Pearls Magazine Maiden Edition , December 8, 2013

Contents Pearls Team ............................................ I Contributors ............................................ ii Editorial ............................................ iii Cover: Jude Sax ............................................1 Art Interview: Solomon Abe ............................................ 3 Book Review : ............................................ 5 Business & Gadgets ............................................ 7 Health : ............................................ 9 Poetry: ............................................10 Short Story: ............................................11 Ankara, The Big Voice: ............................................ 12 Music Review: ............................................13 Relationship: ............................................14

Team

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Contributors TONI OSAI .

Profile: Anthony Osai was born in Jos, Nigeria. His experience in different parts of Nigeria and the influence of his highly intellectual parents and siblings, inspired his curiosity and creative spirit. He has been involved in numerous artistic ventures from theatre, poetry, sketching, cartooning, fashion, non-fiction and a stint as an amateur instrumentalist. A graduate of English and Literature from the University of Benin, he has a passion for writing, cooking, research, and design. He was the lead actor in the stage production of Ola Rotimi's "The God's Are not to Blame" by the ELSA Playhouse as an undergraduate.

He is currently a Facilitator/Consultant living in Lagos state, Nigeria.

DOWELL OBA. Profile: Dowell Oba is a young Niger-Delta poet with a refreshing image-filled rhythm. His poems have featured in international anthologies, including a recent Amazon bestseller anthology: Men in the Company of Women edited by Apryl Skies. The ZAM Africa Magazine, Netherlands, the Copperfield Review, U.S.A., and the World Peace World Healing Poetry anthology. His first collection 'Ocean Tide' was published in 2011 by AuthorHouse and has successfully made its way to the distinguished judges, in the 2013 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature. He's presently an M.A student of Literature in the University of Benin, Benin City.

D.I. ALPHONSUS. Profile: D.I. Alphonsus is a writer, publisher, editor, and former Editor-in-Chief of Wedding Guide Magazine. He has more than twenty years experience in publishing and advertising. He was former manager of Highpoint Communications, an advertising firm, and was one of those that began Transit Advertising in Nigeria, by advertising for brands like Friesland Campina and Nestle Milo. He is a prolific writer and advertising consultant, whose experience has developed brands in Lagos.

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Editorial After watching the Nigeria versus Burkina Faso match, at the last Afcon 2013 held in South Africa, I told a colleague that the Super Eagles had the ability to get to the final. Of course, his response was pessimistic; to him, it was a Joke! But in the end, I was vindicated.

Like a Joke, Pearls Magazine, an idea for gospel music and the celebration of virtue, has metamorphosed into reality! God alone be the glory!

The Magazine is for contemporary gospel music, literature, arts, and the celebration of virtuous people, whom God will lead the pearls team to feature in subsequent covers.

This debut edition in e-magazine form, features articles that will educate and entertain everyone that love gospel music, and everyone who loves magazine! There are articles on Business & Gadgets, Fashion, Music Review, Health, Relationship, Fiction and Poetry, and others to satisfy everyone. The pictures are lush, to satisfy the lovers of Magazine Photography.

Our interviews center on cover), a big voice in Secondly, Solomon photographer from the road Kelechi walked.

first, Jude Sax (on the Nigerian Gospel Music.

Elohor Abe, a young Africa, promising to walk Amadi Obi and T.Y.Bello

Lastly, without letting so much out of the bag, and leaving you on the hot-seat of suspense, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Pearls Magazine!

Dike Dyke Williams

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Editor-in-Chief.

cover: Jude Sax Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Mike Aremu and Yemi Sax are some of the names that come to mind, when it comes to the wind instruments in the Nigerian music industry, especially for the saxophone. These men play the saxophone with great grace, to the wonder of music, and you may ask: were they the original manufacturers of the saxophone?

Hugh Masekela of South Africa is also a force to reckon with in the African wind instruments' family. Apart from these names, and many more publicized on the radio, internet, television and the print media, more gifted artistes of the wind family are now taking the stage. And, one of such strong voices is Jude sax. A graduate of the University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria, who began playing the saxophone with such maturity long ago. He featured one of Africa's best gospel Artistes, Frank Edwards in one of his songs. Pearls Magazine got in touch with Jude sax, and asked him questions on his Christian experience, ministry, Nigerian gospel music, and what fans should expect from him.

