The Gist

With this ring I thee wed Love is in thee air‌The union of Mishelle and Milverton Richards on Saturday November 9th in Houston Texas. Family, friends, and well-wishers surround the newlyweds on their special day and shared the couple’s bliss. The Villa Ballroom was decorated in extravagant colors of wine and white.

The bride wore gowns designed by Thai Couture, as guest were entertained by MCPC. DJ Shinski had the crowd on their feet as the couple beamed with happiness and celebrated the night away.

Photographer Msadaku

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FUN FACTS: Nigeria has the 4th highest number of poor, living under a dollar a day in the entire world. 100 million are ‘destitute’ according to figures from the NBS (National Bureau of Statistics).

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDERS Happy New Year and thank you for continuing to support The Gist Magazine. The reception we have received from our day one readers has been amazing. Every Instagram ‘Like’ and comment, every Twitter repost and every friend who has joined us on Facebook, thank you! In this issue, we have welcomed the New Year with pictures from some great events we were blessed to be a part of. We’ve also put together a lot of new things for you in this issue by keeping you abreast with the latest music shows and albums as well as fashion news from America and Nigeria.

We thank God Almighty for giving us the opportunities and strength to make this happen. The team for putting in so much effort and dedication in creating this issue. Special thanks to DJ KO, Aunty Adeola Oloketuyi, Femi Kuti, Zainab Oladipupo, and Iya Iyabo. Lastly, we’d like to thank our friends and family for their consistent support with our progression we appreciate you all so much. The best it yet to come.

- KingTemo & Rasheedat Olabisi

STAFF KingTemo Co-Founder/President Rasheedat Olabisi Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief Fatimah Aramide Salami Associate Editor/Writer Jide Lawal Photographer (United States) Erika Coldman Copy Editor/Writer Paul Ogwal Photographer (United States)

Contributors Kreative Souls Magazine Layout & Design

Msadaku Photographer (United States)

TABLE OF CENTENTS GistMi Coupons

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AfrikaFifty6

pg 11

Femi Kuti

pg 17

Nateo C

pg 21

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Timaya pg 24 Aso-ebi

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Kenny Adeboye Business Associate (Nigeria) Rachel Aderiye Photographer (Nigeria) Tunde Balogun Photographer (Nigeria) Anene Annabel Reporter

FUN FACTS: In 2013 Nigeria’s estimated population was 174,507,539 which is the most populous Black nation and the 7th most populated nation in the entire world. Behind Pakistan, Brazil, Indonesia, USA, India and China.

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Davido Skelwu

BANY W JASI

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Olamide Durosoke

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Aburo Mi`

TIMAYA UKWU

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// By: Fatimah Aramide Salami

Being an entrepreneur can simply start with having the right vision. For student Toheeb Okenla that vision came to him while participating in an entrepreneurship course his senior year in high school.

He along with his class partner Jesus Hernandez Ortiz developed an innovative sock used by soccer players and other athletes. The sock has the dynamic ability to keep shin guards in place. The boys, who deemed their company T and J Soccer, went on to partake in a national youth entrepreneurship competition where they landed first place for their product and the opportunity to be mentored by hip-hop mogul and businessman, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. Toheeb who is the “T” in T and J Soccer sat down with The Gist and shared his phenomenal story.

“The functionality of the invention itself is to stabilize shin guards,” said Okenla. “That’s the primary function. There’s a couple of designs for comfort and to keep it moving up and down. It’s essentially secured on all four sides. That’s the primary function, for the shin guards to be used without straps and sleeves. The secondary function is to avoid the cost of buying straps and sleeves, which players tend to loose. Also for parents they won’t have to worry about keeping tabs on anything else but the socks.”

T and J Soccer’s simple but intriguing idea, is what landed them first place at the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.

5 Kcee Limpopo

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8 SEAN TIZZLE MAME Views /// 105,732 Release date /// 7.4.13

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9 Psquare Personally

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“There were stages to it,” said Okenla. “So you had to win your classroom, building, district, semifinals, finals in your city, and then Nationals where you were representing which ever city you came from. We were the first team to ever win from Chicago.”

Toheeb and the other final contestants received a lot of attention including that of superstar and entrepreneur Sean “P. Diddy” Combs.

“He’s a huge supporter of youth entrepreneurship,” said Okenla. Since he’s an entrepreneur himself, he volunteered his time to advise some of us, the final three contestants. He gave us entrepreneurial advice. We got to ask him any questions we had about our business or his business right before we presented our final presentation. He also donated $250,000 to NFTE. Like Diddy, so many entrepreneurs are influenced by their background or their want to do a lot more than what they were given. For Okenla, he identifies with the same vision.

With first place prize earning of $25,000, T and J Soccer are continuing to grow. The next step for the company is to scale their business and start distribution. They are also in the works of developing a company website and creating a direct way to contact T and J Soccer. For more information on Toheeb Okenla or T and J Soccer, send your emails to TJsoccer@gmail.com.

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ariam Michelle Olatanwa Soyege’s first birthday party was not your average celebration.

