay All airlines fly to into the Island from the Reina Sofia airport which is situated in the south of the Island, where most of the Island’s resort are situated. There’s a choice of 4 and 5 star resorts in popular destinations like Playa de Americas which houses the stunning golf ranges in Golf de Sur, for the more senior and highend crowd. Costa Adeje is popular with families and couples and those 15

or two and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.

Alternatively, there are more than 4 beaches on the south of the Island alone. More than enough choice for you to chill and watch the mesmerising sunset on the beach.

wanting a quiet and relaxing holiday, but the most popular by far is Los Cristianos with its bars and lively atmosphere. It’s a magnet for young sun seekers out for a bit of fun.

Villa, Apartment or Hotel?

Apartments are the way to go for that home away from home feeling. Costa Adeje is littered with 4 star and 5 star accommodation that don’t cost the earth and many resorts have their own in house mini mart. There’s also plenty of shops and supermarkets around with many stocking food and supplies from UK chains including Tesco and Iceland, so at least you’re on familiar turf. For those with a bit more cash, Costa Adeje boasts some stunning villas with amazing views directly overlooking the beach or in more secluded neighbourhoods if you want to avoid the touristy bit.

Food As you’d expect, there’s plenty of sea food and there are a variety of restaurants on the beach front which in addition to sumptuous sea food dishes offer stunning views overlooking the Atlantic and many even play live music.

Dinner is a special time in Tenerife and many holiday makers and locals often make an effort when going out to dinner, so it’s probably best to leave the bikini in the hotel room for this.

Nightlife This is when the Island really comes alive. The typical day on the Island consists of spending the whole day on the beach and going out at night and there is a lot to see.

Night time is a perfect time to take a stroll around town while enjoying the cool breeze without the glare of the sun (and it does get very hot!). There’s loads of bars and clubs for those seeking a good night out and you’d be surprised to know you could even catch some West End plays at a number of bars too.

What to do In the event that you manage to peel yourself away from Shopping your sunbed by the pool, there’s plenty of activities for You’ll be pleasantly surprised with Santa Cruz which everyone young and old and contrary to the impression is situated in the North of the Island. Considering the many have of Tenerife, it is actually very family friendly North and South are on the same Island, they couldn’t be more different. In contrast to the scatwith water parks and lots of tered and towering resorts of the South, attractions specifically for kids. If Santa Cruz is a cosmopolitan city with you want the easy route to exploring skyscrapers, posh restaurants and shopthe Island (and it’s huge), there are Tax free shopping makes ping malls where you can find anything many tour operators who offer Island this dazzling city set against from John Lewis to H&M and Primark. tours with a dedicated guide. If you’d a backdrop of the sea and Tax free shopping makes this dazzling rather see the Island at your own pace, no trip to Tenerife is complete mountains a shopping heaven for city set against a backdrop of the sea tourists. and mountains a shopping haven for without visiting the volcanic Mount tourists.

Teide, which is the centre of For art lovers, a visit to the Museo de attraction on the Island. Families will want to head to Loro Parque to see live penguin displays la Naturaleza y el Hombre (The museum of nature and and an extensive collection of animal and plant species. man), is a must while you’re in Santa Cruz. You could There’s also Siam Park- a water park which offers families also head out to the African market in the heart of the city to see and buy fresh produce with anything from some splashing fun with its gravity defying slides. fresh chilli to rabbits on sale as well as African arts and craft.There is so much to see and do in this city that you Water Sports As with any Island, Tenerife boasts water sports including would need to visit at least twice to exhaust your options snorkelling, jet skiing and even an underwater submarine but don’t worry, there’s great transport linking the north trip where you’ll get a chance to get up close to some and south of the island for as little as 6 Euros and even if underwater creatures, and watch them in their natural you’re not keen on the shopping, the 45 minute trip from habitat through the glass see through windows. If that South to North offers spectacular views of other parts of seems a bit daunting, you could hop on a catamaran and the Island overlooking the ocean against a backdrop of sail to sea for a chance to catch a glimpse of a dolphin mountains you wouldn’t ordinarily see otherwise.

“

”

16

WHAT TO PACK

1.Open toe sandals, New Look £17.99 2.Terry beach towel Amara.com £41.30 3.ASOS cat eye Sunglasses £10 4.‘Americanah’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Amazon £7.99 5.Floral cover up M&S £26 6.Iska Parrot dress, Debenhams £30 7.Bikini: Wolf and Badger Safari Abstract Bikini £120

2.

5.

1.

3.

4.

Sunscreen. Sunscreen.

Sunscreen.

Can’t stress this enough.

Temperatures soar up to the early 30’s in Tenerife depending on what time of year you go. With its proximity to North Africa, you do get some of the scorching temps from the desert, so do look after your skin while you’re out and about. A wide brim hat: Perfect for blocking out the sunrays sunglasses, a few dresses, short heels or sandals for nights out, loads of bikinis/swimsuits: You’ll hardly be able to wear anything else as it’s so hot, and then beach towel, flip flops and a great book.

6.

7.

17

SPECIAL FEATURE As the world grapples with the Ebola scourge raging in West Africa, we salute the bravery of the men and women putting their own lives at risk to serve where help is most needed.

We bring you the inspiring story of 28 year old Amy Jones, a nurse from Guildford Surrey, who gave up the relative comfort of the UK to volunteer on Mercy Ships in Africa.

18

AMY JONES Why did you choose to volunteer with Mercy Ships?

Amy and D. Ward

ROLE ON MERCY SHIPS: WARD PROGRAMS EDUCATOR DATES ON BOARD: ARRIVED 7/11/13 UNTIL NOW LOCATION: CURRENTLY ON THE AFRICA MERCY, SOMEWHERE IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN.

I wanted to do something that mattered. I have felt for a long time, the need to work in low income (or developing) countries.

I nursed in the UK for four years in many different settings but have always wanted to use the skills I have to bless others. In the UK we have 88 nurses to every 10,000 people*, in the Congo where we have just visited, there are only 8 and in Benin *According to latest WHO statistics.

“I loved nursing

in the UK, but in these countries the need is, quite simply, much greater.

”

where we were meant to go, only 7*. I loved nursing in the UK but in these countries the need is quite simply, much greater.

Mercy Ships mission is to bring hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor and to me, that seems like something that matters, something that I can relate with and want to see come in to fruition.

What is your role on board the ship?

My role as ward programs educator involves developing and delivering an education programme to nurses from our

host country. We have hundreds of nurses that come from all over the world in order to serve on the Africa Mercy in each field service and now we also have nurses from the local area who come to learn.

In Congo last year, we had 12 Congolese nurses who completed an education programme. The most exciting thing about this job is the chance of forming a relationship with local Nurses and learning from them too. It’s amazing to look after an African baby who has had his cleft lip repaired or an elderly lady have

“The most exciting

thing about this job is the chance of forming a relationship with local Nurses and learning from them too.

”

PHOTOS: MERCY SHIP Amy and crew member

19

“Working for

Mercy Ships is a massive privilege.

It has its ups and downs, as with every aspect of life, but this community is unique.

”

a tumour removed, but it’s much more to have the privilege of sharing with these nurses and investing in their profession to empower them and equip them with knowledge for their future. Knowledge they can continue to use to care for hundreds of babies with cleft lips, long after we are gone.

How has it been working for Mercy Ships so far?

Working for Mercy Ships is a massive privilege. It has its ups and downs, as

virus has brought me to my knees in prayer countless times and continues to do so. Our planned destination for this August was Guinea Conakry, but How has the Ebola in December of 2013, crisis affected your a two year old girl mission? picked up some dead bush meat and changed I have been watching millions of people’s the Ebola news plans. By April of 2014 constantly, since it the virus was spreading first broke out early and becoming out of this year. Even though control. It was clear, we have not been directly serving in those although we desperately wanted to help, we areas this year, this organisation has a deep couldn’t go. We are a well-equipped surgical and long-serving bond with those countries. We ship, but we don’t have have crew on board who any of the things we up their time, their career and their money to serve others who have less. That’s beautiful in its self.

Amy and Angelique

with every aspect of life, but this community is unique.

I am surrounded by accountants, engineers, nurses, mechanics, bakers, welders and bio medical engineers, all of whom want to give 20

have spent many years in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Some of my close friends on the Ship are from these countries. Their hurt is our hurt. Their sadness is our sadness. We are a family. This devastating

would need to fight Ebola. The people there know us and we would be an Ebola magnet, potentially spreading the disease, not stopping it.

After much thought, Benin was decided to

“I was

shocked to find Madagascar such a country in need with around 90% of the population on less than $2 a day.

be the next country, little did we know the extent that the virus would spread. Plans were made and our advance team went to prepare everything for the ship’s arrival.

I vividly remember the moment I read the news to discover to my horror; two confirmed cases in Nigeria. It changed everything.

Porous borders, poor health care and the sheer volume of population in Lagos meant unpredictability and the same problem of becoming an Ebola magnet. People come from miles to receive our treatment and care, they come from across borders just by word of mouth. Travel is exactly how this virus has spread so violently and we don’t want to encourage it any further.

It was announced that we would not go to Benin whilst the ship was in the Canary Islands for Maintenance. It had been a long, hot and uncomfortable summer and I could not wait to get back to Africa.

But the delays kept coming. Then finally it was official we were going to Madagascar.

I went straight back to the drawing board. I put my Benin research on top of the pile with the research from Guinea and our most recent country Congo, and started working on Madagascar.

I was shocked to find Madagascar such a country in need with around 90% of the population on less than $2 a day. We are now on our way there and cannot wait to serve the country of Madagascar.

We are not forgetting our friends in west Africa who continue to suffer and our prayers continue to include them, hoping that one day soon we can go back there to continue the work we started.

How can people at home support you during your time on board?

Please pray for our staff and that God would be preparing the hearts of those who will work with us and those who will be treated by us.

We are paying volunteers and if you feel you would like to be a part of this journey and contribute to our work you can do that on Mercy Ships website:

(one time gift) WWW.MERCYSHIPS.ORG.UK/DONATION_FORM (regular gift) WWW.EDIRECTDEBIT.COM/MERCYSHIPS/

21

“

All I want for Christmas is You! Our resident Fashion Writer Lawrenceia Osei, shares what’s on her wishlist this Winter

1.Topshop, Autumn Floral Print Wrap Dress By Boutique- £130 This is a must-have this autumn. 100% silk with beautiful floral designs, who would say no to this? The waist-tie detail is a great idea to accentuate the waist line to create a perfect fit. Team this up with a pair of black heals during the night or for a casual look go for some black pumps. No jewellery is needed because this dress is a statement by itself.

2.Whistles, Verity Large Backpack- £280 Winter is usually associated with dark, strong colours. But there’s a way to make soft, pastel colours work. This nude backpack, with a grey cardigan, some dark denim and a pair of black and white Roshe Run trainers will be an edgy outfit for a cold winter’s day.

22

2.

1.

3.Giuseppe Zanotti, Coline Embellished Suede Sandals - £1440,00 Giuseppe Zanotti shoes for Christmas? Yes please. An all black ensemble with these babies will absolutely have heads turning.

3.

4.Ted Baker, Langley Bellano Pony Skin Pencil Skirt- £299

4.

Texture is big this season. Ever heard of Pony skin texture? It feels so soft, but the material is thick, helping to protect you against the cold. This is an ‘It’ colour for Autumn/Winter 2014.

Wear this with a black silk blouse for a classy day-time with a pair of courts.

5.River Island, Black Check Faux, Fur Collar Coat-£90 Boyfriend coats have always been a big trend for Autumn/Winter. They are great for casual and going-out looks. The faux fur collar adds some classiness to the coat.

The colour is also a win for the season. This coat would look amazing with some dark ankle boots, preferably black or burgundy.

5.

23

Beauty Wish List Our resident beauty writer Adeola Robinson, shares what’s on her radar this holiday season.

1.Daisy dream- Marc Jacobs I love the fragrance of this perfume and its soft notes are just perfect for the holiday season. Make it your business to smell like a Daisy this winter 30ml bottle (£39, Selfridges)

1.

2.KMS California - Volumizing Spray Don’t feel like curling your hair again and again?

Then you’ll be blown away with what KMS California volumizer spray can do for you! Apply it to dry hair and instant bounce & volume will be all yours. (£15, feelunique.com) 3.Kiko-matte base Corrector For those who struggle with oily/very oily face, you’re about to add Kiko’s primer to your essentials kit. If you’re familiar with the Porefessional (Benefit), it’s of the same colour & texture. Just a pea size is enough for the whole face to be totally matte for the rest of the day (£8.90, Kiko)

4.