PM. Can you tell us Sir about yourself?

Jude: My name is Jude Eloka Obiemeka, aka Jude Sax...

My relationship with God started some years back as a teenager in a local church in Benin City, Nigeria, where I gave my life to Christ Jesus.

PM. Did your relationship with God influence your music?

Jude: Yes, my relationship with God has influenced my music, because if it wasn't for Christ, I would have been doing the wrong things. I'm a gospel Artiste and God has used me as a tool to reach my world.

PM. How did your family help your Christianity?

Jude: My family has been supportive, when I was growing up, and till now, it has always been Church! Church!

Church! Staying out of home for all-night events .They believed in me, and today I'm a blessing to them.

PM. Did you start to learn the saxophone on your own, or someone mentored you?

Jude: Learning the Saxophone… It started in 2006; I was introduced to it by a Friend (Ehiosu). He gave me the basics, and from that time till now, God has been my anchor. I listen to great saxophonists and get inspired to move on.

PM. Is it challenging to be a saxophonist?

Jude: It is awesome to be called a sax player, when it all started I heard bad things about the saxophone. Since I started, it has been from one level to another. It's so sweet to play the saxophone. It's not challenging.

PM. Which gospel artiste(s) inspires you?

Jude: Gospel Artistes…hmmm. Ehiosu, Kirk Whalum and other saxophonists. Also, Frank Edwards featured him in my album, Sinach, Joe Praise, Dcn Raph Femi, Eben and host of others.

PM. Did you enjoy campus life as a gospel artiste in the university?

Jude: Yes, university life was awesome! That was where I started from. I was always practicing after lectures in my hostel. Then it was from one fellowship to another, because of my gift. I was not recognized then by the school's leadership, but today the university calls me for mega events.

PM. Are you married Sir, or in a relationship leading to marriage?

Jude: I'm not married, but soon you will hear my wedding bells…

PM. How important is one's relationship with others as a gospel artiste?

Jude: As a gospel artiste, you need be careful with the people that come to you. Especially through the social media, most people want to know if you are a gospel artiste. As an artist, some people that come to you have their personal intentions .So, as a spiritual minister it's very vital to be able to detect. Be open, but be wise as serpent!

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PM. What do you think about young people, especially from the opposite sex living together as if they are married?

Jude: You can't be too spiritual living with someone you re not married to...I don't support that!

PM. How do you see the progress of gospel music industry in Nigeria?

Jude: Gospel music is taking over, mark my word!

It is growing beyond what it is now, Gospel Artiste like me in my own way, taking it to another level‌Just watch out for my new single. I'm also a vocalist!

PM. What is your wish for the church in Nigeria?

Jude: The Church should unite as one. That is how it should be. And, the church should support gospel artistes.

PM. How do you see one of the biggest gospel festivals in Africa: The Lagos Experience?

Jude: The Lagos Experience is awesome! But I think that shouldn't be the only mega worship event in Nigeria. It should come up in other zones, so that local Artistes will be given the privilege to minister. Other Christian bodies should plan for more.

PM. What should your fans expect from Jude Sax in the nearest future?

Jude: To my fans around the world, thanks for your support. I love you all! Watch out for my album coming soon‌ Follow me on twitter @ jude sax, and on facebook (Jude Sax) to know when it will be out.

PM. Are you staying for gospel music for life?

Jude: I will keep representing the gospel of Jesus everywhere I go, I'm just starting! If the world takes everything from you, one thing that should keep you going is COURAGE!

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Pearls Art. ART INTERVIEW: Solomon Abe

The art of photography is for the eyes that see so much where the ordinary eyes see less. Kelechi Amadi Obi and T.Y Bello and Oshodi are prominent when it comes to Nigerian photography, in an age that could be tagged the 'Ankara Age'--because fashion and photography work hand in hand.

Obviously, the exploits of these high- profile photographers, have inspired a coming generation: a fresh generation of photographers that are willing to show the wonders of the world, through the miracle of the camera. And, one of such arriving from the new generation is Solomon Elohor Abe. A Law student and Photographer, with projects that will further promote Nigerian photography. Pearls Magazine interviewed Abe, and asked questions on his passion for his art, inspiration, the Artists that inspire him, and more: PM. Tell us about growing up.

