THEWILL DOWNTOWN FEB 20, 2022 EDITION

VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

READY, SET,

Spring Fashion Just How Long Should Colour Combination

Beauty Secrets You Have To Try

He Last In The Sack? & More

Frank Edoho Returns To The Hot Seat

VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Desire Onyema @desire_makeover

EDITOR’S NOTE

W

hen I got wind of the return of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, a couple of thoughts came flooding through my mind: Who will host this time? it’s been so long.

How are they going to get their fans back? Will the new generation be interested in such a show?’

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CONTENTS 16

COVER FRANKLY SPEAKING...

FRANK EDOHO RETURNS TO THE HOT SEAT

REVIEW SCREAM (2022)

14-15

04-05

SPECIAL FEATURE

FASHION

SPRING STYLE GUIDE: COLOUR COMBINATION AND MORE

SHOWS THAT SHAPED NIGERIAN TV ...AND THEIR THEME SONG LYRICS

And so naturally, during the interview, those were some of the questions I raised. It’s interesting to note that they have it all figured out, and with the return of Frank Edoho as host of the game show, we are certainly in for some nail-biting moments of suspense, coupled with witty closing lines.

13

You might wonder what Edoho has been up to since leaving the franchise game show; I’ll leave you with this excerpt from his interview: “I prefer being behind the camera than in front of it…”

Read all about his return, what he’s been up to in the last five years, and why he left the previous franchise owners of the show.

A new fashion season is upon us, and so our fashion pages point you in the right direction. Take a cue from some of your favourite celebrities who are already spotting the new season's colours.

How long should he really last in the sack?

Downtown confidential tells us just how long, and as usual, it comes with one of his many interesting sex adventures.

When it comes to having skin that glows, there are many tricks to try, including body scrubs and polishes. But that’s not all there are out there.

One of our beauty pages this week reveals some secrets not too many people know of, and tells you how to pull them off. Head over to page 13 for this.

I couldn’t help the feeling of nostalgia that swept through me while reading the article about television shows from the past. We even have the lyrics to their theme songs. See pages 14 to 15.

This week, Bolu our movie review reporter takes a shot at two movies - Scream, and All Of US Are Dead. For horror movie lovers, this one is for you.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

BEAUTY

READY, SET, GLOW!!!

Photography: Gift Eghator @graphedbyblue Clothes: Frank’s Wardrobe

06

FASHION THIS AFRICAN LOVE: DECADE DATING THE THIRTIES

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL SPRINT OR MARATHON?

Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity

- Contributing Editor Odunayo Ogunbiyi is an ex pharmacist with a passion for food and pampering. Writing about her exploits wherever in the world she may find herself is just her way of staying sane in this zany world.

Boluwatife 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.

Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Senior Lifestyle Editor: Ayodele Johnson Writers: Kehindé Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Graphics/Layout: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

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Uzo Orimalade @uzosfoodlabs

- Contributing Writer Uzo Orimalade has a background in Law and Business and spent over a decade working in Corporate America and Nigeria in the management consulting and investment banking sectors. She switched careers to pursue her passion for baking, cooking and home entertaining. She is content creator and host of shows in various media platforms. She has been recognised by local and international media outlets including a feature on CNN’s African Voices.

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BEAUTY TOP FAVORITE 100% VEGAN BEAUTY PRODUCTS

WHAT YOU SAID INSTAGRAM @shollycutie

Happy 1st Anniversary. Greater heights I pray. Congratulations and happy celebration @firstladyng

Happy Anniversary

@rayartworld

Efua Oyofo @efuastar

- Contributing Writer Efua has always enjoyed telling stories.

A writer and cultural storyteller, Efua Oyofo helps clients tell their most compelling story. She focuses on social impact storytelling, and hosts a podcast: This African Love, exploring the culture of dating - and helping people develop more effective ways to navigate relationships in today’s world.

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VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION

Doesn’t Timini Egbuson’s all-white outfit with matching white shades, make you crave a carefree white combination?

SPRING

Style Guide: COLOUR COMBINATION & MORE

A

Adekunle Gold and DJ Spinall have the perfect colour match. Their skin tones accentuate a mixture of finely blended hues, like the sunset and the sea.

BY ABDUL AUWAL

terrific fit makes for a better-looking ensemble, no doubt, but trust us when we say choosing the right colour gives that extra oomph to your look. Sticking with your favourite colours is great but what's fashion without a little adventure? With the new season in Spring, comes new colours you can experiment with; so move out of your comfort zone (while sticking to colours and silhouettes that suit your body and skin tone, of course), and try new hues that could as well become your new favourite colours.

Neo Akpofure wore a dark blue top and sky blue pants, as well as dark brown shoes, instead of his favourite durag.

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This appears to be a difficult style to achieve, but Prince Nelson makes it look simple. From someone who was previously Mr Nigeria, this should come as no surprise.

Akin Faminu embodies the meaning of diversity. One thing that stands out about this outfit is the bold and brilliant colours with which he actually creates a masterpiece. Akin's distinct approach is what sets him apart.

VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

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FASHION Beverly Naya’s hair, makeup, and fashion sense are always on point. If you are looking for celebrities whose style you can mimic, then Beverly is your girl.

Nancy Isime is always the most gracious hostess.

She never goes out of style and always looks flawless.

Sharon Ooja makes a subtly dramatic fashion statement in this stunning attire.

DINNER, & COCKTAILSOIRÉE? OH MY! Nengi Hampson wears orange as if it were a natural part of her skin. Orange is a spring colour, and she knows just how to wear it.

When styling creamy tones, white is a fantastic match, and black footwear that doesn't compete is a must. Lily Afegbai nails this look.

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VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

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RELATIONSHIP

EFUAEXPLORES EFUA OYOFO the name of marriage. Yet marriage is not synonymous with happiness: were that so, the troubles would stop once people got together. But we all have different lives and experiences, as well as complicated baggage - which grows as we get older. People seem to take their baggage from one relationship to another. Like a dying plant they’re there, but you just can’t sustain them.