4.Guerlain KissKiss in 325 Rouge Kiss Guerlain KissKiss will certainly leave any woman feeling hot & sophisticated with its posh casing.

Fancy a red hot kiss? ( £26, Debenhams) 5.Mac-Lustre drops The winter days are so dull and could make your skin lose its radiance, but you don’t have to succumb to the elements. These drops will help keep your face looking its best during the harsh winter months. Mix it with your foundation for beautiful results. Otherwise, you could also use it as a highlighter, (£18, MAC).

24

2.

3.

25

60 seconds with...

SOPHIE MOORE The CEO of online luxury jewellery store: The Folly Boutique.

Why did you go into starting your own business?

It was something I always dreamt of doing and am so grateful I had the opportunity to follow my dream.

My background is in Fine Art and at the time, I was working for artist Damien Hirst. After 3 years running the office in the main London studio, there was a round of redundancies and I, along with many others, lost my job. I’d been attending an evening business course and already had The Folly Boutique as an idea so it was actually a blessing in disguise and perfect timing.

What was the inspiration for The Folly Boutique?

me to start the business and didn’t want me to regret not ever having a go. We’re now a year in and it’s been the best year of my life. On a practical level, having a good start-up budget and a very thorough business plan was essential for me, I planned absolutely everything – how I wanted the website to look, what designers I would approach first, everything! I’ve also been lucky enough to receive advice and mentoring from some really inspirational and knowledgeable people in business, which has really helped me to keep on track. The best advise I got was “don’t run before you can walk!”

I thought up the idea for The Folly Boutique when I was planning my wedding and couldn’t afford the £600 Oscar de la Renta necklace I’d been dreaming of ! I was desperately trying to find somewhere online that hired out designer statement and unusual jewellery and it just didn’t exist. I hated that bridal jewellery was so limited to fine pearls and diamantes, I wanted big and bold and rentable! I started to think about how luxury rental is steadily becoming a huge online trend and that there was a big gap in the market for desirable accessories for hire.

Tell us about The Folly Boutique...

Starting a new business comes with a lot of challenges. How did you address these and what would you say helped most during the most difficult times?

The Folly Boutique is an online shop dedicated to designer statement jewellery. The unique aspect is that nearly all jewellery is available to buy and hire.

It is ideal for brides, people attending formal events, galas, balls and also for fashion forward women My family and my husband have been a huge support. wanting to wear the latest season designer jewellery It was actually my brother-in-law who really pushed for a fraction of the price. The Folly Boutique aims 26

to give all women that amazing feeling of wearing If you were stranded on an Island, what’s the spectacular designer jewellery without breaking the one thing you’d have in your possession? bank.

If I could get signal, it would be my iPhone! I’m lost If you were a jewel, what type of jewel without it even though I hate to admit it. Otherwise would you be?

I’d take a Harpers Bazaar magazine as I find it so inspiring and full of such beautiful images that I I think I’d have to be a pearl. I love how pearls are could look at forever. totally timeless and have never gone out of fashion.

Any age or personality can wear pearls and they go -When my sister and I were little, our mum was in with everything! I’m a huge Chanel fan and I think hospital for a long time with major back problems. It what Chanel did for the simple string of pearls is went on for months and she missed one Christmas. one of the most exciting moments in fashion.

After visiting her in hospital, my dad drove my sister and I to our Uncle’s for Christmas day. My uncle’s What’s a typical day like in the life house was a magical place for us and we loved going of Sophie Moore? there. The house itself was called “the Folly” and that’s where I got the name for my business. It was My day always starts with being woken up by The known as the house with no rules and it was full of Folly Cat, Gomez who likes to make sure I constantly interesting things and quirky spaces. That year my know he’s there! I drink builders tea through the uncle bought me a black and white leotard which day without fail and I’m constantly researching, be I wore non stop every day for months. It was so it on Pinterest, which I’m addicted to, Instagram random but I loved it and wore it out all the time. I or flicking through the many fashion magazines must have looked crazy wearing a leotard in winter I’m subscribed to, trying to source out new and but maybe that’s why I love to stand out and love exciting jewellery designers. My favourite part of fashion so much today! the job is when customers email me with questions about accessorising an outfit or a dress they have for a special occasion. I love having a brief and using my knowledge and expertise in jewellery to find them a spectacular piece that will make them feel amazing. I do all the buying myself so I’ll constantly be in contact with brands and designers and finding beautiful things for us to all wear!

: w o n t h g i r t s i l h s i w r u yo n o s g n i h t Three

I love a statement coat and this year I’ve got my eye on this oversized checked jacket from River Island.

“

“

This one is a bit of a dream wishlist but I just love this Cara Delevingne Mulberry bag.

It’s just perfect!

“

“

I’ve always thought Acne make the most perfect ankle boots and I’m yet to invest in a pair! These are on my wishlist this year.

“

“

27

HatGang Not only do they keep you warm, they also make a stylish accessory for your winter wardrobe. Whatever your style- chic, elegant, casual or sporty, there’s a hat for everyone.

1.

Chic.

Elegant.

2.

3.

4.

1.Black Fedora Hat- River Island £25 2.Felt Bowler Hat- Dorothy Perkins £12.60 3.Mink faux fur Cossack hat- Dorothy Perkins £11.20 4.Biba black Cloche- House of Fraser £40 5.Helen Moore Pillbox Hat- hatsandcaps.co.uk £44.95 28

5.

Casual 7.

8.

6.

9.

12.

10.

6.UGG Audio Ear muff- House of Fraser £80 7.Embellished Beenie Hat- River Island £15 8.Panda Hat- People Tree by £25 9.Barts Jackie Headband- ASOS £12.50 10.Black Quilted Beanie- New Look £9.99 11.Navy Joules bobble hat- hatsandcaps.co.uk £19.95 12.Cable knit hat- H&M £6.99 13.Baker Boy hat- John Lewis £18

11.

13.

29

WINTER WA R M E R S Chic and efforless pieces in chunky wool knits

Jumper: Wool And The Gang ÂŁ 175 Model: Raelle @ Oxygen Models Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Sharka MUA Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics 30

Jumper: Wool And The Gang £ 265 Trousers: Les100Ciel £159 31

Dress: Ekaterina Khukareva ÂŁ 1,140 Jacket: Maison Martin Margiella for H&M Model: Chris @ AMCK Raelle @ Oxygen Models Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Sharka MUA 32 Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

Dress: Ekaterina Khukareva ÂŁ 1,140 Model: Chris @ AMCK Raelle @ Oxygen Models Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Sharka MUA Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

33

Jumper: H&M Trousers: Zara Model: Chris @ AMCK Photography: Nikka Lorak

34

Jumper: Les100Ciel ÂŁ139 Trousers: FABRYAN Model: Mia @ Oxygen Models Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Sharka MUA Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

35

cover story

Hurricane Toya

Making a Case for Strong, Confident Women

Toya Washington is not your average young woman. Widely said to be opinionated and straight talkinghence the nickname. I wasn’t sure what to expect from interviewing her. For a woman that wears many hats, I’m impressed by how composed and actually soft spoken she is as we begin our chat.

W

hile she may not be a household name everywhere and cameras all around you. You know (yet), those who watch BEN TV’s this going in, but you don’t realise the gravity until flagship programme; The Magazine you’re living it.”

Show, which she used to co-host with the show’s While she’ll be the first to admit that her tiffs with producer Femi Amusan would remember her as fellow housemates didn’t exactly help achieve her the straight talking presenter who always managed aim of challenging the stereotype of the ‘angry to squeeze the juiciest bit of information from the black woman’, the fact that this year’s controversial celebrities who graced the winner Helen Wood didn’t sofa. For most however, get as much flack as she I left Big Brother, because I stood up did for speaking her mind, Toya Washington is the Big Brother 2014 Contestant for what I believed in and I was confident despite being touted as a who left the house after a in my approach and I wasn’t afraid to bully is something that irks massive, heavily publicised the Tottenham born star. be vocal about it. fight with her house mates “When I came out of the which didn’t exactly leave house, I had a press day a graceful impression for the budding presenter- and one of the journalists asked me, how do you feel this is widely believed to be the reason behind her you’ve been able to stay away from the stereotype early exit. Not surprisingly, she disagrees. of the ‘angry, black woman’? I said to her, I am “I left Big Brother, because I stood up for what I not going to dignify that with a response, because believed in and I was confident in my approach you wouldn’t call my fellow white housemates and I wasn’t afraid to be vocal about it. The ‘Angry white women,’ would you? But angry black delivery wasn’t great, I’ll be the first to admit it was woman has a nice ring to it for obvious reasons and appalling, but the Big Brother house is so intense, I was actually offended by it. Why can’t I defend it brings out a different side of you. I mean, I don’t myself and have an opinion without being labelled swear. My mum has never heard me swear, but an angry black woman? you’re in this compact environment and as much “When you’re the child of a first generation as I try to explain it to people, it’s hard to grasp. immigrant, you’re not born with a silver spoon in It’s a pressure cooker, there’s no TV, no phone. your mouth. You struggle for everything so for me There’s 16 people you can’t get away from, people it wasn’t the money, I didn’t go into Big Brother

“

”

36

Cover image: Dress: Kosibah £1, 250 Earrings: Mawi, The Folly Boutique £335 Ring: Mawi, The Folly Boutique £216 Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Shanice Grant Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics 37

to win. For me, what made me sick about her win is what it demonstrates to young people, it’s the example it set. We’re living in a society where that kind of behaviour is now glorified. For young people who look up to me, I’m having to re affirm things that in the house I thought were normal things and to let them know that good people don’t always come last.”

Although she says she was happy to have left the house at the time she did, because she felt she’d achieved what she’d come in to do, she’s had to deal with internet trolls and bullies who’ve taken to Twitter to racially abuse her, as well as facing criticism for being vocal in the house. I wondered if she had any regrets for putting herself out there and actually going into Big Brother.

my mind, that my race was an obstacle, so that was enough for me to say well, this colour isn’t going to change.”

She reveals she was this close to jumping ship and moving to Nigeria after getting frustrated by the lack of opportunities in the UK for budding black talents and she wouldn’t have been the first. The likes of CEO dancers, Yvonne Nelson and Lola Rae are all perfect examples of black Brits who’ve sought the greener pastures back home and they’ve all enjoyed tremendous success.

I ask what she feels is the main reason black and ethnic minority talents have a hard time breaking into the UK mainstream media. Her response is reflective. “For me, I feel like we are the problem to an extent. Someone mainstream said to me that if you weren’t black, you would have had a She tells me she never had anything to lose by going contract by now and I found that shocking. I can in, so no regrets. “Leaving was an exhilarating confidently say that in the UK right now, I’m one feeling because I felt I had achieved what I’d come of the best black TV presenters out there, but that to do. When you come from nothing and you leave didn’t amount to much when I took it upon myself with nothing, what to approach talent have you lost? I never agencies.

“When I was growing up, apart from my management wanted to go in to win.

For some reason, mum and her sisters, I didn’t really have I only had two goalsthey’re happy with the not to go first, and to be strong external role models. You switched the status quo.” By this, remembered. The aim TV on and you saw the Cosby’s, Desmond’s she means the apparent for going is first, I didn’t and the real McCoy, so you related to them lack of prominent black like the stereotypes of presenters or talents in just like that. black females that were the media, which she ” going in there and for feels is discouraging me, I hadn’t seen a Nigerian female in Big Brother, young people from within the community to push so I wanted to be the first and I wanted to show themselves and break the mould. people how great my culture was. I talk about my “When I was growing up, apart from my mum heritage because I’m proud of it. I wanted the and her sisters, I didn’t really have strong external mainstream media to see a glimpse of the talent role models. You switched the TV on and you saw that’s coming out of Africa. I wanted to also show the Cosby’s, Desmond’s and the real McCoy, so that it’s not a bad thing to be confident, strong and you related to them just like that. We don’t have opinionated. Those things are not a problem. What anything like that now. You had somebody like gets headlines are the sexualisation of people that T4’s June Sarpong, who held the mantle for being go into Big Brother. I’m not a sexualised character, a strong black woman in the industry, but she was I’m just a real woman with real values and those a minority and since she left, there’s been no one. are the reasons I went in.

