unmi George is the founder and CEO of ShredderGang, a fitness and nutrition company that has assisted over eighty-five thousand people in reaching their personal fitness goals. For George, ShredderGang started as something personal—her own story. She shed 55kg and felt called to help others experience that same freedom. With no capital, just passion and purpose, she began offering guidance, first to individuals and eventually to a growing community. Over the years, her brand has evolved from a personal wellness journey into Nigeria’s leading health and fitness community. According to George, it’s not just about weight loss; it’s about confidence, healing and giving people the right tools to take ownership of their health, especially women navigating seasons like PCOS, postpartum recovery, and hormonal imbalance. George believes she has built more than a solid brand, but a movement that says: Your wellness journey is valid, your body is capable, and you are not alone.
Read Bunmi George’s inspiring story on pages 8 to 10.
Pants are a true game-changer. They affect how your ensemble looks. While an incorrect pair can make the most decent shirt look unflattering, the right pair can help you look put together. This week, our fashion pages are for men. We discuss five essential pants every fashionable man should have and how to style them.
With all the noise about the movie Sinners, I haven’t been interested in seeing it. In my opinion, nothing about the blues and vampires screams, ‘Go see it now,’ and although our movie review correspondent scores it a high 8.5 out of 10, I still won’t be seeing it. But that’s my prerogative. Will you go and see it?
Character Energy How to Romanticise Your Daily Routine
5 Pants Every Stylish Man Should Own And How to Wear Them Right 12 04-05 FASHION
#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS BEAUTY
Bunmi George Fueling Purpose Through Fitness
5 Essential Makeup Looks Every Woman Should Know
Adesina @bolugramm - Contributing Writer
Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.
Dorcas Akintoye @mila_dfa_ - Contributing Writer
Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.
Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.
Boluwatife
SHOULD OWN AND HOW TO WEAR THEM RIGHT PANTS EVERY STYLISH MAN
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Many people concentrate on shoes, jackets, and shirts in men’s fashion. But in the real sense, pants are the true game-changer. They have a big impact on how your ensemble looks. While incorrect pants can make even a decent shirt look unflattering, a good pair can help you look more put-together. Honestly, you don’t have to have a hundred pairs of pants. All you have to do is have a good number of the appropriate ones. Let’s discuss five essential pants that every fashionable man should have and how to style them.
CLASSIC BLUE JEANS
Every man must have at least one good pair of classic blue jeans because they are among the most versatile pants you can find. When styled right, these jeans work for casual outings, dates, and even semi-formal events. For a laid-back look, a simple T-shirt and sneakers will always work. If you want to dress them up, wear a button-down shirt or blazer with loafers.
CHINOS 2.
The ideal balance of casual and formal is achieved with chinos. They’re more sophisticated than jeans but less formal than suit pants. Every man’s closet should include a pair or two, particularly in nude hues like olive, navy, or beige. Chinos are fashionable, breathable, and lightweight. They look fantastic for dates, brunch, casual Fridays at work, and even weddings if styled correctly. Wear them with a polo or shirt that fits well, and dress them with white shoes, brogues, or loafers.
3.
DRESS PANTS
Dress pants cannot be negotiated. You should always have at least one pair of stylish dress pants, whether you’re wearing them to a formal event, wedding, interview, or work. Select classic hues like navy, charcoal grey, or black. Ensure they fit correctly, don’t sag, and rest neatly over your shoes without bunching up. Dress pants should be worn with a clean dress shirt, shoes, that matches, and a blazer if the situation calls for it. Keep everything neat and pressed.
JOGGERS 4.
Joggers are perfect on days when you want to appear attractive while remaining comfortable. They’re sporty, relaxed, and ideal for lounging with friends, running errands, casual weekends, and airport travel. The problem is that not all joggers are made equal. Choose joggers that fit well and are made of high-quality materials. The easiest colours to style are solids like navy, black, or grey. Wear them with a denim jacket, hoodie, or a fitting T-shirt.
CARGO PANTS 5.
Cargo pants have made a stylish comeback. Unlike the baggy, overly-pocketed versions from the past, today’s cargo pants are more fitted, clean, and fashionable. They bring a touch of street style and rugged charm to your wardrobe. A good pair of cargo pants, especially in colours like olive green, black, or khaki, can be paired with basic T-shirts, bomber jackets, or even a sweatshirt. To avoid looking bulky, wear slim or fitted tops to balance the shape of the outfit.
CONCLUSION
Looking stylish doesn’t mean owning a mountain of clothes; it’s all about choosing pieces that work well in different settings. The key is knowing how to wear each one right. Focus on fit, comfort, and balance. With these essentials in your closet, you’ll always have something to wear, whether you’re going on a date, heading to work, or just hanging out.
SALLY CHIWUZIE
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
J IS FOR JUDGMENT
(A follow-up to “P is for Perception.” If you missed that madness — or need a refresher — please scroll back and read it – here is a link for ease of referencehttps://thewilldowntown.com/p-is-for-perception/. I fear that you may not fully grasp the sheer bizarreness of this part two without knowing about the wedding, the boycotted milestone birthday party, and the neighbour’s cat named Tinsel who inherited everything. Yes. Really.)
So.
Two weeks after the church bells chimed for the reluctant bride and her estranged exhusband of forty years, the bells tolled again — this time, for his funeral.
And then the real chaos began.
You may recall that the late groom had spitefully left his estate to the neighbour’s cat in a petty (and shockingly legally-binding) twist. But what you don’t know is this: Tinsel was famous.
Unbeknownst to the family, the neighbour — a lifestyle influencer named Peaches — had been chronicling her cat’s life online.
@TinselTheTabby had amassed over 300K followers on Instagram, with bio captions like “Manifesting naps, meowgic, and male inheritance.”
The moment the story broke, Peaches turned the situation into content. She launched a GoFundMe called #JusticeForTinsel,
with the subtitle:
“Help us protect Tinsel’s legacy from greedy relatives and manipulative widowship.”
It. Went. Viral.
Soon, social media was ablaze. Think protestors holding signs outside the widow’s home:
“Paws Before People!”
“She Married Him For the Meowney!” Peaches started doing interviews. She wore all black, carried Tinsel in a designer sling, and delivered lines like, “Tinsel was his only true companion in the end. She deserves every coin.”
Meanwhile, the widow — remember, 88 years old and newly remarried — was quietly trying to contest the will. But things took a strange turn when the groom’s old tablet revealed a hidden video
In a shaky, whisky-tinged confession recorded months before his death, he slurred: “This will… with the cat? It’s a joke. Just wanted to mess with them all one last time. Got tired of them fighting over me like vultures. I was writing a new will… but whatever.” Mic. Drop.
Suddenly, the family had a dilemma: Do they honour the joketurned-legaldocument that left a mansion and three rental properties to a cat?
Or do they argue for “intent” based on an unsigned video confession? The court ruled with unexpected nuance: “The deceased’s legallybinding will stands. However, the estate is hereby converted into a
charitable trust: 50% to animal welfare, and 50% to elderly support services. The cat remains symbolic heir.”
So yes — Tinsel became a furry face of legacy reform.
And the widow? She vanished from the public eye. No press, no comments. Just silence, and (according to one cousin) a new obsession with jigsaw puzzles and lemon drizzle cake.
So what’s the #Unshakable truth?
Judgment is rarely black or white. It’s not just about morality; it’s about motive. We love to judge, especially when the headlines are juicy and the drama delicious. But behind every “crazy story” is a person — or in this case, a very tired widow — doing their best to navigate grief, guilt, legacy, and (apparently) cats.
And if we’re honest, most of us are just one emotional plot twist away from starring in our own courtroom drama.
So maybe lead with grace. Maybe pause before pointing fingers. Maybe remember that even the wildest choices have roots in quiet desperation.
We’re not done yet.
K and L are coming soon — parts three and four of this wild, tangled saga.
If you thought a cat inheritance was bizarre… …wait ‘til you hear what happens with the keys, the crypt, and the new will.
‘See’ you next week.
#Unshakable
BUNMI GEORGE
Fueling Purpose Through Fitness
Looking attractive is only one aspect of fitness; other goals include feeling better, living longer, and being your best self. Over the years, more people have realised the transformative power of a healthy lifestyle. It has aided people in overcoming health problems, gaining selfesteem, and finding happiness in their bodies. Many passionate voices have risen to the forefront of this movement as awareness has grown, sharing their personal stories, inspiring others, and creating communities and brands centred around wellness and fitness.
Bunmi George, a dietitian and fitness professional, is one of those powerful voices. She founded the fitness and nutrition company ShredderGang, which has assisted more than 85,000 people in reaching their personal fitness goals. George and her brand have had a significant impact through meal planning, exercise regimens, and health education, particularly for those who struggle with diabetes, PCOS, and poor eating habits. She has built a strong community of people taking charge of their lives and transforming their bodies.
In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Bunmi George discusses her passion for fitness and the journey of building her fitness company. She opens up about what drives her, the ups and downs of her career, and her hopes for the future of wellness in Nigeria.
How has your health and wellness industry journey evolved over the years?
ShredderGang’s journey in the health and wellness space is one of vision, resilience, and heart. It started as something deeply personal—my own story of transformation. After shedding 55kg through discipline, lifestyle changes, and a deep commitment to my health, I felt called to help others experience that same freedom. With no capital, just passion and purpose, we began offering guidance— first to individuals, then to a growing community.
“You
hear it all the time: stop eating carbs. Carbohydrates are not the enemy. Your body needs them for energy, especially if you’re active. It’s more about quality than quantity—whole grains, fruits, and veggies are very different from sugary snacks and white bread. You have to be perfect to see results. ”
Over the years, ShredderGang has evolved from a personal wellness journey into Nigeria’s leading health and fitness community. It’s not just about weight loss. It’s about confidence. It’s about healing. It’s about giving people tools to take ownership of their health, especially women navigating seasons like PCOS, postpartum recovery, and hormonal imbalance. ShredderGang’s impact is undeniable. And the beauty of it all? It’s rooted in my heart for service. I like to believe I’ve built a solid brand, but more than that, it’s a movement. One that says: your wellness journey is valid, your body is capable, and you are not alone.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about diet and fitness?
You hear it all the time: stop eating carbs. Carbohydrates are not the enemy. Your body needs them for energy, especially if you’re active. It’s more about quality than quantity—whole grains, fruits, and veggies are very different from sugary snacks and white bread. You have to be perfect to see results. Perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is. You don’t need a 100% clean diet to be healthy. 80/20 balance is often more realistic and sustainable; that’s what I preach. “Lifting weights will make women bulky.” This one’s a classic myth. Women don’t typically have the testosterone levels needed to “bulk up” easily. Strength training actually helps with fat loss, bone health, and a lean, toned physique.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
There’s something powerful about watching a person reclaim their energy, confidence, and health through better nutrition. Whether it’s managing diabetes, healing gut issues, or simply feeling better in their body—being part of that journey is deeply fulfilling.
What inspired the creation of ShredderGang?
The creation of ShredderGang was born out of something deeply personal to me: my own transformation story. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to start a wellness brand—I lived the journey first. After struggling with my weight and eventually losing 55kg through intentional lifestyle
changes, I realised just how powerful and life-giving proper nutrition, movement, and mindset could be. But more than that, I saw the gap—especially for women in the Nigerian market —between wanting to live healthier and having access to real, relatable, and sustainable solutions that were culturally specific. So I took what I had (which at the time wasn’t much—no big capital, no fancy platform) and started helping others do the same. At the heart of ShredderGang is this belief: “If I can do it, you can too—and you don’t have to do it alone.”
It was inspired by empathy, fueled by passion, and built on the idea that wellness should be accessible, honest, and empowering— not intimidating or exclusive.
What’s the biggest challenge in running a professional nutrition and fitness company?
In nutrition and fitness, everybody is different. What works for one client might not work for another. So, to be effective, your services need to be highly personalised— custom plans, one-on-one attention, and detailed assessments. But the moment you try to grow—serving more clients, building programs, adding team members—you’re pulled toward standardisation for efficiency. That tension between giving each person the care they need and building a business that can run without burning out the founder? That’s one of the hardest lines to walk. Client Mindset And Consistency- Helping clients stay consistent is often harder than educating them. Many people come in expecting quick fixes, and it takes emotional energy and skill to reframe that and keep them motivated longterm.
What keeps you motivated to continue doing what you do?
Vision and Purpose: I got a vision for my business— something that matters deeply to me. Whether it’s changing lives, creating something unique, or serving my community, my why is a powerful motivator. Impact on Others: Seeing how my products or services improve people’s lives is one of the most rewarding parts of being a business owner. When I help someone solve a problem, feel better, or achieve something, it reinforces why I started in the first place.
Who are your biggest inspirations in the health and wellness industry?
I really admire and learn a lot from Dr. Mindy Pelz especially because I’m interested in women’s hormonal health and functional nutrition—she breaks down complex science in ways that empower women to take charge of their bodies, especially through seasons like PCOS, fertility, and metabolic health.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the fitness and diet industry in Nigeria?
Cutting through the noise. There’s so much misinformation online —fad diets, influencers, quick fixes. It’s hard to stand out as a credible, science-based brand without sounding “boring” or too clinical to the general audience. There’s also a lot of irregulation in the health space in Nigeria —especially with claims, supplements that cause more harm than good. I’m hoping in the next year or so, we can crack down on just anybody selling health products in the name of weight loss for the safety of all Nigerians.
How can people navigate diet trends and fads to find what truly works for them?
Start With You, Not the Trend. It’s important to ask yourself
• What are my goals? (More energy? Weight management? Better digestion?)
• What are my values? (Plant-based? Cultural foods? Simplicity?)
• What’s my health context? (Any medical conditions, sensitivities, or family history?) Trends don’t know your life. But you do. Trends often have a grain of truth (e.g., less sugar, more whole foods), but they get marketed as all-or-nothing.
Instead of copying a plan exactly, look at the principles behind it, and ask:
• What part of this makes sense for me?
• What can I keep or tweak to make it sustainable? What advice do you have for people struggling with weight loss or managing health conditions like PCOS and diabetes? Your body is not your enemy. Even if it feels like it’s “betraying” you, it’s doing its best to protect and adapt. Start with respect, not punishment. Healing happens in safety, not shame. Start with love. Move with wisdom. Stay consistent. Get support. You are not broken. Your journey is valid. And your body is still worthy—right now.
“There’s also a lot of irregulation in the health space in Nigeria — especially with claims, supplements that cause more harm than good. I’m hoping in the next year or so, we can crack down on just anybody selling health products in the name of weight loss for the safety of all Nigerians.”
What’s your take on the growing influence of social media in shaping people’s views on health and fitness?
Social media is one of the biggest influences on how people view health and fitness today—and it’s both powerful and problematic. People are seeing real stories, diverse bodies, and everyday wins. That’s
COVER
powerful—especially for those who never saw themselves represented in traditional wellness spaces. But also, it’s problematic because everyone’s an expert online—some without any credentials. From “what I eat in a day” videos to miracle detoxes, people are getting advice that can be harmful, especially if they have underlying conditions.
What’s one fitness or nutrition myth you’d love to debunk for good?
“You have to earn your food through exercise.” This mindset—that you need to “burn off” what you eat, or that food is a reward for working out—is one of the most toxic and deeply rooted myths out there. Food is fuel. Food is nourishment. Food is joy. You don’t have to earn it, justify it, or feel bad about it. And movement is a gift, not a debt collector. You can move because you love your body—not because you hate what you ate.
What else would you be passionate about if you weren’t in this field? If I had to choose another path besides being a dietitian, I’d probably be a dentist—because just like in nutrition, I’m passionate about preventive health, helping people feel confident in themselves, and paying attention to the little details that make a big difference. There’s something so fulfilling about helping people feel good from the inside out—whether it’s through nourishing their bodies or brightening their smiles.
How do you unwind and relax outside of work?
Honestly, I cherish the simple, grounding moments. Time with my family—especially the kids— is everything. Their laughter, questions, and pure joy remind me of what really matters. I love carving out quiet moments to just breathe—whether it’s journaling, worship, prayer, or just sitting still. That’s when I find clarity again. I also draw strength from deep, unfiltered conversations with my people—the kind that fills your soul, not just your calendar. And sometimes? I let myself do absolutely nothing. No expectations. No output. Just rest. Because I’ve learned that rest is holy too.
MAKEUP LOOKS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW 5 ESSENTIAL
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Makeup is a means of self-expression and is more than just a beauty routine. Knowing the right makeup techniques can increase your confidence and ensure you’re prepared for any occasion, whether you’re going for a natural look or something dramatic and bold. Here, we will explore five essential makeup looks every woman should know.
For most women, this is the appearance they wear daily. The no-makeup look is all about bringing out your best features without making it obvious that you are wearing makeup. To pull this off, go for a BB cream or light foundation that complements your skin tone. Afterwards, lightly fill your eyebrows to frame your face, then apply a neutral eyeshadow. A coat of mascara will define your lashes, while a soft pink or nude lipstick will complete the look. The key to this makeup style is a fresh, glowing complexion that looks effortless.
THE CLASSIC RED LIP LOOK
The classic red lip look is sophisticated and can immediately improve your appearance. Use concealer and foundation to create a flawless base for this look. Keep the eye makeup minimal with neutral eyeshadow and a simple winged eyeliner. The lips should be the focal point, so pick a red lipstick that matches your skin tone. Deeper reds go well with dark complexion, blue-based reds go well with medium skin, and cool-toned reds work perfectly with fair skin. To prevent bleeding, line your lips with a matching lip liner, then apply your lipstick for a bold, confident finish.
1. 2. 3.
5. THE NATURAL NO-MAKEUP LOOK THE SMOKEY EYE LOOK
A smokey eye look is ideal if you want to stand out. Parties, special occasions, and romantic evenings are all excellent occasions to rock it. Start with a neutral base on your eyelids to achieve a smooth transition, and gradually add deeper shades. The most effective eyeshadows are black, brown, or grey. Use a Kohl pencil or gel eyeliner to define your lash line and smudge it slightly for that smokey effect. Complete the look with voluminous mascara and a nude or soft pink lip to balance out the boldness of the eyes.
CONCLUSION
4.
THE DEWY, GLOWY LOOK
The dewy makeup look is for you if you want to achieve that radiant, youthful glow. This look focuses on luminous skin with a fresh and hydrated appearance. Start with a hydrating primer and a lightweight, dewy-finish foundation to pull this look off. Apply a liquid or cream highlighter on the high points of your face: Your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. Opt for a cream blush for a natural flush and finish with a glossy lip. A setting spray with a dewy finish will keep everything in place while maintaining the glow.
THE BOLD AND COLOURFUL LOOK
On days when you want to have fun with makeup, a bold and colourful look should be your go-to. This involves using vibrant eyeshadows, playful eyeliner colours, or a statement lip. Start with a well-blended eyeshadow base and experiment with bright shades like blue, green, or purple. You can also add graphic eyeliner or glitter to make your eyes pop. Keep the rest of the makeup subtle to let the bold colours stand out. This look is perfect for festivals, themed events, or when you want to embrace your creative side.
If you can master these makeup looks, you’ll be prepared for any casual, formal, or fun event. In its own way, each style accentuates your attractiveness and gives you the confidence to express who you are. Therefore, try new things, practice, and, most of all, have fun applying makeup.
Creating a Support System
With Family And Friends
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Wellness isn’t just about eating right or hitting the gym—it’s about feeling supported, encouraged, and uplifted in all aspects of life. Let’s face it: life can be overwhelming, and trying to stay on top of physical and mental well-being alone can feel exhausting. This is why having a strong support system made up of family and friends is crucial. A solid support system provides motivation, accountability, and emotional backing when things get tough. Here’s how to build and nurture a wellness-focused support network with your loved ones.
Make Wellness a Shared Experience
One of the best ways to stay on track with your wellness journey is to involve the people closest to you. Exercising, cooking, or even setting health goals together makes the process feel less like a chore and more like a fun, shared experience. Plan weekend hikes, join group fitness classes, or organise virtual workout sessions with distant friends. Even something as simple as a daily walk with your family can strengthen your health and relationships.
Be There For Each Other Beyond Health Goals
Foster Open And Honest Communication
Physical health is just one piece of the wellness puzzle—mental and emotional well-being is just as important. Having meaningful conversations with family and friends about stress, anxiety, and life’s challenges creates a safe space for emotional support. Sometimes, a simple “How are you really feeling?” can open the door to much-needed discussions.
Keep Each Other Accountable
Staying consistent with wellness goals can be challenging, but accountability makes all the difference. Whether it’s a friend reminding you to drink more water, a sibling encouraging you to meditate, or a parent joining you for early morning workouts, having someone to check in with can help you stay committed. Regular check-ins can help track progress, celebrate achievements, and offer motivation when one of you is struggling.
A true support system isn’t just about wellness check-ins and workout reminders—it’s about showing up for your loved ones in all aspects of life. Be present for each other beyond fitness routines and healthy eating habits. Offer emotional support, spend quality time together, and make efforts to strengthen your relationships.
Celebrate Small Wins Together
Wellness is a journey, and every step forward deserves recognition. Celebrate milestones—big or small—with your support system. Completing a 30-day fitness challenge, sticking to a sleep schedule, or simply maintaining a positive habit deserves appreciation. By celebrating these moments together, you reinforce the importance of progress rather than perfection. This encouragement makes everyone more motivated to continue their wellness journey.
Wellness isn’t just about the body—it’s also about feeling loved, valued, and emotionally secure. Sometimes, just being there for someone during tough times is the best form of wellness they can receive.
Wellness is a shared experience that thrives on love, encouragement, and connection. Building a strong support system with family and friends creates an environment where everyone can grow and thrive together. Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone.
LIVING
MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY
How to Romanticise Your Daily Routine
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Have you ever watched a movie where the protagonist’s life seems effortlessly magical? The way they sip coffee in the morning sunlight, take slow evening walks with a playlist that matches the mood, or find beauty in the most mundane moments? That’s main character energy, the art of making everyday life feel intentional, exciting, and uniquely yours. It’s not about waiting for something extraordinary to happen; it’s about making the ordinary feel extraordinary. Romanticising your daily routine isn’t about expensive habits or aesthetic perfection; it’s about seeing the beauty in the now. Adding small, thoughtful details to your life can turn even the simplest tasks into joyful, fulfilling moments. Here’s how you can infuse your routine with main character energy.
Start Your Day With Purpose
The way you begin your morning sets the tone for your entire day. Instead of rushing out of bed and checking your phone first thing, try creating a morning ritual that excites you. Maybe it’s brewing your favourite coffee, stretching to soft music, or journaling your thoughts. Small acts of self-care in the morning make you feel like the lead in your own story, setting a positive vibe for the day ahead.
Curate Your Personal Soundtrack
Nothing makes life feel more cinematic than a great playlist. Music can set the mood for any moment, whether it’s upbeat music to boost your morning routine, calming instrumentals for work, or a feel-good throwback mix for evening strolls. Wearing headphones while walking through your city or while cooking dinner instantly makes you feel like you’re in
Romanticise The Little Moments
Main character energy isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about making small moments feel special. Light a scented candle while working, dress up just because, or enjoy a fancy dinner at home with soft lighting and a great book. Treat yourself like someone worth celebrating because you are.
Find Joy in Everyday Tasks
Turning mundane activities into something enjoyable can change your entire perspective. Instead of seeing chores as dull, make them more engaging—listen to a podcast while folding laundry, make grocery shopping an adventure by discovering new ingredients, or set a challenge to cook a new dish each week. The key is to be present in whatever you do.
Capture Your Own Story
Journaling, taking pictures, or even making short daily vlogs can help you appreciate your life in a new way. Documenting moments, no matter how small, allows you to see the beauty in your routine and reflect on how much you’re growing. It’s not about creating a perfect social media aesthetic—it’s about savouring your journey.
