VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
HAPPY CHILDREN’S DAY from
Ikorodu Bois & A Girl!
VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
FASHION
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VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
EDITOR’S NOTE
Photo: @HairByUgo
CONTENTS
WE CANNOT FASHION OUR CHILDREN AFTER OUR DESIRES. WE MUST HAVE THEM AND LOVE THEM AS GOD HAS GIVEN THEM TO US.
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COVER STORY: HAPPY CHILDREN’S DAY FROM IKORODU BOIS & A GIRL!
- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
W
e were all children once and while some people have very little recollection of their childhoods, there are many people who would like to revisit that time and bask in beautiful memories and then there are others who want no part of those years whether in thought or fantasy. The truth is our childhoods carry the key to so many of our behavioral patterns and characteristics, career choices, trauma, emotional responses, hobbies and overall personality. For in every adult there dwells the child that was, and in every child there lies the adult that will be. This edition, dedicated to Childen’s Day, features the extremely talented, globally recognised and locally nurtured internet sensationsIkorodu Bois. With an Instagram following of over 1million fans that counts thousands of celebrities from Nigeria, Hollywood and across the globe. Their videos have been shared by international A-list actors like Will Smith, Chris Helmsworth and lots more. This group of kids led by their 24year old brother simply recreate mostly action movie trailers using the most comical yet logical of props to keep the costs low yet maintaining the hilarity and sheer ingenuity of the team. It’s a great interview not to be missed. The feedback from you, our readers, continues to be positive and we appreciate your support. Without you, there would be no us. Take care of yourself and you’ll see us next week!
LATASHA NGWUBE @latashalagos
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D O W N TO W N E AT S
Tricky foods to Eat in a Public Bus
13
T H E S C E N E D O W N TO W N
Brown Skin Girl
14-15 B E AU T Y
The Fraxel Laser Way AUSTYN OGANNAH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Editor: Latasha Ngwube Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Beauty Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahgram Contributing Editor: Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity Senior Writer: Chisom Njoku @inchisomwetrust Contributing Writer: Boluwatife Adesina @bolugram Uzo Orimalade @uzosfoodlabs House Photographer: Rachel Seidu @rachelseidu Graphics/Layout: Olatunji Samson Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Interns: Kehinde Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown
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SÓRÓSOKE D O W N TO W N
BLESSING ONUH: Nigeria’s First Female Uber Driver
04
ODDB OD & TH E C ITY
Things are happening – LASPARK
05
EFUA EXP LOR ES
Dream Dates During Lockdown: Fun with Ceramics
06-07
FA S H ION
First Date Fashion Do’s&Dont’s
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TH E EDIT
Let’s Talk Fashion Design Copycats
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VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
ODUN OGUNBIYI
ODDBOD & THE CITY
THINGS ARE HAPPENING – LASPARK
I
remember a scene in the series, Friends (which I had a whole unhealthy obsession with in my 20s). The gang are playing a game and the winning question was “What does Chandler do as a job?” Shockingly, none of his nearest and dearest could answer the question much to his annoyance. Where am I going with all this you may be wondering? Last week, I got invited to an interactive session with the Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency at The Garden in Ikoyi by the GM of LASPARK, Mrs Adetoun Popoola. As the morning unfolded, I understood that I had never fully appreciated what her job was and how genuinely impactful her work is to all of us.
It started as a neglected swathe of land, abandoned and with little purpose. Then it got adopted by LASPARK. After months of collaboration with RF Gardens landscapers, the result is a beautiful and peaceful multipurpose space.
parks, roadside medians and government facilities like schools and hospitals. They are also fully immersed in the research and development and fully support the work of nurseries like the tropical plant nursery Abys Green House.
There is a garden centre and coffee shop at one end, seating areas complete with water feature and wonderful shade brought to you courtesy of mother nature. There are majestic trees, lovely pathways, flowers of course, and a little gift and flower shop. The entire process from start to finish was professional, seamless and stress-free, according to Tolu Olusoga founder of RF Gardens. She is one of many partners that gave testimonies about successful partnerships with LASPARK. LASPARK was on hand to support with experienced botanists, arborists, and landscape artists to maximise the potential of the space and to meet the standards and specification agreed on for the project.
If you build it, they will come The Garden is a wonderful oasis situated off the busy Alfred Rewane street. You have probably driven past it many times without paying it much mind. Here is a glowing example of what can be achieved when a supportive government agency meets a private organisation passionate about its work.
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Now it is open to the public, it can be rented out for events and is already a popular space in the afternoon for a family picnic lunch or a coffee break by retirees in the area. There is ample parking space in the lot opposite and that is a huge indicator to me of the thought and attention to detail that went into creating this space. In the evening at weekends, The Garden takes on a magical quality, draped in twinkling lights with soft music pipping through.
Greener Healthier Lagos The interactive session is really a call to action for every single Lagosian. We are all feeling the effects of climate change in our daily lives and on our health, here is one area we can all participate in. LASPARK has made great strides in beautifying our public spaces, with over 24,000 trees planted thus far with landscaping in public
The rest really must be up to us and LASPARK is more than happy to help. We are encouraged to nurture gardens of our own, no space is too small. If you are a corporate entity, NGO or developer consider the importance of green spaces in your designs or adopting and sponsoring a park. Take responsibility for the cleanliness and beauty of your property frontage and any underutilised open spaces in your community. The health benefits of building and growing green spaces in our city are for us all to enjoy and LASPARK is ready to support. Congratulations on a job well done.
VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
RELATIONSHIP
EFUAEXPLORES EFUA OYOFO
Dream Dates During Lockdown:
Fun with Ceramics
F
or every romance-head out there, there’s that scene in that one film, which fuelled a thousand dreams and fantasies. The movie and the scene may vary, but for me, there was one, and only one. I’ll give you a hint: it involves clay and an oversize button-down men’s blouse. If you were lucky enough to have experienced any part of the nineties, you’ll know I am, of course, talking about the scene in Ghost, a supernatural tear-jerker thriller starring Demi Moore and the late Patrick Swayze. The Xennials amongst us know what I’m talking about, where Demi straddles (ahem, sits astride) a pottery wheel, and the ghost of Patrick Swayze’s character sits behind her, helping her transform her clay into a purported piece of art. However, the pair are so overcome by emotions that they end up “getting distracted”. Even as a very young child, cheekily watching my older family members watch this mature film (I was way too young to watch it when it came out) I remember thinking: one day, I’m going to re-enact this. Well, within reason, I don’t have a ghost boyfriend that doubles as my guardian angel, nor is his fake best friend secretly plotting to kill me for this inheritance; nor do I have a barely-there white shirt that I can wear the way that Demi Moore wore it. As time and luck would have it, I came across the chance as an adult, to partially recreate this visual. Since the pandemic, I’ve kept myself on the lookout for interesting, socially-distant compliant activities to do during the lockdown because life must still go on and humans will still meet and fall in love. Before the pandemic, life was simpler; people simply met, went on dates, fell in love etc. However, with the pandemic, people can’t do things quite the same way. In certain parts of the world, people simply went for bike rides, or long walks around parks, after dark. Nigeria doesn’t have parks and there aren’t really many places to ride one’s bike, if indeed one owns one. At best we take walks on the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge, which has its supreme limitations, trust me. So, of course, when I came across a pottery class, I decided to take full advantage. I went, dressed in my cutest leather skirt and v-necked blouse, ready to check out the socially-distant dating scene. I’d decided against sacrificing one of my white blouses to the cause, because if there’s one thing I remember from
my art school days - when it comes to a white shirt, that terracotta clay is there to stay. Before I went, I imagined a room with ten or fifteen wheels, all manned by advanced pottery throwers, who’d gently guide us in the Promethean art of transforming a lump of clay into something beautiful and alive. Somehow, despite having not touched clay for over fifteen years, after fifteen minutes of pretending to be Demi Moore, my hitherto-latent clay throwing skills would be reactivated. Every delicate movement would enable me to create studio-quality porcelain, gossamer-thin and worthy of any art-studio or tastefully-decorated house. The event was packed. Where I’d imagined perhaps eight-to-ten people, there were closer to twenty. Apparently a lot of people also wanted to learn how to throw clay. Many of us were around the same age, too. Millenials and Xennials, who had clearly seen the movie too. If you came to the event looking to meet the love of your life, this certainly wouldn’t be the place. Unless, of course, one identified as a woman who liked other women, then, this was definitely the place to be. We crowded around two tables, roughly six-toeight on each table. We took turns kneading small lumps of clay, in order to make it more pliable. I’d forgotten how stiff fresh clay could be. Shortly after that, we handed over the freshly-kneaded clay to the class instructors, who then showed us the different ways to start off a piece of pottery. Disinterested, I looked around for the row of pottery wheels, on which I expected that before long, we’d be humming Unchained Melody, while fantasizing that our beloved boyfriend cradled
us tenderly from behind, as we let the magnificently-phallic-shaped clay rise, grow bigger, and then relax, as an allegory for the love act it was meant to symbolise. It was then that I noticed it: a large blue basin, atop a manual wheel mechanism. It reminded me vaguely of a pepper mill, save for the large metal spinning tabletop that sat in lieu of where the mill should be. I appreciated the creativity: I’m also a “use what you’ve got” person, myself. There was only one wheel, which people had to take turns using. As luck would have it, I was one of the first people to get a spin on this wheel. In the end, I did have a man standing behind me and helping me cradle the piece of pottery that I worked on. Less because we were long-lost lovers, and more because I’d completely forgotten how to make pottery. It had been almost twenty years, so I suppose that was to be expected. It took some time to get the motions right: manage the pedals, the clay, and the wheel at the same time. I marvelled over my memory of the scene, and the reality of the activity. Somehow, Demi Moore had completed the scene with a light film of clay on her hands only. I found that, whether due to the extensive amount of time I’d spent manually powering the pedal on the pottery wheel (it really was like grinding pepper) - I had bits of clay in my hair, on my face - and somehow, even on my leather skirt. I was doubly glad I hadn’t worn anything in white - drenched in sweat as I was, it certainly would’ve leaked through my outfit. Clay throwing is hard, thirsty work. Like Midas, everything I touched turned to gold - except in this case, it got covered in that sexy clay film. My lovely watch also became one with the earth, and had to be taken off so I’d have a chance of rescuing it, in what was clearly a bitter fight - Efua versus Prometheus and I was clearly losing, slowly being absorbed back into the clay from whence I came. Luckily, I had no more time on the wheel. Someone came and saved my pride, by needing to use it. I sweated some more as I washed my hands repeatedly, trying to divest myself of the remaining earth. All told, it definitely didn’t seem to me like the best decision for a sociallydistant date, unless the goal was to bond over getting “down and dirty” in a PG-13 way. It was a fun way to spend some time rekindling new skills, and curating offbeat cultural experiences. I created a pretty cute piece: a rustic mug without a handle. I plan to paint it in gorgeous earth tones, and sip hot tea from it while I wondered alongside my dream flat, whilst being held by my reallife boyfriend.