The adorable princess celebrated her birthday lavishly by wearing multiple outfits. Attend-

ees enjoyed a Michael Jackson rendition performance, games, entertainment and more during the celebration showing everyone that she is a one of a kind princess.

Photographer: Paul Ogwal

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1. Attendees // 2. Princess Mariam Michelle Olatanwa Soyege // 3. Princess Mariam Michelle Olatanwa Soyege // 4. Princess Mariam and her parents Mr. & Mrs. Soyege // 5. Celebrant cutting her cake with attendees // 6. Princess Soyege // 7. Attendee // 8. Princess Mariam and her mother Adenike Soyege // 9. Attendees // 10. Attendees // 11. Attendee // 12.

Michael Jackson entertainment // 13. Attendees // 14. Attendees // 15. Attendees.

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Known for her unmistakable voice as well as her involvement in the neo soul movement, a groundbreaking sound that infiltrated the late 1990’s music scene, Erykah Badu has been dubbed the Queen of Soul. With the help of a few others, she has effortlessly mastered the blending of soul sounds with R&B undertones.

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In the past, she has displayed her afrocentricity with pride, hardly ever seen without an African inspired sarong or headwrap, which can be viewed as her way of paying homage to where she comes from. She is said to be heavily influenced by African ideology as well as Southern African-American folk tradition. Since her inception into the music industry, her music has always been a means of exploration into her African heritage.

Late last year, the Internet went crazy with news that Erykah Badu was the new face of Givenchy’s spring line, sporting pieces inspired by African prints and patterns. Riccardo Tisci, fashion designer and Creative Director for the Givenchy brand, has said himself that Badu is an icon in the fashion world and one of the most stylish women he has met.

Tisci is known for pushing the envelope when it comes to fashion. His previous campaigns have included albino models, transsexual models and even mother/daughter duos. His goal, he states, is to change the fashion world’s preference of white models overall.

Erykah Badu will not be the only model of color in this year’s campaign. Tisci has decided to add a few more beautiful women to don his designs. Badu will be in good company alongside Eboni Riley, Maria Borges and Asia Chow.

By: Erika D. Coldman

FUN FACTS: Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) is Nigeria’s leading trade partner in Africa.

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JIMMY JATT SESSION VOL 1 9

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1. D’banj and Olamide // 2. DJ Jimmy jatt // 3. Attendees // 4. Tekno // 5. Attendee // 6. Iyanya and MMMG Crew // 7. Emma Nyra // 8. Jaywon // 9. Tiwa Savage & husband // 10. Attendee.

Nigeria took its first loan from the World Bank in 1977.

Photographer: Rachel Aderiye

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SAM DESALU X AFRIKAFIFTY6

By: Erika D. Coldman

The Gist: AfrikaFifty6 is a non for profit organization designed to give back to countries in Africa. Can you walk me through how you and your co-founder, Cedric Idudu, connected and developed the concept for it?

Sam Desalu: The idea for AfrikaFifty6 came to me when I living in Chicago at my mother’s house and I was dead broke. I was trying to look at the positive sides of my situation.

I lived in Nigeria for two years in 2001 and I saw how people, who were actually poor, living in the midst of poverty, really lived. At that point, I counted my blessings and realized that I wasn’t really in a bad situation. After analyzing my life, I felt the desire to want to give back to the people living in Africa. That’s how it began. I’m more of the creative so as far as everything business related, I reached out to my boy, Cedric and he was automatically on board with the idea. Shortly thereafter, I named him the co-founder.

We work well together. He and I met when I was enrolled in school in Champaign, IL. The Gist: AF6 will be traveling in February for your Project Tanzania operation.

What was it about that country that you two decided to lend a hand there first?

Sam Desalu: Well, I definitely didn’t want to go to Nigeria first; it would have been such an obvious choice because I am Nigerian. Tanzania came about through a friend in London who is half Tanzanian. She let me know that there were tons of orphanages that could use the help we provide. ‘They don’t have money for rent, let alone to take care of the children they house,’ and as she was telling me this, I was just like, ‘Wow. That can be the first country we go to.’

The Gist: What are you anticipating post Project Tanzania?

Sam Desalu: What we like to do is collaborate with different designers that are well known along with up and coming ones. Our goal is to capitalize on castle collections and in turn, we’ll use those collections to raise funds. So, in a nutshell, we use fashion, art and music to raise both funds and awareness. I plan on fundraising and getting my peers to join, volunteer and/or donate to the organization.

The Gist: Speaking of collaborating, I see you linked up with the Atlanta artist, Michael Tousana, to create some African inspired pieces. How did that union come about?

Sam Desalu: Yeah! I met Michael while in Chicago and I told him how I would love to collaborate on something with him. Shortly after that, the concept for us to create the African inspired t-shirts came to life. I gave him the concept, he came up with the graphics and the placement and then, there ya go! We’ve got four awesome t-shirts that we’re selling to help raise funds.

The Gist: What about those bracelets on your site? Did he help with those or was that something you decided on your own?