Abe: I was born in Warri, (Udu LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria to Mr. Patrick Abe, a businessman and Mrs. Tina Abe, a tailor. I attended DSC Primary School with my elder brother, were I started drawing, and fell in love with it from the very start. Then, we both moved on to a boarding school Federal Government College Ibillo, Edo State, and was there for two years, this time, away from my parents and in a large area with trees, rocks, streams and rivers, that made me appreciate nature for what it is. Then came back to Warri to a day school-Unique International School, where I finished my secondary School in Ochuks Academy.

After secondary school, I got admitted into University of Benin to study English and Literature, were I met a lot of other creative minds like Anthony Osai, Osasere Bright Rutherford, Anthony Chikogu, Deba Oriahki, Dike Dyke Williams (Editor-In-Chief of Pearls Magazine), these people and many others strengthened me, and also made me believe in myself and in what I do.

Abe: I have always loved photography and art growing up, but professionally the journey started on my first holiday in the Gambia, when I visited a friend's father's studio, it wasn't just a studio, they also do graphics designing and printing, I asked if I could work there for the holiday, but ended up paying to learn graphic designing (Photoshop).

It was fun, I was taught by one of the greatest teachers, and he was too good that he left me to teach myself, he just did more of supervising and directing. While I was learning that, I was surrounded by other great artists, photographers, who in one way or the other taught me a thing or two in the craft... It was more of fun!

PM .Did growing up helped in making you a photographer?

Abe: I was born into creativity, my mum is an accomplished home economist, and she is also a fashion designer by profession, my sister (she is my aunt, but we grew up together so we're really close) is an artist (she studied Fine and Applied Art). My elder brother and I love drawing, and we have camped an artist or two (friends of my sister) at a point when I was growing up. So, I can say they'd contributed to my love for art and photography.

PM .What does photography mean to you?

Abe: Photography is the art and science of the creation of images, through great instruments like light, vision, imagination... For me, it is my own way of creating and preserving life, and also pausing time for reflective purposes.

PM .Do you have a studio?

Abe: Yes I do have a studio in Gambia, but I'm presently working on setting up one in Nigeria also.

PM .How lucrative or challenging is photography?

Abe: Photography is both lucrative and challenging, it is lucrative when you are in a good location and know what you are doing, and

PM. How did you begin your journey into photography?

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Pearls Art. ART INTERVIEW: Solomon Abe There are challenges in everything a man does, as a photographer, the most challenging part is that it is not a cheap trade, equipments are expensive (although with enough skill and experience, great pictures can still be created with cheap equipments), more challenges include getting steady clients.

PM .Will you stay with photography for a long time?

Abe: From the first time I started professional photography, I felt I had found my passion, something I had been longing for. I might do some other businesses, but I think photography is something I would never leave.

PM .Which photographers inspire you?

Abe: Kelechi Amadi-Obi is my greatest mentor, also Gubeez Chekay and any other photographer that thinks creatively.

PM .How is the support from family and friends?

Abe: My family has been very supportive, they bought me my first professional camera, I think they are fully in support, but they still want me to further my education and become a very seasoned lawyer.

PM .How do you see Nigerian photography?

Abe: Nigerian photography is doing well internationally and locally with the likes of Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Obi Somto, Ade Plumptre, George Osodi, TY Bello and others, these photographers are taking Nigerian photography higher each day, their works have being exhibited in the international market. It's so amazing to me that they are Nigerians like me.

PM .Have you entered your works for any competition?

Abe: No, I haven't. I just haven't had the time to enter a competition, although there are many of them out there on the internet.

PM .Which exhibitions have you entered?

Abe: In June 2013, three of my works were exhibited during a three day event in the Gambia called F.A.C.E. 2013 (which is the acronym for Fashion, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment).

PM . Does a place or weather affect your works?

Abe: I snap all weathers, but I do it carefully, because I wouldn't want to spoil any of my equipments because they cost so much to me.

PM . Tell us about your project ASPIRE...

Abe: For now, two photographers and graphic designers, my brother from another mother- Kenny Egbuke, and myself makeup Aspire, it's a team with a mission to capture Africa in ways it hasn't been seen before. Aspire is our brand name, Kenny is in charge of the office in The Gambia, and I handle that of Nigeria.