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VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
FASHION
First Date Fashion
Dos&Don’ts BY CHISOM NJOKU
F
irst dates can be challenging, and it can be difficult to decide on what to wear especially if you aren’t particularly fashion-forward. But planning ahead and taking a little extra time to get ready, can help you feel confident in selecting the perfect outfit. First impressions are important, but you’ll nail it with a little wardrobe preparation and a stress-free attitude. Whether it’s you or your crush planning the first date or perhaps, a mutual effort – figure out what the date will entail before you plan your wardrobe. Dressing for your date will be easier once you know what’s in store for the actual date. With that being said, here are some firstdate style rules you abide by.
Do Dress for the occasion The formality of your attire should be based on where you’ll be going. You don’t want to show up to a ball dressed for a protest. For an upscale dinner, wear a skirt, dress or nice slacks with a cute blouse. If you are going to see a casual movie, pair jeans and a nice or dressy shirt. Pay attention to fitting Too tight looks odd, and too baggy looks sloppy which makes it look like you don’t care about the date. Aim for a happy medium that’s just right for your body type. If your clothing fits poorly, consider finding a local tailor or seamstress. Find colours that flatter you When you are picking out an outfit, choose shades that flatter your natural complexion. A great rule of
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VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
FASHION
thumb for the first date: Choose a colour or outfit that you are often complimented on. Highlight your body shape You should always put your best foot forward and dress in a manner that best fits your body type. If you are pear-shaped and have larger hips and legs but a slim waist and fit arms, wear a dark colour on bottom and a light colour on top. Dark colours conceal, so wear something darker on an area if you’re selfconscious about it. Light colours highlight – use them to play up your favorite part of your figure.
Don’t Do not downplay the importance of a pre-date shower If you’re meeting someone for the first time in a romantic setting, it is in your best interest [and that of your date’s nose] that you take a bath. Shower directly before you get dressed. Moisturize with a scented lotion afterward. It’s only understandable if you’re going to meet your date straight from work which isn’t a good idea to begin with. Don’t go too heavy on the make up You can wear a little or a lot, depending on your personal style but don’t go overboard. A good idea for a date is to choose lips or eyes – go dramatic on one, but not both. Avoid wearing anything too heavy. You want to look like a glowing version of your usual self. Don’t forget to use perfume Always apply perfume or body spray when going on dates. It’s better to put on too little than too much. For perfume, 2 pumps should be sufficient; for body spray, no more than 3. You want to smell nice, but not overwhelming. P.s. It’s not sexy for your Oud to choke your date. Don’t be afraid to ask for help Not everyone is blessed with a remarkable sense of style and that’s okay. Feel free to ask a friend whose taste you admire to help you select a good look – he or she might have already noticed you look better in certain articles of clothing. If you are going shopping, ask a friendly salesperson for assistance, it’s their job to help you look fabulous.
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VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
COVER
HAPPY CHILDREN’S DAY from
Ikorodu Bois & A Girl! You’ve probably heard about Ikorodu Bois. A group of kids presumably based in Ikorodu town who make funny viral videos that people find entertaining and share on their social media platforms as well as WhatsApp groups. While that is essentially correct, they are also happy, intelligent, talented and polite cousins and siblings united by their love for each other and their passion for entertainment. Fueled by talent and no shortage of the most random alternatives for props they have created a worldwide effect that has been felt and seen across the globe. From Lagos to Hollywood, Tokyo to Madrid, London to Johannesburg, their viral recreation/parody videos have become a source of inspiration and a huge beacon of hope to millions of African kids. The Ikorodu Bois are led by their older brother Babatunde Sanni and comprise of his younger cousins and brothers- Abdulganiu Ishola, Muiz Sanni, Fawas Aina and Maleek Sanni. Babatunde who leads the phone chat with yours truly, DOWNTOWN Editor, Latasha Ngwube, is fiercely protective of the younger ones. It is evident that he will not let anyone exploit the kids or hinder them from getting their education and he has the respect of the entire group who all refer to him throughout the phone call as “Bro Tunde”. Getting him to agree to an hour’s conversation is hard as he insists they would be tired from school and need to rest. Luckily, I’m as persistent as I am beautiful and though it takes a while, he finally agrees when he learns that the day after is a public holiday for the children and so they have some free time. It is both endearing and admirable because as a firstborn child myself, I can relate. With a bit of divine favour on my side, Tilewa Kazeem on the transcription, Kehinde Fagbule on the location/logistics, and Rachel Seidu covering the photography, we bring you some of the biggest and youngest entertainment exports out of Africa right now. Let’s celebrate Children’s Day with this exclusive interview featuring the Ikorodu Bois on what life really is like being so famous.
