FAB Magazine Online Vol 1 Issue 1 - Women by FAB Magazine LTD

VOL 1 ISSUE 1 2010

M AG A Z I N E Fabulous. African. Black.

Nneka A MIGHTY

The

MUSIC ISSUE

N500 • £3.00 • $4.60 • R26

HEART

292F Ajose Adeogun, Victor a Island, Lagos. 08032961288. www.deolasagoe .net

VOL 1 ISSUE 1

M AG A Z I N E Fabulous. Afr ican. Black.

Nneka A MIGHTY

THE MUSIC ISSUE

CONTENTS ISSUE 1

HEART

The

MUSIC ISSUE Nneka Cover illustration: Mista Skee

FASHION &BEAUTY

FAB Style Steal: Lira 10 Catwalk Trends 12-13 Here Come the Girls 16-27 Skin Spring Clean 42-43 Good Hair 44-45 FAB Scents 47 FAB Body&Soul: Uru 50-51

FEATURES

Girl about Town with Bobby Taylor 15 My FAB Life: Shingai Shoniwa 28-29 Girl Power 30 ‘The Rebel’: Nneka 32-36 ‘The Visionary’: Kemi Adetiba 37-38

FAB LIFE

Editor’s FAB Finds 8 FAB Interiors 40 FAB Inspired 52 FAB Food 53

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Mango.com

SCARLETT JOHANSSON NEW YORK 2010

THE PALMS SHOPPING MALL LEKKI LAGOS

SILVERBIRD ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE ABUJA

EDITOR’S FAB FINDS

4 3 1

1. THE THING AROUND YOUR NECK By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been very aware of Chimamanda’s latest offering since its publication in hard cover in April 2009; but as a paperback-junkie, I was overjoyed to find a paperback copy at the airport before a recent trip to Nigeria. Spending Christmas with Chimamanda Adichie who delivers her tales of Nigeria with a cool restraint and a keen eye for detail was an absolute treat. Ricocheting between contemporary Nigeria and the United States, these beautifully written stories capture the characters’ experiences in their homeland and in the stifling isolation of distant shores. My favourite is ‘Jumping Monkey Tree’, which slowly unravels the background and the frustration of Ujunwa at a Cape Town retreat called the Africa Writers Workshop and is wrought with raw emotion. A must-read collection!

2. CD WALL TILES Wall art at £14,95? Now that’s a bargain. These nifty little transparent frames allow you to display your favourite CDs without damaging the wall. Neat patented 3M command clips stick the tiles to the wall and allow you to move them around at will, so you can get arty and arrange your CDs in various configurations. So rock-n’roll I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair – let’s just hope a certain somebody will not forego the Swarovski headphones to settle for this one. www.firebox.com

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3. SWAROVSKI DJ HEADPHONES Adorned with 60,000 Swarovski crystal beads and in pink, no less, aren’t they absolutely adorable? What’s more these headphones come in a luxury box and small carrier bag. At £900, they’re not exactly cheap but hey, I’m hoping a certain somebody will be reading this. www.brand.swarovski.com

4. COCA COLA CLUTCH Loving the colourful and snazzy handbags brought to us by Ecoist - known for its line of handbags made from recycled candy wrappers, food packages, and soda labels and its growing list of partners such as Coca-Cola, Mars, Frito-Lay, Disney, AVEDA, and Cliff Bar, among others. Ecoist handbags are made in a fair trade, sweatshop-free production center in Peru. As part of its commitment to environmental restoration, Ecoist plants a tree for every handbag sold. At $28.00, this Coke Classic clutch made from recycled Coca-Cola bottle wrappers is a steal! www.ecoist.com

5. INTUITION Lami For me, Lami Phillips, Neo-Soul, Afro-pop singer and songwriter, whose debut Intuition was released in November 2009, is certainly the one to watch in 2010.

Intuition showcases not only a fresh Nigerian artist but also a formidable talent with a great potential to reach millions worldwide. A versatile album with styles ranging from hiphop to bluesy jazz, from upbeat pop to soft rock, Lami’s debut is an album one can listen to over and over again. The lady’s got a lot of swagger, and a whole a lot of substance, and if her freshman effort is this delicious, it seems she is here for good!

6. Made in Kenya I absolutely adore this necklace designed by Vicki Sarge of the renowned jewellery brand Erickson Beamon as a part of her collection titled ‘More Dash than Cash’ for made, Fairtrade jewellery brand established in 2005 which sources goods produced by independent artisans and small communities in Kenya. www.made.uk.com

7. AFRO-BOHEMIAN CHIC Just when you think you’ve seen everything to be seen in Ankara print, the brains behind the label, Nkwo Onwuka comes along with yet another collection of unimaginably gorgeous designs in print. She is one designer whose designs I cannot get enough of. For those of you not fortunate enough to be on the same geographical coordinates as the lady, her website will be ready in 2010.

www.zebraliving.com

Zebra Living Ltd 33 Sinari Daranijo Street, Off Ligali Ayorinde Street,Victoria Island, Lagos• t: 08026990796 • e: info@zebraliving.com

ZEBRA

House of

jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ola www.houseofjola.com

Style FAB

Steal

Image © Gety Images

Yoanna Pepper Okwesa

LIRA South African songstress Lira looks naturally divine in this coral number. Lira definitely pulls off the less is more look effortlessly with this long, strap dress defining her collar bones and accentuating her figure. The coral, peach colour is amazing against her skin which boosts her chocolate, complexion. Take it from me, coral is the colour for this spring and summer, especially for darker skin tones. Paired with a simple, gold clutch and gold hooped earrings to match the gold ring detailing on the dress, pushes this look up to Goddess levels without distracting attention from the person. Credits: Coral/Peach Dress- www.kaleidoscope.co.uk £45 | Gold Clutch Purse- www.a-shu.co.uk, £12 | Redmand Gold Bangles- Debenhams, £15 | Gold Earrings- Accessorize, £12 Stockists: Accessorize: +44 84 48 11 00 68 | A-shu: www.ashu.co.uk | Debenhams: www.debenhams.com | Kaleidoscope: www.kaleidoscope.co.uk

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1) Jean Paul Gaultier, Photography by P. Stable 2) PPQ 3) Isis Baga 4) Etro 5) Samantha Cole 6) Twenty Twelve 7) Jean Paul Gaultier, Photography by P. Stable 8) Basso & Brooke 9) Jasmine Di Millo 10) Marc Jacobs 11) Sophie Theallet 12)

FAB TRENDS FOR WOMEN

June Vlisco

Sherbet Pastels Pastel colours are definitely the right step into spring. Caramels, pinks, powder blues, yellows, lemons and spearmints were the sherbet shades sprinkled all over this seasons catwalks. Pastels work best in tailored dresses for that chic but all grown up look. While pretty, neat separates, romantic ruffles and sheer chiffon and lace combinations work a sweet treat.

The Short and Short of it If there is any reason to start running laps, then it’s because shorts are in this season and hemlines are showing no mercy as shorts have become even shorter. For the preppy comfortable look, tailored shorts are great for work, just sling a light cardi around you and you’re good to go. High waisted hot pants compensate for the risqué-ness, but are a super sexy look for that hot night out or worn in a classic, vintage style. Since hot pants reveal a lot of skin then combine it with stockings or pair it up with a boyfriend blazer to turn down the heat. Unless your name is Naomi Campbell then please wear hot pants with heels, it will

only slim down your figure and enhance your shape. Alternatively, if you’re not blessed with a tight derriere and never ending legs, then boy shorts in safari shades are for you as they don’t curve your body as much but are still cute.

Laid Back 1980s We are still in the 80s but don’t all sigh, this time designers are inspired by the luxe, grown up but laid back look of the decade, with easy to wear tailoring in the form of slouchy high-waisted trousers, smart boyfriend blazers, plus silk and lace blouses and tops for added comfort and femininity. The 80’s hard shoulder is still in but is tamed and softened by pastel and flesh colours. If you are going to be rocking the 80’s boyfriend blazer this season make sure you get one in a classic white, rose pink, caramel, or in a warm red.

Underwear Over Wear This season everyone’s got their underwear on show as designers have raided the chest and created looks from the subtle hinting bra strap to the dramatically revealing bustier. Without being tacky seek bra tops with exposed lingerie details and sheer colours in silks and satins for added femininity. Continuing with last season’s French boudoir trend, corset and bustiers can be worn over shirts or as part of dresses and are great news for all shapes and sizes, as they pull you in, push you up and enhance curves.

Print Works I’ve always been a sucker for print dresses and tops, I think they make an outfit that more interesting especially when paired with minimal accessories. This season designers have indulged in African mosaic, blooming floral, abstract geometrics, futuristic and techno prints, making all things bright and beautiful. When wearing this trend think wandering gypsy and Aztec princess.

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KFA - 34, Bode Thomas Road, Sur ulere , Lagos. 08033056379. morenikejiagoro@yahoo.com

GIRL ABOUT

TOWN with Bobby Taylor

Business as usual? I don’t think so! Some of you may already know mw, some may not; some call me PR to the stars, and some call me the PR whiz kid. I am Bobby Taylor, FAB Magazine’s Girl about Town, reporting to you from Lagos City, the centre of attraction in Africa for night life, good food, good music, good people… And hey it’s hard work to skip in my stilettos all about town. HOLIDAY IN TRIBECA Tribeca crept up on us…everyone knew that something was being built but I am not sure whether we were all prepared. Even I, had visited the site during its construction days… and all I saw was a building with tons of scrap and over 50 men working vigorously in the heat. You see out here in Lagos, we are used to people renting out spots to turn into bars/ clubs; this here was a bit different, this was being built.