Sam Desalu: No, those bracelets were actually made by my mother. Making those bracelets has been a hobby of hers since before I was born. I suggested that she create some bracelets, named after her, for AF6.

The Gist: How do you see AF6 progressing in five years?

Sam Desalu: I’m expecting major progression just based off of the people I have backing me. And my vision for AF6 is not for it to only be a nonprofit but more so a movement to help restore and rebuild Africa because that country is definitely the future. And a lot of other countries know that and they’re slowly making their way into Africa and capitalizing on our natural resources. Kind of like taking over! Everyone is starting to realize that Africa is the future and I definitely want to make that known even more. I just want to make a change in Africa because it is really bad in terms of poverty. The United Nations released a list of the top 48 poorest countries in the world and 38 of those are in Africa.

The Gist: Is there anything else you want the world to know about AF6?

Sam Desalu: Um, definitely support, shop, and/or volunteer, all of which can be done through the website www.afrikafifty6.com.

The Gist: Alright! Well thank you, Sam, so much for your time!

Sam Desalu: No, thank you! I really appreciate it!

The Gist Magazine: So how did you break into the music business?

Timaya: God and hard work, that’s it.

TGM: One of your most well-known songs is “Dem Mama” where you referenced the killing of civilians and a village in Niger State. How important is it for you to involve social issues in your music?

Timaya: To me my music is based on the root. I like to speak the truth about people. I addressed a lot of social issues in my first album. The masses liked it but some people did not, but I have to say it.

TGM: At one point in your life you acknowledged being a “plantain hawker”, how did that job humble you for your music career?

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igerian hip hop artist Timaya is a man of truth. He has made a name for himself in the Naija hip hop scene with his musical lyrics which addresses unjust and social issues in society. He’s been handed trials at different points in his life but has triumphed as a champion.

We have an exclusive interview of his motivating story right here at The Gist.

Timaya: There is a point in life when things are not ok. So you have to do what you have to do to get to where you have to get to.

TGM: You’re currently a United Nations peace ambassador. What does the position mean to you?

Timaya: It means a lot to me, I am being acknowledged. It’s not a title that anyone can just receive. For the United Nations to give that honor to me means I

speak about peace, freedom, community, and I speak the truth. It is an honor and not something everyone can say they have.

TGM: You’ve worked with a number of credible Nigerian artists. Are there artists you want to work with who aren’t Nigerian?

Timaya: Yes! (smiles) Jay Z because he speaks a lot of consciousness and truth and Bob Marley if he was alive.

TGM: Is there anything you do different while performing in the U.S. compared to back home.

Timaya: No, when I perform I give it my all and I interact with the crowd no matter where I am. The fact that people come out to see me makes it easy to perform, that is why I am known for my performances.

TGM: So what’s next should your fans expect from you?

Timaya: I don’t know. Timaya is up to everything. I pray to God to let his will be done. So whatever God wants in my life I appreciate it. That’s all.

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1,2 & 3. 828 Collection // 4 & 5. DressMaker by Olivia // 6 & 7. House of Tres Jolie // 8. Rasheedat and King Temo // 9. Jide and Jummy Lawal // 10. Attendees // 11. Attendees // 12. Rasheedat Fuad Adebayo and King Temo // 13 ,14 & 15. ZurikGirl // 16. Aramide Salamia // 17. Chinenye Ezuirike and Ajie Attawia // 18. Toyin Giwa Rasheedat Adelekan and Zainab Raji // 19. Zainab Raji // 20. Attendees // 21. Attendees // 22. Attendees // 23. DJ Diesel and Lola Savage // 24. Dupe // 25. Attendees // 26. Attendees // 27. Titi LoKei // 28. Suzette Opara // 29. Lajuana and Teni Ojemuyiwa // 30. Rasheedat Adelekan and Safurat Adebayo // 31. Sheri and Aminat Yarrow // 32. Attendees // 33. Attendees // 34. Rasheedat, KingTemo, Aramide Salamia, Paul.

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FASHION, FOOD, AND FUN was served first class style at the release of the fall issue magazine on October 4th. The Gist Magazine hosted a fashion show at The Little Black Pearl and designers ZurikGirl, House of Tres Jolie, Dressmaker by Olivia and 828 Collection all featured unforgettable pieces in the show. DJ KO on the 1’s and 2’s, hosted by Lola Savage and DJ Diesel; attendees were entertained with a performance from Afro ENT Award winner, Titi Lokei. The cover Features Nigerian American actor, model and musical artist Rotimi.

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Helen Paul holding the winner of the car Mrs Udezo, from the lucky dip

The Grand Prize won by Mrs Udezo

The trailer park – by Our Father, Elder V

Comissioning The new 50 trucks – by The Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria

Commissioning of the road by attorney General of Lagos State Mr Ade Ipaye, represented by the SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR ON LEGAL MATTERS MR. LANRE AKINSOLA

Commisioning of the ware house done by MD of wema, represented by MR FOLA AJANLEKOKO.

CRYSLAD NIGERIA LIMITED Cryslad Avenue, Sakamori Compound behind Forte Petrol Station, On Oba-Ogunji Road, Ogba.