You can’t name two to four young black women in Her enthusiasm and passion for the industry is the media right now and as far I’m concerned, it’s definitely commendable, but with big names like the young people who are looking to us that matter Sophie Okonedo and Lenny Henry all bemoaning because they’re the ones who need to be inspired the lack of opportunities for people from BAME to dream and achieve whatever they want. I think backgrounds, I wondered how this was playing out the problem is that we have so many doors closed for her. “I never thought of it that way that my on us that we’re now fed up and tired and it’s easy colour was ever going to be an Issue. I felt people to take your stuff and return back home and I should be able to just judge me on my talent and almost did it. It’s easy to go back home, because potential, not my race. They put that thought in back home the entertainment industry is open for 38

“They put that thought in my mind, that my race was an obstacle, so that was enough for me to say well, this colour isn’t going to change. ”

Dress: Ekaterina Khukareva £ 864 Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Shanice Grant Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

39

us and its booming and we see that it’s no longer a challenge now, we’re just walking into it.”

It’s obvious the issue is something Toya is very passionate about and I suspect that if I let her, she could talk about this the whole day, but I had something more pressing to ask. While in The Big Brother House- unbeknownst to her, tragedy had struck at home. Toya’s father passed away two days before she was evicted from the House. Anyone watching her interviews after coming out would find it hard to imagine that she’d just suffered such a huge loss, especially as she was very close to the dad.

She chokes back tears as she talks about him and I can tell that the grief is still raw, although she’s putting on a brave front. “The Friday I was evicted from the big brother house I was told that my father had passed away two days before. He had told everyone that he did not want me to be told he was in hospital, because he wanted me to do the best I could. That was my father. My biggest supporter, always wanting to do the best for me.”

She tells me he was like her best friend and had supported her career from the start even when she told him she was pursuing a career in the media after bagging a distinction in Law at Law school.

Despite her incredible loss, previous contract engagements with Channel 5 meant she wouldn’t be able to grieve properly or spend enough time with her family at a time they needed her the most.

It’s taken her months to finally reveal the difficult time she’d experienced after leaving Big Brotherchoosing to share the news on her You Tube Vlog last month in the hope that someone going through the same thing would find comfort in her story.

“It was a really difficult time. No one realises the pain I have had to go through. I am a daughter, a sister, a niece and a cousin. People fail to understand that Big Brother was a platform for me, nothing more. Winning was never even a thought on my mind. When the doors are closed, I am a simple woman and very family orientated. I chose to keep my personal struggles out of the tabloids, because my family and personal life is where I draw the line.

But I have chosen to share ever so slightly, because people think you leave Big Brother and you have a perfect life. Wrong. Nothing and no one in life is perfect. We were all ‘normal’ people who choose to go on a reality show for our own reasons. We are everyday people with everyday problems.”

Following her loss, Toya struggled to handle her 40

“It was a really difficult time.

No one realises the pain I have had to go through. I am a daughter, a sister, a niece and a cousin. People fail to understand that Big Brother was a platform for me, nothing more.

”

new found fame and commitments to the show all too much to handle and she plunged into depression.

She discussed her battle with depression on her Vlog and I was keen to find out what reception she’d had since this was a psychological condition Africans generally disregard and trivialise. “I chose to speak out because depression is like that silent battle no one talks about or takes seriously. For me, life was too much- having to on one hand fulfil my obligations to a reality show amidst new found fame and then go home and struggle with this indescribably battle with grief.”

Despite her loss and never getting the chance to say goodbye to her dad, she’s upbeat about the future.

After all, she didn’t bag the nickname Hurricane Toya for nothing. The 30 year old says she’s taking each day at a time and even though there are good days and bad days, she intends to make those 3 weeks in the Big Brother House count by carving a successful career for herself.

“My father believed in me and was selfless in giving all he could to make me happy. I am going to return the love and be the best woman I can be. Success is not measured in how much money you have or the car you drive. I measure success in providing for my mother and brothers and being comfortable in the woman I am because I am fulfilling my dreams. I know deep down I am blessed. I have the most honest, warmest and protective guardian angel watching over me.”

Dress: Agnes Mira Rose Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Shanice Grant Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

41

The Christ mas Part y Edit

Turn down for what?

C

i hoosing the right party dress is always an uphill task. Do you splurge on a high end number and go all out or do you go for a bargain and hope that you still turn up looking fabulous? Here, we’ve picked 20 dresses for you that are sure to add a touch of glamourous sparkle to your festivities and most of them won’t even break the bank.

1.

2.

3.

42

4.

Steal 5.

6.

7.

8.

Spurlge

9.

10.

1.True Decadence Split Maxi dress £70 2.Miss Selfridge Bodycon dress £99 3.Coast coordinating skirt and blouse £75 and £45 4.Warehouse Tassle Necklace Dress£42 5.Topshop Black sequin dress £68 6.Green Midi Dress, NEXT £45 7.H&M sequin dress £9.99 8.Warehouse Pleated Red Dress £110 9. Ted Baker Lace Dress £229 10. Hampton flower dress Phase Eight £110 11. Black embellished Maxi Dress. River Island £75 12.Bronze sequin dress Phase Eight £150

11.

12.

43

13.

14.

16.

15.

17.

19.

18.

44

20.

13.Ribbon Stretch Dress Phase Eight £140 14.Ariella London, House of Fraser £249 15.Sparkle dress French Connection £150 16. JS Collections. House of Fraser £126 17. Hobbs floral Dress £175 18.Adrianna Papell Geometric dress John Lewis £140 19.Coast Lace dress £150 20. Miss Selfridge body con dress £99

45

WHAT ROLE DO WOMEN IN NIGERIA PLAY IN THE COUNTRY’S FUTURE?

PHOTO BY:JOANNA LIPPER

Harvard Professor Joanna Lipper’s film, The Supreme Price, follows the story of the late Kudirat Abiola- Wife of the late M.K.O Abiola, Politician, philanthropist and acclaimed winner of the pivotal June 12 elections which shaped the future of Nigeria.

46

I

n 1993, Nigeria elected M.K.O. Abiola as president subjects. When I start a film I don’t have something that in a historic vote that promised to end years of I want to prove or an idea that I want to illustrate in military dictatorship. Shortly after, the election the film. What usually inspires me to make a film is that was annulled and a military coup brought General the subjects have interested me so much that I want to Sani Abacha into power. M.K.O Abiola was imprisoned learn about the place and learn about their experiences and his wife, Kudirat, took over the leadership of so being able to do that through this film was a process the pro-democracy movement. She organized rallies of learning for me. and the longest oil workers strike in Nigerian history, winning international attention for the Nigerian So what was your experience like filming in struggle against human rights violations perpetrated by Nigeria and how long did it take? the military dictatorship. Because of this work, she too became a target and was assassinated in 1996. Director I made the film over a period of four years. Travelling Joanna Lipper elegantly dovetails past and present to Nigeria at different moments, allowed me see Kudirat as she tells this story through the eyes of their eldest evolve from running Kudirat Initiative for democracy to daughter, Hafsat Abiola, who then being appointed as a was about to graduate from special adviser in Ogun state.

Harvard when her mother I would say the experience I The Supreme Price is a stark was murdered. Her father got from filming in Nigeria died in prison two years later. exploration of the courage of women was really positive, because The Supreme Price is a stark I was able to work with a like Kudirat, and the struggle that exploration of the courage Nigerian team and I was of women like Kudirat, and women face in Nigeria’s society today. able to really see and be a the struggle that women face part of Nigeria that would in Nigeria’s society today. never have been accessible We caught up with the filmmaker during the European to me. You know, within the structure of the Abiola premiere of the film at the Raindance Film Festival in family compound in Ikeja, but then also going out into London and we were bowled over by her passion for Ogun state when Hafsat got her political appointment women’s rights and the role of film as a platform for and seeing that region too. Going out and filming at getting women seen and heard in the cultural minefield night was really fascinating to me. Just the beauty and that is Africa. the energy and the sound scape and the colours was great. It was really a way of finding a poetry for the What inspired you to make a film about Kudirat film and finding the vocabulary for the film and all that Abiola? was as a result of my experience about being there, but also as a result of feeling comfortable there, and being I was fortunate to meet Hafsat soon after she’d immersed there. graduated from Harvard. We had both been at Harvard University as students, but we hadn’t met until when In the documentary, you were very direct in we met a few years later. When I first met her, her showing women in different spheres of life in organisation- Kudirat Abiola Initiative for Democracy Nigeria. There were some stark scenes showing (KIND), was still in its infancy. I was so impressed by her the struggles women go through in the country. composure, her resilience and courage that I followed What was going through your mind while you the evolution of this NGO. When I went for the black were experiencing that? heritage festival in Nigeria in 2010, I visited the NGO and I remembered it from when she’d started it from the I was definitely interested in filming about women beginning a few years back. Just building an NGO from from a wide spectrum. I wanted to show women from scratch is challenging and in particular, this was soon elite circumstances like Hafsat, but also women in after the transitioning from Military rule to civilian rule other circumstances that are really in a place where after she had been in exile for so long. For her to go back the government is not providing for their needs, the to a country where she lost her parents and experienced government is not providing for their most basic rights all those horrible things and then build something like to safe delivery and the maternal mortality rates are that and see it grow was amazing. It was really that abysmal, so I was interested in capturing that side of experience of seeing that happen over time and going Nigeria. Not just the side of those who have privilege, from this place myself of incredible sadness after but also to look at the universal theme in the story. hearing the story for the first time, to this place where I Because even when there was privilege, there was still saw incredible hope for Nigeria through this story that oppression. There was oppression within the home sparked this deep curiosity in the future of Nigeria. I’m and there was pressure from the government and there always interested as a filmmaker in learning from my was violence. You could say that these are two separate

“

”

47

spheres and they don’t overlap, but what I think the film is trying to say is that these problems transcend class and they transcend economic status, they happen to women in Nigeria and they have to be looked at.

I think the women in the film, like Dr Joel Odumakin are in positions where for so many years, they’ve been speaking about their thoughts and risking their lives to do that. What the film does is to take the women that have been willing to take those risks and give them an even broader international platform. So that what they’ve been saying at voter education rallies and behind closed doors now suddenly has the weight it should have, which is its demanding an international response and attention. At the same time, the film shows the women who aren’t speaking, you know, the silent shots of women watching, of women walking, of market women. So I was trying to show, who are the women involved in this fight, who are the ones speaking? Who are the ones not?

And when you look at women in Nigeria in general, you see a population (at least I did as a foreigner coming in) that is incredibly visible. I mean, the way they dress is so beautiful, their presence is so powerful. In a way there’s this intrinsic power and film is a unique medium that can capture that. It’s the juxtaposition of the power that is unveiled in the film and the reality of oppression on ground that is preventing that power from being revealed.

One of the reasons women are oppressed in Nigeria is partly due to our culture. How do you think this documentary could inspire women in Africa to balance personal ambition against cultural demands?

While I was in Nigeria, I spoke to Oyin Oyekunle, who is the Executive Director of KIND about this same question. They’ve come up with this term called ‘Transformational leadership’. This, they believe

is going to bring about change in the way women think, but they’re saying it has to be a psychological transformation in the understanding of what makes women of value. The question is, are you of value because of the supporting role you play providing for your family or being a wife? Also, the incredible role that women play in Nigeria as farmers, the reproductive and unreproductive role they’re expected to play. There is a lot of physical labour involved as well, so I think the process of having that sense of integrity that says ‘I want to be true to myself and what I think is of value to me’ is really important.

One of the things I think that’s really impressive about Qudirat Abiola, comes during one moment in the film.

She says “Hafsat, if you could only see what I am doing now, you will be so proud of me”, and Hafsat said, “I’ve always been proud of you”. So, the idea being that she was embarrassed that she didn’t go to college while her daughter was in Harvard, she felt she never did enough.

I feel like that was such a poignant and painful moment, because again it brings up this question: Can women just be valued for who they are? Not only what they do and what they accomplish? I think Kudirat felt that this public role that she took on and the struggle that she had.

She sacrificed her life for it and she sacrificed her life for Nigeria at the same time. When Hafsat was growing up, she saw the personal sacrifices she was making to stay in the marriage and she gave her children the opportunity to be educated in the US. The title, The Supreme Price is not only about Martyrdom, although that is the central reference, it’s about the personal sacrifices on a daily basis that women have to make. Hafsat is living away most of the time from her family and Kudirat had to do the same thing in order for Hafsat to get educated in the US. You see all the sacrifices that are made along the way and then the question is why? We have to see if there is a way to change that patriarchal structure and make it so that less sacrifices have to be made.