Tribeca was home to many events during the holiday period and it is now home to a lot of recurring events such as the infamous “Industry Night” that holds every Wednesday with one of the greatest live bands! If you are out and about like myself and everywhere fails…make like Bobby and take a holiday to Tribeca! THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT TIMI (DAKOLO): First time I heard Timi Dakolo, was when he belted his lungs out on television ‘West African Idol’. There was so much soul and passion to his husky voice. When he won, I received a phone call at

Let’s run inside the main building… It’s great and cool inside and has different sections. There is that VIP room upstairs which I love dearly. Once the bouncer acted like he didn’t know me and refused to let me in. I was too mad. I looked at him square face and was like, “I tip you like all the time, dude.” On the whole the staff are polite, managers great, the DJs fantastic!

COLOR FUSION

If only she knew what was going through my head….

The huge bar outside is very welcoming. It’s almost the first thing you see as you walk in through the gates guarded by the biggest and ugliest bouncers in their stripped shirts. I bet those men chase away the bad folk!

Then the cabanas…They take me some place else…I love the chairs, the feel of being on an island, the furniture…Then there is a stage for live performances built over the right side of the swimming pool…how cool is that?

There is something about Timi…for once you find a man whose music and style come from somewhere deep. It’s easy to “feel” him and enjoy his music and I love that about him. His album is officially out in March and I can’t wait. Make sure you grab a copy! I stared at Ituen Basi right in the face at the Face of Africa event at the Eko Hotel. She looked back at me through her glasses and I let out a smile. I think she smiled back…she might have smiled back out of courtesy or nervousness.

The night Tribeca launched was a night to remember.

The outside bar is great…love it. The bar seats are not that comfortable and I am sure its genius-ly built that way for a reason… you have no choice but to stand every now and then and groove to the beats of the excellent DJs. Then there is that huge swimming pool with a stage built on top of it…I always wondered what would happen if folks got way too wasted and jumped right in. Does Tribeca have life guards? Hmmm…

Jesse Jags, made me want to take off my jacket and bust a move, but I held it together. Then complete shock when he did this one track with Cobhams. Has anyone ever heard Cobhams rap? Well, he did it on this one track with Timi Dakolo. I loved it! My employee/side-kick Moyo had to occasionally remind me to shut my mouth during the performance.

I LOVE THIS WOMAN! I wanted to just bundle her up, put her in a room in my home…with all the things she would need to make me outfits like EVERYDAY so that I would look HOT TO DEATH for the rest of my life. my home in Winnipeg and the voice on the other end said, “Bobby…Timi Dakolo just won the West African Idols, this boy is about to blow the f*&k up!” For a while, I watched him steadily…Articles, TV appearances, radio but no CD. A couple songs were released but that was pretty much it. Then early 2010, I got an invitation from his manager who is one of the most hard working women I know and a fellow colleague that completely has me wrapped around her finger. She says, “Bobby, Timi Dakolo is about to launch his album and I need you there.” I got to Swe Bar on the 20th of January, all dressed trying to look very corporate and saw tons of people in the industry there. Tears in my eyes when he sang “Heaven Please.” “I love you/Everytime” featuring

I bet she thought I was a bit weird smiling at her anyways. Why do I love Ituen Basi? She is one designer that ‘aint afraid’ to mess with some colors. I remember back in the day where blending of colors was called ‘color riot’ and you were laughed at for wearing, let’s say, a pink shirt, green pumps and yellow jeans. Ituen makes Color Rioting the in-thang! The use of Ankara in bright colors…culture meets modern day fashion. We have tons of designers that use Ankara to make fabulous pieces but this woman stands out completely. You see someone in one of her pieces and you just know it’s an Ituen Basi piece. So now that the world knows I love Ituen Basi, can someone please…? Well… My birthday is in April.

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MoChedda

STYLIST: Tayo Shonekan PHOTOGRAPHY: Toni Tones HAIR: Ola MAKE UP: Bimpe Ogunmakin RETOUCH– FAB Magazine

Metallic Jumpsuit: Samantha Cole for Temple Muse-POR Belt worn as Choker: Stylist’s own Cuff: Stylist’s own Earrings: Stylist’s own

HERE COME THE GIRLS

“Anything men can do, we can do better,” say our leading ladies of Nigerian music as they put a fashion-conscious foot forward.

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Lace Bask: ETC Lingerie-N8’500 Skirt: FAB Closet Shoes: Stylist’s own Belt: Stylists’ own```````` Bangles: Ruby and Pink- N5’000 each Bangle: Ruby and Pink-N6’500 Necklace: Stylist’s own Earrings: Circa 64 N7’000

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Sasha

HAIR: Ola MAKE UP: Lola Maja PHOTOGRAPHY: Toni Tones STYLIST: Tayo Shonekan RETOUCH– FAB Magazine

Kente Fabric: Stylist’s own Leggings: Sasha’s own Sandals: Phenomenom- N80’000 Belt: The Jewellery Box- N12’500 Necklace worn as Bracelet: Ituen Basi-N10’000 Bracelet: The Jewellery Box-N8’000

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Dress: Eclectic by Sasha-POR Sandals: Stylist’s own Cape: The Jewellery Box-N12’000 Earrings: Circa 64-N7’500

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Uru

HAIR & MAKE UP: Uru provided by MAC PHOTOGRAPHY: Nusinic PhotographyNsoedo Frank STYLIST: Yoanna ‘Pepper’ Okwesa RETOUCH– FAB Magazine

Dress: Pistol Party for Temple Muse-POR Bikini Top: Stylist’s own Shoes: Artist’s own Necklace: Eye for Gems-N8’750 Ring: Eye for Gems- N3’500 Earrings: Artist’s own

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Bra and Garter Set: Sophie B at Zena’s -N8’500 Hot Pants: Artist’s own Hat: Stylist’s own Leather Pouch: Artist’s own Wooden Bangles: Eye for Gems- N1’750 Necklace: Eye for Gems- N2’500 Earrings: Artist’s own

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Shiikane

PHOTOGRAPHY: Suby & Sinem STYLIST: Yoanna ‘Pepper’ Okwesa HAIR & MAKE UP: Tamara RamseyCrockett RETOUCH– FAB Magazine

Shay wearing; Dress-£25.00 and Hair Accessory-£5.00 from Beyond Retro Necklace: Topshop- £22:00 Shoes: Stylist’s own Kay wearing; Dress-£24.00 and Hair Accessory-£5.00 from Beyond Retro Necklace: Eye for Gems- N4’500 Boots and Earrings: Artist’ own Annamay wearing; Dress-£26.00 and Hair Accessory-£5.00 from Beyond Retro Earrings-£7.00 and Necklace£8.00 from Topshop Shoes: Stylist’s own

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Kefee

PHOTOGRAPHY: Suby & Sinem STYLIST: Yoanna ‘Pepper’ Okwesa HAIR & MAKE UP: Lola Maja RETOUCH– FAB Magazine

Dress: Kirette Couture- £88.99 Necklace: Eye for Gems- N6’500 Bangles: Stylist’s own Fascinator: Jazreel Designs-£25.00

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Omawunmi

HAIR: Ola MAKE UP: Lola Maja PHOTOGRAPHY: Toni Tones STYLIST: Tayo Shonekan RETOUCH– FAB Magazine

Fabric: Stylist’s own Skirt: Ituen Basi- N50’000 Coral Bracelet: The Jewellery Box -N10’000 Silver Bracelet: Stylist’s own

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Dress: Jewel by Lisa-POR Shoes: Artist’s own Bangle: Ruby and Pink-N6’500 Earrings: Circa 64- N7’000

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Airis

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ada Emihe STYLIST: Gugu Lethu Malambo HAIR & MAKE UP: Lissette Espinosa

Ankara Dress: Ze Uba- $89.99 Ring: Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own

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Waje STYLIST: Tayo Shonekan PHOTOGRAPHY: Toni Tones HAIR: Ola MAKE UP: Bimpe Ogunmakin RETOUCH– FAB Magazine

Dress: Lanre DaSilva Ajayi-POR Bracelet: Ruby and Pink-N15’000 Ring: Ruby and Pink-N12’500 Earrings: Temple Muse-POR Shoes: Ruby and Pink-N25’000

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MY FAB LIFE

SHINGAI

SHONIWA

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The front woman of Britain’s coolest indie band The Noisettes and one of the funkiest soul divas of the Noughties, British Zimbabwean Shoniwa gives us a glimpse of her FAB life. Fab thing about being a musician? Fab thing about being a musician is the ability to express yourself and give back to other people.

Fab read of all times? Poetry of Léopold Sédar Senghor, the president of Senegal. He wrote absolutely beautiful poetry – so passionate. He’s fabulous! I love Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I love Nervous Conditions, a novel by Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga. I also like the works of Hermann Hesse and Stephen Wolf. Zadie Smith is great. Zola Neale Hurston is great. Ralph Ellison. Lagston Hughes. There is also this fantastic novel by Samuel R. Delany, with one of my favourite titles ever, Stars in My Pocket like Grains of Sand. There is loads.