This story started over twenty years ago, with 5 trucks from the GMD’s late father. Our experience in haulage and distribution therefore has spanned over 20 years, today BY THE SPECIAL GRACE OF God and the unwavering support of our partners, we have over 200 trucks in our operations and we are still growing. Commissioning of 50 new trucks, trailer park, warehouse ,road and Unveiling of the new product – Kastul water GMD – Mr. Banjo Onanubi MD – Mr. Dare Lawal GM – Mr. Kunle Olayemi Special Thanks to the Government of Lagos state, the attorney General, Mr Ade Ipaye, The Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu,, the Managing Director of Wema Bank Nig plc, Mr, Segun Oloketuyi,, Elder V.O Kukoyi, Photographers: Tunde Balogun & Rachel Aderiye

The Customers at the event

The Trucks

MD cryslad group Mr. Banjo Onanubi and wife Bimpe Onanubi

The Warehouse

Unveiling of the new product – Kastul water by the Group managing Director Cryslad Group – Mr. Banjo Onanubi

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The 2006 Census found Nigerians to be the highest educated ethnic or racial group in America.

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LU Club’s 5th nauguration

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New Mayor Femi Babatunde was recognized and joined by members to celebrate for the 5th inauguration and end of the year celebration of the ILU members. Since its initial birth the club and its members have raised over $500,000 and has been an influential establishment for the community.

Photographer: King Temo

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1. Agba ILU and Mrs. Oladehinde & Agba ILU mowobi // 2. bayo // 3. Former Mayor of ILU Mr. Sina Adeyeni // 4. Mr. Ayo Anifowose & mr. paul lekan Akinrinade // 5. Ilu Club executives // 6. need discription // 7. Mr. Dele Ogundiya // 8. Mr & Mrs. Lekan Akinlade // 9. Mayor Femi Babatune & Mr. mowobi // 10. Mr. femi Lawal & friend // 11. Mr. Femi fatuki // 12. Otumba Olumide Ogunfowokan // 13. Mr. Olu& Mr. Awoseyila // 14. Mr. Seyi // 15. Mr. Yemi Efunuga // 16. Mrs. Babatunde, Mrs. Dowodu, Mrs. Adeyeni, Mrs. Ogunfowokan.

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Africa is blessed with beautiful Ladies who are naturally blessed with dazzling body parts, from hips to breast sizes, heights, shapes and lots more. On this edition of the “Super Sean Wall” we will be looking at top 5 Nigerian Divas with best sexiest seductive LIPS.. LIPS that has dominated the dirty sexy fantasies of millions of men..

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TONTO DIKEH

She is Nollywoo’s bad-gurl, or call her the female KANYE-WEST of Africa, And you won’t be wrong.

Divalicious Tonto Dikeh may have had multiple controversies and Bashings with the Nigerian media but that has in no way taking away the huge SEXY Persona which she naturally possesses. The light skinned Diva was blessed not only with great acting skills but also “FULL-DELECTABLE” lips. And the movie queen unleashes huge sexual appetite and exposes her powerful seductiveness whenever she pouts.

NSE-ETIM Nollywood’s stylish & classy diva, Nse-Etim is a dazzling and beautiful queen blessed with A lovely set of dentition with a gap-tooth. The screen goddess who we learnt rejects low Quality movie scripts, may have sure found a way to portray herself as a cool and calm Diva to the public, but looking closely at her with a deep sexual lust, one will see a beauty blessed with natural BIG SEXY FULL KISSABLE LIPS. And so it wasn’t hard placing her on our number four spot.

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3 RITA DOMINIC

Our number three, is the gorgeous and sultry Tv Queen, Ms Rita Dominic. She is the diva with the oldest entertainment career on the list, and for years, she has caused ripples, torn many men apart and left many others in huge wild-fantasies with her FLAMING FULL LUSCIOUS SEXY LIPS adorning millions of tv screens. With a career spanning over 12years, Ms Dominic has in no way falling short especially in her sex appeal. Men from Atlanta in U.S.A to Nairobi, Kenya and down to Lagos, Nigeria all point out that the Large-Lips of the petite light skinned Diva is surely a great turn on for any romantic and loving man. Simply put, she can sell a movie with just her LIPS on the cover.

1 GINA

Our numero uno is a Queen who has been tagged the Africa’s House Music Diva, but Ms Regina Abiola aka GINA does not only have the voice for her music magic, she also possess one of thesexiest fuller-large LIPS that Does real justice to the lyrics of her bedroom songs romantically and beautifully. The 5’ 11 Shinny damsel got the whole country talking when she posted a picture of her lips alongside that of Hollywood Star, Angelina Jolie. And immediately rumor sprung up that the Diva had Spent a fortune under the knife to get same “full-lips” just like that of her idol, Jolie..

Ladies Don’t let your man near a diva with a lips like Gina, she can sure make the hair on the back of the neck of any brother stand up, with just a kiss.

FUN FACTS: Thank you for reading the article, pls send your comments to superseanmedia@yahoo.com. Few comments would be published on the next edition of SUPER SEAN WALL.