We also organize cross country tour between Nigeria and The Gambia.

PM . Can anyone book a portrait?

Abe: You can book on our Facebook page, or call or texts us on the following numbers. Nigeria: +2348030744278, Gambia: +2207326788 PM. Thank you for your time, sir!

Abe: You are welcome, and thank you for your patience.

PM . Tell us about studying law in Gambia.

Abe: It's just like studying anywhere, but it gave me a different perspective about life, seeing people that have a different cultural setting from the one I am used to. I can say it was a very great experience, my work was a bit of distraction, but I scaled through.

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Abe’s work

Pearls Book Review.

Ocean Tide by Dowell Oba.

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n a certain bus ride to my alma mater, I stumbled on an old friend from the wonderful days of creativity in writing. We had a nice chat as regards our future in poetry, and he brought to my notice the need to release a first volume of poetry to pave way for more collections, instead of gathering up lots of poem in jotters and notes scattered everywhere. And, having pondered on his words for a while, I deemed it fit to inspire myself as a poet with the eventual publication of my first collection and volume of poetry entitled 'Ocean Tide'.

The book kicks off beautifully on a series of poem defining nature, from the introductory poem "Ocean Tide" that particularly comments on the symbolism of ocean waves as they rise and fall, to the changing tides of life where one stanza depicts the good times, and the second stanza depicts the bad times. We are taken in further with nature poems expressing the wonder and significance of nature in its clear vibrant images. And within the journey, we stop a little to explore the dynamic nature of seasons in poems like "No Winter in Africa", and "The Harmattan Breeze". he nature category closes slowly on that ut in the midst of it all, we stop to note but not completely as we go in further acknowledge the poet personae , who into the life category that correspond in does the special art with words, in poems itself with nature, because nature symbolizes life's expressing the unique quality of every poet, to continuity. We analyze from the point of view on poems celebrating the poet's revolutionary quest the buffalo, used as a point of reference to to move with words, written with special kudos to exemplify the recurrent fight for dominion in our the poet's pen. And more so, we look at the present world, as clearly seen in the preceding wonderful ways we could learn from poets all poem. Onwards, we stop to pay kudos to life, and over the world, in their amazing ways of inspiring express in images its challenges; we are made to and reaching out from their treasure house of survive as victors that we are, in poems like "A sound wisdom.

Decade in Two Thousand", "Thunderous Immediately, the mood changes as we go into Rumbling", "On My 20th Birthday", and another theme worth focusing on, and this time "Dream". on the "political". Owing to the fact that the We also come to terms with obvious facts in life, political horrors of society need not be handled significant in itself in poems like "First gently, the poet uses his gift with imagery to paint Impression" and "Last Name". But then, we fail the pictures clearly for what they truly are, in not to ignore the lasting bonds in life worth ways they can be truly felt with the much irony commending, as found in a poem like "Mother attached to it all, and everything political. Here, and Child". Concluding this category is a look at there is a map-out of poems hitting certain the philosophies of life that add a bit of spice with political notions in sincere need of attention. an additional glimpse to our character traits in Poems like "Herds of Cattle", "When a War Loses poems like "Language", "Culture", "Avoidance", Purpose", "Freedom" as well as "Longing for a and "The Unseen". Then we are ushered in, in Superhero". Going further into the anthology, we grand style into the motivational/inspirational enter poems written specifically for Africa and category, with the poem: "Twilight", depicting the Nigeria. In these poems, we find images that preceding picture used as a perfect illustration for serve as eye opener in embracing the African race that category. We there after pay due regard to in all her beauty, challenges, as well as ironic inspirational sources, difficulty in her relations with the world at large.

But worthy of attention is a thorough survey of that goes from our love for music, to our inner African literary publications in the three genres of being; as well as from joy, and inspiration from prose, drama, and poetry through the long run of close folks, as artistically exemplified in poems history, in a narrative poem written with African like "Rock", "Adrenalin", "Tears", and "My book titles entitled "Ride with History".

Examination Hall".

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Pearls Book Review.

Ocean Tide by Dowell Oba. We henceforth come into tranquil sober poems that express in sober tones subject matters depicting sad and depressing times. They are the type of poems that can give a comforting pat to a sober mind. We go further to poems recited for tributes and memorial purposes, to several worthy personalities and bitter occurrences worth pouring out in poetry. More on the anthology are the special tributes artistically written for our creator and maker in Heaven.