Fab record of all times? Do I have to pick one? Can I pick three? I couldn’t live without Nina Simone, Fela Kuti and Jimmy Hendrix.

Fab gig of all times? It definitely has to James Brown at the V Festival back in 2003. I bunked off school to go, hoping my mum wouldn’t find out. Of course she did and I got into a bit of trouble when she did. But it was definitely worth it!

Fab holiday destination? If I was going to be biased, I’d say Kariba in Zimbabwe… Zanzibar, Sidi Bousaid in Tunsia is also absolutely incredible. And I’d also say Baron Bay in Australia. Then there is New Orleans. New York… Again, loads!

Fab designer? I am going to say my friend, Amichie, a Nigerian designer based in London, because he is an incredible up and coming designer at the moment.

Fab hairstyle? It has got to be the Afro. I rock my Afro! No lace-front weaves for me.

Fab on-stage look? Shorts and playsuits are good because you can run around in them and do cartwheels while still looking sexy.

Photography by Suby&Sinem

Fab way to de-stress? A hot bath – oldest trick in the book. Hot bath and a book, even if the pages start getting a little crumpled from the steam.

Fab thing about being African? The enriching values of family, everyone looking out for each other and people taking care of each other – so inspiring! And I just want to inspire other women from all cultures to be able to express themselves in their own individual way whilst embracing their cultural heritage. FAB

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IRL ower

After years of male domination in the Nigerian music industry, finally here come the girls, as Demola Ogundele discovers.

here are two names that come to mind when you think of popular women in Nigerian music back in the ‘90s: Onyeka Onwenu and Christie Essien Ibokwe. With the growing stronghold of female artists, the story is different in 2010; the new count is in the double digits

and rising by the day.

The Nigerian music industry was mainly dominated by men between the late 80s and through the 90s. However, when modern hip-hop and popular culture started permeating Nigerian music, we started to see an increase in the participation of women. In 2001, two teenage girls, Sasha and Blaise were first introduced to the screens and radio when they still were member s of The Trybe on the ‘Oya’ single and video. Their strength on the songs was their talent, not their sex appeal or looks even though they could have played on that. After listening to ‘Oya’ you would easily conclude that they held their own by delivering great and logical bars on each of their verses. This pretty much started the foray of women into hiphop. Sasha is now signed to Storm Records and boasts of at least three hit singles plus stardom on a national and international level while Blaise is still very well respected among her male and female peers. As time went on more girls attempted to get into music in different genres, but one of them single handedly revitalized Nigerian Soul and made it more popular for the general public: Asa, who was born in Paris, who grew up in Lagos and returned to Paris when she was 20. Her music is embraced with equal fervour outside of Nigeria by fans from different nations and cultures. She is one of the few Nigerian female artist who have truly toured internationally. A true international star. Speaking of international stars, Nneka, another female Nigerian artist who was born and raised in Warri, recently won the MOBO awards for ‘Best African Act’ in 2009. Her music pretty much covers all genres; from reggae to R&B, from hip-hop to Afro beat. She moved to Germany in 1999 to work on her music and in 2004 she released her first EP. Her third album and first US release ‘Concrete Jungle’ will be released n 2010.

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If you follow m usic or are abre ast with the so come out of N ngs that igeria, you will ag ree that a lot of ar tists can sing male nonsense and ge t away with a na hit single. Female tional ar tists, on the ot her hand, are no yet entitled to t the same kind of luxury. Invaria of the ladies w bly, most ho become succ essful and popu the Nigerian m lar in usic scene reall y have talent. Th thing is that we e good won’t be seeing any old rubbish Nigerian female from a ar tist anytime so on. The not–so part for the ne –good w female ar tists that want to se into the music t foot industry is that it will be difficu are many wom lt; there en with serious talent already w their way up. or king Weird MC is ar guably the high est selling ar tist the women rapp among er s in Nigeria. A nother contende Kel, a refreshing r is rapper from La gos who surface the scene with d into her hit single ‘W a Wa Alright’ ar the second quar ound ter of 2008. Sh e has since releas debut album Th ed her e Investment un der Capitol. Om who has recent awumi ly released her critically acclaim Wonder Woman ed album is already consid ered one of the female crooners leading . Her voice is st rong and her co is exciting to lis ntent ten to mainly be cause she can sw from classic to itch soul to pidgin co ntent without bl and she does so inking; without effort. In 2007, she won West African ve the rsion of an inte rnationally accla show Idols Wes imed TV t Africa. Right af ter Omawumi’s was released, a album new ar tist who just relocated to from the States Nigeria by name of Lam i, also released debut album, In her tuition within tw o year s of her Her sound is m relocating. ainly soul with some pop influ her music can ea ences and sily cross over to different mar ke outside Nigeria ts even with the Yo ruba lyrics in so her songs; music me of knows no boun daries. The more the industry grows the faster new emerge. Fortun ar tists ately, I have confi dence that the coming in will br women ing quality mater ial to the indust based on the ca ry liber of music th eir predecessors have offered in the last decade . New ar tists lik (singer), Eva (rap e Waje per), Mo’Chedd ah (singer and was released las rapper) t month.’, Zara (rapper), Naira and rapper), SL (singer K(singer), Munac hi (rapper), Ty Be (singer) and Nyo llo re (singer) are am ong the newco about to bring mer s their unique style and freshness to music industry. the By 2020, I am su re the number tripled. The nam will have es will be too m any to list. Girl all the way. FAB Power

Phunkafrique • Tel: 0803 306 9807 • 23, Bishop Oluwole Street V/I Lagos • www.phunkafrique.com • phunkafrique@yahoo.co.uk www.fabmagazineonline.com

www.fabmagazineonline.com © Remi “Mista Skee” Abudu 2010

a mighty

heart Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo

A long-distance phone call brings Nneka a heartbeat away as she chats to Sinem BilenOnabanjo about churgoers, snowstorms and being stuck on a bus with four guys. There has been a voice in my head over the last few days, constantly on replay. A voice chanting, “C-ca-can you fee-fee-feel my ha-ha-heart is beating? Ca-ca-can you fee-fee-feel the pai-pai-pai-pain you’re causing?” It’s hypnotic, it’s magnetic, it’s addictive. It’s galloping, it’s pulsing, it’s poignant. The song is “Heatbeat” and the voice in my head is no other than Nneka’s, the Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, 2009 MOBO Award winner, the tiny woman with a big Afro described by Blues&Soul as “soul queen in the making”’, by Rolling Stone as “pure hotness” and by SPIN as “…righteously bold and heartbreakingly fragile.”

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Now the voice is no longer in my head but at the other end of a phone call to Germany. Nneka is back in Hamburg, after her whirlwind series of gigs in the US, recording some new material for a film and preparing to fly back to Lagos in the next few days. It’s only fair I ask her about the song that’s been playing on loop in my mind forever, or more like ever since her much publicized appearance on David Letterman show. Does it bother Nneka that many seem to think “Heartbeat” is a love song? “The song is about the relationship between the Western world and Africa, but I am not too bothered; people can take it as they want,” Nneka says, “If somebody does not know I am talking about exploitation, the person can also think of it as something else.” Exploitation? Blood? Pain? Surely not the kind of stuff your average Naija song is made of (You won’t find any mention of Hennessy, Cristal or “swagga” here!); but then again, Nneka is not your average Nigerian artist. While she is quick to acknowledge that her recent MOBO win as Best African Artist has given her a major boost in status in her homeland as an artist who can represent Nigeria beyond Africa and do so with socially conscious lyrics, Nneka is also aware that there is still a majority of people who shun the hardcore socially and politically aware music for the vapid safety of club banger. “If you are a conscious and political artist, I am sorry to say this, but most people don’t understand your music because they are undereducated and they do not understand message. Then there are others, who are overeducated but do not want you to talk about it as they have their own interests to think of, tied to the VIP (Nneka’s definition of a “VIP”, is “vagabond in power” - the corrupt politicians and feckless oil executives who’ve exploited her oil-rich homeland for decades) sector of the community.” It is no surprise perhaps that the diminutive singer taking on the ginormous Juggernaut of the oil industry in Nigeria and its evils hails from Warri, right in the heart of the oil-rich Delta State, where she was born to a Nigerian father and German mother in 1981. In 1990, Nigerian writer, activist, who was to become first the spokesperson, then the president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), started and lead a non-violent campaign against environmental degradation of the land and waters of Ogoniland by the operations of the multinational petroleum industry. In 1992, not only did Saro-Wiwa address the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous People in July 1992, but he also published Genocide in Nigeria: The Ogoni Tragedy, in which he accused Shell Petroleum Development Company, “the murderous ethnic majority in Nigeria and the country’s military dictatorship” of the genocide of his people. The campaign was so effective, that by 1993 the oil companies had to pull out of Ogoni. Yet the price was high: Saro-Wiwa was arrested in 1994, imprisoned for over a year before being found guilty, sentenced to death by a specially convened tribunal, alongside eight of his colleagues. While Saro-Wiwa’s weapon was his pen, Nneka’s is her music. “My music is very conscious, very political,” admits Nneka. “Worries over Warri?” I ask, reminding her of the initial choice for her last album title, (No Worry in Warri) which was dismissed for No Longer at Ease (a respectful nod at Chinua Achebe’s outstanding novel of the same title) which had more international appeal. “Warri is improving – or so they say. My dad tells me it’s a camouflage; there are nice roads and street lights but water and farm lands still remain polluted, there is still a lot of tribal conflict but all is kept behind the curtain. Nobody’s talking,” Nneka laments. “Except Nneka,” I remind her. “I try in my own way,” Nneka replies, “I still have to educate myself. I talk and I talk but it’s not all the time I am sure if what I am saying is right. There’s so much that I, myself, have to learn in my life...and there’s still much that I do not know. At the same time I’m sharing my music with people, learning from that sharing. I have to take it easy, be grounded and rooted, so I can continue sharing.” Warri is not the sole source of worry for Nneka when it comes to Nigeria. “Our president is undercover. It’s such a shame!” she declares.