Fawas and Ganiu play table tennis while Maleek looks on PAGE 8
L-R: Fawaz, Ganiu, Malik & Muiz
How did this all begin? Babatunde: We’ve always loved movies right from a young age. All of what you see us do in our videos are pretty much what we do on a daily basis. I knew Maleek has always had a flair for acting but I never thought anything of it. On that fateful day, (I was 22 at the time), I went to play football and when I got back I saw Maleek mimicking a Kanye West video that was going viral. He had no idea I was watching him but it looked like I was staring at a young Kanye West in our living room. He got all his mannerisms down to a T. I burst into laughter, teased him about it, and went into my room. In my room, I kept wondering what if I recorded and posted him on the internet? My curiosity won and I decided whatever will happen should happen. So, I mustered up some energy, got the rest of the kids into formation, and then I started recording them using my Itel phone. We used household items as props and when I posted the first video, people loved it. The reaction was insane. Then we made the second video which was DJ Cuppy’s Gelato video. I ransacked my mum’s wardrobe for a similar costume and told Maleek to wear it and again it went viral. At the time I dropped the two videos, the group didn’t have a name and instinctively I just thought Ikorodu Bois because it is where we grew up. It’s where we are from, our land, and all we know. A lot of people might have said Ikorodu is a razz place because we are all the way out here and all but I wanted to show people, where you are from, doesn’t have to define you. When you approach life from the viewpoint people will respect you. So thus the Ikorodu Bois was born. How many of you make up the Ikorodu Bois? Babatunde: We are 5. There’s our cousin Abdulganiu who is 16 years old and in SS3. Then there’s Muiz who is the same age and in the same class as Abdul-Ganiu. Then are our younger siblings, Fawas (who is our younger cousin), Maleek, and me. Maleek is 11 years old and in JSS1 and is three classes lower than Fawas who is 13 in JSS3. Well, I’m the eldest, 24 years old and I’m currently engaged with my NYSC service.
VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
COVER A lot of people might have said Ikorodu is a razz place because we are all the way out here and all but I wanted to show people, where you are from, doesn’t have to define you. When you approach life from the viewpoint people will respect you.Babatunde So thus the Ikorodu Bois was born.”
I thought there’s a girl in the crew? What about her? What’s her name? Babatunde: Yes, she’s our younger sister, Faridah. Faridah: Hi, my name is Faridah. Hi, Faridah. It’s a beautiful pleasure to meet you! I’m Aunty Tash. How old are you? Faridah: I am 5 years old. Wonderful. I loved speaking to you. Faridah: Bye! Bye, Faridah! When you thought about the name Ikorodu Bois, was your sister born? Yes, she was but she was really young. And you didn’t think to make it “Ikorodu Bois and One Girl”? *Babatunde laughs* She’s a part of the Bois.
Fawas and Maleek
What football clubs do you all support? Fawas: I like Arsenal Babatunde: Everyone else loves Barcelona. Fawas is the only odd one. Barca for life! Can your parents act and will we ever see them in one of your videos? Fawas: Ah!! Baba actors! laughs Babatunde: No, the only time they act is when you’ve done something wrong and they tell you ‘come we wouldn’t beat you’ and when you eventually let your guard down the next thing you feel are the whips of koboko. Now that I think about it, they are really good actors because that takes a level of skill. Will you ever see them… I don’t think so but they are always on set doing one thing or the other. If we ever need someone to help hold the camera or a boom microphone then our dad is always there and as for mummy, she does her part too. She once stood on a desk to help us hold the microphone also. Sometimes they hold the camera for me when I need to adjust something during a shoot as well. You seem to be very strict on making sure your brothers get the education they need. Is that from only you or from your parents as well? Babatunde: It’s from everybody. My parents understood that education was important and they made sure we didn’t take it for granted. I studied Psychology at the University of Lagos and although I hadn’t gotten my degree, by the time we started the group, the idea to forfeit school for whatever reason wasn’t an option. That’s how it is with them. I believe that even though you might not end up becoming what you study, having that education as little as it is puts you one step ahead of people that don’t. How you end up using that education is entirely up to you but having that
education first is paramount. Look at me for example, I don’t think I’ll ever use my degree for anything because I’ve found something I’m good at which is directing but it’s good that I have it cause it shaped who I am today. Those are the morals I’m trying to instill in them. Have any of your teachers pointed out seeing you on TV? Muiz: There was a time around 2017 when we just started out. My teacher called me and asked me if I was the one he saw on TV. After I confirmed that I was indeed the one he saw on TV he had this proud look on his face. He congratulated me and told me to keep it up. I felt so proud of myself and my family. Who is the most Troublesome? Babatunde: Ah! It’s Muiz. He likes trouble. Who likes food the most? Babatunde: Abdulganiu Baba! He can eat anything. Who is always the first to wake up every morning? Babatunde: Abdul-Ganiu as well. Who’s that one person you’d love to meet in person? Muiz: The Rock, I love his movies so much. He’s such a great actor and a fantastic person. Maleek: I’d really like to meet Will Smith. Babatunde: I’ve always liked the Fast and The Furious sequels and I’ve always wanted to meet Vin Diesel but my all time favourite movie still has to be Extraction 2. Abdul-Ganiu: Me too. Meeting Vin Diesel will be surreal for me. Fawas: I’d really like to meet Chris Hemsworth. I love his movies What about Faridah, Who does she want to meet? All in unison: SpongeBob!! *Then they all start laughing* How did it feel when some of these people saw what you did and reached out? Maleek: When Chris Hemsworth posted our video and captioned “EPIC!!” It was so unbelievable! It still feels amazing every time I think about it. Muiz: I remember telling my brother (Babatunde) that Will Smith liked our video, he was just so happy and I felt that surge of happiness too. How did it feel when you met Zack Synder the American movie director? Babatunde: Sadly, we didn’t in person. We spoke via video call but that didn’t make it less awesome. We felt privileged and thankful speaking to him. To learn that he also started the same way I did and he is one of the most sought-after directors in the world. It goes to show that we are on the right path.