We leave this category with a heart heavy with grief and respect, mending it tenderly as we enter the love category and read lines that were constructed specifically for the heart with its love tones and romantic imagery. We contemplate on these series of romantic rhymes for a while, that chases our sorrow completely away, taking a little pause as we mark the end of this category. Heaving a deep sigh of relief, we are ushered onwards into a second universally appealing theme in the concluding category, specifically dedicated to "beauty" and every tangible way it can be possibly described in the enticing manner of poetry.

But be not dismayed or confused if you find the book 'Ocean Tide' by Dowell Oba in the book shelf of an online or geographically situated beauty store; for what little can I possibly do, but write, and let the world do the reading bid, and preserve my poetic lines, displaying it in several aspects it touches, and covers still! _____________________________________________________________ _____ Dowell Oba is a young Niger-Delta poet with a refreshing image-filled rhythm. His poems have featured in international anthologies, including a recent Amazon bestseller anthology: Men in the Company of Women edited

by Apryl Skies. The ZAM Africa Magazine, Netherlands, the Copperfield Review, U.S.A., and the World Peace World Healing Poetry anthology. His first collection 'Ocean Tide' was published in 2011 by AuthorHouse and has successfully made its way to the distinguished judges, in the 2013 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature. He's presently an M.A student of Literature in the University of Benin, Benin City.

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Who really needs an iPad? Well not me. I am like most other people out there; I own a Smartphone. And that is more than enough for me.

I check the few emails that come into my phone daily. One is a newsletter from the mall informing me of the current price discount on phones and tablets, the other is an update from facebook, a couple of them are jokes and inspirational quotes from colleagues at the office, and the last email is from my boss. He is talking about nominating me for a special assignment. Me? Special assignment? Wow! This is the kind of news I have been waiting for.

I hurry to his desk, trying to update my status about this new "promotion" and send out a few tweets too. My Smartphone chooses this wrong time to hang. Can you imagine? Now I have to re-type that funny status I was about to update on facebook, and I am not sure I can even remember it. As I am still grumbling about my lost status update, I bump into the accountant head-on. All the documents in his folder scatter across the carpet. My phone drops too, the parts flying this way and that. "*Wish kain bad luck be dis wan today?"

I finally reach *oga's office, the parts of my phone stuffed into my back pocket. He doesn't look happy; I should have been here ten minutes ago. All because of this Smartphone!

He says, "You will work with Sherry from today. You guys should concentrate on the new product the MD introduced last Saturday. Ensure the sales forecast for product sampling goes according to plan. I expect daily reports from two of you, in Microsoft Excel format only. By the end of the month, you will prepare a PowerPoint presentation to show the MD the target we have achieved."

It's almost 4.30pm, I have to rush back to the office and type my report for today's activities on my system and send to oga. Bad luck! There's a very long traffic jam. I have to beg Sherry to help me type it and send. I wish I had carried my laptop with me, or at least if this phone could even create spreadsheets in Excel. The screen is too small and the phone would just keep 'hanging' if I tried it. Thank God for Sherry.

Two weeks now, I have been carrying my laptop with me to work. From the office, I carry it out to the field so I can access all my documents when I have to be in a meeting outside the office. If only I could just print them... but all those documents would be heavier than my laptop. And I have to monitor the product sampling process online, if not, these contractors could cheat me. Again, this Smartphone cannot open the full company website. The phone browser is so slow.

My shoulder is seriously aching from running around with this laptop! And, the battery cannot even last the whole day, before afternoon I have to look for a place to charge, so work can continue on the field. I am tired of working like this! The end-of-month presentation went well. Thanks to Sherry again. She used her tablet to display the slides. I never knew you can connect an iPad to a projector.. If not for her, I don't even know what oga would have done if he heard I didn't bring my laptop. It is not my fault; the M.D. didn't want two people to do the presentation. If I had done it alone, there was no way I would have been able to change the slides from my laptop while discussing our sales forecast at the same time. Thank God Sherry was there today."

That was my story last month. It did not happen exactly like this, but my experience using a Smartphone only for work, was very similar to the one I just described.