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If you are a conscious and political artist, I am sorry to say this, but most people don’t understand your music because they are undereducated and they do not understand message… Then within minutes, she breaks into a chuckle, “It sounds like a joke!” Then there is the ‘God-will-help-us’ attitude Nneka can’t bear. “Don’t get me worng, I am a Christian, I believe in God, I have no problem with religion; but we live in a country where churches have become a self-serving, money-making business. Then the churchgoers don’t know where their money’s gone and invest money in babalowos and end up in abject poverty. But when there is a problem, people say, ‘God will help us’” Nneka explains. “Ask a 10-year old in Lagos how the traffic problem can be solved, he will not say, ‘We need to build a round-about here and put traffic lights there’; he will say ‘God will help us’. It’s crazy!” Product of an interracial union, while Nneka is reluctant to talk at length about her parents and upbringing (“My parents are important but this is about my music.”) she finds her biracial identity a blessing as it provides her with a good vantage point: “I’m both sides if I point the finger at Africans or at Whites, God has given me the opportunity to express myself and stand in the middle rather than look like a dictator.” Perhaps the very reason she can sing “Africans”, which tells her people to stop blaming their colonial past for their problems and take responsibility for themselves, in Nigeria while across Europe she can sing “Hearbeat” which tells the West of the suffering and pain it has caused with the centuries-long exploitation of African. Nneka is not afraid to explore the darker side of being biracial, as she did in her song “Halfcast”. “What I’ve noticed with many mixed race people that have grown up abroad that they have a lot of problems with their African heritage or getting to know their African heritage because for example their parents are divorced, or because their father came back to Africa after he received his papers, you have all these negative stories. So most of the kids don’t consider themselves as Africans and at the same time they aren’t fully integrated into the white community. “ Nneka’s experience was perhaps the polar opposite, from what I gather of the only mention of her mother during our interview. “Since I didn’t grow up with my mother, it was only when I came to Germany I gained the opportunity to really see the German side of me.” While pursuing a degree in anthropology and archaeology in Hamburg, Nneka met the DJ/producer DJ Farhot, (“We vibed together, we were more like friends at first, then we decided to music together,” she says of Ferhot) with whom she has allied her skills since – a strong musical partnership which gave birth to her 2005 debut The Uncomfortable Truth, which upon its 2007 UK release, was lauded by The Sunday Times “as good as The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”, 2008 release, No Longer at Ease which not only established Nneka as a credible talent across Europe but introduced her talent to Lenny Kravitz and Lauryn Hill who both said: “I want this girl opening my show!” upon hearing the album. Since then not only has she opened for both Hill and Kravitz, but recently appeared in front of the US audience, introducing yet another continent to her talent which comes in the shape of Concrete Jungle. Nneka describes this body of work as “versatile” and adds, “There is Afrobeat on the album, there is reggae, there is ragga, there is a little bit of rock and of course Hip Hop.” The main message is evident, Nneka explains, in the lyrics as well as the art work which features her

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What inspires me the most is when people are going through hardship, having so little but being satisfied with what they have. face, and the map of the African continent and the states of America, superimposed on to Africa: “the connection between America and Africa – with the music, the slavery, the natural resources.” Her message to Africa, on the other hand, is loud and clear, both on her sweater she has sported on stage on numerous shows (Yes, Nneka doesn’t do ‘bling’ or skimpy designer gear), which states “Africa is the Future” and her lyrics to “From Africa to You”: “Africa, no one else can save you but you, it is time to arise/Take away your pride/ it is time to arise”. For Nneka, the new generation of Africans play a key role in helping the continent arise, especially those who have had the opportunity to go overseas. “There are many of us, many Africans that leave Africa for a while, go abroad to study, and instead of going back home to do something, they stay overseas and make themselves comfortable. What I am trying to stress is we all have responsibility. There is so much we can do. If we come overseas to study, it’s not for no reason. If I hadn’t stepped out of Nigeria for a while, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I am doing today. Now that I have the chance to do something, why not do it?” And Nneka is about to head back home once again in less than a week. At the moment she is relaxing, following her American odyssey constituted of a 12-day tour ricocheting between the West and the East Coast. “It was great publicity and we got some good responses,” Nneka says and continues, “Then there was the snow storm and we were stuck in Philadelphia for two days! It is difficult being stuck with your band members the whole time, especially when they are all guys. Sometimes you forget you are a woman. That’s why I am here now. Every time I tour I have to take a break in Europe for a week or so just to get back the feminine in me before I return to Nigeria.” Despite her occasional pit stops in Hamburg which add up to three months a year, by her calculations, for Nneka, Lagos is home, despite the “congestion, the madness.” Lagos is inspiration. “What inspires me the most is when people are going through hardship, having so little but being satisfied with what they have. You find that it is people who don’t have material things who appreciate life more than rich people. Life in general and the pain mostly inspire me to do what I am doing. There has to be pain for me to be passionate; but there has to be happiness to manifest the pain ”

Nneka HAIR: Ola MAKE UP: Lola Maja PHOTOGRAPHY: Toni Tones STYLIST: Tayo Shonekan Illustration: Mista Skee

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In between time zones, recuperating from her tour in America and negotiating further dates in Nigeria and the UK, straddling two distinctly different yet connected world and standing at her vantage point, Nneka sounds content, perhaps now “at ease” with where she belongs in this world. A young woman who boasts two hometowns, two races, three acclaimed albums and one mighty heart FAB

MAI ATAFO INSPIRED Tel: 0702 841 5331 • Tel: 0702 910 4311 • Web: www.maiatafoinspired.com

LOW-DOWN

ON THE

GO-SLOW

Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo talks boxing rings, Lady Gaga and Oscars with the multi-talented music vide director and media personality.

sweltering day in Lagos as we prepare to hit the goslow, and as luck would have it, our AC has given up on us after much coughing and spluttering. Luckily, Kemi Adetiba, our passenger for the day (Okay, alright, for 20 minutes of the afternoon) doesn’t keep us waiting for long in the courtyard of her Ikeja house. We are caught red-handed trying to make friends with her vocal pup Tyson and his buddies. A few snapshots of Kemi, casually dressed in a black t-shirt and black leggings, in front of our ‘Fab-mobile’ we are back on the road.

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“Media personality, producer, director’ as she cites her Twitter profile (Yes, she too tweets!), former radio personality before radio personalities became a dime a dozen, former Studio 53 presenter, a self-confessed “talk-aholic” (“When you’re locked up in a room for” three hours talking to a mic pretending you’re talking to hundred of people, you have to be one!”). Who is Kemi Adetiba? Kemi’s response is a chiming laughter that cascades through the Fabmobile. “I could get myself into trouble with questions like this,” she teases. “I’m a woman, yeah,” she says pointing at her chest, eyes twinkling with a mischievous spark, “Just in case you didn’t think this was enough of a clue.” If the Fabmobile did have a floor, we’d be rolling on it in laughter by now. And that’s only five minutes into our journey in the Mainland go-slow. Even Christian, the driver, is unable to stifle a chuckle. Kemi continues on a more serious note, “I’m just a woman trying to make it in this industry, trying to revolutionise it and be successful at the same time. I’m just trying to better myself and be the best that I can be.” Google Kemi Adetiba, and you find 3,360 results; yet many people “still don’t know” Kemi notes, that she has been in the industry for over 10 years. Getting her first taste of the media industry as a little girl accompanying her father, Dele Adetiba, to TV stations, one perhaps didn’t need to be Nostradamus to figure she’d somehow fall not far from the tree. After a five-year stint at Rhythm 93.7, she moved on to television as a presenter, with Studio 53, a culture show that highlights African sights and sounds. It was at this point, Kemi started wondering what it would be like on the other side of the camera. “During the shoots I’d often go ‘Why don’t we angle it this way?’ or ‘This would make a good backdrop’; not all the time were my suggestions taken because you’re a presenter and you’re a woman.” Finally tired of wheeling a bag around, living at airports, SA, Nigeria, Mozambique (Only Kemi could make travelling across Africa and getting paid for it sound like a chore, we can’t help but think), she took a break and enrolled in New York Film Academy. Before you could say, “Three, two, one, cut” she was back in Nigeria, ready to take the music industry by storm with a fresh take on music videos. “You have to remember that I did start off from radio so I love music. Merging those two things together, it was like a no brainer,” Kemi explains, “I love to tell stories. You can’t do a movie every month; with music videos it’s like doing five minute movies.” Kemi might make it sound like child’s play; don’t be fooled though – from the initial idea to post-production, it takes much patience to

day imaginable”. “You have to lead an entire team and everybody’s trusting that you’ll get it done. You have to keep an eye out on so many different levels and you have to make sure that everybody’s doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”