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VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
COVER
L-R: Their dad, Ganiu, Babatunde, Muiz, Maleek and Fawas Have ever given any thought to recreating older action movies like Mr. and Mrs. Smith. There’s an epic action scene in there and that’s the movie Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt met and fell in love… Babatunde: Really? I didn’t know that. We haven’t really thought about it but it sounds like a great idea and it’s definitely something we are going to try. Do you make good money off of recreating videos and trailers? Babatunde: Well, it depends on what you call good money. We earn enough to help out at home and get things that we need. I guess that qualifies as good money. Do you make public appearances? Babatunde: Yes, we do but because of their schooling, we’ve struck the right balance between work and play. What is your parents’ reaction to all this? Babatunde: They are so happy. They’ve shown us support every step of the way. They are both supportive parents. I couldn’t have asked for anything else. My advice to parents would be that they should always try to be there for their kids. As long as what they’ve chosen to do is legal then support them nonetheless and watch them blossom. You recreated the Money Heist trailer and I heard the Professor reached out to commend you on a job well done. Babatunde: Yes, he tweeted at us after we posted the video and I think that brought us under Netflix’s radar. Then we did the Extraction 2 trailer and they loved it and reached out. They sent us equipment and acknowledged the work we did. Ikorodu Bois have a documentary with Netflix. Is it out yet? Babatunde: It is. We teamed up with Netflix for a short documentary tagged #FansmaketheMovie. You should check it out. It’s on our Instagram page. So aside from recreating trailers, is there anything original in the works for Ikorodu
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If we ever need someone to help hold the camera or a boom microphone then our dad is always there and as for mummy, she does her part too. She once stood on a desk to help us hold the microphone also.”
Bois? Babatunde: Definitely! We are working on creating our very own project very soon. We’d like to show the world that we have more to offer and very soon we will get to share that with our friends, family, and the world. Ikorodu Bois has created a new path for you Babatunde but do you ever intend on getting in on the acting? Babatunde: Not really, I’ve found what I love, which is behind the camera. My brothers aspire to be huge actors and I get to see that passion, nurture, capture and then disperse it into the world. Nobody could have harnessed all that undiluted energy for them at such a young age, better than someone whose blood runs in their veins. Maleek is absolutely talented. There is a video on our Instagram account of him copycatting Steve Harvey. When you watch that you’ll see it too. What do you have to say to kids who aspire to be like you? Babatunde: What I have to say is: You should always believe in yourself. Don’t let things like religion, tribe, and colour discourage you from achieving greatness. In addition, parents should try to harness whatever talent their wards have. Right from when you see this light in them don’t try to dim it, better yet, help them, protect and nurture that light so it gets brighter as they grow.
VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
THE EDIT BY C H A L’
Let’s Talk
Fashion Design
Copycats I
met up with my favourite Nigerian designer over the weekend. I love a good catch up. She is someone I have always admired and cherished and whose work is simply unmatched and second to none!! It was 14 years ago that I was allowed close to her. Close enough that she entrusted me with her designs. Her creations. During the course of our conversations and reminiscing about all the fashion weeks and the struggle not to be taken advantage of as a creative, I brought up the influence her design style and aesthetics have had on many aso oke designs by other Nigerian designers. Then we remembered how one particular music superstar’s stylist had pulled clothes for her client but didn’t return them for weeks. We at the time frantically tried to get the garments back, but alas they didn’t send them until they were well and ready. To our surprise and dismay, a couple of months later, we saw some of the designs had been copied. How did we know? The artist appeared wearing them on one of her music videos. Now what do we do? This was in the United States of America. Sue? How does one even begin? With cross continental Jurisdictional limitations. Sadly, we let it slide. I felt terrible because I was the custodian of those designs in America at the time. Fast forward to over a decade later, the appropriation of her designs is right here in our own home, Nigeria. Sigh… The blatant copying and stealing of her creativity continues. We are quick to “shout” at and call out culture vultures, yet hypocritically we do the same here and guise it as “inspiration”. Let me not digress… copycats, bootleggers, Rip offs and knock offs. Call it what you like, it’s all an infringement on intellectual property. And if the system wasn’t so broken creatives can take the perpetrators to the cleaners. And to the cleaners they must take them. Let me break it down with some help from www. apparelsearch.com/terms/k/knockoffs.html
What are knockoffs? The term is not as cut & dry as you may think. In our opinion, there are two distinct categories when discussing this topic. • Replicas (illegal knockoffs; Product Produced and Sold by Thieves) – these are most certainly illegal. Replica clothing, footwear, or accessories are made with the concept of deceiving the consumer into thinking that the product being sold is produced by a particular company or brand. When in fact the product was not produced by that company or brand. A good example would be Louis Vuitton handbags. They are manufactured to look as identical as possible to the originals but are not made of the true high quality, etc. • Copycat Designers (potentially illegal knockoffs; but not always against the rules) – many designers are influenced by product they see in magazines, stores, and on the streets. Some designers will see product and copy it on purpose, but other designers may copy another designers concept in a more accidental manner. It is possible for designers to copy another designers concept without doing so in a malicious manner. What is a copycat fashion designer? The “copycat designer” may not be as obnoxious as a typical copycat. However, they most certainly would be annoying to the company that had created the original concept that is being copied. An example of copying a fashion concept in an accidental manner can be as follows. Designer #1 decides that this year the colour yellow should be very important. They design a full collection in yellow and are the first to show it on the runway. Designer # 2 enjoys viewing the collection while attending fashion week. When they return to their office, they instruct one of their illustrators to design a new collection and instructs them to utilize yellow as the primary colour. They quickly produce their collection and ship to several boutiques in New York City and Paris. Designer # 3 is on a seasonal trip to New York and notices that in a few of her favourite stores she sees various lovely yellow garments (originally designed by Designer # 1 & 2). Because designer # 3 sees so much yellow in the store, they decided they better create merchandise in the same colour. Did Designer # 3 copy the colour concept from Designer # 1 who was the first to hit the market with the colour??? They may have copied the colour, but it was indirectly and not really on purpose or in a malicious manner. The above concept would hold true if we replaced the word yellow with a particular type of fabric, silhouette, etc.