I had always thought tablets (iPads, Galaxy Tabs, Microsoft Surfaces) where an unnecessary waste of time. They were expensive and could never replace the need for a laptop in my life.

It was until I needed to do a lot of work that I realized a Smartphone could not do all the things I needed. I could not carry my laptop around either because it was too heavy, or I needed to keep charging it through out the day if I wanted to do a lot of things with it.

When I got a Tablet all that changed. I could do most of the work I needed to do while on the move. The tablet was so slim and light I could put it in my trousers' pockets. The battery lasted longer than my Smartphone and my laptop too, and it even cost me just N10, 000 more than my phone had. What was there not to love?

Something I had previously seen as a needless and expensive device, turned out to be my constant work companion when I finally gave in and bought one. For the modern business man, a tablet is the most important device for productivity. It is the easiest way to stay connected to everything workrelated without much stress, or being hampered by the inability of a Smartphone to perform advanced computing tasks.

If you work on the move and use your computer a lot, save your self the headache and just get a tablet. You will be glad you did! * Wish kain bad luck be dis wan today?" Means what kind of ill-luck is this in Nigerian Pidgin.

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*Oga: means Boss.

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Pearls Health.

IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE

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his age is arguably the fastest in history. We live in a time where everything is fast: from fast cars, to supercomputers, internet and even fast food. And, some of these fast foods are quickly prepared without proper cooking and boiling of the food, while some contain too much sugar or fat. But one of the ways we could reduce the effects these foods may carry, is through physical exercises.

Physical exercise is an activity done either daily or once in two days, to maintain health and fitness by walking, jogging, riding a bicycle, press-up, skipping etc.

To maintain fitness and health, one must not joke with physical exercise, because in exercising, heart diseases and obesity are reduced. Below are some of the importance of exercising the body: 1. Reduction of obesity: Obesity is too much fat in the body, and it could be dangerous because an obsessed person is likely to suffer problems of the heart, if he or she avoids physical exercises. Constant exercise will reduce and burn excess fat in the body. With exercises like Jogging, skipping and walking, obesity will be reduced with time.

2. Reduction of diabetes: Physical exercise can reduce excess sugar in the body, which causes diabetes. As the diabetic patient exercises, he or she sweats, and through sweating, sugar is let out, thereby helping in the reduction of plenty sugar in the body.

3. Mental Alertness: Also it helps to keep one mentally stable. After exercising, the body is conditioned for the day's work, and this helps throughout the day to be mentally fit for work.

4. Maintaining healthy bones, joints and muscles: One cannot exercise without the bones, joints and muscles stretching. The muscles are released, and the joints freed as we exercise. This makes a healthy body and puts the bones and muscles in good shape always.

5. Immunity: The immune system is kept in place as we constantly exercise.

Sickness and diseases that attacks the body are prevented through healthy eating and exercises. The good that comes from constant exercise, cannot be overemphasized, because a healthy body system is a working body, and will last a very long time.

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Pearls Fiction: Short Story.

Fly Like A Bird.

Robin my bird chirped in her cage with her usual song. Hope she's not singing a song of escape. I disliked the morning, because the world was too ugly now, and Lagos was too cold from the harmattan! It was the fifth year I graduated from school and still expecting a miracle-job with a jumbo pay.

I remembered leaving countless offices disappointed. Now, another interview? What am I thinking? I glorified job vacancies that they looked like gold to me. The knock on my door doubled my frustration. It could be Mama, I thought. Must she always bring a mug of concoction, especially on every interview mornings? I was used to such rituals, so I didn't border.

“Abigail dear, you look beautiful on that dress.” She told me as I opened the door. The mug on her hand was beautifully designed. It must be a Japanese mug, I thought.

Because of the Haiku in-scripted on it.

“Mama, why another mug of juice?” I asked. My eyes still on the aesthetically made mug.

The message from the Haiku had freedom as its theme. I smiled, not minding Mama. After all, it's her usual DON'T-GIVE- UP homily. As she talked, I heard her mention FREEDOM. I looked at her, she was dead serious.

Was freedom knocking? I wandered.

I stared at the mug again, who designed this? I pondered.It was so fascinating. But I knew I could do better art than that. “Mama, please I will really love to be alone, before I go for this interview.” I told her, and she understood. She was about to leave, then, she turned: “there are some things that conceal their strength, especially our gifts. Look inside of you Abigail; you have much to offer the world.” I looked at her and wished she never came here.