produce those five-minute stories set to music. “To be really honest people make fun of me like ‘What, are you a witch?’ because I almost need to zone into a place and I see images in my head.” And images can surface pretty much anytime; the reason why Kemi sleeps with a pen and a diary on her bedside table, always attuned to the visions dreams bring. “For example, with ‘The Prize to Die for’ video, I had been listening to it over and over and nothing was coming. One night I woke up and grabbed my pen, I had an image and I just started writing. Then I listened to the music and I knew where I wanted to place everything. And as soon as I was done, I fell asleep. Then I woke up in the morning to sit down and sift through it.” Shortly after came ‘Today Na Today’. I didn’t really even know Omawumi – ‘ ‘Today Na Today’ premiered on notjustok.com and I had flashes in my head, you know – just pictures, pictures, pictures…” Incidentally, Kemi received a call from Omawumi only days later with a video proposal. Kemi said, “If you are going do a video, I’m interested doing a video for ‘Today na Today’ and Omawumi replied, “Yeah that’s what I want to do.” And just like that, the dark, edgy music video for Omawumi’s debut was on. “I truly enjoyed that because I like pushing boundaries,” Kemi says, “We wanted really risqué – people with cat contacts on, dark and sinister. Very Rihanna, Lady Gaga… the kind of stuff I really want to do.” Kemi explains she is the kind of girl who watches Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’ and “goes aaaahh”. The name Kemi Adetiba is fast sounding like a byword for the 21st century Nigerian video music industry: New. Improved. Edgy. “Here in Nigeria they’re used to the regular stuff like a backdrop and somebody performing which is not bad but it’s safe,” Kemi says deadpan, as if she’s read our thoughts.

After post-production which it seems is the callous cutting of miles off footage to fit the initial treatment, comes the finale: “you deliver it to the client and hope they like it and hope the rest of Nigeria likes it,” Kemi sums up, again, making it sound effortless. But then for her, it probably is. With more than enough 35 mms under her belt and a long list of satisfied clients, Kemi now has her eyes set on new projects. First up is a 13 part TV show she is shooting in the States. Straight after, she will start work on her feature film, Across a Bloody Rainbow “a Nigerian story with a universal appeal”, scheduled for completion by the third quarter of the year. The script has been there for three years; what’s more it has the seal of approval from Kemi’s mentor and NYFA lecturer, Claude Kerven who upon reading the script e-mailed Kemi saying, “When you’re receiving your first Oscar you have to mention my name.” A resounding thumbs-up. Try prodding Kemi for what you hope will be sarcastic dig at Nollywood – you won’t get far. “I am actually the last person to dump on Nollywood because we’ve been here for like how many years? It’s an evolution. We might be taking our time and may be too comfortable where we are – that is the only problem I have with it,” she responds before gushing out her admiration for the spectacular 2009 offering, The Figurine, by fellow director Kunle Afolayan whose success she is looking forward to emulate in a few months’ time. In the meantime, Kemi Adetiba, keeps on hustling. “Being a woman in this industry is not the easiest thing, it’s like a constant battle everyday and in my mind I don’t have a choice – I’ll either go work in a bank or do what I am doing and stick with it. I don’t know any other than to hustle so I am going to keep on hustling,” she muses, aptly timed as we round up our tour of her end of the ‘City of Hustlers’, even more so perhaps, as when an Oscar – or three beckons, working in a bank is, frankly, not an option. FAB

Images sketched, then comes pre-production which according to Kemi is the hardest part “because some of the ideas I have are absolutely crazy.” Take the Olympic size boxing ring in ‘The Prize to Die for’ for example, or the “big mansion, hot chicks, hot cars” in her latest offering, Banky W.’s “Lagos Party”, enough said! The day of the principal photography (the day of the shoot, to you and me) is “just the worst

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FAB INTERIORS

SPRING FRESH LIVING SPACES

A new year, a new living space? What with the green shoots of recovery in global economy, it may not be long before we can afford to splash out on dream interiors; in the meantime whilst still busy tightening our belts and watching our expenses, it still possible to update our living spaces with little touches to reflect the hot new trends of 2010, from neutral colours to understated furniture, from print fabrics to retro accessories. Let’s start with this season’s colour palette: Color therapy specialist forum Coloursofthesoul.com peg green, blue, pink and orange as key colors of the palette, advising that the tones be kept soft. Pantone. com recently released their 2010 color of the year as PANTONE 155519 Turquoise, asserting that the color “inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world.” Another global trend, which has stirred a surge of interest, is ‘going green’ resulting in neutral colors such as beiges, browns, greens and so forth and Organic or environmentally friendly products often contain no dye or dye that is made from natural processes.

3 4

Yellow and green will be great colours to update a drab interior, when used in moderation. Yellow in a kitchen can stimulate and motivate and even aid in digestion whilst using green in a bedroom can create a calming, earthy escape. It’s not just colours but also fabrics you can pick and mix to create look that is unique and that reflects your personal style. . Mix and match satins and distressed leather, incorporate florals, stripes, or even leopard print into your interior if that’s what you like. This year tribal patterns are hot as leopard print, Ankara and Ikat grace soft furnishings. You can always finish the look with African wall art and accessories. Interior trend forecasts also signal a return to the bohemian spirit of the 1960s as big floral colours, oversized floor pillows in bright green, yellow, bold red and hippie-inspired designs and retro accessories make a comeback in 2010. If you’re too faint-hearted to try a splash of colour in your living space though, country house glam with soft pastel colours and pretty florals and folk style accessories could be the alternative to create the living room of your dreams.

Whatever your personal style or your budget, 2010 trends for interior décor has something on offer for every taste, from vintage accessories to globally-inspired pieces, from ‘60s retro glam to English country chic. Consider updating your living room with some of the above colour palettes, designs, themes and accessories for the fresh new year ahead FAB 1 Arthouse Nicky Rose Motif

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Pink £16.98

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Votives, £4.99 Each £9.99 The Contemporary Home :www.tch.net 3 Large Masai Wall Hanging £50.00 www.theafricahouse.com

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LIVE IN COMFORT AND STYLE. SHOW ROOM 1

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53, NORMAN WILLIAMS STREET IKOYI , LAGOS. PHONE NUMBER: 08082178959

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Selfish Resolutions

ear after year Janua ry starts off with su ch high hopes. Inspir by the chance to sta ed rt afresh people re solve to lose weigh smoking and try to t; stop be generally healthie r all over. Howeve after only a few sad r, months of procras tinating (for me it on a few weeks) a lot ly takes of these positive re solutions seem to the wayside. Expens fall by ive gym member sh ips go unused and ourselves slipping slo we find wly but surely back into old habits. Tim and it takes a whole e goes by new year to arrive in order for us to mu the enthusiasm to ster up do it all over again! This month howeve ask you to make jus r, I would t one promise. One promise, that’s all I One promise I know need. you can keep beca use it’s not really to to that long sufferin me but g best friend of yo ur s, one promise to is more fondly refer that which red to as your body . Why not be selfish, lavish some serious attention on your se spring, go ahead an lf this d detox. In fact - scu lpt, primp and pree hear ts content! Le n to your t’s face it, who wants to sit and wait for his magical arrows? cupid and I’d rather dedicate the whole month to love, with myself, ev falling in er y single day!

Facing the New Year

hroughout the last few year s, there have been several programmes with inspiring names such as How Toxic is Your Home? These hard-hitting docu mentaries highlight the fact that sometimes the actual prob lems we experience with our skin are actually caused by the harsh chemicals within most of the cosmetic products we use on ourselves ever y day. Going forward, 2009 sees the industry opening up to a more natural approach to skincare. Detox and indulge your skin with some of these delicious natural aromatherphy or organic treats: Elemis Mango and Papa ya Enzime Peel (£26)

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Eve Taylor’s Soothing Moisturising Crea m which contains Palm Oil and Camomile for normal to dry skins (£11); Whilst Oily skins will benefit from her Purifying Cream Mask which blends ingredients such as Henna, Hon ey, Carrot and Evening Primrose Oil to draw out impurities and balance sebum levels (£10.59). Their specialist range of treatment oils can help against acne, sensitive skin and dehy dration (£10.49) and leave the skin feeling silky soft with out heavy residue or blocking of the pores. Ideal as a mak eup base before a special night out. www.eve-taylor.com