A brand new car sold for N2000 in 1975. A ticket to London was less than N100 in 1975.

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TOOLZ

She’s unarguably one of the best voices on radio in Nigeria, with millions of listeners who are Also Ardent followers of the diva. Tolu Oniru aka toolz would easily and undisputably cart an Award for the best-killer hips in Nigeria, but she ranks 4th on this position of sexiest lips with An alluring and seductive thin lips which no-man will give up easily once locked with. Blessed With a giant-like figure with large bossom, the Diva can sure send a man wild with her special Lips tilting sexual swag, which may strike the fellow ladies as ordinary, but men with deep and Special affection for lips, will sure rate the queen high in their fantasy world.

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FEMI KUTI

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By: Anene Annabel

eing the son of such a prominent figure such as Fela Kuti, it is no surprise that his son had to endure some of the hardships bestowed upon him. Having such strong political views on the conditions in Nigeria, Fela Kuti was not popular among most. Through his music, he was able to voice his concerns. The Gist got the opportunity to sit down with Femi Kuti to discuss his viewpoints on the future of Nigeria and how they align with that of his late father’s.

The Gist Magazine: Does being the son of someone as impactful as Fela Kuti negatively or positively affect you?

Femi Kuti: Positively, because I love it. I believe in what he stood for. I appreciate his life. I always argue with people that did not like his ways, I had to understand the battle I have. So there was no negative affect.

Maybe when I was younger and my girlfriend’s parents kicked me out because I was Fela’s son. (laughter) TGM: Given the far reaching potentials of social mediums like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, how do you think their use will affect the political culture of Nigerians in respect to organizing and voicing of opinions?

FK: It is kind of slow. Nigeria is not ready to take the type of action we see in Ukraine and Greece. We have to understand our culture. Many people do not appreciate the struggle in a country like Nigeria.

We like life and we are a peaceful religious type of people; to even think to fight for these important issues we say, “God will settle it for us”. We give so many excuses to not be angry about the educational, health care, and electricity issues that are still prominent. These are the same issues my father was fighting for when I was nine; now I’m 52 and we’re still talking about the same issues. I think social mediums are good. It allows the youth an opportunity to have a voice and talk about issues on a very large scale.

For example, the Hassel Strike where thousands of people voiced their anger. With social media you see people’s voices turn into action and action comes in many forms.

TGM: In July of 2013 China agreed to loan $1.1bn to Nigeria in an effort to help build infrastructure.

What role can our current political leaders play in helping to facilitate a more transparent use of funds as well as more accountability in completing infrastructure projects such as this? What statement do you think this makes about the viability of the Nigerian government to build and sustain its own infrastructure without outside international assistance?

FK: It’s unfortunate that our people in power are so corrupt. It has been this way since the 70’s. The “great” transition was in 1999 when politicians first fought for housing and furniture allowance. And the people that were put in power wanted to be comfortable before they did their jobs. The standards that have been set is based on corruption and it is still an issue today. Now this corruption has filtered through the system and we have to be honest most Nigerians are corrupt. If anyone says “settle me” they are corrupt. (laughter). We need honest leaders, then we need people who love their people and their country. People who understand they are public servants.

Honestly a well fit oil producing country like Nigeria, do you think we need help from anyone? So many structures that are already in place cannot even be maintained. There is so much that can be done to feed your people and enhance its system; we have rubber, palm oil, agriculture etc. I just hope the politicians get their acts together and understand the money they are stealing would be better off being put to use for the people of Nigeria.

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TGM: Nigeria ranks 139th out of 176 countries in Transparency International’s 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index. Despite the many attempts at curbing this systemic negative characteristic throughout the years, it’s still widely known that corruption is seeded in virtually every facet of business and government system in Nigeria. How do you think Nigerians can climb out of this tainted perception and create a more positive image of our business and government practices in the international realm?

FK: If you want me to be honest with you I don’t think it will happen in my life time, but I have to remain optimistic. I have to believe in my culture, my people, and I have to keep on fighting for change.

Even if we get one good president that can change this country it will take a long time because of the extent of the corruption, they will kill him or he will be frustrated out of power. You have to understand that you have to be ready to do what Nigerians want you to do. The network of corruption is too big. In the 70’s I saw students paying for certifications in universities and I am confident many of those people are now our leaders. They start in universities then they grow up thinking this is the way to go.

There will be a generation whether we like it or not. That generation will eventually have to take power. I just hope it’s not through violence. My fear is that a country like Nigeria can end up in anarchy.

There are too many frustrated young people, there are no jobs and they want all the good things. We see the obvious signs. The generation will get fed up and ask for a change, I just hope it is not done violently. No, I do not honestly see change happening in my lifetime.

TGM: With so many different music styles and how do you maintain true to your music roots.

FK: I have to feel what I am singing about. And I don’t see any love story of mine as important as the issues we have discussed. I do have problematic issues but I do not even know how I can express that to the world; I do not understand it. Maybe if I was in a society where electricity, education, and health care were not issues.