What can I give when I don't even have a job, I thought. She knew my degree in Fine Arts, from Yabatech was good enough. But I don't enjoy painting again. I am not Claude Monet who loved to paint as the bird sings, or Michelangelo, I just need a job! Can't she understand?

“Mama, what I need is a job,” I reiterated.

“Yes, Abi, I am one of those that believe you have one already. Don't wait for the world to give you anything, because it may give you less!” She said and left.

Why would she visit me with such disaster? I pondered and fought her words. Tough woman, I guess.

But she could be making some sense…. So I turned and went to open my box——– a world of Art, maybe. My paintings were still beautiful. “Your business could be the work you hate most.” I soliloquized.

As I kept looking at my paintings, freshness overwhelmed me! It was like the right medicine on the venom inside. I was finding strength again. “Where is my brush?” I asked myself. I remembered telling my professor that I could paint the world. Robin used to be my friend in such times, so I decided to go and whisper my new found joy to her. No! Why? How? Her cage was opened, and she was gone!

The sky was too big to say which bird there was Robin. I knew she left me a message, and, it's that she is happy to be free! And, I could do the same, yes, I could fly freely now and pursue this freed dream from an old box!

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ANKARA, THE BIG VOICE

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n February 2009 edition of the Vogue Magazine, fashion Journalist; Funmi Odulate narrated her experience with Ankara. Her revelation was replete with pride for this staying fashion. With the great regard for Ankara fashion especially in Lagos, there is no doubt this fabric has become the modern fashion!

In the late nineties, this fabric was rarely in the wardrobe of the elites; talk more of finding it on the pages of Magazines, photographed for world class fashion brands.

It amazes one how local designers have creatively fashioned it into bags, hats, shoes, bow ties and suits with tempting colors and style, and making you wish you had them all!

Ankara has become the fashion for highly rated gatherings. The Creme de la Creme of the society steps out in different designs on the red carpet, and let the paparazzi get enough.

Even thanksgiving Sundays in the churches, are not left out. Couples attend thanksgiving in their own Ankara in uniform, indicating their respect for this fabric, mostly seen as African fashion, to indicate their togetherness.

Internationally, Ankara has been accepted and recognized. International fashion brands have stepped in to display the Ankara creativity, by listing it on their collections.

Conclusively, there is no doubt Ankara is the new fashion, especially back in Africa, but more than that, it has become the fashion that is now speaking with a big voice.

Dike Dyke Williams.

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DEITRICK HADDON by Dyke Williams

Born in Detroit Michigan, U.S.A, around 1973, Deitrick Haddon, one of contemporary gospel music ambassadors, have lasted more than a decade, with songs that still make us move, dance and raise our faiths to God. His gospel soul and hip pop songs goes beyond the shores of America, for enjoyment and ministration. A gospel music director, movie director and preacher; he has been consistent in the ministry.

I first saw him on stage at the Lagos Experience 2012, where he held the crowd with his fruity voice, and such confidence on stage! As soon as he appeared on stage, the crowd at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) roared. There, I understood he had a strong voice, and his fans love him and his music (including me).

Deitrick sure has much love for the church, and cares for the world's healing, from the master (Jesus Christ) himself. You will find it in the urgency of his songs, and deep lyrics.

A young gifted Artiste, who gave his first sermon at the age of 11, would feel connected with the crowd. His relationship with the crowd is tremendous----- he knows how to move them.

Deitrick has recorded more than twelve albums, and is a recipient of two Gospel Music Work shop of America awards, including New Artist of the year. Also a 2012 Dove Award winner, and has six stellar awards to his credit.

“Lost&Found” was the album that gave him so much voice in contemporary gospel music. “Sinner's Prayer”, off the album, was a hit released in 2012. The song gave the album top ten on the chart of Bill board Magazine's gospel albums.

Defending his style of music, he once told a music website: “Someone who doesn't know Jesus can listen to this and relate.” His style of dressing also expresses his Pop genre, especially his appearance on stage at the Lagos Experience. His latest single for 2013 is titled “Have Your Way”, available on iTunes.