Liz Earle’s multi award winning, Clea nse and Polish Hot ul regime. Beautif Cloth concentrated cleanser which re ca in sk od go quic a le kly removes of pp su ce ft, an so rt r impo ever yday grime and make-up, including e looking fo can’t stress the stubborn mascara, ul base. If you’r your tif in au ith be w a lie ith es w to leave all skin types soft, smooth and y do makeup star ts radiant (£12.50 for a elixir of life reall no further. The ive price tag. ns start pe er kit) www.lizearle.com ex an t skin, then look ou ith w le ab ail av of all; it’s water, the grasp but best Karin Herzog’s Oxygen Face Cream azing power s of am e th at (£32), Vita A Kombi l ve ar at least e all and m an. By drinking range (from £21) and their Chocolat m to n ow kn Come one, com m e Anti Aging Trio (£110). um ru se tim ty op au ’s ur skin liquid be The products are designed to minimise most powerful lp to maintain yo he open pores, detoxify ill ly w ib u vis yo , y ity da tic per and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. www ses its elas 2 litres of water .karinherzog.com ater our skin lo w t ou ith W n. io levels of hydrat ll. ow and du y dr y) appearing shall skin is extremel k (twice if your of any ee w ce a an ce ar on pe t ap as softening the , Exfoliating at le lls ce in sk ad in shed de can help the sk er time. ov s ar surface sc eather throws ter what the w at m no trong jaw lines and high cheekbones in sk g sh, glowin take facial The result – fre sculpturing to a new level. Emphasis is placed on on s e to focu at you. highlighting the contours of the face internally, it’s tim in sk and ur hollowing ! yo ise ed ur , Moist replenish out those cheeks. To achieve this look y. Cleanse, Tone Now that you’ve da try y using er a darker ev y, ce dr rfa e the su shade of powder within the hollows ther you’r what we put on of the cheek with r ou oisturise! Whe M to , ne ed us To , ca se e an le a shimmering highlight along the chee damag I’ll say it again: C kbone and down help due to the y. The oily, we all need ever y single da r the or te centre of the nose. MAC Sculpt and n un tio co na en bi e m w co s Shape Powders nt ls, ta ca llu di ra po l e onmenta e pesky fre are available from the Pro Stores and skin by the envir cked by all thes can be used in ta at e e w e’r ng w ni e, or id outs create definition and shadows, instantly , in the m minute we step slimming the face. nd in the air. So unds, great skin so st hanging arou it ju (£14 e as ) –Who needs to diet with products im e pl gr d sim an s A dirt ir. pa like these on re e w ocks. the evening the market? basic building bl protect and in e re th e es th t off with really does star

Ski

Spring n a e l C Your 42

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3D Sculpt and Shape

By Lola Maja

rt Flutter and Fli

mpares s nothing co ad e h rn tu ay to lly framed and easy w of beautifu ce an gl s g or a quick in p e tching style er of a swe rent eye ca e nge iff d ra to the pow f st o ti ty akeup ar in a varie m st al n ve le io In ss s. fe eye my pro an invaluab of them as sively from u k cl in x h e u T ). le yo 0 b s. If availa g at £9.0 d occasion hes (startin nt moods an anent re rm e Sacred Las e iff p d i r m u se suit yo lashes, weeks 6 accessory to e seen without your to st up are b tion. They la lu luxurious. so re al wouldn’t d o e m id just a lot ay be the s, m e s sh n s la o si n n w exte ur o every diva’ natural as yo n be adapted to suit as way k e o th lo l d al an lashes ca a shaping e tr x ad e m e r tl lit ilo is ough no want a These ta s. The key th you simply e r ti e n au th e e b h g w l as your ow tastes y scrapin ok as natura stopping sk lo w ill o st sh y e to th up ngth long the le btle set). matter how 150 for a su £ at t ar st s ce ri lashes (P

From Hollywood to Bollywood (With a little Brazilian in between)

he textured theme which featured on the Winter 09/ 10 catwalks continued into the brow arena and are still her e to stay. Shapes were kep t full and natural looking, but highly defined to perfection. Go ne are the days where the y were banished into infinity and beyond! Through the ages “fashio nab le” shapes have changed so drastically fro m thick bushy brows in the 80s to the fully shaved and re-pencille d effect of the 90s, our bro ws have truly suffered in the name of bea uty. I would however say tha t the eyebrows frame our face, adding detail and interest to our over all look. They are singularly one of the most important aspects on our face (even more so than our lashes). With a slight tweak here or there, you’re almost a new woman! Threading the brow is hig hly recommend over wa xing or tweezing and although many find to be quite uncomfor table at first the long term benefits include a slo wer rate of re-growth and as the hair is removed using only pur e cotton thread it means that it’s much kinder causing less irritati on and damage to the ela sticity of the skin. Terms may vary around the world but the three general types of waxing can be described as:

little time and indulge in nd last but not least, why not invest a clear the weeds .. ok I e, hedg some secret gardening, trim the . now by guess you get the idea the mere mention of waxing I’ll always remember while growing up n my spine, I couldn’t dow ders shud would a send spine tingling the first time I ever lay st, hone be to But se. think of anything wor my therapist, my initial fear and down and bared it all in the open to tten when I experienced the embarrassment was very quickly forgo off my most intimate parts! d rippe g bein almighty shock of hot wax . Now I can’t imagine how I Looking back on it now, I have to laugh lived without it. ting; it wasn’t THAT bad and Well to be honest, I’m kind of exaggera your first time, you may be she was still in training. Perhaps if it’s professional, because once better off being waxed by a seasoned a silky smooth bikini line, the of fits bene you’ve experienced the full y creams really can’t compare difference is clear. Razors and depilator and creams can cause to the (not to speak of the damage shaving delicate skin down there). appointments at least 5 days I would highly advise scheduling your avoid over sensitivity to the to before or 5 days after your period y do find the experience reall who e heat or to the pain. For thos a variety of anaesthetic too much to bear, never fear, there are sting. Relax and Wax No products readily available to ease the bing Spray (£4.50) provide Scream Cream (£13.50) or Gigi Num ised areas. But most local the to t a temporar y numbing effec that bad. After all, in exchange importantly, try to relax, it really isn’t ll receive approximately 4 for a shor t sharp tingle to the area you’ weeks of beautiful grooming.

Couture Brows

The Bikini Wax Hair is removed from just outside the panty line.

The Brazilian Leaves a small vertical strip or triangle, just above the vaginal area.

The Hollywood It’s all taken off. Everywhere... Everything... Bald... Nix.. Nada..Nothing. (And for those who want a little something special the fourth level of waxing)

The Bollywood & Sacred Shapes The Bollywood is basically a Brazilian wax as above but it’s followed by a henna pattern painted directly onto the skin. If you want to really show off, there’s also the added option of having tiny iridescent gems or sparkling Swarovski crystals added to the design using a special adhesive that holds them in place for up to a few days. I would seriously recommend that you DO NOT try this at home. The type of adhesive used has to be suitable for exposure to your most intimate parts. This service is a specialist treatment. For more info feel free to email me directly on the below email address. A simple bikini line waxing takes approximately 15 minutes from start to finish, while the more specialist treatments can take between 30 to 40 minutes. It’s your body and your bikini shape is as personal to you as your eyebrows. It’s 2010; nowadays you’re no longer confined to just taking a little bit off the sides. Ever since “Sex and the City” aired a show that made reference to pubic grays, lightning bolts and dye jobs, a lot more boutique salons in the UK and US now offer the option of adding different colours and shapes around your nether region. Pink butterflies or red hearts are a fun way to celebrate special occasions, but for those die hard romantics out there, what would expresses your love more than wearing your partner’s initials? If you’d rather give it a try at home then Minikini Colour Kits (£12.98) or Betty Beauty (£13.99) offer a range of colours. With products like these, who needs Cupid?

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Go G

Hair

Photography by Suby&Sinem

MB Akinyemi

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s a Black woman you can’t escape conversations about hair. Try as you may they follow you everywhere, from the bustling salon on a Saturday morning to a cozy dinner table with friends, all the way to a dimly-lit cinema; no corner is safe! Not your airwaves: cue Ms. Arie’s “I am not my hair”, nor your literature-be it fashion magazines or essays by the likes of bell hooks- and definitely not your cinematic breaks: just ask Mr. Rock with his latest endeavour “Good Hair”. And when it finds you, it probes your stance: “Natural, relaxed or weaved?” it asks. Or perhaps the banter with go another way: “Is that Jet Black number 5?”And, of course, you know you will get the third degree on your political inclination: “Are you Rastafarian now with those locks?” and who could forget the subtle jabs: “You are so brave, wish I could keep my hair natural but mine is just too nappy.” Conversations about black hair are rarely ever simple and the latest debate on the topic: Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you lace front wigs in the blue corner and natural hair in the red corner.

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Conversations about black hair are rarely ever simp Lace Front Wig le Natural Hair For years many celebrities, from Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott to Lisa Bonet and Traci Toms have opted for natural hairstyles and now us laywomen are leaving relaxers on the shelves and shunning weaves and extensions for our natural texture. And why not? Keeping one’s hair natural is an easy, versatile and inexpensive way to maintain hair. From Bantu Knots to twist-outs to cornrows and Afros, natural hair is flexible and moves effortlessly from the workplace to the dance floor to glamourous engagements. Those against natural hair often point to the problems with manageability, complain about the thickness of their hair and the unprofessional look of an Afro. But nothing can be further from the truth. But don’t take my word for it, just ask the legions of women with natural hair who discuss various styling tips, share pictures of beautiful styles and post useful commentary on products on websites such as Nappturality and Black Girl with Long Hair. They all prove that education is the key. Black hair comes in a range of textures and when properly cared for, it is healthy, manageable and beautiful. Opting to be natural also opens one to huge support system, terminologies and a world of new products, many of which can be found in your kitchen cabinet or run freely once you open your tap. Yes, you heard right: natural hair loves water and humectants like glycerin and honey and shea butter and essential oils are great sources of moisture – did you know that sage helps promote hair growth and strength? Which brings one to perhaps the most important advantage of keeping one’s hair natural: it is a health alternative! As one natural hair wearer says, “I would rather see a woman with a low cut than a dry and thin unhealthy relaxed ponytail”. With natural hair chemical burns are a thing of the past, painful hairlines from tight extensions and accidental haircuts when removing out weaves are a lifetime ago. And perhaps most important of all is a sense of pride one feels in carrying their own hair in their head. As Bola, a 26-year-old student who has worn her hair natural for over 5 years explains, “There is no hiding.”