TGM: You have worked with American musicians such as Common, MosDef, Erykah Badu and D’Angelo, why did you chose those artist to work with?

FK: These opportunities came to me and I seized it. They are all great artist I was younger and I thought if I did it will help the future of Africa. At the time Nigeria had a bad stigma and everyone wanted to talk to me about Africa, I told them the truth. The government is corrupt not the people and they try to blame the people. Now we have so many artist from America coming Nigeria.

Photographer: Rachel Aderiye

PG 19

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Nigeria celebrates 53 years of Independence. Nigerian American Professionals Association’s (NAPA) celebrated Nigerian Independence Day networking mingle at RSVP Lounge. Former Attorney General of Ondo state, Barrister Oluwarotimi Akeredolu graced the crowd with a few encouraging words.

Photographer: King Temo & Paul Ogwal

1. Attendee // 2. Barrister Oluwarotimi Akeredolu // 3. Rilwan Oshinusi // 4. Attendee // 5. NAPA’s Board Members // 6. Attendee // 7.Mina and Luvvie Ajayi // 8. Attendee // 9. Yinka // 10. President of NAPA.

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FUN FACTS: The Obasanjo military regime converted Nigeria from a Parliamentary system to a Presidential system of government

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PG 21

Billionaire jimoh Ibrahim arrested over N6b tax fraud…11/18/13 Davido baby drama

Seun Kuti lashes out at Fela ‘experts’

Davido mysterious girl

2/21/14 …EME DROPS SKALES

Kenyan beauty Lupita Nyong’o won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her first feature film 12 Years A Slave.

Girls profile pic.

Most scariest female in Africa.

Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu makes $123 million in 3 weeks…11/21/13

Wizkid celebrates his parents.

Ellen broke twitter RT record with over 2.2million retweets during The Oscars

Actor Chiwetele Ejiofor was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey for his role in 12 Year of Slave he called her the “Queen of TV”

Angela Simmons arrived Lagos today for Music Meets Runway taking place this Saturday at Eko Hotel.

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A new law in Nigeria banning all homosexual relations by the Senate, but that did not stop the bold move by the Nollywood filmmakers of “Pregnant Hawkers”. Making this the first gay Nollywood scene.

11/17/2013 The Ghanaian movie star picked up 7 awards at the 2013 ZAFAA Global Awards held in London. UK. She won awards for her movie House of Gold, Pascal Amanfo‘s Single & Married as well as The Price also starring Majid Michel.

Yemi Sax teaches Wizkid how to play new musical instrument….2/10/13

Birdman (cash money ceo) purchased solid gold-plated toilet cost $1m.

badgirl…12/20/13

Iyanya … fires back on twitter..11/19/13

Skales 11/11/13..”EME artist Skales attacked on Twitter by his girlfriend & her friends”

1/22/14…..Keri Hilson, 31, and her 24 year old Congolese-Spanish professional basketball player Serge Jonas Ibaka Ngobila, have called it quits after dating for about a year Wizkid & Girlfriend break up 12/19/13

Davido gives N1million away on his bday

D.I.S ENTERTAINMENT presents

Chicago being the first leg of his U.S. Tour. Attendees were entertained to the max when Timaya performed hits like “Shake Ya Bum Bum“, “Dem Mama“, “Sexy Ladies“, “Go Down Low“, and many more hits. He even brought some lucky lady fans on stage while performing his hit“Shake Ya Bum Bum”. .

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Photographer: King Temo & Jide Lawal

1. Timaya // 2. Attendees// 3. Chibbz and Mo Beatz // 4.

Dapo // 5. Chi Chi and friend // 6. Attendees // 7. Aramide and Rasheedat // 8. Timaya Live // 9. UKWU! // 10.

Attendee // 11. Timaya Live // 12. Timaya Live // 13. Joey Yinka and Fisayo // 14. Timaya Live // 15. Dj KO.

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FUN FACTS: Nigeria has the highest paid legislators in the entire world.

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R&B artist Olubankole Wellington is one of the industry’s wealthiest because of his investments and businesses. With an estimated $15-20,000 per show the brand ambassador for telecommunication giant Etisalat, writer for Coca Cola’s Nigeria World Cup theme song, and Microsoft’s anti-cyber crime initiative has made a name for himself. He’s the founder of Mr. Capable Foundation, which provides tuition for indigent and bright students. Banky is also the driving force of arguably the fastest growing entertainment empire, EME which is home to international superstar WizKid.

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He is one of the first entertainers to be paid for endorsement deals in the Naija hip hop scene. D’banj has deals with Globacom Telecommunications, Power Fist, Virgin Colour Soft, and is the Ambassador for Chirs Aire watches. These endorsements total to an estimated $500,000. Let’s not forget to mention his recording deal with Kanye West’s label G.O.O.D Music. He is constantly on the go in the U.S., U.K., and Africa. He collects an estimated $40-50,000 for each performance. Television reality show KoKo Mansion and upscale hangout KoKo Lounge are working well for the entertainer. He is also the founder of Koko Foundation a charity for children.