Do you think we have a lack of female role models in Nigeria?

PHOTO BY: JOANNA LIPPER

48

I think there are a lot of role models, but I don’t think that they have the right medium like film to be seen.

The medium of film is taking the everyday role model that exists in every community. I think it’s a question of identifying them and giving them a platform, whether it’s through film, through a website or short video.

Giving them a platform to have influence and to be accessible. I think the question of what makes someone really accessible is really important. Seeing someone at a rally from a distance, yes, they can be interesting and they can make a speech, but do you know their personal compromises or their inner battles?

I think that the capacity of film to influence how young girls are able to access role models and feel closer to them cannot be overemphasised and I think films are crucial for this, which is why I hope this film will service that.

Kudirat Abiola

To be able to bring someone who could be seen as a role model, by the fact that she’s made bold controversial decisions and maintained her own integrity.

Kudirat Abiola is one of the few Nigerian women who took risks by coming out to speak against the military government and ultimately paid the supreme price. Do you think young girls and women in Nigeria today would be prepared to take that risk given what happened to Kudirat?

I think the film would do the opposite of discouraging girls to take risks and speak up. The message of the film is quite the opposite and I think that’s why Hafsat has dedicated her life because she couldn’t let the military win. In any of these conflicts all over the world, often times when civilian rule takes over, the situation of women doesn’t improve, even though they played a key role in overtaking the dictatorship and risked their lives, they’re status doesn’t improve.

Their representation in elected political offices doesn’t improve, so this is now the current fight to be fought.

I think the issue is not will women and girls be willing to run. I think the question is can the structure change enough that the ones that want to can be empowered to. It’s not just that there aren’t people available to do it, it’s more about taking the women who want to do it and getting them to the next level.

PHOTO BY: PETRA ROMANO

49

Travel Explore

DUBAI

PHOTOS: NOREEN DOVE

50

Dreading the thought of celebrating yet another birthday over a fancy dinner, I chose to gather a few close friends and head for the beautiful city of Dubai.

words by Deborah Ayoade

D

ubai is situated on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and stationed in a tropical dessert climate this ensures the summer months are blazing hot making it the perfect location for the ladies and I to get away from the doomy autumn season bracing itself for Britain. The heavenly weather isn’t the only bearings that Dubai has to offer. There are endless things to do, you can enjoy a travel experience that blends the best of both traditional and modern Dubai.

If you’re ever in Dubai then here are a few tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your time there.

51

gigantic indoor aquarium and witness the water fountain show feature.

Beaches You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches as Dubai is made up of a number of gorgeous beaches. Jabel Ali beach was our hotel’s beachfront beach, so we utilised that very well. We also visited JBR beach, one of the most popular beaches in Dubai. If you’re looking for a water sport experience, then this is the beach for you. Many restaurants and retail stores surround this beach so after soaking up all that vitamin D, you can always grab yourself a spot for lunch and also stroll around the shops.

Clothing tips

Attractions and sightseeing Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest building and one of Dubai’s most striking skyscrapers. This is a landmark, a definite must see.

Admission fee is 250AED per person but if you book in advance you can gain entry at 130 AED per person.

That’s definitely worth the savings.

Here you can capture some amazing views overlooking the city from the 124th floor.

Dubai Mall – The famous shopping complex holds 1200 shops. I mean, this place is massive! We were truly overwhelmed by the size of it as well as the large array of national and international shops available. In fact there’s no way you’ll be able to complete it in one day. We couldn’t even completely go round in our two visits to the place. So it’s best to pick up a mall guide and target the areas you want to see. The luxury designer side of the mall is heaven may I add. You’ll also get the opportunity to view the 52

Dubai is super hot! Especially during September to March. We went in the month of September, which is considered to be the height of summer in Dubai. We saw temperatures soar well up into the 40s. The air was hot and humid, sometimes making it unbearable to be outdoors or anywhere without air conditioning.

Although it’s blistering hot, be mindful of your surroundings and try and dress modestly when you’re out and about. You do not have to be covered from head to toe but it is recommended that you carry along with you a pashmina for when you’re walking to bars and clubs.

Clubs Be sure to check out the clubbing scene and visit the world famous club Movida and Kiza Lounge, the Afrobeats bar. Both play a buzzing crowd, great atmosphere and a fantastic mix of music; Thursday and Friday are the best clubbing nights.

On Tuesday the Dubai nightlife scene is dedicated to women. Women get to enjoy free entry into many clubs plus the drinks are also on the house too.

But please take note that if you’re not ready to live it up like a VIP and by

that I mean buy a table then be ready to stand all night. We found that in most of the Dubai nightclubs you had to pay for any type of seating. So ladies if you’re not prepared to drop serious cash on a table make sure you pack a pair of flats or socks in your clutch.

The Gold Souk Dubai is often referred to as the City of Gold and a trip down to the Deira Gold Souk will help you understand why that is. With hundreds of Jewllery stores situated one after the other, you’ll find, cheap gold starting from 18 carats, diamonds, emeralds and many more exquisite pieces. It’s truly worth the visit even if you have no plans to buy anything. You’ll get the chance to walk down the old streets of Dubai and soak up the cultural atmosphere.

You’ll also notice the major difference between the old town and the new town. To get to the Gold Souk you can travel by metro, which is your cheapest option, or taxi. Some hotels provide a shuttle bus to the Gold Souk.

Head for the dessert Explore the golden sand dunes of Arabia in a 4 x 4 wheel drive and experience an ultimate session of action packed fun in the desert. The excursion takes about 5 hours so be prepared to give up half of your day.

You can pick a morning, afternoon or overnight session. We decided on the Afternoon session and spent our time dune bashing, quad biking, shisha smoking and riding camels through to the evening time where they then provided a BBQ and special Arabian entertainment and henna tattoos.

the golden “ Explore sand dunes of

Arabia in a 4x4 wheel drive and experience an ultimate session of action packed fun in the desert.

“

53

What

Happened

To Christmas?

Words by Teniola Shobowale

C

hristmas has always been a widely celebrated holiday by everyone, religious or not, with a social understanding of Christmas practices and its celebrations.

However, one of these practices has declined rapidly over the years. It’s no longer news that Church attendance has declined. While many miss the typical Sunday service, Christmas day Church service is the one time people would definitely make it to Church, but this is not so anymore. Christmas day church attendance in the UK has become a thing of the past, an uncool event that many have forgotten and few have never even heard of. For me, attending Church on Christmas day is a distant memory. When we were younger, I remember going to Church with my family.

I would always wake up so happy, and it was never the fact that it was Christmas; it’s been Christmas for the past 24 days. But this day, the 25th- it was special. The atmosphere was always magical; the hope of snow, the lights, and the distant jingle of bells and harmonious sounds of carols singing. As a family, we would all go to church together and one thing I loved about 54

Christmas was the illusion of a blank slate. Everyone seemed so happy, with no care in the world. Above all, I loved the plays that were put on in Church simply because of their simplicity. The children would get together and wonderfully reenact the birth of Jesus.

In those few moments, everyone was of one accord.

Everyone in that room understood why this holiday takes place and why we celebrate it. There wasn’t a jumble of words trying to explain anything, it was just perfectly portrayed- The birth of Jesus. Now, despite being a strong Christian, I can truthfully say that I don’t remember the last time I went to a Christmas day service or made plans to go. Christmas day for me, is normally spent at home with my family, eating and sharing gifts. It’s not like spending time with my family isn’t a time of happiness or joy, but I feel like the Christmas spirit is dying. We are losing Christmas, narrowing it down to gifts and just a holiday. To put it into context, I went on to ask a few people what they thought about Christmas and how or if it’s changed for them.

Christiana, 20, Birmingham Norah, 20, Birmingham

Where do you normally spend Christmas?

I normally spend my Christmas at home with my family.

However, we start off the day by going to church for a few hours and then we get back home and we watch TV together and have our family dinner.

What’s your favorite thing about Christmas?

Everyone seems to be in a happy mood, the whole aura and excitement in the air; it’s nice. Also I like going to Church as it’s a different service from the usual Sunday services. On this day, it’s a service run by every single person. It’s just beautiful really.

What is your understanding of Christmas?

Where do you normally spend Christmas?

I spend Christmas at home, I don’t normally go to church on Christmas. I’ve never been to church on a Christmas day.

My church never really hosted anything on a Christmas day. We just normally had it on a Sunday.

Everyone stayed home on Christmas from my past experiences, so going to church on Christmas day is really quite a surprise for me really and this is the first I’ve heard of it.

What’s your favorite thing about Christmas?

My favorite thing about Christmas is spending time with loved ones and receiving gifts What is your understanding of Christmas?

I understand that Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and God’s love for us.

Do you think we should go to church on Christmas?

There are two senses of Christmas; some people celebrate the birth of Jesus, whilst others celebrate Christmas for the commercial reason. For me, the whole purpose of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus.

I don’t think Church on Christmas is necessary, because really, it’s a day to spend time with your family.

Do you think we should go to church on Christmas?

This Christmas, I plan on spending time with my family and even if I do find out that my Church did have a service, I still wouldn’t go. And also, it’s impossible to go as the bus services don’t even work on Christmas day. It would be almost impossible to attend Church. Speaking to several other people, especially with the younger generation, many thought it was weird to attend Church on Christmas day, whilst many even admitted that as they have grown older they hardly spend Christmas with their family members anyway. It would seem that in our society most people are losing touch with the true Christmas spirit. As our Christmas traditions die out what will we be left with? Skype calls? And Facebook messages? It makes me wonder what ever happened to Christmas.

I think so, because you’re celebrating the birth of Jesus whether you have that relationship with Him or not. You should at least try to know him by going to Church.

How do you plan to spend Christmas this year?

As a student, I plan on staying at my University this Christmas for the first time, so I won’t be spending it with my family. But I will still be attending a Church service, because I do feel it’s an important practice on Christmas day.

How do you plan to spend Christmas this year?

55

Healthy Living After the Holidays come the cleaning up...

56

W

e’ve all been there. Had a bit too much to eat during the holidays and by the time you hit the scale, alas; you’ve gained a few pounds (and we don’t mean the kind that makes your purse heavy). Don’t panicBefore you make a dash for the gym or go crazy on the slimming tea, try these simple tips for starting the New Year fresh and healthy and those excess love handles may just take care of themselves.

Eat healthy

Try this 10 day detoxing diet by nutritionist and author of Eat Live & Lose The Flab Fiona Kirk, to get you back into shape the natural way.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, juices and nourishing broths are the major players in a good cleansing diet as they are easy on the digestive system, rich in fibre, water, vitamins and minerals which not only support the liver, our detoxification ‘hero’, but also prompt fat cells which have been happily expanding, to release their stores for energy and shrink.

Star Tip* Resist the temptation to go ‘cold turkey’ or semi-starve as the too-rapid release of stored toxins brought about by a spell of overindulgence on sugar, salt, alcohol and unhealthy fats more often than not results in nagging headaches, fatigue and low body temperature.

The addition of a little quality protein (lean poultry, white fish, vegetable protein, hummus, cottage cheese) and Omega 3 fats (flaxseed oil, walnuts) slow down the pace at which nutrients are released into the bloodstream, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and feed the allimportant fat burning mechanism.

57

Your Daily Detox Routine: First Thing in the Morning: A mug of Hot Lemon and Ginger (see recipe)

Breakfast Mid Morning and Mid Afternoon

A mixed fresh fruit salad or a glass of Cleansing Juice (see recipe)

A couple of apples or pears or a bowl of mixed berries with a small tub of natural ‘live’ yoghurt or A selection of raw baby vegetables with a small pot of hummus or natural cottage cheese or A small mixed salad dressed with a mix of olive and flaxseed oils and lemon/lime juice Lunchtime and Early Evening A bowl of Light Chicken Broth (see recipe) or A bowl of Spinach and Watercress Soup or A Warm Salad

Late Evening (optional) If you are feeling hungry, cold or a bit dizzy/spaced out, have a warming mug of Miso Broth around half an hour to an hour before bed. Clearspring offer a good range of quick to prepare organic pastes, powders and pouches.