But if you are going to ‘hide’, there is no better way than with a lace front wig. Thought of as Hollywood’s best-kept secret, many celebrities such as Tyra Banks, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Ciara and Naomi Campbell having been donning one for years. Unlike some hairpieces where one can tell from miles away that the locks are in fact store bought, a lace wig is special in that it creates the illusion that the attached hair on the wearer’s head is naturally growing from their scalp. The secret to the realistic look lies in how the wig is manufactured. Created from cuticle hair, best lace wigs are handmade and come with a mesh like lace insert made from Swiss or French lace. After special adhesives are used to secure the wig to the hairline, one is set to curl, style, cut, colour or blow-dry the hair. Aside from the versatility lace wigs offer, they are also a lot kinder to hairlines than sewing in weaves or using black glue. They also provide a break from daily styling practices such as blow-drying and curling which could damage the hair. With proper care, a lace wig can last anything from 6 months to a year. And taking care of a lace wig is pretty effortless. Sylvie, a fervent fan of lace front wigs, explains, “It’s just like washing normal hair.” But cheap, they aren’t! In fact it is safe to say that they are an expensive investment. And trying to look for cost effective solutions isn’t always sound as choosing good quality products and stylists are especially important with lace wigs; if you react to wrong adhesive, chances are you could be kissing your hairline goodbye. So, what is the verdict? Which option wins? Both natural and lace wig methods have their advantages. Lace Wig might be costly but it is versatile, easy on the hairline and can give the hair a good break from unhealthy routines. Natural hair also offers similar benefits, but tromps lace wigs in one category: it provides education and allows one to analyse centuries-old denigrating tales about our hair and actually deconstruct them. Many black women start altering their hair from a young age and do so based on assumptions that manipulation is not an option, but a must as their hair needs ‘fixing’. Being natural allows a woman to define for herself a relationship with hair and then decide on her own terms whether she needs a relaxer, a weave, extensions or whatnot. And at the end of the day, to paraphrase Chris Rock’s statement at the end of his documentary ‘Good Hair’: A girl should do whatever makes her happy! FAB

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Be Inspired Ta r a 46

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FAB SCENTS

Scent of a Woman by Imelda Ladebo

With another new season fast approaching, there is a vast variety of new perfumes out there for women who want to smell more fragrant and florid than the darling buds of spring. We have selected 5 FAB fragrances that will make you feel sexy and feminine not this season, but all year around. LOLA by Marc Jacobs (£60) is a playfully alluring and irresistibly tempting fragrance that lingers on to the skin giving off a warm and seductive scent with undertones of smooth vanilla, Tonka bean and creamy musk making it a “must have” for every sexy female out there. COCO Mademoiselle by Chanel (£70) This Long lasting fragrance is a non-overpowering scent but not too subtle to go unnoticed, giving you that stylish, sophisticated and elegant edge. The perfume itself has a very sensual, amber peach shade which is revealed in the legendary CHANEL faceted bottle. All you need is a few sprits to the intimate parts of the body, to express the total seduction of the fragrance.

Diamonds by Emporio Armani (£28) reflects the sparkle, strength, brilliance and sexiness of a woman. It is an irresistible, feminine and assertive fragrance encased in a sculpted, sparkling block of glimmering glass. One word to describe it is youthful. It smells fresh and is light enough to use during the day and not to overpowering to use in the evening too. Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci (£49.99) is her latest fragrance that has a fresh, floral, sensual scent created for the modern, urban heroine. Ricci Ricci evolves with you throughout your day due to its long lasting aroma. It has an uplifting scent with fresh top notes of rhubarb zest; charming with pretty florals, rose and tuberose and confident with the deep notes of sandalwood and patchouli. All infused into one gorgeous little elegant bottle.

Prada eau de parfum (£55) is a hypnotic amber fragrance that forms the perfect fusion between classic and modern, all in a simple yet elegant bottle that has a luxury feel to it. This very attractive, classic and chic fragrance reveals a warm and sensual scent from the iris flower coming into full bloom. Suitable for women who like to stand out, as it has a Very strong aroma that doesn’t fade easily

CLASSIC SCENT: Jean Paul Gaultier “Classique” (£37.99) We all remember the torsoshaped bottle (a very feminine, hour-glass one at that!) with its corset in a goldy-bronze tin. It is a strong fragrance that is not overpowering but slightly fruity with a spicy kick to it. It’s one of those perfumes that linger on even after you take off your clothes at the end of the day. It is a fruity fragrance for summer and a sexy warm fragrance for winter. Also it is a powerful fragrance for a day in the office and a sensual fragrance for a night on the town.

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Let us help you

SMILE!

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BODY FAB

& SOUL

Preparing for her new TV show due to launch in March and broadcast globally via TV channels and YouTube in HD, where she promises to share with us secrets of magazine-cover worthy make-up for women of colour, Nigerian singer and former model, currently based in California, Uru shares her beauty secrets with FAB Fashion Editor, Yoanna ‘Pepper’ Okwesa.

What is your skin care routine? Yeah, everybody always asks me that. You know what? I try to keep it as simple as possible. Always, always, take your make-up off at night; don’t leave anything on your face before you go to bed. You’ll only damage your face, damage your skin, block your pores and then you will break out, so always wash your face at night. Skincare, I do not use anything with sodium lauryl sulfate on my face or body because it causes cancer. On top of it all, it irritates my skin – I’m very very sensitive. Not in my shampoos, not in my face products and definitely not on my body if I can help it! I use natural oils. Just the basics and it seems to work for me.

Desert island beauty essential? Desert island means that there’ll be water nearby, thank God, as that’s the most important. Always keep your face and your skin hydrated, and drink lots of water all day long because we’re made of it. And the more water you drink, the more your skin looks pretty and soft. What else would I need? Well, if I’m on a desert island, no one’s really going to see me then, yeah? But just a little powder. And you know what? That’s about it. A little powder, seriously.

Worst beauty habit? I hardly break out but if I even see the tiniest thing on my face, I have a tendency to want to pick at it which is the biggest no no no ever! Bad girl!

Signature scent? I used to use something – two different oils that I mixed and they were from The Body Shop. And I created my own – typical, just trust me to do something like that! I can’t give away the names, but they’re essential oils. Most times I don’t wear any perfume. Another thing that drives me crazy is all these products that you use from your head to your toes is all about fragrance, fragrance, fragrance! And it gets to a point where

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you start asking yourself, “Excuse me, do you want to smell like peaches or do you just want to smell clean?”

Would you ever consider plastic surgery? I don’t know… I don’t want to be one of those people that says, “Oh no, never!” because plastic surgery, as we all know, was something that was created to help people – like if you’ve been in an accident and something went wrong, it was corrective. But then – trust human beings – we started figuring out what we could do to look nicer. I am very very content with everything on me – my face, my body. If some day, for some bizarre reason, if I decide to do something, fine, whatever! I won’t feel the need to lie about it either. If you do it, do it; so many people lie about it. But right now? No. I am happy with how I am.

What feel-good treat would you give your friends? Well, it depends on what each one of them likes!. Feel-good thing I guess would be to grab all my friends and go to a vacation spot and have fun, together, as friends.

Ultimate great escape? My mind. Sometimes when you’re always working and running around, you just need a moment with yourself. Some people are not

comfortable being on their own. I’m sort of an enigma. Obviously, I’m a performer, I’m out there in front of the crowd doing my thing, but as soon as I’m done, I tend to just want to shy away to my own little space and just be quiet. And then I get bored again and I need the noise.

What is a must-have in your fridge? Water. And I love plantain; it’s like one of my favourite foods ever. I love it! Oh and fruit! I have to have fruit like everyday, this is something I learned from my mum and my dad; they were always fruit fanatics – my mum still is. It makes you feel better somehow and takes care of your body. Got to have fruit, lots of fruit!

Ultimate make-up essential? Eyeliner. Eyeliner, if applied the right way, can make anybody look like a million bucks. Even if at the very worst, you don’t have your powder, you don’t have your lip gloss, if you just put a little eyeliner on, you can just lift your head and go.

Beauty icons? God, there are so many! I love Tina Turner because she owned what she did and how she was. People I look up to or I appreciate are people who are okay with who they are and they stand they and say, “Yeah, this is who I am and I love it”; therefore everybody else starts to love it too. I love Beyonce because she does her own thing, too, and you can tell she is her own person. She’s got curves and she works those curves. I love Mary J. Blige because she’s got that edge and she sort of has this attitude of “Hey, this is me, like it or not!” and she’ll dress things up in a certain way but edge it out at the end – street cred, I guess. FAB

Bathing Suit: Zena’s- POR Shoes:Artist’s Own Pearl Bangle worn as arm band: Eye For Gems- N3’000 Earrings and Rings: Artist’s Own Pink Scarf: Eye for Gems- N3’750

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FAB INSPIRED

t feels like only yesterday we celebrated the turn of a new millennium; blink, and here we are in the year 2010. Of all the special milestones, like birthdays and anniversaries, marked in our calendars, 1 January seems to be the most significant – the perfect time to take stock, re-evaluate, re-examine our lives, and make those most welcome resolutions required to complete yet another turn of the Earth around the Sun in a place much better than the one at the start and make the new year better than the last. According to a research conducted in the UK last year, the most depressing day of the year is 24 January. What with the extra pounds piled on to our waistline after the Christmas festivities and the extra pounds siphoned of our wallets in a bid to deck the halls with holy and deck all loved one with pressies, still a week from payday, depressed by the hazy Harmattan skies or the chilly bite of winter (depending on what part of the world you are), it is a wonder how we manage to keep it together in the first twenty three days without the need to curl up under a stone and bemoan the lousy state the new year has already taken. By the third week of January, many of us find we have run out of steam and the tinsel of those resolutions made only weeks ago with such joy and resolve lose their sparkle and wane, too frail to last a whole month, let alone the whole year. Out comes the cigarette lighter or the secret stash of toffee candies, ‘me time’ that was so eagerly penciled in gets cancelled out, along with many a resolution which offered so much, yet lasted so little. What does it take to keep one’s resolve to make those life changes we keep on promising ourselves year after year, at every turn of age, at every year’s start, at every milestone of life? It does take more than a resolution.