Living with main character energy is about embracing life as an adventure, finding beauty in the ordinary, and making every day feel a little more special. When you romanticise your routine, you stop waiting for magical moments to happen—you create them. So, step into your story, take charge, and start living like the star you are. Your life’s movie is playing—make it a masterpiece.
THE MIRROR
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Standing in front of the mirror naked was one of the hardest things for me to do. I find it so awkward, but that afternoon, I stood in front of the mirror naked, not by accident. I undressed slowly, watching myself. My hands moved like they had a mind of their own like they had been waiting for that moment.
I touched my breasts. I cupped them gently. I looked at my curves, the soft parts of me I used to hide. That afternoon, I didn’t look away. I let myself look. Really look. I was shy at first. Then I smiled. I was beautiful. I didn’t need anyone else to say it. I felt it in my skin.
Then I did something I had never done before.
I sat on the floor, legs spread, right in front of the mirror. I watched myself as I touched down there. I closed my eyes, then opened them again. I wanted to see. I wanted to know what I looked like when I gave myself pleasure. It felt good. So good. I kept going until my legs shook. I moaned. Not for anyone. Just for me. That was the first time.
I did it again the next night. Then, the night after, and just like that, it became a ritual. I would light a candle. Undress slowly. Dance a little, not for the mirror, but for myself. I did it for the woman staring back at me. She was mine. She was soft and wild and full of fire. Then I became greedy. I wanted more. My fingers weren’t enough anymore. So I bought toys—a small one at first, then a bigger one. I tried new things. I explored every inch of my body. I watched myself the whole time—not out of vanity, but because I was learning. I was learning my own body, my own rhythm, my own music.
I moaned louder. I touched deeper. I danced naked. I talked to myself. Told myself how sexy I was. I believed it. I didn’t need clothes to feel powerful. I didn’t need a lover to feel alive. I started to walk differently. Sit differently. The mirror knew. She had seen it all. She had witnessed the moment I stopped being ashamed of my body. I no longer sucked in my stomach. I no longer cover my thighs. I no longer get insecure about stretch marks. I would always run my fingers over my belly, my hips, my breasts. I loved what I saw. And what I felt. I had been waiting for a man to make me feel whole. To tell me I was enough. But I didn’t need him. I had myself. I had my hands. My breath. My moans. My mirror.
Some nights I would laugh while touching myself, so full of joy I could burst. Other nights, I cried, not from sadness but from release. My body was not dirty. It was not too much. It was mine. And it was holy.
I don’t chase lovers anymore. I don’t beg to be seen. I see myself.
And when I touch myself now, it’s not just for pleasure. It’s a thank you. For surviving. For waking up. For blooming.
The mirror is still there. So am I. Still dancing. Still moaning. Still alive.
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
MOVIE REVIEW:
SINNERS
I’ll tell the truth: I was aware of Sinners but did not have it on my immediate “to-see” list. I was looking forward to catching it when it hit streaming, but did not have plans to catch it in cinemas. That is, until word of mouth essentially made me sit up and pay attention. Very rarely do I go see a movie because I was afraid of being left out of the conversation but I just had to see what the hype was about. So, was Sinners as good as I’d heard?
Yes. Yes, Yes, and then some. Sinners is so much more than I was expecting. It’s a film humming with a creative spark that today’s IP and sequel-obsessed Hollywood lost a long time ago. As the brainchild of writer, director and co-producer Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed), Sinners is a skillful genre-bender that blends the, religion and the supernatural into one fantastic whole.
sequence isn’t a dream in any one character’s head, nor quite a visitation by literal ghosts (though other supernatural visitors will not be long in coming). Rather, it’s a visual manifestation of the countless musical and cultural bloodlines that flowed into and out of the great Black art form that is the blues. It’s as if, for a moment, Coogler’s ideas have taken on physical form so as to join the characters on that packed and sweaty dance floor.
It turns out Sammie is a little too good at the blues. At the heart of this film is the spiritual power of music. With its power to uplift and comfort comes the inevitability that there are those who will try to co-opt that power for more nefarious ends. Like sailors drawn to Sirensong, the vampires hear Sammie’s mesmeric voice, and they just have to have it for themselves. They also just happen to be white. Mirroring the way white-owned record labels would literally trap their black singers’ vocals onto vinyl, profit and shaft them out of the proceeds, these vampires are just a more literal type of bloodsucker.
Shot lushly on beautifully immersive 70mm IMAX film by cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the film draws so much of its power from the quiet beauty of the Mississippi Delta and its luxuriant landscapes. Not to be outdone, the music of this film is perhaps the truest star of the show. Pulsing with invention and ingenuity, the soundtrack, composed by Coogler’s college roommate and Oscar-winning producer Ludwig Göransson is a timeless, sexy thing. It’s this soundtrack that elevates the best scene in the film, where Sammie taps into his true power as a performer—the power not to summon demons from hell, but to bring together musical spirits from the past and future in a delirious alchemy that transcends time and space.
Set in 1930s Mississippi, the film stars Coogler’s muse, Michael B. Jordan (he’s appeared in every single one of the director’s films), pulling double duty as identical twins Smoke and Stack. In an incredibly nuanced performance, he plays the twins with a dually smouldering intensity as they head back to their hometown on the run from the Chicago mob. The twins are looking to set down new roots in town, maybe bring some excitement to a sleepy populace. They return looking to open up a juke joint, and they’ve thought of everything. They’ve got music, with the blues radiating off of their fantastic singin’ and guitar twangin’ cousin Sammie (a genuinely starmaking debut from Miles Caton) and pianist Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo), enough booze to kill five cows (but just maybe enough to get Delta Slim tipsy) and catfish for all. They just, you know, didn’t count on the party being crashed by vampires. Rookie mistake really.
It’s both a wildly ambitious meditation on American history and a rip-roaring good time. That scene is perhaps the most salient example of what sets Sinners apart from your average vampire thriller. As much as it’s a movie about bloodthirsty nocturnal monsters—and it contains no shortage of those—Sinners is a meditation on the deep roots of Black American popular culture, the lineage that runs from the blues to Beyoncé and beyond.
As a rage-fueled scream at institutional racism and America’s ugly, despicable past, or a period romance with Molotov cocktails and arterial spray, or even a love letter to the life-affirming power of the blues, Sinners defies any attempts to put its genre-fluid insanity into a neat description.
The multifaceted depth of the allegory Coogler is spinning out here reminded me of Jordan Peele’s Us and Get Out, two horror epics that also used genre tropes to explore complex ideas about racial identity and systemic injustice. Not every big, bold choice on the director’s part serves the movie—the vampires’ final siege defaults to overly familiar horror-movie imagery, and there is at least one action climax too many— but the boldness itself is enough to keep Sinners barreling forward at breakneck speed.
I can use a thousand different adjectives to describe Coogler’s future classic, but none of them can effectively convey how drunk on the power of cinema you’ll feel after luxuriating in its sweaty, sexy, messy, and terrifying world. Being lost in the story of our collective past as we’re spellbound by a team of contemporary filmmakers and artists at the top of their game is one of the main reasons that movies exist in the first place. We have our first true contender for film of the year in this one. Go see it.
As Sammie plays, the dancing locals are joined by a West African masquerade, a Jimi Hendrix–style electric guitarist, a trio of oldschool breakdancers and a DJ working his turntables. The camera swirls through the crowd as these figures and their fellow partygoers come together in a transhistorical explosion of rhythm, movement, and joy. This extraordinary Rating: 8.5/10
Nippa; Gabzy; GuiltyBeatz - Save Your Tears
zingwe - BACK AGAIN
Ibibio Sound Machine - Fire
Victoria Monét; ThundercatDon’t Sleep (feat. Thundercat)
DESTIN CONRAD; Musiq Soulchild - To This Day
Amber Mark - Sink In
Jessica Jolia; Yaahn Hunter Jr.; Kevin Ross - Mink Coat - Remix