58

LIGH T CHICKEN BRO TH Recipe (makes 4 servings) 2 chicken thighs or 4 chicken wings 1 tablespoon light olive oil 3 thick stalks celery, peeled and finely sliced 1 large onion, peeled and finely sliced 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely diced 1.2 litres chicken stock 100g brown rice 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce A generous bunch of parsley, stalks removed and leaves very finely chopped, Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Roast the chicken pieces in a medium to hot oven until the skins are crisp and the flesh is cooked through while you make the soup. Warm the oil in a soup pot, add the celery, onion and carrot and saute gently until the vegetables are tender (about 15 minutes). Add the stock and bring slowly to the boil.

Reduce the heat, add the rice and simmer, covered until the rice is cooked (around 20 minutes). Skin the chicken pieces and shred/chop the flesh before adding to the soup with the horseradish sauce and parsley. Stir well and season to taste. As rice soaks up a lot of liquid, you will probably have to add more stock or water to achieve the light, brothy experience if you are not supping this soup immediately and have refrigerated/frozen it for future use. *Taken from fatbustforever.com by Nutritionist Fiona Kirk. Download Fiona’s latest fat busting book 2 Weeks in The Super Fast Lane for free now on her website.

CLEANSING JUICE Recipe Mix equal quantities of water, unsweetened grapefruit, pomegranate and cranberry juices in a large glass. Add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger and allspice and stir well. You can also warm it through gently and have it as a hot drink on a cold day.

HO T LEMON & GINGER Recipe Put 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a mug, grate in around half a tablespoon of peeled, fresh ginger (you can keep peeled chunks in a bag in the freezer and grate it without defrosting), add boiling water and stir well.

59

STANDING BY WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN AGAINST ALL ODDS Words Dayo Laniyan

I

t’s a rare phenomenon in the media industry not only to be black, but also to be female and firmly set in the captain’s seat, whether as the director of a film or the writer for a film production.

This is why it was such a rare pleasure to meet two black women, who came together against all odds to bring the film Gone Too Far to the big screen- writer of the screenplay and the original theatre play Bola Agbaje, and rising film director Destiny Ekaragha.

L-R Malachi Kirby and O.C. Ukeje 60

Set in South London, Gone Too Far is a hilarious take on race and identity- an issue not very far from the minds of many Afro-Brits nowadays. The film follows the tale of Yemi as he is reunited with his elder brother Ikudayisi, who’s just been reunited with the family after spending years in living in Lagos. Cue in classic culture clashes as Ikudayisi gradually absorbs life in London.

and it was like a tri force, the three of us fighting Destiny Ekaragha - The Director together. A director should always have a producer that is their team mate, not fighting against you or trying to make you do things you don’t want to do.”

The second influence was from the BFI itself, thanks Straight Talking, to a scheme that allowed them to do a reading (which Passionate and Driven is where the actors will go on a stage and read out the script without props or anything), of the film, one Too Far is Destiny’s first feature length, but coincidentally enough at the Royal Court, where the she has created several short films, including theatre version of Gone Too Far debuted. Despite the Tight Jeans and The Future Wags of Great typical notes of people not liking some of the race talk, Britain. So I was keen to find out about the much there were those who could see potential. overlooked process of actually creating a film and how “Someone at the BFI, Chris Collins was there during difficult that can be, especially being two minorities at a meeting we had and said ‘This film is hilarious! Why once. Destiny told me that it was in fact easier making is it not getting made?’ And that was it. So we got short films, because that was when being black and a invited to the BFI and we met the new film head Ben woman was never a problem. “You are allowed to have Robins for the first time, Lizzy Frankie was there and your own voice, you are allowed to make stuff because Chris Collins, and they said we really like this film and it’s so little money. What I actually love about youth is we want you to make it in October, so we will give that you feel like you can do whatever you want in the you some money to make it happen and that was it. world like, ‘If Steven Spielberg can direct, why can’t It was incredible, a real blessing and I was just really shocked, because I had been I?” However it was only when to so many meetings, but it she went into feature films with Gone Too Far in particular, had was finally happening and it her own ideas that she ran into taken three years in development, was great!” many obstacles, particularly with those who did not understand because of people talking about how And so Gone Too Far was filmed, and released. I enjoyed young black people living in an the world, could not know it or even see where Destiny had estate with no knife crime was too watching it myself, but the film also gave me a nostalgic come from. Gone Too Far in much of a risk. feeling, similar in setting and particular, had taken three years themes to earlier films such as in development, because of people talking about how young black people living in Noel Clarke’s Kidulthood and Bullet Boy. Of course, an estate with no knife crime was too much of a risk. those weren’t comedies, but I wanted to ask Destiny Destiny took particular notice of one note from those just how much inspiration she took from such movies, and what her overall opinion of them were. people in particular: “It was just take, take, and take. People either weren’t She gave an interesting answer, choosing not to say getting it or giving us notes that were just offensive- whether she felt that those films were good or bad, but the biggest quote that I always refer to is, ‘Why don’t instead demonstrating her respect for what each of the two brothers hate and eventually kill each other?’” them tried to do.

Taking notice of my shock, she did elaborate that “The problem that we have as black people is that sometimes this criticism was inevitable, “The people we have no balance: There is room for Kidulthood handing these notes were executives but it’s important and there is room for Gone Too Far. It is good that to say that not everyone was like that. It’s arrogance to both exist since you are getting both sides of the story think that everyone is going to like your work. But it instead of just one. And I really do have respect for was just the middle people that wanted to change it to Noel Clarke coming in, because he was able to crack their own stereotypes and that just got on our nerves.” the door open, allowing a few of us in, so whether How did Gone Too Far make it to the big screen? you like his films or not ain’t really the point for me, it’s just the fact that he was able to open the door a Destiny put it down to two main factors: “I had a brilliant team, it was Bola herself who little bit where it couldn’t have been easy. As for Bullet wrote the script, we met and we just become a team Boy, I really like it for the way they spoke-I remember instantly, since it was both of us trying to get past the me and my brother were watching it one time and we force field when not many people could. Our producer were like ‘Oh my God! That’s exactly how we sound!”, Christopher Granier-Deferre was a great team player and it didn’t feel affected at all.’

G

“

”

61

I agreed that it was the same with Gone Too Far, not feeling diluted in any way. The more Nigerian scenes were hilarious but also very real, something almost never seen in British films, one thing that Nollywood does better. Especially the Nigerian mother.

Destiny laughed and explained that it was exactly what they were going for. “The thing about a Nigerian mother is that no matter what language she speaks, they are all the same as if they went to the same school or something. When Bola was writing it, she envisioned her mum. When I was directing it, I envisioned my mum. And you realise that everyone is looking and saying ‘That’s my mum!’ and how can it be everyone’s mum!? But we both knew that if we got that part right, the whole thing would be fine. It was very important that the actors playing Ikudaysi (OC Ukeje), and the mother were Nigerian, not someone putting up a fake Nigerian accent. I cannot stand it, it just takes me out of a film, because we have grown up with a Nigerian accent, we have heard it and know it. Also you cannot guess these kind of things like, “What would a Nigerian mother sound like?” You have to envision these things, and take it from what you know. And my mum used to do that, walking down the road saying to herself ‘If I find these children...’ So of course, credit goes to Golda John, who played the mother who was just the ‘one-take wonder” because she knew it all and was just phenomenally talented. So it was very important to make it as authentic as possible.”

Lastly, I wanted to ask her a question that almost all Nigerians that were either born or have lived a long time in Britain have struggled with: With a Nigerian heritage but a British upbringing, which culture do you find yourself more connected to? And how does the conflict translate into Gone Too Far. Destiny’s answer was very complex, but had a worthwhile lesson in it.

“As a child in the 80s and 90s, I identified more as being Nigerian because at the time British people weren’t trying to let you in or tell you that you were British, so I was like, ‘Well, I’m not British, I’m Nigerian. I wouldn’t want to be like you anyway!’ Despite being born and raised in London, if someone had asked me where I was from, I would say Nigeria straight up, because it was what I knew, down to the way I acted and the food I ate. I didn’t really understand British culture, whereas Nigerians can be so cultured, regardless of where they are, whether Britain or Japan, that culture ain’t going anywhere, it’s so strong and thick that you can’t escape it as a child and I wasn’t trying to. But then, there are some ways in which I was unmistakably British. I still have a difficult time calling myself that, but I can never call myself ‘English’, I just can’t. I didn’t grow up in an environment that allowed me to even entertain the idea, it’s like a mental block.”

“But a Londoner, I would say I am that through and 62

through. I definitely identify myself as a Londoner, but being that means this mix anyway. There’s just so many different things. So I think I’m trying to say I identify as both, but I’m not at home saying ‘Which one am I today?’ I am who I am. My Nigerian parents and my British upbringing has made who I am and I’m okay with that. And that’s what Gone Too Far is trying to say: It’s okay to be both, you don’t have to choose. And I think that a lot of people struggle because they feel like they have to choose, and they don’t know who is making up these rules, sometimes it’s us!

Wherever you feel you are is who you are, the choice lies with the individual, not other people’s perceptions or the opinions of other people, it’s about you.”

Destiny Ekaragha

my experience growing up. Also it softens the blow for discussions, because no one wants someone preaching to them. The good thing about comedy Bola Agbaje - The Writer is that you can laugh at something that offends you, Beautiful, but you go away for a minute and wonder, ‘Why am I laughing? This shouldn’t be funny, let’s discuss Bold and Intelligent it.’ Also, the reason for the shift between the play and the film is because at the time of the play I ow I had the chance to talk to the brain wanted to address the issue of knife crime because behind the whole story: Bola Agbaje, of all of the articles at the time, about Peckham and writer of the original theatre play of Gone kids with guns, knives and hoodies, including the Too Far, first shown in 2007. Based on her own Damilola Taylor situation, since I grew up in the experiences of growing up in Peckham, the play did same estate and knew the kids involved. And with very well, picking up an Olivier Award and helped it came the stigma that black kids wake up in the launch the careers of several black actors, including morning and their only motivation would be ‘I’m Zawe Ashton and Bunmi Mojekwu. But more than going to go and kill someone,’ meaning you have that, it was one of the few attempts made to address people scared of black people saying ‘Oh my God, several issues that were easily overlooked, an they’re all killers.’ But that wasn’t my experience. example being racism not from without, but within My experience growing up on the estate was that the black community. I wasn’t kidding when I said these things did happen, but people never set out that it reminded me a lot of films like Kidulthood just to kill someone. There could have been a fight and Bullet Boy. and something tragic could have happened but However, Gone Too Far is cut from a different we’re always on a different journey-maybe our mum cloth: Although it still has would send us to the shop and we those issues present, it’s a take the whole day going The good thing about comedy is that would comedy, not as serious as to the shop. An adventure would the others. So I asked Bola, you can laugh at something that offends happen in that day, you would who wrote the original you, but you go away for a minute and probably even forget about the theatre and film script, thing you were asked to get wonder, ‘Why am I laughing?

This what her reasons were because life happened, and I shouldn’t be funny, let’s discuss it. for the change- Simple just wanted to show that and say entertainment value? A ‘Actually, here are a group of more subtle method of kids involved in knife crime, but addressing the issues? Or is that they have all been they weren’t actively seeking to kill someone.’ done already? She said it was all of the above for “That was the theme for the play, but by the time these reasons. we got to make the film, Kidulthood, Shank and all “I grew up in a large family, so there were loads of these films had already addressed knife crime and people and we had a revolving door policy where we gang culture and we didn’t want to be the next one. were always in our living room watching films and It was also a problem with stereotypes where people TV and having running commentaries so I grew up would expect it to be and dark and gritty when it watching TV, never ever silently. Someone is always isn’t and they would say ‘I don’t get it. Why am I making a reference or some sort of joke towards laughing? This is an urban film, it’s not gangsta something, so my experience of film is that kind of enough.’ And we are like ‘That’s not all we do! We kneejerk reaction to it and subconsciously I only do like comedies” so my biggest aim was “Ok, if have to think about it afterwards. people are not too sure I have to amp it up and “A lot of people have asked me ‘How come I make it a comedy so that they’re not going to say it’s write serious things with comedy?’ And my answer an urban comedy like Kidulthood, it’s not like those is because it was the environment I lived in. As films.’ I’m saying it’s a comedy that can sit amongst a Nigerian, we make jokes out of everything, other comedies. That was my aim and it would be which makes us the happiest people in the world. silly to recreate something done on stage into film Everything we think about is funny to us: even simply because times have changed and film is a with the most serious subjects, there is someone bigger medium. There are a lot of people who have somewhere making a joke about it and that was seen the film but not the play and won’t make any

N

“

”

63

L-R Shanika Warren Markland and Adelayo Adedayo

reference to it so it’s okay for the play to standalone and to create something for a new audience. And the play will still be what it was and is and stand in that bracket.”

With that in mind, and considering the position that Bola holds, I wanted to show she felt about the black community as whole in Britain, both in perception and genuine progress. She answered that both TV and film were important mediums to judge perception and also the stereotypes present and associated with you. In that regard, she believed that we were in decline.

“In the 50s there were more black people on TV than there are now, and yet there are more black people living in England now than there were in the 50s, which is a big ‘Hold on a minute, what went wrong here? Why are we edged out of this medium?” And that can have a big effect on how you are treated.

Unfortunately in England as a black person, the minute you step into the room, your colour is the first thing people notice- even myself. Regardless of whether or not I’m a good or bad playwright. There are times when we have meetings about scripts-and I’m very opinionated and passionate about what I do, but the moment I open my mouth to debate 64

something the response is ‘You don’t have to be so aggressive or angry.’

“But that’s the perception people have of black people, it’s never passion. It’s always seen as aggression. And I’m just here to play with those stereotypes in the film with certain moments where ‘You think you are going to get this, but you will get something else entirely.’ An example is where Tosin Cole (as Razer) and he’s like to everyone “move out of the way!” and he does the same to an old lady and the audience is on the edge of their seats like ‘He’s probably going to rob this woman’ and we switch it, because as black people we are not all bad!

There are so many different shades!

“That’s my aim as a writer and I feel like that’s what motivated me, to see a change, and the only way you can see change is being that change otherwise you get people who merely sit and complain. As a kid mum would be like ‘Go and get something.’ And you go and look for it but you can’t find it, you don’t back and say ‘I can’t find it’, you find a solution to it.

In my household there was never “I can’t!”.

I don’t like the perceptions of black people, so I do something to change it: I wrote a film that has black people in the lead in it and we fought for that, and

to make sure all these characters have a voice, not the creator is successful and a millionaire without the audience to buy into the product. So I always watered down for anyone.

“Even in the film where the mum is speaking Yoruba, say ‘No. You have to be the change.’ And we live people are always like ‘Why are there no subtitles?’ in a time where the Internet exists, accessing and Life does not have subtitles! I’m not compromising creating content. I mentor a young actor called Tom and it may offend a lot of people who are missing Moochi and he has a Vine with 19,000 followers last out, but we live in a British society, I feel like I’m year from just doing stuff on his phone and putting missing out in a lot of experiences and no one cares. out little comedy sketches on Instagram. He does So why should I? I come from the streets of East it himself, edits it himself and already he’s already created a fan base for himself London and hear different on instagram. And that’s how dialects in different tones from other cultures and Even in the film where the mum is he got himself noticed.

Back in the day, to be an actor ‘m not offended by it. If speaking Yoruba, people are always like you had to go to drama school, I do, I will go into that ‘Why are there no subtitles?’ other culture and learn! perform in a play where an agent will see you and that’s Unfortunately, sometimes Life does not have subtitles! how you got work. Now in that industry we are people know who this guy is perceived as the butt of the jokes and I don’t want to be the butt of anyone’s and follow him and you go ‘If we live in a different joke. When people go ‘The BBC needs more black time like that, why are we not utilizing that? Let’s people on TV’ and I think we don’t necessarily, see what the other mediums are to get our work we should create our own mediums we put out seen.’ And things are revolving and changing and ourselves that people can relate to. When you look you just have to keep up with it and the next thing at Nollywood and how successful it is, regardless that comes along.” of the content, there is an audience. Because they won’t be making films if people don’t see it and Gone Too Far, is out on DVD now.

IrokoTV would not be an online platform where

“

”

Bola Agbaje 65

Decadent Winter Treats

66

Chocolate and

Beetroot

Cake Pops

Ingredients 250g cooked beetroot 200g chocolate (for cake pop and decoration) 4tbsp espresso 200g butter 5 eggs 190g caster sugar 135g plain flour 1tsp baking powder 3tbsp cocoa Equipment

Method

Cake pop sticks .

Cook the beetroot whole and unpeeled in unsalted water. This should take around 30-40 minutes depending on size. Drain the beetroot, cool under running cold water. Peel, slice off stem and root, then blitz into a purée.

Melt the chocolate (broken up into small pieces) in a bowl over a pot of simmering water, don’t stir.

When chocolate is almost melted pour the hot coffee into the chocolate, stir once.

Cut the butter into small pieces, add to the melted chocolate. Push to the bottom of the bowl if possible. Leave to soften.

Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a separate bowl.

Remove the chocolate from the heat, stir until the butter incorporates into the chocolate. Leave for a few minutes to cool, then add the egg yolks, mix quickly but gently.

Fold in the beetroot (keeping a little aside for later).

Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold in the sugar. Fold the egg white and sugar mix into the melted chocolate mixture until all is incorporated.

Sift the remaining dry ingredients together, and fold in to the bowl.

Place into a pre-lined cake tin, then place into the oven @ 160°C. Bake for 30 minutes, when finish place a skewer in the middle. If skewer comes out clean remove from the oven if not add a further 5 minutes.

Leave to cool completely. When cool crumb the cake as fine as possible. Add a small amount of beetroot purée to combine.

Roll into desired size, then place into the freezer to chill.

Whilst the cake pops are chilling, place a small amount of chocolate to melt over a bowl of simmering water. When the chocolate is melted, stir to incorporate all. Make sure the chocolate is just slightly warm before use. This will enable you to get rid of the excess chocolate from the cake pop.

Remove pops from the freezer and place a pop stick into the middle. Dip into the ready melted chocolate, then leave to set. Decorate as desired.

Recipe courtesy of Foxcroft & Ginger, (www.foxcroftandginger.co.uk). Chocolate & Beetroot Cake Pops are served in their Soho and Whitechapel sites.

67

Travel Escape the Winter blues and chill out on the famous Island of

iBIZa WORDS BY

Georgina Porteous

Famed for its party scene and concerts, Ibiza actually has more to offer than just being a magnet for A list celebrities and fun seekers.

A

ny local will tell you, there is something very special about Ibiza in the wintertime. The heat is gone but the sun still shines. The island is green and calm. The crowds have dispersed and prices are significantly lower than in summer. Plus there is still plenty going on, albeit at a more sedate pace. Here are just some of the reasons why winter is a great time to visit the white isle: Dining Ibiza has a booming restaurant scene and winter is the time to 68

69

really experience its culinary secrets. While many of the tourist eateries close their doors for six months, most of the best restaurants stay open all year, from local Spanish tapas bars to more upscale options.

Also attracting foodies to Ibiza in wintertime are several council run initiatives. Sant Antoni de Portmany on Ibiza’s west coast, hosts an annual competition throughout the month of November for the best ‘menu-del-dia’ (meal of the day) which typically consists of three course, bread and ailolli and a drink for under 15€. Also in Sant Antoni, every Thursday night from mid-February and throughout March, over 60 bars and restaurants take part in Pintxa Sant Antoni. Each venue serves bite size gastronomical pintxos, or tapas, along with a beer or wine for around 2 – 4€. Over on the east coast, in Santa Eulalia, every Thursday throughout March and April is known as GastroJueves. Diners can enjoy 50% off their dinner bill in over 20 local restaurants.

Explore The summer months in Ibiza are very hot and not particularly enjoyable for long excursions under the sun. If you’re keen to explore Ibiza’s coast or countryside, the mild temperatures make the offseason the perfect time to do it. The landscape is also at it’s greenest. Ibiza has a number of marked 70

walking trails, for all levels of fitness and adventure.

You can ramble through countryside villages, or be blown away by the views of the Mediterranean along coastal routes. The island in winter becomes a great destination for cyclists too. The roads are peaceful, and the island is crisscrossed in marked cycle routes, some ideal for off-road mountain biking and others along Ibiza’s back roads. You can pick up maps of the walking and cycle routes from local tourist offices or download them from Ibiza.travel.

Almond Blossom Season From mid-December to mid-February, the island becomes blanketed in hues of soft pinks as the almond blossoms bloom. This is the prettiest time of year in Ibiza. In particular, the valley surrounding the small village of Santa Agnes, in Ibiza’s north, becomes a landscape photographers dream. The full-moon nighttime walk in February through the Santa Agnes valley attracts a crowd every year.

Fiestas It’s no secret; Ibiza knows how to host a good party. There are various events during winter where both locals and visitors re-live the high energy of summer. Bambuddha Grove in the centre of the island has been hosting its famous Halloween party

for several years, and each year it gets busier and the costumes become even wilder. New Years Eve at Pacha nightclub is always a big celebration. For those who want to continue the party well into next year, the New Years Day party at club DC-10 is legendary. The annual Flower Power festival in San Antonio in January is another of the biggest fiesta events on Ibiza’s winter social calendar.

Markets The famous Las Dalias markets in San Carlos continue throughout winter, with a wonderful selection of jewellery, handmade clothing and gifts. In December, Las Dalias is transformed into Christmas markets, and open every day of the month. You can wander through the colourful stalls and do your Christmas shopping with a warm cup of ‘Glühwein’ in hand. For more market foraging, you can head to the San Jordi flea markets on Saturdays or the Cala Llenya flea markets on Sundays.

Sunsets The Ibiza sunset attracts hoards of tourists along the west coastline in summer, however this sublime daily display becomes even more dramatic in the winter months. The winter skies, with fluffy scattered clouds, provide a spectacular stage for the golden glow of Ibiza’s sunset.

Ibiza Summer Villas- Villa rental from £1, 300 per week. Sleeps up to 12 people. For more, visit www.ibizasummervillas.com.

71

Intercontinent Food Fusions

Nigerian Style Couscous

An alternative to the party favourite- The Jollof Rice. This recipe provides the flexibility you can’t necessarily achieve with the classic Jollof dish. Incorporating a bit of Mediterranean with West African cuisine.

Recipes courtesy of 9ja Foodie blog. For more, visit www.9jafoodie.com.

Ingredients • • • •

1.5 cups Couscous 1.5 Cups chicken or beef stock * 2 table spoons olive oil 2 cups freshly chopped vegetables (Onion, tomatoes, red & green peppers, mushrooms and spring onions) • ½ teaspoon red or black pepper • ½ teaspoon salt ½ cube magi ½ teaspoon pepper flakes *optional

72

tal

Instructions • Bring chicken stock to a rolling boil, add in couscous and cover tightly. Remove from heat and set aside for 5-6mins • Add olive oil to a large pan and heat slightly.

• Add in the chopped vegetables, pepper, salt and magi. Toss and leave to cook for 3mins • Lightly fluff the cooked couscous with a fork, • add into the vegetable mix. Combine • Add in the pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust for seasoning.

• CousCous is ready to serve.

73

Finger Foods: Coconut Suya Prawns

Ingredients • • • • • • • •

20-25 large prawns (shelled, cleaned and deveined) 1 heaped tablespoon suya spice Juice of half a lemon Salt to taste 2 tablespoons coconut oil (Melted) 1 extra tablespoon coconut oil (if cooking stove top) 6-7 bamboo skewers Other: A grill, stove top griddle, or frying pan

Instructions • Toss the prawns with some salt and lemon juice marinate for 30 minutes or overnight • Combine the suya spice and coconut oil – set aside • Discard any excess liquid from the prawns. combine the coconut suya mix with the prawns • Arrange 3-4 prawns on each skewer • If using a grill- cook the skewers for 2 minutes on each side • If using a stove top griddle or pan- place on high heat and add in the tablespoon of coconut oil. Sear the shrimps on high on both sides (this is to get the dark, almost grilled look). Reduce the heat to medium and cook the skewers for another 2 minutes on both sides.

Recipes courtesy of 9ja Foodie blog. For more, visit www.9jafoodie.com.

74

75

y r u x u L

Scents of

1.

1. Bonbon by Viktor & Rolf Caramel pleasure in a delightfully decadent bottle.

We could buy this perfume just for the pure pleasure we’d derive from starring at it!

Selfridges & Co. £50 for 30ml 2. Michael Kors Sexy Amber Wickedly seductive fragrance with notes of amber and sandalwood with a Jasmine base.

Fruugo.co.uk £54.50

76

2.

3.

6.

5.

3. Balenciaga B. Alexander Wang’s first foray into the olfactory world is Paris in a bottle. A Fresh and alluring scent, with green notes of edamame and lily of the valley bell.