While weak or non-existent intellectual property laws have frustrated the fashion community; Oluwatobiloba Moody, Counsellor WIPO Nigeria Office stated that laws and policies surrounding creativity could be improved upon only if people are sensitised about it and conversations are raised on such issues facing the industry.” Via www.hautefashionAfrica.com This most certainly is a conversation that must be had openly and no more gossiped about only in private. Replica, copycat, knock off designers should make sure they have a solid legal team backing them when they decide to draw “inspiration” from another designer’s creativity. While you are securing the bag, don’t forget to create your own. You can fake it till you make it, but at some point you’re expected to make it!
During the just concluded Lagos Design Fashion Week there was a session to discuss copyright infringement in fashion design. “In a constantly changing and developing industry such as fashion; trademark, copyright, design and patent protection are important for fashion designers and fashion houses. Since protecting fashion designs in Nigeria has been a battle, Kike Ojewale, Senior Counsel, ACAS-LAW believed that the laws surrounding fashion were not generally adequate which is a global issue.
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VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
FASHION DOWNTOWN EATS
Tricky foods to Eat in a Public Bus BY TILEWA KAZEEM I’d like to think this isn’t something most people catching the 4 pm bus from Ikeja under bridge to Berger bother themselves with but it should. Don’t get me wrong, food is essential and Lagos will have you running on empty but I’ve always wondered how people eat certain things inside danfo. I wouldn’t deny ever eating on a bus but... These foods require a level of stillness to be eaten. So I’d like us, myself included, to see this list as a call to action for us to do better and save ourselves the awkward stares and glances.
Walnuts and Boiled Eggs
Termites
Bananas I don’t think people shouldn’t eat bananas in public. Let’s ignore the small fact that it’s phallus shaped and talk about eating techniques. Do you eat it slowly and quickly? Grab it with both hands and go crazy or cut it in half? The possibilities are endless and equally awkward. What do you do with the abnormally long ones? It’s the effrontery of eating a banana with groundnut for me honestly. Bananas and nuts. Think about it - o wrong nau!
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These are paired because of the cracking activity tailored to them. I understand walnuts have a smaller form compared to hard-boiled eggs so you’d think nobody sees you, but that rewarding loud crack from a broken walnut shell under your teeth comes with unwanted attention.
You’d be blown away at the things sold in Lagos traffic. You can buy a pot, a cooker and rice in traffic. I don’t blame these traffic vendors but please chill. In what dimension is consuming peppered termites in a bus full of people ok? Excuse me sir? This isn’t Fear factor. I know what you are going to say, ‘Termites are rich in protein.’ We’ll, that’s a protein I don’t need, thank you very much but no thank you.
Now you’ve peeled the shell of the egg, how do you devour it? Whole to avoid attention and risk looking like a glutton or take your time and be the lead suspect if the bus begins to smell funny. For those of you reading this and feeling pressed I’ll let you think long and hard about your life’s choices.
Boiled Corn Ok, this is a crime I’m guilty of. I can’t explain how many times I’ve caught at least one passenger looking at me all salty because I’m going full beast mode on a cob of boiled corn and I have corn hairs and whatnot all over my mouth, not forgetting the husky pieces that get stuck in between one’s teeth This is a look that seems all too familiar because it’s one I’ve given people on numerous occasions. There’s no way to keep your composure so best save this for when you can unbuckle that belt or take that wig off and go full crazy.
VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
THE SCENE DOWNTOWN
Nonye Udeogu, Adaeze Onah and Amaka Oforka
Cross Section of Guests
Oke Maduewesi
Brown
Angel Obasi, Debbie Bjuku, Derin and Joanne Sanni
Skin Girl
Mobowale Afilaka-Biobaku
BY ONAH NWACHUKWU
A
frica’s leading cosmetics brand for the woman of colour - Zaron Cosmetics officially unveiled her new luxurious foundation and powder range, BrownSkin at a Swatch Party and Press Conference at their Ikoyi, Lagos head office. The event hosted industry favourites and media personalities, with the highlight of the event being the guests experiencing the ultra-lush new formula in shade tests. The product, which was specially created for women of colour by women of colour, comes in diverse shades with a lavish formula that is sweat and humidity resistant as well as nonoxidizing.
Yetty Ogunnubi, Maryjane Ohobu, Olamide Olanrewaju and Lara Cole
Ebony Nzimiro and Onyi Bekeh
Mrs Taye Akpotu
Ozinna Anumudu
Ifeoma Amadi
Simi Esiri
Chidera Udeh
Joyce Jacob and Kris
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VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
BEAUTY
THE FRAXEL LASER WAY threshold for pain. For some people, it felt like being stung by a hundred bees at the same time-very painful.
How does Fraxel laser work? It basically works with the energy from the laserscreating tiny columns of thermal destruction on the skin that stimulate the growth of healthy new skin cells in place of the old damaged ones.
How safe is it? It’s pretty much safe for all skin types but it isn’t recommended for people with melasma- a complex type of hyperpigmentation, although some patients have testified to Fraxel helping to fade their melasma.
Where can it be performed? Asides from the face, Fraxel laser treatment can be performed on the neck, décolletage (i.e. lower neckline), hands, and arms.
What is the downtime?
BY ONAH NWACHUKWU
F
ine lines, acne scars, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation are some of the many skin concerns that we wish could be done away with, with the wave of a wand. The good news is that with laser technology such as Fraxel laser, it is possible to combat these skin issues. This beauty treatment peels off these skin concerns to reveal a new layer of healthier, glowy skin. Sounds like some other beauty treatments but Fraxel is different in that it uses a laser.
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It takes about a week to heal. Some patients experience itchy skin during this healing time-resist the urge to scratch otherwise you may end up scarring. Day one and two will come with swelling and throbbing while from day three to five, your skin should start to peel.
What exactly is Fraxel laser treatment?
And the after-care?
Fraxel is a non-invasive fractional (targets only a fraction of the skin at a time) skin resurfacing treatment that uses microscopic laser to penetrate the skin, encouraging new elastin and collagen growth. It features two wavelengths: one targets sun damage, hyperpigmentation, age spots and even pre-cancer spots- that is the 1927 wavelength. The other wavelength-the 1550, targets fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring.
Patients are advised to stay away from the sun and use sun protection. Avoid exfoliating or using any harsh products after this procedure. Wash your face twice a day with very gentle face cleansers and apply lightweight face cream to avoid clogging the pores. Vitamin C serum is also recommended for after-care.
Is it painful? A numbing cream will be applied onto your skin 45 minutes before getting started with the treatment so it really depends on your
VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
BEAUTY
REALLY: WHAT DO THEY DO? Beauty products have several ingredients in them but do we really know what they do? Here’s a list of a few ingredients with their benefits.
ALPHA-HYDROXY ACIDS A group of natural acids, including glycolic, lactic, tartaric, malic, and citric that exfoliate away dead skin cells.
Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing-
BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Number of sessions needed
For treating acne by drying out pimples and reducing bacteria.
It generally depends on what you are targeting. For pigment (the 1927 wavelength) you should see results after one to two sessions. If you are trying to get rid of wrinkles and acne scarring, then you will need three to five sessions spaced four weeks apart.
BETA-HYDROXY ACID (BHAs) Commonly known as salicylic acid, BHAs are used to reduce redness, exfoliate the skin and treat acne.
How long do the results last? Various factors are taken into consideration including skin colour. However, Faxel laser therapy should last a year.
Fraxel Laser Treatment
CERAMIDES Lipids in the outer layer of the skin that fill in the cracks between skin cells. Ceramides in products help to reinforce your skin’s barrier and increase hydration, giving your skin a plumper, smoother and firmer feel with fewer visible lines and wrinkles.
Is it advisable to wear makeup after Fraxel laser? Makeup is a no-no after a Fraxel laser session, so if you are one of those people who can’t be seen without makeup, then you have to schedule your session at a time that you will not need to be out.
GLYCERIN
Can you go out in the sun after this treatment? Certainly not! Your skin is very sensitive at this time so sun exposure will only cause damage.
FYI When it comes to using Fraxel laser on African skin, while some people are of the school of thought that it is one of the best laser treatments for African skin, others are of the school of thought that it is not safe. There are also those that opine that it is an operatordependent treatment and if the laser strength is fixed low it is safe for African skin, but if it is set too low then it might not be powerful enough to make any changes on the skin. If it is set too high, on the other hand, there may be pigmentation issues and more scarring.
A humectant-a type of moisturizing agent that pulls water into the outer layer of your skin from deeper levels of your skin and the air. In skincare products, it is commonly used with occlusives, another type of moisturizing agent, to trap the moisture that it draws into the skin. It helps prevent dryness.
HYALURONIC ACID Natural sugar in the skin that plumps it up. Synthetic variations are used in products to boost moisture levels, it helps the skin hold on to water.
PARABENS A compound of preservatives that extend the shelf life of your product.
RETINOIDS Fraxel Laser
Vitamin A derivatives that stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover, improving everything from skin to acne.
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VOL 1 NO.16 • MAY 30 – JUNE 05, 2021
SÓRÓSOKE DOWNTOWN BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULẸ
BLESSING ONUH Nigeria’s First Female Uber Driver
All our lives, society puts us in a box and tells us what we can and can’t do. Most of these are allocated to us solely based on what genitals we possess even though it has absolutely no correlation with the task in question. This week’s Sóró Sókè Downtown features the first Female Uber Driver in Nigeria. Blessing Onuh, a trailblazer - by every definition of the word - sat down with DOWNTOWN’S Kehindé Fagbule to talk about her incredible journey of coming to Lagos and immediately forging a career path for herself in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
it and they empathized with me. They called me to their office and began an ad campaign to create an awareness of the fact that they had female drivers because sometimes when I meet with riders, they would think the driver kept his wife on the wheels or perhaps he used his girlfriend’s picture as his display picture on the app. A lot of them didn’t believe I was in fact the driver. They pushed the ad campaign and things began to turn around. It hurts when people keep cancelling on you because then you start wondering what you did wrong… and my car was beautiful *laughs*.
W
What is the hardest part of the job? Hardest part for me is returning home empty-handed on some days. Or when my clients get rude and difficult to work with. That’s not to say they are no bad stories. Just recently, Uber drivers in Lagos protested against bad prices and lack of adequate security. I’ve had colleagues who go through hell in the hands of riders and I used to have a friend and colleague who died as a result. It’s been God’s grace that I’ve not had any of those experiences. I remember however when a rider tried to steal my phone and I had to kick his ass *laughs*. I call all my male customers “bro” or “my G” so as to set a friendly premise to keep our relationship strictly business and kill every one of their sexual advances.
hat made you decide to go into the business? Naturally, I love driving. However, five years ago, I came to Lagos from Abuja for a wedding. When we got to the airport, I found out that we could book a cab online and that came as a surprise to me because Uber just began operations in Nigeria at the time. So when the driver came and we got on the road, I asked a lot of questions. He told me everything I needed to know and I was like “okay, they make good money, why don’t I give it a try?” I never went back to Abuja *laughs*. I sent for the rest of my stuff and just started living in Lagos. I love driving, vibing to music and meeting new people so it was a nobrainer for me. What were you doing prior? I was working as a research officer in Nigerian Bio Enterprise in Abuja, the federal secretariat. When Buhari came in, he scrapped the whole thing and everyone began struggling. When you started, did you own the car, work for someone or was it a hire purchase? When I started, I went for the exam in Ikoyi. A physical exam because of course you wouldn’t want to put an idiot on the road *laughs*. When I got there, the place was filled up. It was a new establishment here at the time so everyone wanted to be part of it. I was the only female there; and there were approximately 100 of us. Obviously, I passed so I was asked if I had a car, to which I replied no. Usually, Uber had already met with partners who were going to invest their cars in the business; and those partners would come in and interview different prospective drivers to pick whoever they wanted to trust their cars with. I had so many interviews but they kept turning me down. I remember I would leave the men at some point and target interviewing with the women as per: women supporting women *laughs*, that didn’t work. Nobody was willing to trust their cars with me. Their responses were generic along the lines of “Please, I don’t want any troubles. You’re a female”... even from fellow women. I became frustrated and it was so obvious to the point that a man walked up to me and advised me to get a car on hire purchase. That was scary to me as I had no idea how the job would pan out so to get that committed scared me. Another man walked up to me right after and gave his car to me; he’s a pastor. It was a luxurious 2014 Toyota Corolla and I was so happy. My first trip was a guy and his girlfriend and they were very shocked because they hadn’t seen a female Uber driver. That happiness was short-lived though as I got frustrated a week later. I got a lot of cancelled orders. I called Uber to complain about
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How do you maintain a work-life balance? Do you hang out with friends or go on romantic dates? That is my new year’s resolution *laughs*. Work takes a lot of time. When you drive for the most part of the day, you go back home very tired. My girl friend has been trying to get me to go out more and I’m trying to heed that advice. Would you say you are a chatty driver or the phrasal “shut up and drive” kind of driver. That’s very dependent on the rider really. When you get into my car, I greet you and we get moving. When you start making small talks, I switch and start having conversations with you. If you don’t talk to me, I wouldn’t talk to you because some people don’t even want to allow the stereo on; they want absolute silence. I’m like a chameleon, I adapt to whatever environment the rider wants. Fast forward to 2021, do you still have people who turn down your ride solely based on the fact that you’re a woman? Yes, and they don’t give me a reason why they do. I’ve only gotten feedback from a lady who tried to cancel. She couldn’t evade me as I was the only driver in her entire vicinity, so she had to get in my car at the end of the day. Of course I asked her about it because I just wanted to know what I was doing wrong. Her reason was that most
Blessing Onuh
female drivers are rude. This came as a shock to me because I have never been rude unprovoked. I gave her an analogy; I asked her if she’s ever had her heart broken by a man, to which she replied yes. I proceeded to ask if she tried again after that, she replied yes. Then I told her that in life you just have to keep trying and there’s a danger in generalising and coming to a hasty conclusion instead of treating people individually. Other people don’t like female drivers because they have a perception that we are slow. Again, that is false because I try to move as responsibly fast as I can. I like to think I’m the fastest driver I know *laughs*. I enjoy proving those kinds of people wrong. When you are not on the road, what do you do? Netflix and chill *laughs*. It’s a good way to unwind for me. A lot of people say they love their jobs even when in reality they are bored and don’t enjoy it as they once did. Would you say you enjoy what you do and what are your biggest takeaways? I do. I really do love my job. It has exposed me to so many things, I’ve met different types of characters in my life. If I got married today, most of my wedding guests would be my customers and clients *laughs*. Eventually, I’m going to leave it someday but even when I do, I’m still going into a business that’s going to involve interacting with people because I love doing that. I love picking my customers’ brains for ideas or offering them ideas. Like I’ve mentioned, I have been in on a few businesses even whilst on the job. I’ve sold a car for a client, I’ve delved into real estate and rented a few houses, I’ve done deliveries. I began trading crypto currency and one of my customers put me on it. The networking opportunities are so surreal. I love my job a lot. You’re a trailblazer and trendsetter by all means. What advice do you have for young girls who are looking to carve a career path for themselves in traditionally male-dominated industries? If you can do it, what the heck; go for it! I don’t know how to advice young people *laughs* but I believe everyone can do whatever they want to do regardless of their gender. If you can do it, just do it. If I didn’t love driving, I wouldn’t have gone for that exam. I went because I love driving and believe strongly that I’m a very good driver. So if you are passionate about something, it doesn’t matter that women before you weren’t doing it, you just do it.