It was only four years ago in January, I realized I was wasting the best years of my life away, doing things I did not particularly enjoy doing, but had to, either for financial stability or out of a sense of duty, instead of focusing on what for me made every breath worthwhile: Writing. I had been the girl who wrote her first novel at the age of nine but ripped it apart as she thought she could have done better, the girl who religiously wrote for any high school journal going during her teenage years, the girl who used to take three hour long journeys on scorching summer days on a rickety bus, just to get to the other end of the city to do her work experience at the offices of one of the leading women’s magazines. What had happened to that girl? She had somehow lost her path in life and become trapped inside a woman shackled down by what life had thrown at her. It took a two hour heart-to-heart with my other half for me to realize that I had to face up to my excuses. “Lack of time,” I said. “You can choose to make the time,” he said. “Lack of energy,” I claimed. “You need to find the energy,” he replied. For every single excuse, there was a solution. For every single negative, there was a positive. It was time to break the habits I had become so bogged down with, throw off the shackles and make a conscious decision not on my birthday, not on New Year’s, but every single day, to make those dreams come true. Remember the quote “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

we assume we will do away with something integral to our character, wipe the slate clean and start afresh almost overnight. No wonder at all then every new year, we fail all over again… In order to make those changes that will last a lifetime, and not just till the end of January, we need to begin with words – those daily affirmations to give us strength and inspiration. We need to resolve to work on those things which are not making us happy, from the moment we wake up to face a new day till we go to sleep at night. If our actions are governed by our words, we need to start telling ourselves we have the strength to make the life-altering choices, the courage to make those changes and the self-discipline to see them through. For every excuse, there is indeed a solution; we have to keep on reminding ourselves every single day. For every negative, there is a positive; we have to ‘post-it’ on our bathroom mirrors, stick on our fridges, and engrave in our minds. For every resolution is indeed a revolution of the self. Then maybe, this time next year, we can just resolve to start yet another revolution! FAB

Effectively, each time we make a resolution to break or form a habit, what we are trying to do is alter a lifetime of accumulation of words and actions so ingrained in us that they are now an integral part of our character. In this light, each time we make a resolution,

, R A E Y W E N

? U YO

NEW Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo

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EGGSELLENT EASTER TREATS With Easter fast approaching, here at FAB we decided to look at the humble egg in a new light and treat you to some tasty treats from creative breakfast options to desserts. While eggs often get the blame for high levels of cholesterol, when consumed in moderation, they are a brilliant source of contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals and are one of the best sources of high quality protein.

1 Omelette, Thai Chicken

1-2 minutes or until the base is golden. Remove from the pan and keep warm. Repeat these stages to make four omelettes.

Preparation time: 2 mins. Cooking time: 20 mins. Serves: 4 Ingredients 8 large eggs 3tbsp chopped fresh coriander 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2.5cm (1-inch) piece root ginger, grated 1 garlic clove, crushed 8 spring onions, sliced 2 carrots, peeled and cut into thin sticks 75g (23/4oz) beansprouts 1tbsp dark soy sauce 1tsp caster sugar

Method 1.

Beat the eggs together with the coriander and set aside. Place the chicken on a board, cover with cling film and bash with a rolling pin until 1cm (1/2-inch) thick. Cut into thin strips.

Heat half the oil and fry the chicken over a high heat for 5 minutes or until golden. Add the remaining ingredients (except the oil) and stir fry for 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm

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FAB FOOD

Wipe out the frying pan, add a little more oil and when hot pour in a quarter of the egg mixture. Cook for a few seconds until the base has set, then use a spatula to push the cooked egg towards the centre of the pan, allowing the uncooked egg to run and re-cover the base. Repeat until there is no more runny egg Continue to cook the omelette for

Spoon the chicken mixture into the centre of the omelettes, fold over the edges and turn over to make neat square parcels. Serve warm.

2 Choconana Muffins Preparation time: 10 mins. Cooking time: 20 mins. Serves: 12 Ingredients • • • • • • • •

225g/8oz plain flour 25g/1oz cocoa powder 5ml/1 tsp baking powder 2.5ml/1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 150g/5oz caster sugar 3 ripe bananas 2 large eggs, beaten 60ml/4tbsp sunflower oil

To decorate: • •

50g white or plain chocolate or half of each Chocolate eggs to decorate

Method 1.

Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/Gas Mark 6. Line a twelve hole muffin tin with paper cases.

Sift the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Mash the bananas on a plate; beat the eggs together with the oil. Tip into the dry ingredients and beat lightly.

Divide the mixture between the muffin cases. Bake for 20-25 mins until risen and

firm to the touch. Leave to cool for 5 mins before cooling on a wire rack. 4.

Melt the chocolate and drizzle over the top of the muffins. Decorate with chocolate easter eggs if liked.

3 Baked Breakfast Preparation time: 5 mins. Cooking time: 25 mins. Serves: 4 Ingredients • • • • •

4 sausages 4 rashers back bacon 2 tomatoes, halved 8 open mushrooms 8 large eggs

Method 1.

Preheat the oven to 200C Fan 180C Gas Mark 6. Lightly oil 4 individual dishes about 20cm/8in diameter. Place a sausage in each and bake for 10 mins.

Shake the sausages then add the bacon, tomato and mushrooms. Bake for a further 10 mins.

Remove the dishes from the oven and shuffle around the ingredients to make room for the eggs. Carefully crack the eggs and add to the dishes. Return the dishes to the oven and cover the tops with a baking tray or foil - this stops the eggs wrinkling. Bake for 6-8 mins or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve with toast.

All recipes and images are courtesy of www.eggrecipes.co.uk/

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FAB MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 STOCKISTS Made: www.made.uk.com

BEAUTY

Fabiani: www.fabiani.co.za

Phenomenom: 66, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos | +234 8033264062

Chanel: www.chanel.com

Freedom by Topshop: www.topshop.com | +44 12177 844 476

Ruby & Pink: Suite 17, Dolphin Plaza, Ikoyi Lagos | + 234 8033096581

A-shu: www.a-shu.co.uk

Ituen Basi: 3 Agusto Close, Surulere Lagos |+234 703 5194466

Shade’s Boutique: 33, Bishop Oluwole street, Victoria Island, Lagos

Jean Paul Gaultier: www.jeanpaulgaultier. com

Beyond Retro: 110-112 Cheshire Street E2 6EJ | +44 207 613 3636

Jean Paul Gaultier: www.jeanpaulgaultier. com

The Jewellery Box: (By Appointment only) |+234 7028028918

Karin Herzog: www.karinherzog.com

Circa 64: 5, Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos | +234 8026888826

Jewel by Lisa: 9, Ribadu road, off Awolowo road, Ikoyi Lagos |+234 8022228675

Temple Muse: 8, Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos | +234 1 735 7842

Marc Jacobs: www.marcjacobs.com

Cuznagy: South Ozone Park, New York, USA | +1 9173737028

Kaleidoscope: www.kaleidoscope.co.uk | +44 844 556 4100

Tsemaye Binitie: www.tsemayebinitie.com

Debenhams: www.debenhams.com | 8445 616 161

Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi: 1b, Lanre Da Silva Close, Dolphin extension, Ikoyi |+234 8023941463

Aimas: (By Appointment only) | +234 8051959148

Eye for Gems: Shop 67, Zaza Shopping Plaza, 98 Muri Okunla Street, Victoria Island

Aldo: www.aldoshoes.com | +44 207 836 7692 Accessorize: +44 84 48 11 00 68 Artistic Soul: artisticsoulfashion.com

ETC Lingerie: Ikoyi Mall, 1 Bank Road, Ikoyi | +234 1 815 3252 Etro: www.etro.com

Literati: www.iamliterati.com | +23470 342 89598

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Zena’s: 12B Oko-Awo Street, off Ademola Adetokunbo, Victoria Island, Lagos | +2341 898 4850 Ze Uba’s Closet: Hackensack, New Jersey, USA | +1 3476130980

Elemis: www.elemis.com Eve Taylor: www.eve-taylor.com

Liz Earle: www.lizearle.com Nina Ricci: www.ninaricci.com Prada: www.prada.com

Nneka Black vest: Aimas- N7’500 Ankara skirt: Jewel by Lisa-POR Necklace: Temple Muse- POR Gold Chain Necklace: Temple Muse- POR

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder