THEWILL DOWNTOWN AUGUST 22 EDITION

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

UCH E NN A J I Threading the Path of Menswear in Nigeria

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

Your banking information such as the 16-digit card number, password, PIN, BVN, CVV or One-Time Password (OTP) is too personal to be shared with anyone.

If your phone is lost or stolen, dial *901*911# from any phone to deactivate your USSD profile and prevent fraud on your account.

Call us immediately on 01-2712005 or send an email to contactcenter@accessbankplc.com to report any suspicious phone call, SMS or email. #BanksDontAsk

PAGE 2

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

T

he euphoria from my birthday weekend was kind of short-lived for me as this past week was riddled with the sad news of three people within my social circle in Lagos who died from COVID-19.

They were friends and friends of friends with a growing family and kids, all of them prematurely deprived of a father, mother, husband, wife, sister, brother, son, and daughter. Quite heartbreaking!

8

CONTENTS

COVER STORY: UCHE NNAJI: THREADING THE PATH OF MENSWEAR IN NIGERIA

COVID-19 is real folks...I know Nigerians are gregarious by nature. We love to unwind in nightclubs and lounges after a long hard week. It is our culture to attend “owambe,” weddings and support each other at events and parties. However, let’s not forget that this virus is real, it kills and the new Delta variant is even more lethal. So, if you must socialise, do so responsibly; wash and sanitise your hands regularly, wear a face mask, avoid large gatherings if you can, and take your jab as soon as the vaccines are available.

Oh well...enough of the gloom. As you know, Downtown is here to add that much-needed delight to your weekend and the week ahead.

This week, there’s something for fashionistas, starting with a compelling piece on our cover personality, Uche Nnaji - a menswear designer, stylist, and retailer. Nnaji talks about how he has been able to transform his passion and love for the craft against all odds into a thriving business in Nigeria in his no-holds-barred interview, “Threading the Path of Menswear in Nigeria.”

The edition is spiced with other men’s fashion articles: “Male Fashion Accessories to Complete Any Outfit”, for instance, demystifies the notion that, ideally, men should take less time to dress up than the female folk because they’re “bath and throw on any outfit” types.

This article throws light on the art of accessorising for the modern man we believe you are.

As you will find out between the covers, also, this issue is packed with other superb features on travel, wellness, entertainment, astrology, and more.

Sit back, prop up your legs somewhere, and then enjoy your weekly delight.

Stay safe.

O D D B O D & TH E C ITY

All Loced Up

R E L AT I ONS H IP

@thisisogannah

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Editor: Latasha Ngwube Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Beauty Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Contributing Editor: Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity Contributing Writers: 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

This African Love: The Amala Gentleman FA SH ION 6 Male Fashion Accessories To Complete Any Outfit D O W N TO W N ZODIAC Let’s Get Practical With These 2 Virgos W E L L NES S For The Fitness-Obsessed Friend TR AVEL

5 Nigerian Tourist Attractions You Need To Visit (Part 2) W E B S I G H T S D O W NTOW N

Gatekeepers & Grievers

04 05 06-07 11 12-13 14-15 16 PAGE 3

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

ODUN OGUNBIYI

ODDBOD & THE CITY

All Loced Up

I

am the sort of woman who hates to have too many options. I get all kinds of anxiety when big decisions need to be made and fret about making the wrong choice.

Sometimes I deliberately procrastinate until some of the options available to me have​​ eliminated themselves, and I have no choice but to take a particular path, even if this was not the best option on the table. This habit has got to be one of the most annoying character flaws I have and, trust me, I am working on it.

About a month ago, I finally got to the final bus stop concerning my hair. The hair is too fine to straighten chemically, traction alopecia was not allowing me to be great and rock braids without consequence, and I don’t know who cursed me, but I can’t wear wigs or weaves without getting a headache.

It came to me in the shower that I only have two

PAGE 4

choices left to me at this point: 1. I shave everything off and pray to my Sky Daddy that I have a nicely shaped head 2. I loc up my natural hair and leave it to its own devices.

I figured I would go for option two in this case because if it didn’t suit, option one was still on the table. I have a few family members successfully, regally, and beautifully sporting the look, so I was able to get some great advice and linked to the correct professionals to aid my cause.

My mother’s ancestral spirit is strong in me, so the first thing I decided that had to happen was to get my

Afro dyed. I had a plan to go a lighter brown and add some highlights, but when I got to my appointment, I started pointing at all the colours of the rainbow and ended up coming out a tad more festive than I anticipated.

There is a little post-traumatic stress involved in making such a drastic change, and there should be more of a warning offered to a girl before she takes such a plunge. I spent the next week sheepishly wrapping my hair in a scarf and ignoring all requests to see what I had done.

The week after, I booked my loctician to come in and place the micro locs. My research in this matter led me to meet and talk with many in the field, and I was offered quotes from “it’s going to cost 200,000 Naira and take two days and included a training course”, and “we can’t book you in for another five weeks”, to “it will cost you 50k (Naira), and I can come over right now and sort you out”. As I mentioned before, I don’t have much in the hair department, so it was a 10-hour mission with two women on the job.

It turns out this situation is a little less leave my hair to its own devices than I thought.

The whole process is going to take about 18 to 24 months to complete. Meanwhile, my hair will go through all sorts of different phases, and the care of the hair at each stage is slightly different.

Right now, I have to be careful not to over manipulate my new locs or be tempted to put too much product in there.

Then I am to expect growth and swelling, and the locs will hopefully double in size—sounds a bit like magic to me, but I am hopeful and excited. Then it will be growth and fabulousness and badassery.

Wish me luck!

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

RELATIONSHIP

EFUAEXPLORES EFUA OYOFO

R

ecently, I heard this story which made me reflect on the very real threads and points of reality that are woven into how we pursue love. It’s no less poignant for its brevity. *** Once upon a time, I met this woman.

She seemed really nice - we chatted throughout the day, gisting well into the small hours of the night.

It was great. I felt I was ready for the next step - an official date in person. I asked her out, and she accepted.

The time for our first date approached, and I found myself looking forward to it. I’d asked her to choose the place. She chose this restaurant in Victoria Island - somewhere I wasn’t too familiar with, but I imagined that she went to often. She said she really liked eating there.

At the restaurant, I let her pick the dishes. After all cultural etiquette dictates that this is the thing to do and the way to go; let the lady choose the place, let the lady order what she wants. Plus, I tend to order the worst dishes at new places, so I let the seasoned expert take care of that part.

I remember my collar felt a bit tight when I looked at some of the prices. However, since this was a woman I’d been talking with for awhile, I felt she understood my headspace, and she’d keep my pocket in mind.

But I had a surprise for her - I’d budgeted twenty to twenty-five thousand Naira for this date, so I felt confident I’d be fine.

Some time later, the bill came.

It was fifty thousand Naira. Mo gbe!

My collar felt tighter.

Fifty thousand?! That may be nothing to some people - but to me, fifty thousand was a lot of money. It was my diesel bill for the month - at least, the diesel I could afford. I spent more on petrol because I lived farther away, so I work within my means. Plus, we know our people. How much is my salary? Do they even know? Or care? I will still pay rent, fuel car, form big-boy, eat, clean my house,

This African Love:

The Amala Gentleman do Chairman and weekend when I go out.

Me, I’m an amala man. Five hundred Naira rice and stew. Sometimes I eat corn and ube for lunch. When I go out, it’s two thousand, five hundred Naira I spend on food.

I looked at the bill again, forcing a smile on my face. Fifty thousand? Omo. I no dey there again.

Anyway. I paid, and I tipped the waiter. After all, it’s not the waiter’s fault - and these people need to eat, too. Even if not at this restaurant.

The woman and I walked to the parking lot forming polite, friendly conversation. I walked my date to her car.

I got in my car, inhaled deeply, and opened up my phone.

I went to our conversation, tapped on her name. Then, I scrolled down to ‘Block Contact,’ and I proceeded to block her number.

It was the most painful date of my life, so far.

Not because I didn’t have a good time, but

because I realised that the ‘goodtime’ couldn’t last. *** There’s a Yoruba adage which says; T’óò bà mo’bi t’ó n lo, má lo.

The meaning: If you don’t know (trust) the place you’re going to, don’t go there. People have opinions.

For some, what I did was… harsh. I’ve been told my reaction was dishonest, insufficient, immature. After all, the woman was doing what she normally did, being herself only - so why did this display of who she is, seem to bother me so much?

That’s where I remind them. Another Yoruba proverb.

Tí iwájú ò bà sé lo, èyìn á sé padà sí.

If you can’t move forward, you can go back. You can start over again, with where you feel you really are, and with people who can match you there. No man is an island, no man can be who he isn’t if he’s to be happy. I ask a woman out on a date, I pay. I let her set the tone because her comfort is important to me. But my comfort has to matter to her, too.

In life, one must always remain a gentleman.

I’m a gentleman; it’s just that I’m an… amala gentleman.

She… is a lady, but she’s not the lady for me. So really, there’s no point. Be who you are. Lobatan.

PAGE 5

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

FASHION

Male Fashion Accessories

To Complete Any Outfit

I

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

t is a myth that men spend a lot less time getting ready for outings than women do because they always appear to be dressed to the nines. Even though there is some truth to that statement, all the suaveness, and masculine freshness isn’t achieved simply out of the shower.

Keeping a man’s look up to date daily requires minute intricacies. Everything from the outfit to the accessories is carefully thought out and teamed.

Here’s a look behind the curtain at those male accessories that enhance the debonair of men.

David Adedeji Adeleke (DavidO) Bracelet CARTIER

Rings The more men wear men’s fashion rings in 2021, the more others will feel empowered to do the same. If you do go for this accessory, try something modest in design.

Bracelets Men’s bracelets have been among the most popular men’s accessories for a long time. If you haven’t been using them, now is the time to do so.

Jewels, real or fake, are often gaudy and can distract from the rest of the outfit. Simple bands are usually the best option but do not be afraid to experiment with exotic materials.

There is a bracelet for every style, whether you’re a classic or street style fan, there’s one out there that suits your personality.

There are stylish choices for every man when it comes to rings. To amplify your jewellery game even further, consider matching the look with a bracelet.

Your style can be improved dramatically, or just slightly enhanced, bringing the final touch to your ensemble. An elegant beaded bracelet with metallic details would look great if you wear a suit and tie daily.

However, If your closet consists mostly of casual clothes, you’ll probably get along better with bracelets that are more relaxed.

One Band Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring LOUIS VUITTON

Vintage B Zero Ring BULGARI

A stack of Leather bracelets Mr Macaroni

PAGE 6

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

FASHION Flipside Sovereign Gold Pendant STEPHEN WEBSTER

Necklace Necklaces are simple yet versatile accessories. With so many options, you can choose from a short and thin one for a subtle look or a thicker one for something more dramatic.

Whether you’ve had a previous experience with necklaces or if you’re just getting started, you’ll appreciate the durability and timeless appeal of stainless steel ones.

Cyclone Sunglasses LOUIS VUITTON

Sunglasses Despite the fact that they were originally developed to protect eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, today, they are used simply to express style among other things.

18k Yellow and White Gold Duo Chain Necklace MILAMORE

The feeling of finding the perfect pair of sunglasses to complement your face is incredible. A good, timeless pair of sunglasses is one accessory you should have no matter the season or what year it is.

Falconer Sunglasses TOM FORD Adekunle Gold

HATS

Phyno

Not a lot of people have the selfconfidence to pull off one of these, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have them in your arsenal because we(myself included), have lazy days when we just throw on a hat and overlook everything else. There are a plethora of styles to choose from, whether it’s a fedora or baseball hat, or even a beanie.

Print Baseball cap FENDI

PASHA DE CARTIER WATCH

Alpine Eagle Large CHOPARD

Watches Wearing a watch is a powerful way to express yourself.

It provides other people with a good idea about your lifestyle. Keep this in mind while choosing a watch.

While some people prefer having a variety of wristwatches to alternate daily or have many watches of varying qualities that they can use in any situation, others prefer to own only one good quality watch that they can use for every occasion- shoutout to the Apple watch guys.

VLogo Signature Fedora Hat VALENTINO Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

PAGE 7

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

COVER

UCHE NNAJI

Threading the Path of Menswear in Nigeria As a fashion enthusiast, I felt abashed not knowing Uche Nnaji and his pioneering menswear brand OUCHAHOLICS. His unique love for fashion and an innate gift of blending colours made him, over two decades, one of the best in the country. You can practically call him the Fabric Whisperer. He is sagacious when it comes to the matrimony of fabrics, colours, and designs. This has led him to fortify his clientele (which includes dignitaries) with the best quality suits, shoes, bags, as well as an array of menswear. In a sit down with the man and not so popular legend of menswear in Nigeria, DOWNTOWN’S Tilewa Kazeem discovers a man with gifted hands who firstly, believed in himself more than anything. Seeing musical heavyweight Sammy Okposu on the phone casually sitting in Nnaji’s office while the photographer prepped, told me all I needed to know about his stature. A scurry through his brand’s Instagram account further convinced me of his eminence. Sitting across from me was a man whose sense of style was resplendent and brawny. Two brightly lit lamps flanked us as well as a flurry of expensive fabrics and OUCH dressed wooden mannequins-which I absolutely envied. As someone who started off his journey selling clothes to his peers from the trunk of his car in Unilag, he understands that talent didn’t necessarily make a person and that thirst for knowledge made him visit places, meet people and learn. With that mastery, the Nigerian fashion scene was an empty canvas and boy, did he paint! But, starting something new isn’t void of ups and downs. There were disappointments and wins, losses and gains but amid all of that, he wouldn’t change it all if he had the opportunity to.

W

ho is Uche Nnaji?

Uche Nnaji is a child of Nigerian parents from the Umugo-Oloko community of Ikwuano LGA in Abia state Nigeria. I’m also a husband and father.

Did you study anything that fell within the fashion creative space? If not then what sparked the idea that is OUCHAHOLICS? My first degree was in Political Science. Fashion was just inbred. My father was an impeccable dresser with influences from working with the British.

That sort of bonded with my DNA. The only time I have gone to a formal school was when OUCH-LifeStyle turned 10 yrs. I wanted to add something more to what I know about WBA’s so I decided to attend the prestigious

PAGE 8

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

COVER

Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where I studied for a certificate in Image Consulting.

Tell me the genesis story of how OUCH started?

OUCH Lifestyle actually didn’t start as OUCH but as something hereditary. My late father was a gentleman to the core; he dressed like a sartorialist and this influenced my early romance with fashion & style. But the brand OUCH Lifestyle didn’t start until 2017. Prior to this time, it was a hobby that turned into a passion all from a hostel room at the University Of Lagos.

I liked the cut and fit of certain British shirts but as a student, I was cash strapped. So I started visiting the local markets where I sourced fabrics, take them to Late Mr. Seyi of SWOB at Jibowu Yaba who had them tailored for me. Whenever I wore them back at University, fellow students admired and wanted them, and before you know it this passion turned to a service which continued during my NYSC days in Anambra state as I traveled between Anambra, Aba and Lagos meeting the sartorial needs of gentlemen. After NYSC, I had saved up to £4,000 from doing this and decided to further my education in the UK, got admitted but was denied a student visa. As soon as that happened, I spoke to two mentors who told me to search my heart. I searched my heart and didn’t bother appealing the denial. Instead, I asked for my fees to be returned. As soon as I got the money, I looked for a 12 square meter space at Onigbongbo Maryland, paid for it and used all the money returned to redo the interior and the rest as they say, is history.

It has almost reached the summit of 16 years and we are still on the journey.

With years under your belt as a fashion entrepreneur and designer, was there ever a time where life had beaten you down and you didn’t want to get back up. In that period how were you able to pick yourself up, dust yourself up and keep fighting?.

Life gives me reasons not to continue daily. I recall the 4th year of our existence and the tales of most businesses not making it to the 5th year kept coming up. I must say that I was not without some fear in me, but I was resolute that we would scale through, and even amid the fears we did cross that bridge. The everyday happenings in the geopolitics space we operate in is enough reason to want to throw in the towel.

What are the two biggest business mistakes you made as a young entrepreneur?

Interesting question and a painful one at that. If I could change two things, the first would be that I would have given myself at

I still recall how on hearing that I had styled the president of my country in 2015, one of my professors came to class and asked, ‘Why are you still here? You should be back home now working with your president.’ But all that never happened because till this day I never got a single call from anyone.” least 5-10 years after I left University to serve as an understudy to someone doing what I wanted to do.

Unfortunately, at that time in Lagos, you couldn’t find anyone building their own indigenous fashion & lifestyle brand. It was a lonely dream. I came across two men doing something similar to what I wanted to do but I assumed they wouldn’t want to take me under their wings because of how unwise I was about sharing the entirety of my dreams with the wrong person. Secondly, I would never have accepted some loans I took back then to expand, I lacked the financial intelligence and didn’t seek professional help. It saw me burning my fingers.

With that said, if I could turn back the hands of time, it would be those two things.

You’ve styled both past and present presidents of Nigeria, How did that happen and coming at the period that it did, how much of a boost was it for you and your career?

I guess I was just noticed as a dedicated professional at what I do and that allowed OUCH and myself to get close enough to presidents to dress them.

In terms of being a boost for me and my career, it, unfortunately, added no value as would be have been expected from such insane climes. I still recall how on hearing that I had styled the president of my country in 2015, one of my professors came to class and asked, ‘Why are you still here? You should be back home now working with your president.’

But all that never happened because till this day I never got a single call from anyone or even those who contracted me for the gig for any form of acknowledgment or meeting with the president. So I won’t truly say those have been career boosts for me in any way.

You’ve been married for eight years, but you were friends with your wife for five years before deciding to tie the knot.

What lessons did you learn during that period and how did

it shape the early and formative stages of your marriage?

Yes, I have been married for 8years now to the glory of God alone, but I cannot even recall any lessons learnt during those years . I am very economical with info that concerns my marriage.

Fatherhood is unlike any job on this earth and you recently welcomed your second child. As a father, how big are you on letting your children choose their paths in life?

I think as a father who had his way with choosing his career path, the best I can do is counsel and guide in a non-pushy way. What I hope to do is identify their natural abilities and leverage on those areas for them to build upon by aligning their day-to-day life along those paths.

What lesson did you learn from your father and intend to pass on to your kids?

My father is a national treasure.

He would say this country never utilized him.

He taught me and my siblings contentment, delayed gratification, and integrity in business. Looking back, I would say my father was probably Japanese. He was so big on honour and not tarnishing the family name.

These are MUST virtues I intend to pass on to the next generation.

It’s been more than 20 plus years since you started wading through the fashion waters and I’m sure it hasn’t been an easy feat staying relevant but during this period, who and which things served as inspiration while creating such elegantly distinctive designs?

Yes, it’s been a little over two decades; if we are to even consider the years before getting into the university when I had started shopping for fellow teens, it’s been longer. I used to buy Jeans, Chinos,

PAGE 9

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

COVER I can never rule out the experience I got from travelling. In my early days as a single man, I travelled a lot. I was bent on seeing the world and gathering knowledge from fashion capitals and districts around the world. This greatly inspired most of the things I did back then when nobody, and I mean ‘Nobody’ knew about the Men’s Fashion space in Nigeria.”

and Tees for myself, but when any of my friends liked them and was willing to pay, I let them go. In terms of inspiration, I think we tend to mystify it because inspiration is all around us; we just have to look around us more often. But I can never rule out the experience I got from travelling. In my early days as a single man, I travelled a lot. I was bent on seeing the world and gathering knowledge from fashion capitals and districts around the world. This greatly inspired most of the things I did back then when nobody, and I mean ‘Nobody’ knew about the Men’s Fashion space in Nigeria. One of such benefits was breaking the barriers of quality. OUCH was undoubtedly the foremost Nigerian Menswear brand that started crafting its suits and shoe designs in Italy. So why this is important and how it all adds up is that getting compliments about our quality from our Nigerian customers back then inspired me more to keep erring on the side of quality which in turn also inspired a generation of young men who got into the game.

Ups and Downs are common in any and every profession but what according to you is your favourite part of being a fashion designer?

My favourite part of this whole script is the ability to express the creativity that God has deposited in every one of us. Giving life to an abstract idea and watching it become a reality and appreciated by humans.

What skills according to you are necessary for a successful fashion designer and how have those skills unconsciously or consciously made Uche Nnaji who he is today?

I may not be able to point to a particular skill as required, because I have realized that what works for A may not work for B, but one thing that I must say has been a common denominator is that you must believe in yourself and those ideas that you have; at least 70% convictions to proceed with because if you don’t, how are you going to convince the five or fifty thousand people to invest in you and your services?

What are five essential items you can’t go a day without?

I can’t not brush my teeth a day. Take a bath and wear perfume.

Friendly reminder guys, smell nice all the time. It’s important. I can not do without eyewear and having one of my phones with me.

In terms of work ethics, what kind of ethics do you believe in and have been following while working with fashion?

My late father told me “Hard work kills nobody” and I’ve held on to that mantra till this day. I also believe in giving people value for their money, so I would not only exchange a new product as a replacement

PAGE 10

(even when it’s been worn by the client) but I’d package it with an apology note.

That’s the reason I strongly believe that everyone deserves to get value for their money and it’s by that ethos I’ve made it this far.

You lightly spoke about your father earlier.

I’d like to talk about him a little bit. Can you tell us a bit about him?

As I had answered, my father was a gentleman par excellence. He dressed impeccably and was never one to envy or covet what belonged to another.

Growing up and making money from music, my father always questioned me anytime he saw me wearing a new outfit. This was even with him knowing that I was making money, but he was also concerned that I hadn’t derailed. Whenever a friend came to visit, he always asked, “Who is this your friend?” These days as long as the guy is showering gifts nobody really cares.

Do you have any DIY or fashion tips you learnt from him?

How to knot the necktie.

What do you consider the important facets of the fashion industry?

Production and marketing.

No person is a fountain of knowledge by himself. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. In your case, what would you say are your strengths working as a fashion entrepreneur and how have you worked around your weaknesses so it seems like you have none?

One of my strengths would be the understanding of colours and fabric.

Those are two areas I believe I have been blessed with by God. As for my weaknesses, I try to downplay them and in most cases I just outsource the job. For example, I am not a figures person, so I get an accountant to make me look as if I know something about that. People used to ask “How do you run so many stores?” My most common response is Teamwork.

Uche Nnaji, the CEO and owner of Ouch. What a run! You’ve accomplished things people

only dream about. Do you feel like you’ve achieved all you can? Is retirement insight or are there seeds planted that will bear fruit in the immediate future?

Wow, I have? Well, thanks for those kind words. If you hadn’t mentioned this I would have thought there was nothing to celebrate. Going by how effortless the new generation in the fashion space make it, you’d think it’s a walk in the park. For the sake of not being too hard on myself, I would pat myself on the back and say, “Yes, we did build a brand that inspired a new generation of Africans to get into fashion.” Have I achieved all there is to achieve? No. There’s a lot more to achieve and still do while on this little planet called Earth. Talking about retirement, I sincerely hope I can take a step back from active duties at OUCH when I am 50-years-old.

Would you say your style bleeds into how you craft your fashion pieces?

Of course, it does. As creators, we are a projection of what’s inside of us. I’m someone whose style quotient is a fusion of elegance and avant-garde.

Those traits are evident in the way I have always played with straight lines, attention to detail, and also the ability to blend unusual colours.

Let’s imagine another parallel universe when you didn’t follow fashion’s call. What would you have done aside from that?

Music would have been the other thing I would have naturally done. I was already singing and playing the bass guitar professionally. The money I made off my gigs went into funding my student lifestyle. I also saved up to start making clothes at school.

You come off as a man with a refined ear for good music. Tell me what’s that song you can’t help but lip sync to when it comes on?

Thanks for the compliments. Well, as a Baby Boomer, I grew up listening to Luther and Whitney Houston because my older siblings played them. As I grew older, however, I was sold on Boyz 2 Men. Play any of their songs and watch me worship.

You love tennis, am I correct? If you could name the best three players amongst your friends who would they be?

You guys want to put me on the spot. I play with a few good men and most of them are private individuals. So for that reason, I would respect their privacy by not mentioning their names. But for the few that are public knowledge, I would mention Ayo Makun(AY), Tunde WearItAll and my son Timi Dakolowhose game has significantly improved recently. Noble Igwe is also a Tennis Junkie and wears you out when you play with him.

With whom have you had the toughest tennis game?

I would say my toughest game has been with Africa’s best, Aruna Quadri. He came and played with us a few weeks back, gave me 8 points ahead, and still hit 11 before me.

What are those things you can’t go a day without doing?

Quiet time with my maker and drinking water.

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

DOWNTOWN ZODIAC

Let’s Get Practical With These

2 VIRGOS

ELEMENT: EARTH COLOUR: GREY, BEIGE, PALE-YELLOW QUALITY: MUTABLE DAY: WEDNESDAY RULER: MERCURY GREATEST OVERALL COMPATIBILITY: PISCES, CANCER VIRGO (AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22)

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

A

maiden typifies the Virgo zodiac.

The individuals of the sixth sign are meticulous, analytical, independent, and self-sufficient.

When in a crowd, they are usually the most controlled, orderly, and modest ones. If you think back to that certain someone you met and that person ticks all these boxes, then the stakes of that person being a Virgo are high.

This association is in keeping with Virgo’s deep-rooted role within the material world, which is represented by the goddess of wheat and agriculture. With a logical and calculated mindset, they have a very systematic thought process. Perfection flows in their veins and in as much as that sounds like a good thing, it necessarily isn’t. Their hyper-awareness to detail causes them to seclude themselves from people. Thinking of the next 10 moves to make like a chess Master, Virgos see the world in 1’s and 0’s.

In a friendship, they always want to lend a helping hand. The ‘let me teach you how to fish’ people. Rather than helping you with just a pat on the back and a listening ear, they’ll go the extra mile of trying and possibly solving the problem.

Ruled by Mercury, it shares a passport with Geminis, and although they are opposites, they can talk about anything and everything together. But that’s all they’ll ever be. Two of them together in a relationship would be catastrophic.

Just for their pertinacious behaviour, many Virgos may choose to pursue a career as writers, songwriters, journalists, and typists.

If I haven’t been able to convince you, these practical Virgos conceivably might; Beyoncè, Keanu Reeves, Funke Akindele, Linda Ikeji, David Oyedepo, Benson Idahosa, and Skepta.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie September 15, 1977 age 43 years.

The summa cum laude graduate from Eastern Connecticut State University is the foremost Virgo up for discussion.

Those who are considered efficacious masters of the literary arts barely interface in conversations that don’t affect the social or political construct of something they stand by or believe in. They have an embarrassment of feelings going in and around them that basic things don’t affect them.

But the things that irk them irks them deeply. They become considerably more passionate and vocal. On countless occasions, Adichie has shown that the pen is mightier than the sword, when she speaks about what Feminism is and how women should lift each other rather than digging the ground beneath them.

She has been publicly appreciated for her exceptional literary contributions with one of her works adapted to film and it starred award-winning Chiwetel Ejiofor.

As Virgos, their analytical approach comes from them not living anything to chance. That makes them focus deeply on their goals and with that commitment comes commendations.

2 Baba 45 years

September 18, 1975 From the creation of time, music has been an outlet for expressing personal, societal, and political oppression- morphing and improving as it evolved.

Starting at a time when every acre of the Nigerian music scene was fruitful, Tuface and the Plantashun Boiz were wellpositioned to showcase their lyrical prowess and dexterity at the time. However, as the tides of time hit, Innocent Idibia came out standing and went ahead to make a name for himself.

Digressing from that a bit, he also used his art to air his grievances on numerous occasions as well. Actively using his voice to spark a change on issues that affect him and his country.

PAGE 11

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

Sasha Exeter

WELLNESS

APPLE WATCH SERIES 6 Every fitness enthusiast wants to improve his or her fitness level, and what better way to measure it other than by tracking your progress. That is where a fitness watch comes in. It’s as good as having a personal trainer who gives an honest progress report of your workout sessions. The beauty of trackers and watches today is that they help monitor your overall health and wellbeing. The new Apple Watch Series 6 has some amazing new features that he or she will love.

FOR THE FITNESS-OBSESSED

FRIEND

BY ONAH NWACHUKWU

F

itness enthusiasts are not always easy to impress when it comes to buying them gifts. Odds are they probably have all sorts of gadgets in their home and are on the best supplements there are out there. So what’s the best thing you can buy them? Simply get them the latest fitness gear or plan and they will love you more than ever before.

That is why I have made a list; from gadgets to even detox plans, surely there is something on this list that their fitness-obsessed hands haven’t gotten ahold of yet!

PAGE 12

Turbo Fire Intense Cardio Conditioning Kit

WORKOUT PLAN Turbo Fire Intense Cardio Conditioning Kit A great way to workout at home is with Turbo Fire. Charlene Johnson knows how to get you to burn the fat and have fun while doing it from the comfort of your home. All you need is a small space and a DVD player. I did this for three months and by the second month, I was already getting compliments about my body. Trust me when I say whomever you gift this to will love it. You can also search for it on YouTube.

Afrifitness YouTube Channel Point them in the direction of YouTube workout channel, Afrifitness. Rachael Okesola guides you through a fun workout routine using afrobeat tunes.

The best part about working out with her is that you don’t need weights, and you don’t have to know how to dance either. All you have to do is follow her lead and you are guaranteed to burn some calories.

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

WELLNESS Monster-Kyreko SKECHERS

Powerbeats Pro- Totally Wireless Earphones

WIRELESS EARPHONES

When it comes to working out, the better the sound quality of your music, the harder you push yourself to reach your goal. What better gift to give than a pair of sweat and waterresistant wireless earphones to help them lock out the world and focus on their workout routine.

Smart Rope LED TANGRAM

SNEAKERS

SMART ROPE

Another great choice for a devoted fitness junkie is a pair of sneakers. Knowing the right pair to give is even more Nao X1 Women’s Training Shoes REEBOK important when making a choice: does this person run, do HIIT workouts, take walks, and so on? Before you buy a pair be sure that it’s right for the kind of fitness training they intend to embark on.

Skipping is one of the most effective ways of keeping fit, and with technology, there are new jump rope designs that any wellness and fitness aficionado would love. So gift them a jump rope, but not just any jump rope, get a smart rope. If you want to take it up a notch, get them an LED smart rope. It will display their fitness data even in dark rooms: jump count, calories burnt, etc.

Juice Cleanse SIMPLY GREEN

DETOX PLAN Every fitness and wellness devotee knows the importance of detoxing.

Naturally, the body detoxes itself four hours after digestion, but we can help our bodies by starting a detox plan. There are many philosophies regarding a detox these days; while some are great, others can be dangerous. My advice? Get someone with experience to guide you.

Hair Tie TELETIES Pocket ArmBand NIKE

HAIR TIE

POCKET ARMBAND

There’s nothing more distracting than having your hair continuously going out of place while you are workingout whether you are male(with long dreds), or female. So make sure there are no distractions by putting your hair in a bun while you exercise. When making your selection, look out for one with a firm grip so you don’t have to stop at intervals to put your hair in a tight knot.

Most people who exercise, whether they are running or doing a HIIT workout will tell you that they need good music to keep them pumped up. So why not get a pocket armband for which to secure their phone as the playlist does its thing.

They’ll love it.

SPORTY FANNY PACK

Active Face Mask AIRPOP

FACE MASK

Fanny Pack PRADA

With the COVID -19 epidemic not looking like it’s going away any time soon, a must-have, if you must workout or practice some yoga outside your home, is a face mask. Do well to get one that is comfortable, fits well, and allows you to breathe while protecting you from the virus.

I know a lot of us would never wear this on a normal day, but when it comes to keeping your supplies safe when taking a brisk walk or cycling, a fanny pack comes in very handy. Go for something that’s trendy.

Hair Tie INVISIBOBBLE

GYM /YOGA BAG

Yoga Bag TRANSIENCE

Getting a gym bag may have just been about function; transporting your gym clothes from home to the gym and vice versa but these days, more and more people are packing their sweats and dirty socks in quite fashionable bags. Get them one that not only looks good but also has enough compartments to store all that they may need for their workout session.

PAGE 13

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

TRAVEL

Nigerian Tourist Attractions You Need To Visit (Part 2)

BY CHISOM NJOKU & KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

O

n this week’s travel column, we will be continuing our ongoing series exploring beautiful places in Nigeria.

Many believe traveling to be an investment in oneself and in all honesty, they are correct; so do find some time to travel because it’ll do you a world of good. If you have children, it’s even more important because they are still in their formative years and therefore learn a lot from visiting new environments and interacting with people from different backgrounds.

Tinapa Business Resort

Confluence Of Oguta Lake and Urashi River

Oguta Lake Holiday Complex Location. Imo State, Nigeria.

In Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, is located Oguta freshwater Lake. The confluence of Oguta Lake and Urashi River make for good sightseeing. You must visit Oguta Holiday Resort; it has a lot of facilities and services to make your visit one to remember including a golf course of international standard, mini children’s recreational park, cruise boat services, and much more.

Oguta Lake Holiday Complex

PAGE 14

Image From www.swifttalk.net

Location. Calabar Free Trade Zone

Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort is the realization of an exciting dream – the first integrated business and leisure resort in Nigeria and it is located on Nigeria’s Calabar River – a significant trading hub for West Africa.

It has top-notch facilities for the wholesale and retail trade as well as entertainment and leisure. It has a children’s arcade, an eight-screen cinema, a mini-amphitheater, restaurants, and pubs. It is a great place if you’re planning a family vacation or just want to get a change of scenery.

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

TRAVEL

Abraka Turf and Country Club Location. Delta State, Nigeria.

Located on the plains of the Delta coastline, Abraka Turf and Country Club offers savannah adventure, natural reserves, and a clear emerald green river.

It’s a holiday retreat for families and it provides recreational activities to keep adults and children happy. Watching the river flowing rhythmically and slowly is a fascinating way to bond with both your family and nature.

The National War Museum Umuahia Location. Abia State, Nigeria.

Nike art gallery

Nike Art Gallery

Location. Lagos State, Nigeria.

Arguably the biggest art gallery in West Africa, Nike Art Gallery is a wonderful place to visit by yourself or in a group. If you enjoy seeing a variety of art from different indigenous artists, this is the place for you. Located in Lagos, it has a lot of artworks on display including beadwork, paintings, artifacts, stone works and carvings, traditional loom weaving, indigo dyeing, embroidery, etc.

The Nigerian National War Museum in Umuahia showcases the military history of Nigeria with relics from the Biafra-Nigerian Civil War. The museum located in Umuahia, Abia State offers the opportunity to learn about one of the lowest points in Nigerian history, it has three major galleries: the traditional warfare gallery, the Armed Forces gallery, and the civil war gallery.

DSmoke at Nike art gallery

PAGE 15

VOL 1 NO.28 • AUGUST 22 – AUGUST 28, 2021

websights DOWNTOWN

Gatekeepers & Grievers

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Just In: Bieber’s Essence Remix Gets Revoked By African Americans, Rwandan President Calls Out Arsenal FC and Kayvee Pulls Out Of The BBNaija House.

Black Twitter Not Feeling Wizkid And Justin Bieber Collab “Thank u for letting me jump on the song of the summer.

Essence remix out tonight.”

Canadian superstar, Justin Bieber tweeted to thank Wizkid after the release of his (Wizkid’s) hit song, Essence, featuring him.

In a somewhat characteristic lax fashion, Wizkid announced the collaboration on his official Twitter account, giving little to no notice to his fans. This announcement would go on to spark mixed reactions from fans all over the world with many fans complaining about the new version of the song, while others praised the remix for taking the song “to the next level”. Amidst this, an outrage from a section of African Americans on Twitter gained traction.

Essence, which is a hit single off his 2020 album, Made In Lagos, originally featuring Tems, has done exceptionally well on the U.S. charts, steadily climbing the Billboard Hot 100 since its release, and is currently sitting at No. 54. It has been labelled one of the biggest songs of the season due to its domination and longevity on charts locally and globally.

The remix is a part of Wizkid’s upcoming deluxe version of the album, set to drop on Aug. 27; and having teased for a while that the extended body of work is going to feature big names in the music scene, the Justin Bieber collaboration came as a shock to fans in Nigeria and abroad.

The remix is sure to only help the success of the track as getting a co-sign from one of music’s most successful artists in Justin Bieber can only yield a positive result. Speaking to the viral nature of the song, Def Jam CEO, Paul Rosenberg told Billboard, “That song has become emblematic of being back outside. Then, a narrative on the internet started about the song being the song of the summer — and we took that energy and ran with it.”

As aforementioned, while some fans got hyped about

PAGE 16

Gooners Provoked Presidential Tears

Bieber

Tems

Wizkid

the linkup of both heavyweights, a section of ‘Black Twitter’ wasn’t too impressed. Typically known for always trying to gatekeep the ‘culture’ from white people, renowned culture vultures, African Americans tend to overdo their protection at times and this is one of those moments.

Here are some of them Cheekily referencing the lyrics of the song, one user seemed to think the song was just fine without Bieber.

Another user seemed to be upset that Bieber, a white artist, was hopping onto the track

Some seemed to appreciate the remix, however, indicating that Justin hopping on the song may be exactly what Wizkid needs to get a worldwide number 1 hit.

Another user went on to call Wizkid the best in Africa after the remix.after

The tweet was echoed.

Few hours after its release, the song was #8 on ‘Trending on YouTube’. Whether it is going to potentially become the number 1 song in the world is yet to be seen. However, one thing is for certain: Justin Bieber was right; this is the song of this summer.

Football fans all over the world were in a joyous mood as the 2021/22 season kicked off during the mid-August weekend. This wasn’t the case however for fans of Arsenal as they watched their club get outclassed by newly promoted side, Brentford on the opening day; after a 74-year absence from toptier football.

This of course sent Twitter into a frenzy as rival fans bantered and faithfuls wailed.

The biggest surprise hit fans when Rwandan President, Paul Kagame voiced out his disappointment in a series of tweets.

Mr Kagame often comments on the Gunners - a club sponsored by his

Kayvee Withdraws From Big Brother Naija Citing Mental Health In recent times more than ever, mental health conversations have been taking place at every turn, in more industries like we have ever witnessed.

The latest installment of people withdrawing from competitions to prioritise their well-being would come in Africa’s most watched reality TV show, Big Brother Naija: Shine Ya Eye, when new housemate, Kayvee voluntarily pulled out of the ongoing show to seek medical help.

“As you have noticed, your fellow housemate Kayvee has been unwell for a few hours now. During this period, he has consulted with the medical doctor and has been advised to withdraw from the show to take care of his health. Based on this advice, Kayvee will no longer

government. After the game which ended 2-0 in favour of the opposition, he went on a spectacular Twitter rant.

Since 2018, the Rwandan government has had a controversial sponsorship deal worth more than £30m (NGN 20,850,000,000), which involves a “Visit Rwanda” logo displayed on Arsenal shirt sleeves.

Critics have said it is an example of the authoritarian leader of a poor, African country subsidising a wealthy football club. But the Rwandan government says the sponsorship more than pays for itself over in tourism revenue.

Here are some of the reactions to the rant

be part of the show for this season,” announced via a brief from Big Brother, read by the Head of House, Pere, to all the housemates.

This announcement left the housemates very emotional as some of them were seen shedding tears as they helped Kayvee to pack his bags.

Kayvee who was emotionally detached from the housemates since he joined them was said to have been battling depression which was triggered by the weeks of isolation that was forced on them by the show before they made it into the house.

Here are some reactions from well-wishers online