He is speculated to be worth about $3.47 million. Not only does he invest heavily in real estate and stocks 2Face has had endorsement deals with Guinness and Airtel totaling about $250,000. He is still collecting earnings from hit movie “Phat Girls” that featured his famous song, “African Queen”. 2Face has two platinum records and is still actively touring internationally.

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He is known for his business dexterity, Micheal Enebeli aka Don Jazzy founded Mo’Hits Records and is currently running one of the most popular Nigerian entertainment empires as CEO of Mavin Records. Mavin Records is home to artists Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid and D’ Prince. Don Jazzy also has endorsements with MTN, Samsung, and Loyal Milk.

Twin duo Peter and Paul Okoye comprise the group P- Square. The group has been listed twice on Africa Forbes. The brothers have a four year Globacom telecommunication contract for $1.5 million. In 2010 they went on an international tour grossing $1 million. They are also owners of several business such as Rayfield Hotel, Jos Bakery, and Sachet Water Company. The incredibly talented duo are still collecting earnings from the 14 million copies they sold in 2005 from their CD “Get Squared”. P-SQUARE are also winners of the KORA award for Best African Artists which earned them $1 million as a prize.

PG 25

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Photographer: King Temo & Jide Lawal

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1. Mrs. Idowu Adenike and Sharafa Soyege // 2. Celebrant dancing // 3. Mrs. Idowu Adenike and her husband Sharafa Soyege // 4. Aunty Bolat and Aunty Fali // 5. Aunty Rasheedat, Iya Modinat, Mrs. Odukoya, Alhaja Adesanya // 6. Bukky, Tutu, Opeyemi, Sunbo, Abiodun, Lady K and Shola // 7. Celebrant and friends // 8. Celebrant and N.I.A members // 9. Celebrant with Soyege family // 10. Celebrant dancing with her husband // 11. Celebrant with Nigerian Islamic Association (N.I.A) members // 12. Celebrant, Folusho and friends from Maryland

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6 // 13. Alhaja Adigun, Iya Aramide with celebrant // 14. Alhaja Okenla, Mama and Baba Abayomi, Mrs and Mr. Soyege and Grandma // 15.

Real Ultimate Club of Chicago, their wives, celebrant and her husband // 16. Party attendees dancing // 17. Attendees // 18. Attendees // 19.

Tutu, Modinat, Wasilat, Yinka, Bola, Iya Shade, Iya Qudus, with celebrant // 20. Iya Rihannat and Iya Gbolahan // 21. Attendees // 22. Iya Rihannat, Alhaja Sarumi, Alhaja Rosenje, Iya Mistura, and Iya Fawaz // 23. Yetunde, Iya Onigba, Iya Bola, Iya Lolu, Grandma, Iya Niyi, Iya Tokunbo, Nike Abebi // 24. Ambassador’s Club of Chicago // 25. Mrs. & Mr. Soyege and friends// 26. Mrs & Mr. Soyege with M.E.S.S Chairman Mr. Tayo // 27. Iya Ruki, Alhaja Toyin, Alhaja Kafilat, Iya Basirat // 28. Napo And Friend // 29. MC host Mr. Shina Odukoya.

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THE INITIATION OF OTUNBA DAYO BUSH

The initiation of Otunba Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, as he celebrates his installation as Otunba Fuwagbuyi of Ijebu.

Pictures by: KingTemo and Rachel

BARBELL SQUAT Grasp the bar outside shoulder width and squeeze. Step under it and pull your shoulder blades together. Arch your back to take the bar off the rack--it should rest on your rear delts. Step back and set your feet at shoulder width. Take a deep breath and sit back, lowering yourself as far as you can with your back flat.

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ou’ve probably noticed most gym go-ers don’t train their legs. You might be the only one using the Power Rack for Squats and maybe you’ve seen guys with a huge upper-body but skinny legs. That just does not make any sense to me.

Anyway, not training your legs is the biggest training mistake you can ever make.

Studies have been shown that working out your legs increase the release of Growth Hormone & Testosterone more than any other exercise. These are natural muscle building hormones.

Why Should You Squat? Every muscle works when you squat; your legs move the weight, your abs & lower back stabilize it, your arms squeeze the bar, etc. The squat is NOT just a leg exercise; it’s a full body exercise.

Leg exercises I recommend adding to your leg workouts; I usually perform these exercises in 3 sets of 12 reps 28 // WWW.GISTMI.COM

FRONT SQUAT Grasp the bar at shoulder width and raise your elbows so your upper arms are parallel with floor. Nudge the bar off the rack and step back. Plant your feet at shoulder width. Squat down without losing the arch in your back.

DEADLIFT Stand with feet at hip width and bend down to grasp the bar outside your knees. Take a deep breath and drive through your heels to lift the bar, keeping your lower back flat. Come up until you’ve locked out your hips and knees.

ROMANIAN DEADLIFT Hold the bar at shoulder width. Bend your hips back and lower your torso as far as you can without losing the arch in your lower back. Allow your knees to bend as needed. Extend your hips to come back up.