With “Sinner's Prayer” and other songs, there is no doubt he has been connecting lives, and taking sinners to the Savior's front. And, a gospel artiste who has come this far, cannot be placed in the tale of the “Lost and Found” in contemporary gospel music, because he has come a long way persevering with consistency!

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Pearls Magazine

RELATIONSHIP: LIVING A HAPPY MARRIED LIFE

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tatistics have shown that marriages fail almost every day! Have you ever pondered why it is so? The major reason is that many, especially in this modern age, have decided to neglect the attention the marriage institution requires. Marriage is like a flower garden, if you don't give it the time and attention it requires, weeds of misunderstanding, distrust, suspicion, insensitivity to each other will begin to grow.

For a marriage to be strong and reliable, and to experience a happy married life, a lot of factors must be put into consideration. This great union of man and woman from different background demands a lot of patience, tolerance, sacrifice and perseverance from both parties.

For those who desire to develop a happy marriage, the following practical points will be helpful: PROPER AND SOLID FOUNDATION: For anything at all to succeed a proper foundation and solid structure must be put in place, else it will crumble and fail. The basic step in a successful marriage is for both husband and wife to put all their efforts into the relationship each giving 100% and not to begin marriage relationship with the concept of each contributing 50%. A 50/50 approach fails. Staying and praying together strengthens love.

Marriage is a relationship between two imperfect human beings called husband and wife. And, because of your imperfection, you are bound to offend one another intentionally or unintentionally.

For you to be able to make your partner feel loved, you must always make out time to stay with him or her. Similarly, a family that prays together stays together. Apart from physical bonding, a spiritual bonding takes place which promotes humility, peace, love and intimacy when a couple prays together.

COMMUNICATION: Effective communications negotiate problem areas, avoid misunderstanding, and develop intimacy.

A lot of marriages today have soured or broken down irretrievably, due to lack of effective communication between the couples. Talking is the oil that lubricates the engine of marriage to prevent it from knocking. Taking time to share your thoughts, ideas and feelings will strengthen the relationship.

SHARING, CARING AND APPRECIATING ONE ANOTHER: Sharing is a powerful source of intimacy in relationship. When partners share pains together and joy as well, they share their lives and everything that come their way. This promotes oneness, trust, drive away fear and develop lovely dependency. Caring itself gives a partner the sense of security and belonging. To service your marriage, you must appreciate your partner's uniqueness. Too many married people over-value what they have not, and undervalue what they have. One can take one's partner for granted. Learn to care and appreciate the uniqueness of your 'half'.

FORGIVENESS: A happy marriage is the union of two forgivers. Marriage is a relationship between two imperfect human beings. And because of your imperfection, you are bound to offend one another. Without forgiveness, your marriage will be governed by and endless cycle of resentment and retaliation. One of the secrets of a long marriage is to forgive your spouse everything, every time before you go to bed. Lack of forgiveness hands you over to the tormentors to be tormented spiritually, emotionally and physically.

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Pearls Magazine

RELATIONSHIP: LIVING A HAPPY MARRIED LIFE CONFLICT RESOLUTION: There is no guarantee that conflicts will not arise in any relationship. As partners grow together in love, they make mistakes and face problems. Resolution of conflict in relationship helps to cement love the more.

Dialogue and reconciliation should be taken seriously so as to kill the root of bitterness.

The problem you cover up without resolving may be the same problem that can separate you from the person you love.

TRUST, RESPECT AND FAITHFULNESS: For every lasting relationship, trust is needed to keep it alive! If trust dies, relationship slowly fades and the fear of breakage sets in. Trust builds confidence and acceptance. When trust dies in a marriage, it will never remain the same. In every relationship, be it that of marriage or between friends, respect is highly relevant. No matter the extent of your love, if your partner is taking you for granted, the love may be reduced.

Faithfulness is the pillar that keeps a relationship, without it, love can not last.

Faithfulness keeps marriage and friendship alive.

SEX IN MARRIAGE: Sexual relationship for marriage couples is not a taboo.

God intended that the husband and wife should derive maximum pleasure and satisfaction from marital sex. Sex can rip a couple apart or bind them more securely. Sexual satisfaction is the engine oil that keeps the marriage car running.

Avoid marital fraud such as telling lies or playing trick to avoid having sex with your partner, and cheating one another.

D.I. Alphonsus.

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Pearls Magazine

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