The Perfume Shop £78.50 4.

4. Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs A heady blueberry scent reminiscent of muffins and all things sensuous.

John Lewis £56.25 5. Jadore by Christian Dior Contemporary glamour- if that’s your style. Famed for its opulent fragrance and still well-loved even after 15 years.

The Perfume Shop £74.50 6. For Her by Narciso Rodriguez Delightfully mysterious and musky scent, with floral-fruity, amber and woody notes. The perfect choice for Winter.

Boots £76.50 7. Glam Jasmine by Michael Kors Easily the must have perfume this season. Overtly feminine, featuring a lush bouquet of jasmine, tempered by sandalwood and sweetened with cassis.

Bloomingway.com £65.09 8. Candy by PRADA Playful and fruity scent. With warm, seductive notes of fresh Italian citrus with flowers, followed by a sweet pea heart.

John Lewis £99 9. Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent Deep and mysterious floral scent reminiscent of black coffee with subtle vanilla notes.

Selfidges & Co. £81

7.

8.

9.

77

Corset: Kosibah ÂŁ750 Skirt: Kosibah ÂŁ2, 250 Earrings: Mawi, The Folly Boutique Model: Toyin Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Shanice Grant Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

78

Corset: Kosibah ÂŁ750 Earrings: Mawi, The Folly Boutique Model: Toyin Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Shanice Grant Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

79

Model: Phyllis Dress: FABRYAN £ 800 Cuff £235 Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Shanice Grant Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

80

Dress: Ekaterina Khukareva ÂŁ 1,140 Model: Phyllis Photography: Nikka Lorak Creative Director: Karine Laudort-Idonije Assistant Stylist: Enzo Jiovarni Make-Up & Hair: Shanice Grant Make-Up: Iman Cosmetics

81

Life

Are You Livin Or Barely Just Surviving?

In a world of instant gratification, where money woes, relationship matters and work related stress are the order of the day. it’s tempting to take each day as it comes and just hope and pray that regardless of what life throws your way, you’ll at least make it to the next.

Living and construction require deferred gratification

PHOTOS: TETTEH KOFI

82

Words Tetteh Kofi

ng

T

he problem is, to whom little is given, much is expected! That’s how the old saying should read. When life is reduced to a matter of survival, we don’t really live in the true sense. We don’t really do anything. We just run on the survival treadmill like hamsters in a cage. What do I mean by a survival oriented life? A life that values above all else those things that you can: eat; drive in; live in (with some degree of luxury); have sex with (of either gender); holiday at (the more exotic the better); provide warmth or coolness (depending on your latitude), clean running water, energy to power life; bodily adornment (via clothing or accessories – preferably with some degree of style and glamour); fame; status; and power over others, so you can gain a bigger share of all the survival fulfillers prior listed.

You might just as well be a lion on the Serengeti, or a wolf in the tundra in this mode.

Sunflowers , Vincent Van Gogh 1888

Quality Survival: Sea Food platter with Tagliatelle al Funghi

What is curious is that survival is an entirely selfish endeavor, animalistic even (in the anthropological not pejorative sense). To live, we require to engage in a positive way with others, a way that enhances the welfare of more than number one. Love, creativity of any kind, construction of any kind is only really possible when one reaches out beyond number one. Love for example has to reach beyond just sex and brings complex human qualities into play, like negotiation, empathy and trust. Survivors don’t love, they lust. Survivors need instant gratification, but living requires a sense of purpose and deferred gratification.

The man who in 1888 created the iconic picture of sunflowers in a vase sold one painting in his lifetime and died in poverty. Was he a fool or did he live? A century later in 1988, this picture he could not sell sold at auction in Christies for £25m. Art lovers everywhere consider it a masterpiece.

Whether you’re in Accra or Accrington, London or Lagos, Rome or Ramallah you have to ask the question: “Are you surviving or living?” The picture at the top was a tasty bit of “survival” I did the other day. Gratification? Instant! Enjoyment? Totally, no question. But in a hundred years who would offer a bent penny for it?

83

Interview

Giving Actors A PHOTOS: TRIFORCE FILM FESTIVAL

Jimmy Akingbola and Fraser Ayres

With all the recent talk about promoting diversity in the British media, two actors have been leading the way behind the scenes- way before the Diversity debate reached its recent climax, in nurturing and supporting diverse creative talents and connecting them to the people who hold the key to their next big break.

84

I

’m at the bar in Stratford East theatre to interview Jimmy Akingbola- whom you may know as Holby City’s maverick Doctor Malick, and his business partner- fellow actor and writer Fraser Ayres. Together, they cofounded TriForce Promotions, a media company that provides support to actors and creative professionals through events like the Monologue Slam. Think of it as the X Factor for the Film industry, where both budding and established actors take to the stage to impress ‘Judges’typically made up of industry

Break

heavy weights including casting directors, agents and TV Channel bosses. Today’s Monologue Slam will see Holby’s Paul Bradley (Professor Hope), amongst other notable casting directors from the BBC and Channel 4 in the judging seat.

The pair chat animatedly as we make our way up to the interview room. The atmosphere is palpable with excitement- like everyone can’t wait to see what talents the night would bring.

Now in its tenth year, the pair have been managing TriForce on the side, while holding down

their very busy acting careers. I wondered how they could both make time to organise the Slam, given their busy lifestyles. “We don’t’ sleep”, Says Fraser. “We pretty much gave that up 10 years ago” (they say laughing).

“If we’re not on set then we’re on a laptop, otherwise we’re meeting people. You have to keep it moving,” agrees Jimmy. The pair work 24/7, but they’re cool with the hectic work load. This is something they both see as an absolute necessity- so much so that they’ve funded Monologue slam for the past five years out of their

“If we’re not on set then

we’re on a laptop, otherwise we’re meeting people. You have to keep it moving

”

85

more confident and there are so many outcomes we’re getting for people.”

T

“

We’re really keen to give actors the right support to get into the industry and make a success of it. We organise masterclasses, we mentor them.

”

86

own pockets. Fraser explains why: “ TriForce came about 10 years ago when we were both young actors and it was kind of like; thousands of people have more resources, but no one was doing anything to provide exposure to diverse talents in the industry.

We were like if we don’t do it, it’s not going to happen and we generally believe that we needed something like this within the industry.” TriForce isn’t just about providing a platform for black or ethnic minority actors and creative talents to shine, Fraser and Jimmy are keen to make sure this is something that everybody can benefit from, regardless of their colour. Again moving away from the demographic cliché, he tells me, “We’re kind of like, we all move together or we don’t move at all.”

The workload is actually something the pair thrive off as Jimmy explains that coincidentally, rather than wear them down, it feeds right into their day jobs as actors. “It’s really nice to have TriForce on the side because, it takes the edge of things. You know you’ve got this beautiful thing going. People are getting jobs and getting

he pair are particularly proud of these outcomes.

Monologue slam is a great avenue for actors to shine and hopefully impress industry stalwarts in order to land their next big break, but it’s so much more than that. Learning to become a better actor by networking with other actors at these events as well as building your confidence on stage and getting yourself seen and heard are all part of the objectives of TriForce as a company.

I

ask Jimmy how proud he must feel to see the likes of Chizzy Akudolu, who landed her current role on Holby after impressing BBC casting directors at a Monologue Slam event.

“It’s a great feeling”, he tells me.

But more reflective, rather than proud. “We’re really keen to give actors the right support to get into the industry and make a success of it. We organise masterclasses, we mentor them.”

Fraser elaborates, “We’re still auditioning ourselves in front of those same people we put in the room and still acting so we’re really in the best position to advise them on everything from how to approach agents and casting directors to how to deliver a killer audition by telling them about things we’ve learnt in the industry.”

T

he event itself is truly an immersive one. On this night, Fraser and Jimmy have managed to sell out Stratford East Theatre- which is no mean feat. As the actors take to the stage one after the other, the diversity of talent on display is impressive as is the quality of

the performances. It’s amazing how much rawness and emotion one can pack into a one minute performance. By the time the skit is over, you’re left wanting more and it doesn’t take a genius to see the relevance of such an event to the creative industry. It’s like a shortcut to a typical casting.

Instead of organising countless auditions in the hope that the right person for the role would turn up. You could cast your next star right off the bat from a show like Monologue Slam as you watch them engage with the audience and gauge their reaction.

“You do a mix tape in your

bedroom and send it off and the next week, you could be on a plane to LA to star in a major show, like David Haywood in Homeland for example.

”

W

ith the success of Monologue Slam in the UK, the duo are now hoping to break into America with the aim of making the process of getting work in the US easier for British actors. “We’re taking actors to LA. Our idea is to help people here expand their opportunities,” says Jimmy. “If you have an agent out there, you don’t necessarily have to live out there. You do a mix tape in your bedroom and send it off and the next week, you could be on a plane to LA to star in a major show, like David Haywood in Homeland for example.” At this point, Fraser cuts in to out Jimmy who’s also apparently landed a few gigs in the US, but in his typical “Mr Nice” fashion, is keeping mum about it.

I press him for more info about this since we haven’t seen him on telly since he left Holby. After much persuasion, he revealed he’s just finished a new film, Esio Trot with Dustin Hoffman and Judi Dench due out this Christmas, and another six part drama with the history channel about the Tea Party riots. “It’s small large steps in the right direction and I’m loving it and just trying to keep it going,” he says. “We’ve always believed that the more we do as actors, the more we can do for Triforce.”

87

88

Transform Your Home Into A Winter Wonderland

Cushions

C

ushions are not only great for propping you up while curling up on the sofa, they can also add a touch of glam and colour to furniture.

Winter calls for greys and metallic shades in soft, sheer and luxurious fabrics. Jazz up your home with enchanting pieces this Christmas with cushions adorned with dazzling sequins and diamantes to bring some magical sparkle to your home.

This collection from the Kylie (yes, THE Kylie Minogue’s) ‘At Home’ collection, will add a touch of glamour to your home. Featuring luxurious satin and boudoir cushions, the Queen of Pop is bringing her touch of glamour to the interior décor scene.

Alaina- HOF exclusive: Create the perfect boudoir with the gorgeous Alaina. A shimmering metallic lace overlay sits on soft truffle satin across the bedding creating a look of total elegance. Add the Zorina throw in sumptuous black faux fur to enhance the look of luxury.

Available from www.ashleywildegroup.com

89

1.

2.

4.

3.

1.Satin Cushion In Stone Rrp £30 2.Valaza Rrp £25.

3.Catarina- Square Diamond Rrp £50.

4.Gatsby, Rrp £28.

Available from www.ashleywildegroup.com

90

5.

8.

7.

6.

Fine Dining 5.Fine Slate place mat.

Wow your guests at the dinner table with these solid place mats.

They’re sturdy and easy to clean and you could even serve food directly in it. Did we hear you say charger plates?

They’re so last year! Makethemostof.co.uk - £19.94

9.

6.Smoke red wine glass Raft- £11.40 7.Royal Brierley Biarritz Tumbler Let your guests relax during or after dinner with these clear cut glasses that were made exactly for doing the job.

Makethemostof.co.uk- £42 Add a touch of Christmas sparkle with these lux pieces from Raft 8.Nordic large bowl Raft- £30

10.

9.Glitter Tree Medium size Raft - £69.50 10.Crackle Ball Raft- £35 91

Interview

Small But Mighty Chidinma Ekile Words: Azeezat Fadekemi Sulaiman

O

ne of Nigeria’s most contemporary singers, Chidinma Ekile; best known as ‘Chidinma,’ is sat across me at a West London hotel, chatting about how cold the weather in London is. “I’m not such a fan of cold”, she says rather dejectedly. I feel her pain. We pint sized women have no defence against the brutish British weather, and on this day in particular, it was literally raining cats and dogs and also freezing.

92

H

aving spent all my life being poked at for being pint sized, I feel a mixture of relief to finally meet someone even more petite than me- albeit prettier and obviously more famous. I skip what I’m sure must be the first thing people utter to her when they first meet her. Something in the lines of, ’Wow, you’re much smaller than I imagined!” She laughs as I ask if this is something that irritates her when people meet

her in the flesh. “I’m used to it,” she says. It’s a natural reaction because I obviously look slightly bigger on camera.”

I

f there was any proof that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to success, Chidinma is your evidence. She burst into the limelight in 2010 after winning the music reality show MTN Project Fame West Africa- which counts artists like Dare Art Alade amongst

its alumni. Her amazing voice means she’s regularly in demand at high profile shows both in Nigeria and abroad and she can regularly be seen on stage side by side with the likes of Iyanya, Phyno and other A List African artists.

H

er first single ‘Kedike’ catapulted her to instant fame and she became a household name, thanks to her amazing voice and humility. The subsequent release of the video for her smash hit ‘Emi ni Baller’ featuring Da Suspect and Nigerian rapper Ill Bliss, saw her become the first female artist to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Naija official top 10 chart and thus, the ‘sweet’, innocent crooner the nation had come to love had blossomed into a versatile artist capable of holding her own in the rap world as well as her usual genre.

Chidinma Ekile

I

tell her she reminds me of Lauryn Hill because of this versatility. She laughs, “I get that a lot, you know”. It’s because people saw Kedike and assumed that all I could do was sing and while that’s my genre, I think for any artist to be successful, you need 93

to be versatile. That’s the only way you’re going to be able to make money and have a successful career.

I never really planned for the edgy Chidinma to come out, although I always knew the tomboy in me was in there somewhere. After Kedike, I was known as sweet Chidinma, and then after Emi ni baller, that impression sort of changed and the funny thing is I didn’t even write the song. I was just playing around in the studio and it came to me and I was like, let’s go for it.”

“I never really planned for the edgy Chidinma to come out, although I always knew the tomboy in me was in there somewhere.

”

and because I have lots of things I want to do that has nothing to do with music, it’s imperative that we focus on the brand ‘Chidinma’ as a whole, rather than just the music.

“Like I have some CSR work I want to do, some charity work particularly working with kids. I also want to take advantage of my love for broadcasting, which I tried to do for a year, but it was affecting the music, so I decided to finish with the music to make sure that’s grounded before trying other things.” f the video, which was It’s amazing to see how far she’s shot in London and come, considering she’s only directed by one of 23 and still in her second her at Nigeria’s biggest names- Clarence University of Lagos, where she’s Peters, she says she’s filmed a lot studying sociology. of videos with Clarence because he understands her. “I’ve been ow does she combine working with Clarence for a long a hectic schedule with time so the understanding is there. studying at Uni? “It’s just He understands my brand and crazy,” she says. “Even I don’t know how I want to look like. So that’s how I do it. I have a lot of late nights why I tend to prefer to work him obviously and it’s challenging, but for my videos.”

I love what I do and that makes it

O

H

S

worthwhile.”

For someone so young, breaking into the highly competitive entertainment scene in Nigeria must have been hard. “Actually, my time at Project Fame prepared me for life as an artist to be honest. It’s a school and that’s why it was an academy. After I got out, I still had my notes and that actually helped me because I had never done anything similar. The training we got in the house really helped me get used to the industry after I won. find the fact that every time I can’t imagine how I’d have coped she refers to herself, she says without that support.”

‘My Brand’, rather than ‘My Is there any Nigerian artist music’ intriguing, so I ask what she particularly would like to exactly this brand is. “Well, for me collaborate with? “2 Face, she says it’s way more than music. I and my without hesitation as she reveals team definitely see beyond that. she would also love to work with There’s a whole lot we can achieve Alicia Keys. with the music of course and that’s where the brand comes in. You want to do stuff and expand, you have to make use of the brand eeing the subsequent success of the track and taking into consideration that most successful hits in Nigeria are party tunes, I ask if this was a pre- requisite for success. “I’d say everyone has their market. You can’t be like, if I do this no one will listen to me. There’s enough room for everyone in the market, whether you’re a singer or a rapper.

You can do whatever you want and still be successful.”

I

94

L

ike most Nigerian celebrities, she’s very active on Social media and her following are…let’s just say very outspoken. A cursory look at her Instagram will reveal unending passionate marriage proposals from fans. While she says she’s flattered by this, she doesn’t imagine ‘Mr Right’ will be coming from the online world. “It’s crazy, I don’t even know what to do”, she laughs. “Sometimes, I do read them and I just smile but I’m not a fan of online dating. I’m a very very traditional girl.”

I suggest it might help if she puts the poor fellows out of their misery by telling them whether or not she’s on the market. “I say this every time, I’m not dating anyone at the moment so the proposals are very much welcome.”

“Actually, my time at Project

Fame prepared me for life as an artist to be honest. It’s a school and that’s why it was an academy. After I got out, I still had my notes and that actually helped me because I had never done anything similar.

”

Photo: Michael Tubes 95

Rejuvenate

Your Body

Starting the New Year fresh and leaving the stress of the past year behind is something that makes it unto everyone’s New Year resolution. To get you in the best frame of mind for 2015, we spoke to renowned Yoga teacher Kirsty Gallagher on the advantages of meditation and Yoga as a method of relaxation.

1. What are the advantages of meditation versus other methods of relaxation?

Meditation is about way more than just relaxing.

Meditation is a discipline which offers countless benefits for the body mind and spirit and not only brings with it peace of mind, joy, vibrant health and greater energy but also a way to true personal transformation. Meditation helps us to get to know our own minds and our true selves revealing ways in which we can better ourselves and become wiser, more compassionate and happier people.

3. What are the benefits?

Yoga’s proven benefits are many. On a physical level yoga improves flexibility, builds muscle strength and helps to perfect the posture. It also helps to take care of the joints of the body, helps the lymphatic system fight infection, maintains the nervous system and regulates the adrenal glands.

2. Is Yoga for everyone and what exactly is involved?

Yoga is for absolutely and utterly everyone and everyone can do yoga, no matter your age, shape, size or flexibility levels - it’s just about finding a style and teacher that really works for you. What is involved will vary greatly from class to class and teacher to teacher, so it depends on what you are seeking from a yoga class. Generally, a class will begin with either breathing exercises or a short relaxation. You will then go through sun salutations or poses to warm up the body before standing and seated sequences of poses slowing down towards backbends, inversions and then savasana (relaxation).

96

4. Ok, so does it really work?

Yoga is proven to reduce stress levels and help us to quieten the mind bringing us peace of mind, clarity and an ability to manage our stresses.

Yoga also helps to tap into your own inner resources of strength and wisdom, increasing self-awareness and self-esteem.

& Soul 5. Any tips for detoxing during winter?

- Develop a daily yoga and meditation practice to help boost immunity levels and keep the mind calm and clear - Start each day with warm water, lemon, ginger and turmeric – the ideal daily detox and perfect start to the day!

- Enjoy lots of vegetable/ nutrient packed warm soups and stews 6. How important is meditation and what are the implications for today’s busy lifestyle?

As daily demands and stress levels rise, yoga and meditation are imperative in our modern day society. Yoga and meditation are proven to help us to manage and reduce stress levels and reclaim our inner peace. Most of all the practices of yoga and meditation help us to build awareness and through this awareness of ourselves, we are better able to not only notice the signs and our destructive patterns when we are under too much stress, but also to see things how they really are and step back- gaining perspective and not always allowing what is happening on the outside to affect us on the inside. Our times on our yoga and meditation mat gives us scared moments of peace, perspective and clarity and help us to take precious time out from the busyness of day to day modern life.

Kirsty Gallagher is a regular contributor on the subject of female energy, Ayurveda and yoga. She organises retreats which include UK weekends, Bali, Thailand, Ibiza, France, Italy, Greece, sacred women only retreats and Yoga & nutrition. Find out more on www. kirstygallagher.com.

97

98

The Dim Sum Experience at Royal China,

By Karine Laudort-Idonije

V

Baker street

oted by Time-Out as one of the top ten Dim Sum restaurants in London, The Royal China Baker Street is definitely worth a visit if you fancy authentic Hong Kong Chinese traditional dishes. Dim sum is a style of Cantonese food prepared as small bite-sized or individual portions of food traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. The Royal China is part of The Royal China group which counts 6 London top Chinese restaurants including the critically acclaimed 'Royal China Club' also situated on Baker Street, minutes away from one another. Offerings from 'A la Carte', to set menus, the Royal China Baker Street is more known for its amazingly tasty Dim Sum. Available Monday to Thursday until 5pm for last orders and its latest alcohol-free cocktail- the 'Bubble Tea. After careful consideration and looking at a reasonably varied and priced menu (ÂŁ3.50-ÂŁ5 per dim sum portions of 3 to 6 bites), this is what I ordered:

Dim Sum -Prawn and Chive dumplings -Minced pork dumplings with shrimps -Roast pork buns -Deep fried prawns dumplings -Prawn dumplings with coriander Dessert -Ice cream Black sesame & green tea Drink -Royal Summer Drink Being the real foodie that I am with a passion for Pan-Asian food in general made my selection easy.

Dim sum are always flavoursome, in small portions (allowing you to try out many whilst not feeling too full too quickly), and always offer several options for meat eaters, vegetarians and pescatarians.

99

A

ll dim sum were steamed in wooden basket preserving their distinct taste as each of them were rich in either herbs, meat or seafood content and all were accompanied by various sauces, which included either soya, vinegar or for the bravest, red fresh chilies and spring onions. As for desert, I decided to go outside my comfort zone and went for green tea and black sesame ice-cream. The Green tea scoop tasted rather bland, but mixed with the nutty flavour of the black sesame, it worked. I would say that thi is for the more acquired palates who may not like sweet deserts.

As for the drink, what an awesome combination of refreshing exotic flavours in one glass. I chose a passion fruit juice with strawberry pearls, which was by far the best summer cocktail I’ve had as the pearls could be equally flavoured with lychees or any other fruit.

Favourite dim sum: Anything with prawns as you can see from my selection, but if I really had to pick one, it would have to be the deep fried prawn dumplings. Crusty and golden on the outside, extremely meaty on the inside. The amount of prawn content in each bite was extremely generous as there were 5 in one portion, served with an awesomely creamy mayonnaise.

Second favourite dim sum: Roast pork buns. Definitely for those who do not mind the combination of sweet and savoury flavours at the same time. The white buns were soft and sweet, and slightly open at the top allowing the pork meat to burst out in the open. It was very tender as it would have been marinated in bbq sauce as per the original recipe. The overall combination was succulent.

Very generous portions, nicely cooked dim sum, rather speedy service as all the food came at once. Slightly old-fashioned decor though in keeping with what one could expect from a traditional Chinese restaurant and good value for money. One slight regret, dim sum are not available after 5pm which is rather early for diner. I guess they are considered an afternoon tea type of food, so it is a rule which will always be observed in authentic Chinese eateries.

Verdict:

100

101

Winter Reads Curl up with a cuppa with our selection of the latest Books worth picking up this winter

Chasing Dawn- James Flyn Following on from his best seller Shadow of Medea, Chasing Dawn continues the thrilling Luke Temple adventure. Set in Italy this time, Flyn weaves a story of twists and turns so compelling, the conclusion will leave you reeling.

Ebook available on Amazon- £1.99

Leaving Time- Jodi Picoult Jenna Metcalf was with her mother the night she disappeared in tragic and mysterious circumstances, but she remembers nothing. Over ten years have passed, and still Jenna reads and rereads her mother’s journals, hoping to find some clue hidden there, in the meticulous recording of her scientific research with elephants.

Desperate for answers, Jenna uses all her savings to recruit the aid of a private detective - and a psychic. Jenna knows her mother loved her. She knows she would not leave her. And she will not rest until she finds out what happened that night.

Waterstones £13.00

102

In Spite of Oceans- Migrant’s voices

by Huma Qureshi Captures the breadth and colour of the BritishAsian Experience. Published 17th November 2014, this paperback original is based on shared fragments of personal histories. Journalist Huma Qureshi explores the individual journeys of generations in transition from the South Asian subcontinent to England. Poignantly written and based on real events and interviews, what emerges is the story of lives between cultures, of families reconciling customs and traditions away from their ancestral roots, and of the tensions this necessarily creates.

Amazon £14.99

Yes Please- Amy Poehler In Yes Please, Author Amy Poehler offers up a big juicy stew of personal stories, funny bits on sex and love and friendship and parenthood and real life advice. Powered by Amy’s charming and hilarious, biting yet wise voice, Yes Please is a book full of words to live by.

Amazon £8.99

Ayoade on Ayoade- Richard Ayoade The star of the IT Crowd is fast making a name for himself as one of Britain’s most notorious comedians with his satirical sense of humour. In the book, Ayoade interviews himself from the perspective of a journalist asking about everything from his success in acting to his failures in filmmaking.

Amazon £10.49 103

104

105

106