REMEMBRANCE OF ALHAJI WAHEED ODUKOYA THE

41 day remembrance of grandfather, father, brother, uncle, and friend Alhaji Waheed Adesegun Odukoya who passed away November 5, 2013. His friends and family celebrated his life in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria on December 15th. Attendees wore green and blue attired Ankara as they gathered together in memory of Mr. Odukoya. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Photographer: King Temo

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Iya Iyabo, Mrs. Mosun Odukoya and friends // 11. Iya Iyabo, Iya Lara, and Mrs. Abiola // 12. Mr. Onabule and friends.

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By: King Temo

As Nigerian fashion continues to become more innovative and eye catching, people all over are giving many of these Naija designers recognition. One of these stellar designers is Zini Couture.

He has dressed entertainers like Wale, Olamide, 2face Idibia, Samklef, and others. Mr. Zini Couture himself granted The Gist his exclusive story on how he began.

“Growing up my family was not wealthy”, said Zini. “But it was during secondary school. When everyone was sagging and wearing baggy clothes, I had on a belt, creases in my pants and my sandals were always neat. I always yearned for a unique style instead of following trends.”

As easy and as comfortable as it may be to follow trends, Zini Couture knew that the way to success would be hardwork. Putting in work is something that comes easy for him because it’s what he loves to do.

“I look at this as a hobby so there aren’t too many challenges” said Zini. “But when you are working with people, especially celebrities you have to be on your toes, because it’s very rare that they repeat costumes. So there is no time to be tired.”

As Zini Couture’s creativity and name continues to grow he still continues to maintain his traditional roots in his work.

“I love to incorporate Africanisms when I dress, I like originality” said Zini. “For example I can wear a normal shirt, but I’ll still add my fila to keep it African.” (laughs).

Look out for Zini Couture to open up boutique stores in Lagos in the very near future and also follow him on: :Zini Couture

By: Anene Annabel There are not too many rappers that can brag and say in addition to their rapping skills, they also have degrees. But for Naija rapper Folarin Falana aka Falz aka Falz the Bahd Guy he can. He’s a young and phenomenal artist who is flourishing as he uniquely raps his way to success. Check out the exclusive interview and see how he’s molding his career and what fans can expect from his upcoming album.

Tell us who Falz is?

Well my name is Falz aka Falz the Bahd Guy. I am a rap artist or entertainer as some folks call it. I was born in Lagos and lived here until secondary school then I moved to Oshun state until I attended university in the UK. When I got back from the UK I went to Abuja for law school. So I’ve pretty much been all over (laughter). My upbringing was chill. I was born into a family of three; I have two sisters. Family is important to me. In secondary school I started a boy group with a few friends called “School Boys” and that is when I got the name Falz which is short for my last name Falana.

You studied and are still practicing law, how has that helped your career as Falz the Bhad Guy? To be a lawyer you have to be disciplined and that has been most helpful for me. I am very disciplined with everything I have been doing, you obviously have to manage your time properly and I have been able to separate things to avoid conflicts.

We know family plays a key role in your life, how have your family members influenced or encouraged your music?

Yes! In terms of encouragement, I got a lot from my family.

I wouldn’t say they influence my music (laughs). Initially they were surprised and were like “ ah ah….where is this coming from” (laughs). None of my parents have any musical background and as soon as I get my certificate they willl be a lot more supportive. We know how Nigerian parents are, and I’m still practicing so they are proud (laughs). They gave it more attention and accepted it and grew to love it… my sisters are my biggest fans.

Do you have future plans to tour or visit the US? What states are you eager to visit?

My debut album Wazup Guy is set to release before the summer so after the release I am setting up a tour in US and Canada. I am excited to go to Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Maryland, and Texas. Our goal is to cover as much of the US as possible.

Your album will be released this year, what can fans expect?

Wazup Guy will have about 15 songs, a few have been released as singles already. Fans can expect a lot of versatility from me. I’m trying to show that I can dabble into different genres of music and make sense with it.

Being a single guy, what do you look for in your perfect woman?

Well there is no such thing as a “perfect woman” everyone has their preference in what they want in someone, but in relationships you have to forfeit some of these things. You may find someone with most of those attributes.

So you sacrifice.

Is fashion important to you?

Yes I like fashion! Fashion tells a lot about someone’s personality. Generally, what you see people wear tells you how they think or perceive themselves.

What are three major fashion accessories you must have when you are going out?

My lense less glasses, chains, and watch…those are the major things.

Facebook: falz // Twitter: @falzthebahdguy IG: @Falzthebahdguy // www.falzthebahdguy.com

FUN FACTS: In 1976, 75 kobo exchanged for one British Pound and 60 kobo for one US dollar.

PG 33

Banjo CEO of Cryslad Group

Mr. Ojemuyiwa

Mr & Mrs Ojemuyiwa

FUN FACTS: Nigeria’s population was just 16 million in 1911. It is projected to hit 444 million by 2050, surpassing the US and becoming the 4th largest in the world.

Richard Ojemuyiwa

Segun Oloketuyi MD of Wema Bank