On the issue of managing, so many of us - both men and women - are made to feel that we need to settle for what’s available. For some, a half-partner is better than none. “When a relationship isn’t working out, a lot of people don’t let go on time - we cling to dead relationships well past their expiration date, until there’s basically nothing left,” Adetoun continues.

This African Love:

DECADE DATING A

- The Thirties

ccording to our parents and some of our families, our thirties are a time when we are supposed to be building and cumulating our life experiences. We were to find and meet a good man or woman in our twenties and then marry them.

For some of us, however, this was not the case. Life did not grant me an audience with the man of my dreams - or if it did, perhaps I wasn’t able to see it. Either way, here I am, flirting in my thirties. Still.

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“Why can’t I meet that special one? I’m a good person. I have friends that love me. Why can’t I find someone that loves me, wants to be my friend, but also wants to build a life with me?” ponders Adetoun Douglas, a beautiful, smart, kind woman in her thirties. “I’m a good girl. I just want to meet a good guy, settle down, build and make memories with someone.

What is the formula that works?”

We are told that there is a formula, but it’s a secret to many of us.

We are told that this secret formula ends in marriage. As a thirtysomething woman dating, you’re often told to “shine your eye”; to pray, to find someone that’s “okay” - and manage them, all in

So many people are stuck in these facsimile relationships, and it is stopping people from moving on and meeting people with a clear mind and heart.

However, it doesn’t have to work that way. You can dream audaciously, and keep your standards out for someone that will complement who you are. But also to know that if a situation doesn’t work out, you will be just fine. You also get to understand that, although a person might be good, they may not necessarily be good for you. Most people come together with a collection of experiences that: “A lot of my people got married in their twenties; I did not,” remarked Tracy Gacheru, another wonderful single woman.

“What I have seen, what I have observed, is that I wouldn’t be the same person I am now, without the experiences I’ve had. Life has taken an unpredictable path, sure; but it’s been a beautiful one, all the same. I treasure that journey.”

Speaking to both of these women, I reaffirmed something. The thirties are a beautiful time for learning, growth, and maturity. If you feel empowered, you can do anything - for many women, this is when many women come into their own. Yes, it is true that we all develop bad behaviours and baggage. As we all have our toxic habits, it is incumbent on us all to find how to work through them and be better human beings. So if we can find someone whose baggage is compatible with ours, we can work to better ourselves, both individually and as a unit.

I also reaffirmed that we need to trust in the abundance of the universe.

For many people looking for love, perhaps these thirties will bring them someone who vibrates on their same wavelength; but there is a chance it might not as well.

Either way, the one person we must always give love to, is ourselves.

VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

Most intense and pleasurable intercourse happens within 5.4 minutes so tone down the maths equations you solve in your head."

SPRINT OR

MARATHON

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

I

recently had a male friend lament to me about his shortcomings during his numerous throes of passion. In his defence, masturbation bore the brunt of the blame. His road to self-pleasure had allegedly led to the deterioration of his thrust time. And while this sounds like a logical alibi, sadly, it isn't the cause. Alfred Kinsey’s famous finding is that the average man orgasms within two minutes of beginning sexual intercourse. It is easy to point fingers at several things as the blame for not lasting a hundred hours in bed—I’ve done it more times than I can remember. But one situation made me discover that vaginal penetration is not a boxing match between you and whoever you are humping and bumping.

I had picked up the hotel key from the reception and told her to dilly-dally in the lounge area before coming up to erode suspicion. In the room, I lit up the lavender-scented candles, booted up my Bluetooth speaker and my Pillow Talk playlist was on shuffle.

A plastic bag of chocolates, grapes, and other snacks sat on the dresser, while a slender-necked bottle of wine and other drinks chilled in the hotel’s dwarf refrigerator. In no time, the ambiance of the room was cold and filled with the soft smell of lavender.

The scene was set and all that was left was to guzzle down a brief bottle of Jekanmo, (a sexual enhancement herbal concoction) I had bought from the Kparaga merchant on my street.

I had to take it a few minutes before the freaky happened so it would have enough time to kick in, and as you guessed, it tasted awful but it was nothing a few Mentos couldn't solve.

She couldn't hide how impressed she was by my quaint romantic set-up and she let out a cute “Aww” to commend me for my efforts. Fast-forward, I had gone down on her and from her twitching, she had enjoyed it. She rejected to return the favour so it was straight to vaginal sex. Ten minutes in and my sexual gears were still going

at full steam. Soon enough, she started asking if I had climaxed and the response was the same, “um umm.” In my defence, she had previously claimed that she loved sex so I was surprised when she said she was tired and her lady bits had lost its natural lubrication.

At the end of the day, I finished myself off in the hotel sink. Moral of the story: Do your best and leave the rest to...God, I guess.

There's no globally established number but a journal columnated the responses of several therapists when they were asked how long good sex ought to last. Based on their guidelines, sex is evaluated into four types: adequate, too short, too long, and desirable.

They deemed penetrative vaginal sex lasting one to two minutes to be "too short", and sex lasting 10 to 30 minutes to be "too long."

Meanwhile, adequate and desirable sex lasted three to seven minutes, respectively. By these standards, I feel bad for people who have porn-graded expectations for sex. Relax, sex should last for thirty minutes.

These guidelines differ depending on who you're with and their tolerance for sex.

Also, considering the variations of sex and foreplay, the lines become blurred because of all things said and done, the big O is usually the endgame for both regardless of how it is attained. The reason why so much expectation is placed on vaginal sex is that we've been made to believe that both parties

are meant to climax together, and fall side by side panting. I, on the other hand, believe sex should be liberal and I can not over-emphasise the need to not be a one-trick pony enough. Educating oneself on the different techniques of pleasuring your partner doesn't make you—for the lack of a better word— an ashewo.

Because when you can’t be as effective in one, two or three can act as a sufficient substitute.

While we're all aware of short-changing our down-and-dirty time, real sex does not take that much time, even for people who are extremely satisfied with their sexual relationships. There is a time and place for quickies as well as a longer, more intimate approach. The length and intimacy of sex vary from relationship to relationship, so there is no "normal.”

From my experience women want sex to be shorter than most men think for several reasons like; vaginal dryness, sustainability of sexual position, and fatigue. Most intense and pleasurable intercourse happens within 5.4 minutes so tone down the maths equations you solve in your head. It's sex, not the LSATs. My advice is to communicate with your partner and set your own standards because, at the end of the day, no one is similar and talking can help bridge that chasm between pleasure and duration.

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VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

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COVER

FRANKLYSpeaking...

Frank Edoho Returns To The Hot Seat Photography: Gift Eghator @graphedbyblue Clothes: Frank’s Wardrobe

In the early 2000s until the decade that followed, a reality competition TV show ensured that Nigerians were riveted to their seats whenever it came on. First aired on 8 October 2004, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (WWTBAM) wasted no time in winning the audience's attention and sustaining it.

The franchise game show that had suspense, humour, and incredible wit all rolled in one, would go on to maintain its status as one of the most intriguing TV shows. One person however, made it undefeated... Frank Edoho.

Although the show ended up receiving an axing which resulted in a five-year hiatus, the fire that Frank Edoho had ignited was still very much alit. Fast forward to 2022 and just like other reality competition TV shows lately, WWTBAM is making a return. DOWNTOWN’s editor, Onah Nwachukwu, and writer, Kehindé Fagbule, sat with the man in the centre of it all, Frank Edoho, to discuss the journey that saw him become the youngest host of the global franchise worldwide at the time that he ignited the fire, and his plans for rekindling it as the show makes a return in a very different era.

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Y

ou started a career in Broadcasting on the radio. Tell us about that.

It started many years ago in Calabar when I was in the university; 1991 to be exact.

I loved listening to the radio, because of the music, but more importantly, I was drawn towards radio presentations. When I was in secondary school, I used to be embarrassed because my mates used to laugh at me for having a baritone while they all had high-pitched voices. So when I realised that the narrative was that people loved baritone voices in movies, I decided to take a stab in broadcasting. When I got into the university in Calabar, I went for a radio audition; it was an AM station (amplitude modulation). They gave me a script to read and I read like three lines, then I heard banging on the glass, and they told me to come out. I was like “wow!

I'm this terrible,” then they looked at me and said, “where the hell have you been? Start on Monday.” That was how I started working while going to school, I was studying animal science. I was doing it side by side. I had a show called Blockbuster where we talked about entertainment and stuff like that. So I did that until I made a foray into TV, NTA Channel 9. At the time, they didn't have a Saturday Breakfast show, so a group of young guys started it, and I went to do marketing for them. They heard my voice, so when the top presenter travelled, they said maybe I could be a sub. I did that, then they asked me to come back and that's how my TV journey began. All for free.

When I graduated and wanted to come to Lagos, I told my guys in Calabar that I was going to Lagos to become a broadcaster there. I wanted to write a column, be on the radio and TV. They laughed at me and said in Lagos, they do things in cliques—which is true.

So I was like “you know what, I will go and form my own clique in Lagos.” I didn't know what I was doing though. I came to Lagos, went to DBN TV, and told them I wanted to do an audition.

They asked, “why should we give you an audition?” I replied, “I am a broadcaster and besides, I work with Encomium magazine as a columnist.” I didn't work for Encomium magazine. I had an article I had written, so I showed them and said it was

going to be printed next week. They were impressed when they read it so they gave me an audition. After the audition, I went to Encomium magazine and told them I'm from DBN TV [laughs]. Because I heard about the cliques, I had to play the game. I showed them my article and they were impressed as well.

They told me that I couldn't get on Encomium, but referred me to another magazine called Reel Stars; Azu Arinze was the editor then. So my article got published on that and they asked me to write more. But since it didn't get traction, I left the writing thing and concentrated on DBN TV; they had employed me. I stayed there for a year and learned all I could, how to be a cameraman, editor, I used to sleep in the office for like two to three weeks—I wasn't married then so it was easier.

When I left DBN TV, I went to Radio Nigeria for an audition. They hired me the next day and sent me on a training course at the FRCN training school where I did the basic announcers course. There, you learn all kinds of things, how to be a newsreader and everything. I came back, stayed at Radio Nigeria for four years, and did all kinds of programs, including the night shift popularly called the graveyard shift. The DJ at the radio station listened to me, he was impressed and told me about a quiz program he watched in the UK and wants to do something like that in Nigeria. The show was Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, but he wants to call his ‘Win A Million.’ This was in 2002. He told me he needed a presenter, so we did it.

We did it like WWTBAM, but with just one lifeline. But I did the tension so well on the radio that the suspense was intense, one man blurted out “tell me or I will die!” [laughs]. All of a sudden, I heard that there was a WWTBAM audition, a TV show this time. They called me for the audition but I couldn't

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COVER go because I was doing something for Closeup at the time, so I missed the first one. They decided to do another that I then went for. I was the smallest amongst them; people like Dan Foster, Jaiye Aboderin, Sunday Irabor, Jones Usen, the icons of broadcasting. I just said let me go and flex. Because I had watched the South African version of the show on DStv with my friends in 2000, I knew what to expect. Along with the fact that I hosted the Win A Million show on TV in 2002 and then another two years later, I was at a WWTBAM audition. When it was time for me to audition, everyone was tired because I was the last. They took the script from me and were like “you know what, just present.” I was like I needed the script but they said no, just do it. So I remembered the South African one, with the experience I had with Win A Million, so I just did something. I was even stuttering and I heard a loud voice at the back asking me to continue.

Two weeks later, they started calling me to say “we are considering you with five other people.”

The next day, they called me to say “you guys are down to three.” I told them, “look, don't waste my time. If you call me next, that means I'm getting it. God is telling you something and you are just stubborn. Tell the two other people off, let's get to work.”

So then a trait you'd say you have is being confident?

I think it is being foolhardy. I don't have anything to lose. But you know what, I will be noticed at the end of the day. I told them “hey come on, let's do this.” The next day, they called me and said “you're it! Come let's have a meeting.” We had the meeting, and they decided to put me on 6-month probation to host the program.

Did you have training for it or did you only depend on your experience watching the South African version?

Both ways because you have to know the show for you to interpret the best way to present it for people to find you acceptable. Also, I feel broadcasting is what I was meant to do because even on my own, I'm watching presenters and I'm always critiquing or learning from them like “oh he shouldn't have done this. Why is he doing that?

What is that body language all about?” I would rewind it and watch it over again—my wife is sick of it.

In terms of keeping people tense, how did you manage to get it to a place where you keep people that tense?

There are many factors. The biggest is that they are playing for a huge sum of money, so already there is tension for the person. And WWTBAM is a show that if anybody watches, they root for the contestants. Whatever the contestants go through, they (the audience) go through. So that explains the suspense. Now all I have to do is just apply a bit of restraint here and know how to release the answer depending on the circumstances, and I learnt that from the radio show, Win A Million.

The questions are asked, the answers pop up, you then know the answer. How do you keep your poker face when you've seen it to not give anything away to the contestants?

I guess I'm a good card player [laughs]. I studied from Chris Tarrant, who was the UK presenter before Jeremy Clarkson came on. That is the defining moment of how you carry the show.

That is the pivotal moment, you have to do it right. Some contestants say outlandish things.

Like someone came and I asked him what his hobby was, and he said, “intellectual discourse.”

I said, “that means you're very knowledgeable,” he replied “I like to think so.” The second question comes: what is another name for Father Christmas? So the options were Santa Claus, your majesty, and two other options. He chose ‘your

majesty’. This was just the second question and if you miss it, you'll leave with nothing. So I was trying to persuade this guy but he kept giving me the arrogant look that says “we don't have all the time in the world.” I asked if he wanted to use a lifeline because the audience was eager to help him out. He declined and stuck with 'your majesty' as his final answer. So now, I can't just let it out because of how it has built up. The guy said his hobby was intellectual discourse, so that means he should be intelligent but obviously he's too arrogant. So I wore my poker face and asked him, “how do you address a king?” He said, “your majesty.” I knew the audience was watching with a reaction on their face, I know viewers at home would have that reaction as well. Then I finally let it out. There was silence for a bit and then I shook his hands and he walked away. People were waiting to see, so I had to cover it up. So I said something like, “he came here, his hobby was intellectual discourse, and now his intelligence is 'off course'.” I have to do things like that at the right point.

Are there writers feeding you? Is it scripted?

One fun fact, I don't do teleprompters. Never did in 13 years of presenting the show.

Apart from teleprompters, do you have intel on the contestants?

I have it written out because all the contestants have a bio sheet they've filled out. You know during the fastest fingers bit, there's no chair in the middle. All of a sudden, when somebody wins, I shake their hands and say “alright, you win, do you want to play?” And then we go to sit; there's now a chair there. How does that happen? We stop. After shaking their hands, we'll get the chair to the centre stage, I'll then be handed the contestant’s bio and I will get to know them briefly before we start playing.

They edit it and make it seamless. But I have the information already. Sometimes if I forget, I have it written down.

This information we get from contestants has to be given in small measure but condensed. For instance, I go “hello everybody, this is Tammy.

Tammy runs a crochet school where she uses knitting to do bags and clothes, we will talk about that later. Right now she's here with her twin sister and she assures me that they are not at loggerheads. A round of applause for her…”

So I have covered a bit of it, now I'm holding the salient points for later if she goes far. If she doesn't go far, then there's no need for people to know. As you're winning more, I'm putting those things for people to get to know you more, so that when you now win, it will look as if it's a microcosm of your journey. They're taking that journey with you, seeing your past, and then wondering what's going to be your future, on this show. And they want to be a part of it.

In an interview you granted at the time, you said the showrunners didn't meet your demand to be promoted to the position of an executive producer having been with them for so long. Tell us exactly what happened.

I asked to be an executive producer because for one, I had done the show for 13 years, so I felt that it was time for me. I couldn't keep presenting this show that I did basically like mine anyway. So I needed a bit of the revenue but they weren't open to it. I said, “okay, let it not look as if I abandoned the ship when the major sponsor pulled out.” I said if a new sponsor comes in, I want a part of the revenue.

And already, they were telling me, no.

We were still negotiating then all of a sudden, one beautiful Saturday morning, PUNCH now reports that ‘Frank has been dropped from WWTBAM.’ That news broke out because

I'm looking forward to it with bated breath. I'm very excited about it, I am anticipating it, and I know it's going to be a runaway hit."

they had a new sponsor, they were supposed to unravel the sponsor, I was supposed to be there but I wasn't because we were still talking. When they were asked “where is Frank?” by reporters, instead of saying “Frank is around” or being diplomatic, they responded, “actually, I don't think Frank is gonna host the show. As a matter of fact, we are going to bring a younger presenter to take his spot.” And ironically, I was the youngest presenter of WWTBAM worldwide. This show is for veterans in broadcasting to come in and host it, but they gave me a chance and I tried to learn, grapple with it and everything, and I had 13 years to make a good job of it, you know. They said they were going to bring a younger presenter and that is what got to me.

And it became a thing on Twitter. That time I wasn't a Twitter savage, so people were insulting me and gloating over the headline.

Well, see I don't blame my former company, I blame PUNCH because the person told them that “hey Frank is still with us, but I don't think he would…” he was just expressing the result of our conversation which he shouldn't have.

What they got was that Frank was still working on the show, but was dropped from presenting, so they ran with the news.

Seeing as it didn't work out in terms of you being an executive producer at the time. Now that you're back, has it changed? Are you now going to be an executive producer?

No, no. The origin of my wanting to be an

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COVER couldn't get it off the ground. The sponsorship was difficult. I did a premiere show and we brought sponsors and everything but I don't know what happened. I was signed for two years, the two years went by and we couldn't just get it off the ground.

Well, I accepted that, I was signed for two years. It was my friend that owned the show and I didn't get a dime in those two years but hey, he's my friend.”

Do you then regret not trying to patch things up with your old employers?

I did WWTBAM for 13 years. If somebody doesn't value my 13 years in something, I have no regrets at all. I left.

I prefer being behind the camera than in front of it. I'm an architectural photographer. I did it because my wife is an interior designer and she was taking pictures with her phone." executive producer in the former WWTBAM is that I did it for 13 years as a presenter.

Now if you are a presenter on a show like WWTBAM, the next thing you should be thinking of is having an executive producer position because there are many executive producers. It is a normal thing and I feel like if I'm presenting a show as huge as WWTBAM, we have to start sticking to world standards. So I decided to make those moves but they cut it short.

Now for this new dispensation, these guys come, they meet me “hey we have this show that you're gonna like, we want you to be the presenter.” I was on the verge of turning it down because my position as the former presenter of WWTBAM is a gift and also a curse because if you come with any show that is not of that cadre, I can't take it.

You took The Price is Right though...

I took The Price is Right, but they

PAGE 10

So what have you been up to since then?

Production. I prefer being behind the camera than in front of it. I'm an architectural photographer.

I did it because my wife is an interior designer and she was taking pictures with her phone.

Then, before the end of WWTBAM, I studied cinematography. That's what I've always been interested in, even as a kid, I was reading books on how to be a director and that's why I know all these great directors. So I went back to my love, production. I started producing documentaries and corporate videos for people.

I wanted to go to film school in New York so that I can be a director, but it was halted because I saw that the corporate industry needed some video that looked good. Then I trained to be a colourist.

I'm a certified black magic design colourist and cinematographer, a gaffer, led lighting, I've been doing a lot of stuff like that. NIMASA This Week was a TV program. I was the producer for the advertising agency that had the contract to do it and we did it for two and half years. I was the producer, colourist on the project, and cinematographer.

Tell us about the time you wanted to start a radio station.

I own a radio station. As a matter of fact, my name is on the licence of one of these radio stations. So a while ago, I went to someone in government and they helped me get a radio licence in my name.

But the problem was that the person that helped me decided to bring their brother on to be a part of the board, and too many cooks spoil the broth. So I abandoned it and handed the whole thing to them.

Podcasting is sort of like radio, do you plan to own a channel?

Thank you very much, I wanted to say it. If you give me a radio station, I will not take it.

So will you venture into podcasting?

Yes, I want to venture into podcasting but the problem I have with it is the guest. Now abroad, the roll call is expansive and vast. Here, how am I going to get Herbert Nwigwe or Tony Elumelu?

Let's talk about your return. Were you aware that you had gotten the job or it was open to other potential hosts?

I never heard anything about it. It is just very uncanny because the previous week, someone called me and wanted the number of the people who used to hold the licence for WWTBAM. I said “I don't know, I've not worked with them for like four years” and the guy said no, he just wanted the number. So I said, “okay, I have this guy there, I'll give you his number.”

Then I shared his number. The following week, someone called me and said “hey Frank, some people need to meet you about something.”

So I thought maybe it was for a production or an endorsement or an event. I suggested we talk on zoom and they said no, they need to meet. So I drove to Victoria Island, saw my friend there and two other guys. They said, “we have this TV show.” I was already preparing

my speech on how to turn them down because I usually do that. Then they proceeded, “we have the licence.” And I knew it was an international show. I said, “alright, what is the name of this show?”

They looked at themselves, did a prestige pause, and said, “you will not believe it. We are the owners of WWTBAM.” I asked, “why are you coming back to me?” And they replied, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it.” I didn't believe it when we left the meeting, but they called me and I realised that it was real and so uncanny.

Speaking of that, are there any antics and new traditions? Or are we sticking to the old ones?

The show is a new show. First of all, it is 20 million Naira instead of 10. There are new aspects of the game. For instance, the host is a lifeline, so they can ask me for my answer to any question. That one already has a whole portal of interest that you can inspire from there.

We watched you for 13 years and reckon that people are now going to be familiar with some of your antics. How do you counter this?

Even for 13 years, they still couldn't. When I did Teni’s video for Billionaire, when people knew it was not the real WWTBAM, they still felt the suspense. It's going to be different. That 'ask the host' thing is going to be the main fame because if I don't know, what am I going to do? [laughs].

Speaking of the show changing, there's also a change in terms of media. We now have streaming platforms, and this is where young people are most of the time. What are the plans to have them engaged and invested in the show?

It is going to be everywhere, we are going to deploy all platforms possible to show the people what we're doing this time. We're going to be on social media and everything. Speaking of young people's involvement, let the questions be right up the younging’s ally—questions that they will know the answers to.

That automatically gives them a large involvement in the whole thing.

How do you feel coming back on the show?

It is just like déjà vu. You know when you have déjà vu but you know that it is reality, especially with this shoot.

Everything is kicking into it. Now I know that it is not surrealistic anymore, it is real, and I'm looking forward to it with bated breath. I'm very excited about it, I am anticipating it, and I know it's going to be a runaway hit.

When you're not on Twitter trying to tame trolls, how do you relax?

I watch a lot of movies, series and listen to a lot of music. That's what I do, I stay a lot at home basically. I'm not an introvert but I don't like going out. I have all the streaming services, I watch and play football. Studied at night. It was during the pandemic that I learnt Photoshop; I used to edit with Lightroom. I got a colouring certificate online. These are the things I do basically; boring life.

What is a day like in the life of Frank Edoho?

Sit in front of the TV, stay riveted on my TV. It is basically a screen life. If it's not TV, it's the computer screen, I'm studying a lot. Most people don't know how vast the internet is.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

PAGE 11

VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY

TOP FAVOURITE 100%

VEGAN

BY SOPHIA EDISI

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

B

eing a vegetarian can be quite challenging because it isn’t just limited to what you eat, it also involves the kind of products you use. A lot is going on in the world of vegan beauty; starting with the fact that it has gained more recognition in all aspects of the industry over the years from makeup to skincare, haircare, and perfumes. For a brand to be considered vegan, it simply means the final formulation or ingredients of the product must not be animal-derived or animal tested. Ingredients such as milk, beeswax, carmine, honey and lanolin that are usually found in most skincare products would be replaced with plant-derived ingredients. A lot of skincare brands may emphasize or spotlight some specific ingredients used in their products which have given rise to a profound consciousness of how products are being developed and the ingredients used. In fact, some people say vegetables are just as, if not more powerful and beneficial for the skin than any animal by-product.

VEGAN SKINCARE

PHARRELL WILLIAMS

Mattifying Setting Spray COVER FX COSMETICS

Monochromatic Blush Duo COVER FX COSMETICS

VEGAN MAKEUP

Lanolin, beeswax, royal jelly, honey, collagen, silk amino acids, snail mucin, milkderivatives, animal-based glycerin, stearic acid, and squalene from shark liver oil are some animal products that can be found in shower gels, creams, and other beauty products. The vegan skincare brands listed here offer a range of skincare products, including face cleansers, serums, moisturisers, oils, masks, eye creams, and lip care products like oat milk which help nourish and smooth skin, niacinamide; minimizes the look of pores and even skin tone or allantoin that soothes and moisturises the Vegan Cream-Gel Cleanser skin.

Pore Purifying cream HERBIVORE BEAUTY

PACIFICA BEAUTY

Cookies 'n Dreams Eye Shadow ELF

When it comes to makeup, we tend to pay less attention to what ingredients are being used. What most of us generally focus on is the texture, quality of products, or how it fits.

Below is a collection of vegan makeup products made by 100% vegan beauty brands.

Jet Lag Face Mask SUMMER FRIDAY SKINCARE

Skincare Line- Exfoliator, Cleanser & Cream Hydrator HUMANRACE

Curator Eyeshadow Collection HOURGLASS COSMETICS

Hydro Grip Primer MILK MAKEUP Bamboo Brush Set ELATE COSMETICS PAGE 12

Alicia Keys

Photograph :Emma Trim/The Observer

VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY THE GLOSSY GLOW Loved for its multiple-purpose effect on the lips, cheekbone, or eyelid for an easy gleam, the possibility of not achieving a subtle moonlit glow with this product is extremely low. To pull off this look, your skin prep must be properly done; the skin should be well hydrated and plump before you start your makeup application. You can also use vibrant colours if you wish to enhance the shine even more. Although, a full face of gloss might seem a bit sticky especially on a sunny day, major brands are now producing formulas that deliver a host of quality products without stickiness. The soft sheen creates an effortless, alternative to glitter and strobed beauty looks, a tiny dab will add a prismatic touch to eyes, cheekbones, and lips.

Wida Kori

Esther Biade

Ready, Set,

GLOW!!!

W

BY SOPHIA EDISI

hether you wish to enjoy cherished moments with family or a party with friends, discovering the landmark that defines your look and shows the glossy, glowing natural bronzed side of you is always a hit. You can make just about anybody fall in love with your skin while enjoying the buzz that comes with it. Below, we highlighted some simple ways to get you started on your best glow yet, using exquisite beauty products that will have you stepping out to the casual atmosphere feeling like the popular “Lady Glitter Sparkles” for hours.

MaX Sheen Lip Gloss ZARON

THE SKIN GLOW

THE FOUNDATION GLOW

Your foundation pick is very important for this look.

You want a foundation that gives full coverage but is not cakey, and All Day Luminous Fresh Wear Foundation catches L’ORÉAL the light without looking greasy. A Soukeyna lightweight formula that is totally blendable so it gives you a natural, seamless finish that looks like your natural skin, but only glossier. Alternatively, you can reach for a liquid highlighter that will give your complexion an all-over glow and act as the base for the rest of your look, highlighting your cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and the tip of your nose to take your glow up a notch before laying your foundation.

Brown Skin Liquid Foundation ZARON

Nice Georges

Shimmering Dry Oil SOL

Wonder Tint Lip and Cheek Mousse MORPHE

There’s something super attractive when you use a body glow product, especially on days when your skin is on display.

The gel-like texture goes in really smooth and doesn't look muddy, plus it sits well with the rest of your makeup. Although you may not need a lot, it is recommended that you go for brands with a good level of pigmentation that won’t fade throughout the day, is warm enough to give a sun-kissed look, and blends nicely on the skin. If you enjoy a glowy, moisturized finish, always remember that less is more, the goal is to look glowy not glittery.

N.Y.M.P.H. All-Over Body Highlighter HUDA BEAUTY PAGE 13

VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

SPECIAL FEATURE

L

et's take a little journey back in time. You know, when life was a lot simpler and almost everyone was glued to their TVs, enjoying really good content on terrestrial stations. For the young ones, listen; there was a time before Africa Magic.

A time when the entire family would keep up with several soap operas showing on different TV stations and made mental notes of the programme schedule. For Gen-zers reading this, ask your dad what his 8 pm on Thursdays in the early 2000s was like—on our very beloved NTA.

...And Their Theme Song Lyrics

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

The simpler times before you could watch a whole season of your favourite show lying on your bed with no commercials or interruption thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix. The era when we would spend seven days drawing up permutations of what could happen while waiting for the next episode. To embrace the wave of nostalgia, here are eight TV shows that defined the early 2000s.

SUPER STORY

THE KKB SHOW PAPA AJASCO

It is only appropriate to start with the most popular Nigerian TV show of all time.

Before Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion started serving us content, there was a programme that kept our attention locked in. A Wale Adenuga production(WAP), Super Story. It is an entertaining and highly suspenseful anthology series with each season having a different storyline and direction from the previous. There was no dull moment with this power series; families would gather every Thursday night to catch the nationwide series on NTA. Several elements made this show the most popular in the country, from the unforgettable theme song by the legendary Uwale Okoro, popularly known as Essence (no, not Big Wiz and Tems’s hit song) to the proverbs at the end. The suspenseful nature of the series meant that viewers were glued to their seats and would usually time the equally interesting commercial breaks.

The first season of the show told the story of Suara and Toyin Tomato (played by the brilliant Sola Sobowale).

The debut season was a hit that went on to influence the success of the following seasons.

Although there were reruns the next day, Friday, and the weekend, the worst thing that could happen to Nigerians back then was NEPA doing what they do best during crucial scenes in an episode—be a disappointment.

Whatever you do, always remember that 'we are all pencils in the hands of the creator.' This show taught us that.

Theme song lyrics “It is a Super Story, a life of strife and sorrows, It is a Super Story of Good food & houses where the fish drown or even die of thirst, It is a Super Story, a life of Precious stones & Good Taste, It is a Super Story, This is Super Story! This is Super Story!”

PAGE 14

Another WAP, Papa Ajasco was the most popular comedy sitcom in Nigeria at the time. With often exaggerated storylines and also heavy on slapstick comedy, this show gave us healthy doses of laughter courtesy of its one-of-a-kind casting to fill immortalised characters such as Papa Ajasco, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Pa James, and Miss Pepeye.

Despite its chop and change at intervals of the show which required an almost completely different casting from the original ones, the show kept its relevance and entertained Nigeria for over 20 years, since 1996.

Wale Adenuga really owned TV as we knew it. Ojigbijigbi!

Theme song lyrics “Papa Ajasco and company, manufactured by Wale Adenuga Production, Nigeria's number one, humour merchant is the best medicine.”

Saturday mornings were the most fun in a typical Nigerian household, thanks to the KKB show—it was a staple in our respective homes.

Aired on the Cadbury Breakfast show on STV, The KKB show—an acronym for ‘Kids Know Better’—was a highly entertaining variety show by kids and for kids. It featured skits, short dramas, educative segments, and so on, all to entertain and teach children essential lessons about school, family, friendships, and social responsibility.

Due to the quality of acting on the show portrayed by immensely talented kids, everybody wanted to be on the show. It was the coolest gang you could be part of in the early 2000s as a kid.

In addition to the very unforgettable theme song, Akan Nelson’s monologue - “You had the audacity to steal my meat. My personal meat!!” also lives rent-free in our heads.

Theme song lyrics “Precious thoughts, precious love, precious gifts, that is what results. Make no mistakes, we are precious now, just as we were precious before.

KKB, that's the show for me, precious kids expressing special gifts. Kids know better, that's the KKB. Precious moments, that is all it will be.

Come and tell me what it is right now, the KKB show coming up right now. Can you feel the beat right now? Yes, I can feel it coming up right now.

So all you KKB wannabes, get ready ‘cos the KKB is up with heat. The show by kids and for all kids. Kids know better, that's the KKB.”

VOL 2 NO.08 • FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

One of the greatest Nigerian TV shows of all time, Everyday People mirrored the daily lives of a middle-class family and their neighbours. And of course, it was very dramatic.

Not only did it have a solid storyline it also had one of the most memorable theme songs of all time. Produced by Tajudeen Adepetu, the drama series was starred top-notch entertainers in the film industry such as the late Sam Loco Efe, Norbert Young, Ignis Ekwe, Carol King, Seun Soremi, Desmond Elliot, Ejiro Okurame, Juliet Martin-Obazie, and several others.

With the late Sam Loco Efe particularly standing out for his comedy masterclass, Everyday People delivered a lot of humour, emotional moments, and life lessons.

Theme song lyrics “I will put a smile on your face because I believe in you.

And I know you bring me joy for a brighter tomorrow.

Everyday People, that's you that's me”

TALES BY MOONLIGHT

Aimed at promoting African folklore, Tales

by Moonlight was created by the Director of Programmes at NTA, Victoria Ezeokoli, to rival the widely popular USA kiddies show, Sesame Street.

The 30-minute epic hit show, initially presented by a lady, was later handled by Jimmy Solanke, and just like the other shows on this list, it featured one of the most popular theme songs in Nigeria—it was even sampled by popstar and one-time DOWNTOWN cover personality, Kizz Daniel on his song, No Do. The show went on to fizzle out in the 90s and although it made a comeback in the 2000s, its impact on pop culture began to dwindle significantly.

SPECIAL FEATURE

KAMSONS AND NEIGHBOUR

Produced by Rockview productions and directed

by Tunji Bamishigbin, Kamsons and Neighbour was centred around the Kamsons, a family of five, and their relationship with their neighbour, the Ibekwes.

This show aired for over 10 years and it kept Nigerians salivating for more. Kamsons and Neighbour is a family-oriented TV drama series with real-life characters in both social and domestic settings whose actions elicit laughter and entertainment.

We were always looking forward to what mischief the children had rolled up their sleeves.

Theme song lyrics “Kamsons and Neighbour a great place and people to see You find them simple, always easy to swindle You find them with different faces, suffering from different cases They lay their hopes and shoulders, fall in line soldiers Eyy! Kamsons and Neighbours”

I NEED TO KNOW

I Need To Know was an educative TV series that was sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund to sensitise Nigerians on the HIV/AIDS virus and teenage pregnancy that was rampant at the time. In the absence of proper sex education in both our schools and homes, this show was a very impactful one.

The show served as veteran actress Funke Akindele’s springboard into stardom where she played one of the seven secondary school students— dealing with life in their teenage years.

The theme song, done by the Kenyan group, Kalamashaka, was also very popular amongst young people to whom the show was dedicated.

Theme song lyrics “I need to know If education is the key, then why do you deny it?”

FUJI HOUSE OF COMMOTION show always emphasized how such a large and diverse family was able to work their way through different misunderstandings. And Nigerians swoon over the show that doled out comedy effortlessly with each scene that was filmed, through its perfectly ensembled cast.

Directed and produced by Amaka Igwe, this show was an offshoot of Checkmate and it featured the comedic brilliance of Kunle Bamtefa, Ngozi Nwosu, and a supporting cast that made this series one of the greatest comedies on Nigerian TV.

Theme song lyrics Like most TV series that dominated the airwaves in the early 2000s, Fuji House of Commotion was a family-oriented comedy.

This show told the story of a dysfunctional, interethnic, very loud and definitely crazy family. The family patriarch, Chief Fuji, had three wives and a mistress, with over a dozen children of different ages.

Despite its daily chaos—a madhouse is an understatement, both literally and figuratively—the

"Once a time in some nation Plenty wives was the notion Concubines with concoction The opinion was rotation Number 1 is companion The Number 2 is confusion Number 3 is commotion Fuji House of Commotion The Kids are like the corn Plantation Fuji House of Commotion"

PAGE 15

VOL 22 NO.08 NO.08 •• FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 20 20 -- FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 26, 26, 2022 2022 VOL

THEWILL THEWILLDOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN• •www.thewilldowntown.com www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Movie Review:

SCREAM (2022)

S

ometimes to create the perfect addition to a franchise you need to go back to the beginning. While each of Scream‘s inductions has done just that through mothers, past lives, and locale, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett‘s Scream takes the franchise one step further, bringing its characters and its audience literally back to its original roots. 25 years after the release of Scream, audiences return to Woodsboro through a humorous, yet brutal reemergence of Ghostface. With new rules, violent kills, and a new generation, Scream delivers in every essence it can.

Ghostface is faster, smarter, and unrelenting in the franchise’s fifth induction. Opening in classic Scream tradition, viewers meet Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega, You). She is home alone, conversing via text with her friend Amber. Her landline keeps ringing from an “unknown” caller, the sound of the phone instantly plunging viewers back into the world of Scream, nostalgia immediately setting the framework for the film’s brutal beginning. As the opening scene finds both a familiarity to the opening of Scream ’96, it raises the bar in both terror and violence.

As we transition away from the opening scene, there is an expectation and anticipation of where we will find Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell). But the filmmakers behind this latest induction embrace a momentary reprieve from Sidney’s story, instead, introducing us to Sam (Melissa Barrera). There is an off-kilter feeling as the narrative begins to form around Sam, the franchise breaking from the hyper-focus of the horror story that has made the franchise a success. And while it initially feels like a slightly strange decision

by Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett, it evolves into creative brilliance. Through Sam, the film adds a layer of suspicion and mystery

PAGE 16

necessary to make another sequel a success, especially within the idea of returning to its roots.

First and foremost, Scream is a film you will not be able to stop thinking about – especially if you are a fan of the franchise. Each element of the film from framing, dialogue, soundtrack, and performance lends itself to its own unique conversation and observation. A homage to the films that came before, both in the franchise and the genre, Scream is a literal easter egg hunt. It’s also a film that lends itself to new discoveries with each viewing – an element that will be an initial driving force for multiple rewatches. Yet where it succeeds is not in alienating those who may not be so familiar.

And in true Scream fashion, its own critical examinations are not only modern but make sense within the escalation of the genre itself and each induction of the franchise. While it is not until the film’s third act that all is revealed, there is a culminating observational power that crescendos with the violence and brutality of Scream that gives it an overarching success. And not one is safe from its observational prowess.

With its critical societal examinations aside, there is also a brutal simplicity to Scream that further drives its power. Where reboots and sequels often go over the top to outdo the films that came before, or to explain the continuous rise of a killer, Scream welcomes the uncomplicated, giving its own examination of the endless and tiresome sequels horror films generate. Yet, it is in the simplicity and familiarity that it finds its terror. An unceasing birth of horror behind a mask is far from new, but there is a new feeling that Scream is able to harness and lean into. There is a more menacing feeling that emanates from Ghostface, a familiarity, yet a deeply rooted terror. There is something deeper in the blackened eyelets of the mask – not only can the killer see us but we can see the internal drive for violence and death. This is not a killer running around in a costume anymore, this is an ideology seemingly impossible to kill.

Yet, while the film excels well beyond expectations, it is not without a few bumps in the road. While some kills seem out of place from the film’s end game, it is the film’s third act that truly holds the most highs and lows throughout. There are some pacing issues that make the climax feel rushed in both execution and dialogue, leaving viewers to catch up, only to feel like the final moments drag a bit more than they should. In the face of the epic final shot of Ready or Not, this movie takes a moment to find its conclusion. But these bumps do little to take away from the overall effects of the film, Scream finding itself a worthy addition to the franchise.

Scream is a knock-out success, showcasing the power horror inductions can still wield through modernisation and an honouring of the past. This is a homage to not only the series but to its fans – all while warmly welcoming new audiences to the franchise.

And as the film speaks of that one horror film that kicked off a love of a genre, Scream ’22 finds the strength and power to wield the same result for a slew of newcomers.

7/10

Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Apple Music)

Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Spotify)

Playlist for the week

Terrace Martin ft Arin Ray & Smino - This Morning

Lucky Daye ft Masego & Alex Isley - Good & Plenty (remix)

DRB Lasgidi ft Teezee, Boj, Fresh L, Tems - Trouble

bLAck pARty - Soakin ft Gwen Bunn

Tiwa Savage ft Amaarae - Tales

By Moonlight

Venna ft JVCK JAMES - Sun, Moon & Herbs

Juls ft Miraa May & Donae'o Blessed

Masego ft Devin Morrison Yamz

TEMS - Free Mind

Watch of the Week

All of Us Are Dead

All Of Us Are Dead is a Koreanlanguage Netflix Original Series written by Chun Sung-il and directed

by Lee Jae-kyoo & Kim Nam-Soo. Lee Cheong-san (Yoo Chan-young) and his fellow high school students have their lives upturned when a student presumed to be missing starts acting like a feral animal, contorting herself

in unnatural positions and attempting to bite people who come near her. This leads to a zombie outbreak, and as the undead swarm the school, Cheong-san and other students struggle to survive, as terror and paranoia rise and the outside world falls prey to the undead.

The high school setting provides a great place for a horror story. All Of Us Are Dead isn’t the first horror series to explore the concept of “high school literally being hell”- fellow Korean horror series Hellbound beat it to the punch. But it does prove that a high school wouldn’t be the ideal place to hide in a zombie outbreak. The zombies spread with frightening speed, overwhelming rooms, and confining characters to various rooms.

Speaking of the zombies, they’re the most terrifying I’ve seen in a long time. Instead of

Drake ft Tems - Fountains

the usual rotting, shambling corpses, these zombies possess bloodshot eyes and are able to contort themselves into impossible positions.

They also run at a frightening pace; viewers will lose track of every time the students have to jump, duck and dodge hordes of the undead. It also keeps the horror elements intact; my heart kept leaping in my chest when a student was grabbed by a zombie or a zombie popped snarling into the screen.

All Of Us Are Dead is the best zombie story I’ve seen in years; it has a cast of compelling characters, a truly frightening set of zombies, and a setting that presents challenge after challenge for its protagonists.

All Of Us Are Dead is currently streaming on Netflix.