THEWILL DOWNTOWN July 23, 2023

JOSEPH BENJAMIN

The Comeback...

According to the actor, his relocation was born out of the need for personal growth. He explained that he wanted more, “I wanted more. There was a nudge in my heart to go out, explore, and get more. All of these were by design because God orchestrated them. Not just that I was pursuing growth in my career, wanting more and getting out of my comfort zone as it were…”

Now he is back and working on some projects, so hopefully, we will see more of him on our screens soon. Read his heartwarming interview about his journey back on pages 8 through 10.

Being intimate with your partner doesn’t entail just penetration. You will find that there are many ways to pleasure your partner, including manual stimulation. Downtown Confidential this week explores several ways you can give your partner pleasure beyond penetration.

More often than not, we forget to pay attention to our décolletage when we moisturise our face, so our beauty page encourages you to extend your beauty regimen to cater to those areas.

Our fashion pages explore eco-friendly fashion that treads lightly on the planet, while Bon Appetit unlocks your personality traits based on your favourite ice cream flavour.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

AUSTYN OGANNAH PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya

Senior Writer: Kehindé Fagbule

Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

Odun

TREAD SOCIALLY

Boluwatife

Dorcas Akintoye

Onwumere Churchill Ikenna

Onwumere Churchill Ikenna is a writer, poet, digital and social media content strategist. An Afro gen z clan member of kenga media. He is a movie critic who was amongst those who birthed the first movie brand; Feeem house brand. A full fledged member of the writers space Africa, Nigeria district and was part of the editing team of the second anthology issue by the writers space Nigeria.

He has written so many articles, stories and e books. An avid reader and a freelancer. You can check out his literary editing page @coidencreatives on Instagram and twitter.

His personal socials for both Instagram and twitter are : @ikennachurchill

Skillful

Cool

- Contributing Writer

Beyond The Face Extending Your Skincare Routine to The Neck, Décolletage, And Hands

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Wefrequently give our faces all of the care in our pursuit of healthy, youthful skin. In a dedicated routine to achieve a flawless complexion, numerous bottles of serums, moisturisers, and masks are painstakingly applied, layer after layer. More often than not, we stop at the face but hold on; the hands, neck, and décolletage are all still relevant.

These typically ignored parts are essential entryways to revealing our genuine attractiveness.

Our hands, neck, and décolletage need care and protection like our face. The same environmental stressors our faces are frequently exposed to, such as UV radiation, pollution, and severe weather, also affect these delicate areas. Additionally, they are more likely to get age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and an uneven tone. So let’s learn the benefits of expanding our skincare routine past the face and unlock the fresh self-assurance in our hands, neck, and décolletage.

1.CLEANING GENTLY

Start by massaging your hands, neck, and décolletage with the facial cleanser. Similar to your face, these places develop a buildup of grime, toxins, and sweat. To encourage circulation and avoid sagging, gently rub the cleanser upward.

2. UNIVERSAL EXFOLIATION

The removal of dead skin cells and stimulation of cell turnover is accomplished through exfoliation. Extend this process to your hands, neck, and décolletage using a light scrub or chemical exfoliator. Regular exfoliation can make these regions smoother and more youthful-looking by improving the texture and tone of these areas.

4.SPF PROTECTION

It comes naturally to protect your face from the sun’s harmful rays, but we frequently overlook the neck, décolletage, and hands. Protect yourself against photoaging, sunspots, and early wrinkles by using broad-spectrum sunscreen in these areas. Always remember to reapply, especially if you spend time outside.

6.NECK YOGA

Our neck muscles benefit from specific exercises like the rest of our body do when we work out. Simple neck stretches, and exercises can help you maintain a lifted appearance by increasing blood flow, improving muscular tone, and improving your everyday routine.

7.PAMPER WITH MASKS

Treat your hands, neck, and décolletage to some pampering using masks. Deep hydration, firmness, and brightness benefits can be achieved using sheet masks or masks made specifically for these purposes. After applying the mask to these locations, sit back and allow the active ingredients to do their job.

5.SERUM LOVE

Keep your hands, neck, and décolletage from becoming dehydrated. Daily moisturising of these regions keeps them supple and avoids dryness and flakiness. For extreme hydration, use a rich cream or lotion with hyaluronic acid and shea butter as key ingredients.

Antioxidant-rich and anti-ageing serums can do wonders for the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. Look for serums with retinol, vitamin C, or peptides to enhance skin texture, lessen hyperpigmentation, and boost collagen formation in these frequently ignored regions.

3, HYDRATION IS IMPORTANT

808s & Heartbreak

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Popular British boxer, Ryan Taylor, sparked speculations of a possible break-up as he unfollowed his fiancée, DJ Cuppy, on Instagram. The development generated heat online after Cuppy wasn’t reportedly spotted with her ring and stopped flaunting Taylor on her Instagram page.

According to reports, DJ Cuppy and Taylor had initially unfollowed each other, but she had refollowed him. However, Taylor did not reciprocate the gesture.

Recall that Taylor dropped a quote some days ago about letting go of anything that impedes one’s spiritual growth, which added fuel to the rumours. He stated, “If it’s blocking your spiritual growth, let it go.” Leading to speculations that all may not be well between the love birds. At the last check, his

Instagram page has shown that he no longer follows DJ Cuppy on Instagram.

Amidst the thoughts of being heartbroken, DJ Cuppy took to the microblogging platform Twitter, to share a stunning photo of herself glowing with a bright smile. Sharing the picture, she added an emoji of a waving hand and a ribbon, indirectly confirming the dissolution of her relationship with Ryan Taylor.

The photo, however, sparked another wave of reactions from netizens who slapped the phrase, ‘I told you so’ as many seemed to have anticipated the separation.

Here are some of the reactions on social media.

Expanding Pleasure With Oral And Manual Stimulation Intimacy Beyond Penetration

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Inthe context of sexual intimacy, pleasure extends far beyond conventional penetration. A world of enhanced sensations, deeper relationships, and greater pleasure can be unlocked for couples by engaging in oral and manual stimulation. Couples can deepen their intimacy and explore new facets of sex by experimenting with these unconventional approaches. We examine six creative ways to increase pleasure via oral and manual stimulation.

5.EXPLORATION OF NEW EROGENOUS

Going beyond the apparent erogenous zones, expanding pleasure entails learning about and exploring new erogenous zones. Try soft kisses, bites, or touches on the neck, ears, inner thighs, or wrists. Every erogenous zone on the human body has the potential to bring about great pleasure, and they are all just waiting to be discovered.

1.THE ART OF SEDUCTIVE TOUCH

Manual stimulation combined with the mastery of seductive touch can produce an exhilarating encounter. Start by delicately stroking your fingertips along your partner’s erogenous regions while you tease and tempt their skin. Try with different pressures, speeds, and patterns while letting your partner direct you toward their preferred sensations. A deeper connection can be cultivated through the power of touch, which can heighten desire and spark anticipation.

3.THE ART OF TEASING

In sexual play, teasing may be a very exciting component. Alternate between oral and manual stimulation to arouse your partner’s desire while avoiding direct attention to their most delicate places. You can build up explosive amounts of want and pleasure by teasing and delaying fulfilment, leading to a dramatic climax when it finally arrives.

2.MIND-BLOWING ORAL TECHNIQUES

Oral stimulation is a potent instrument for producing tremendous pleasure. Use various methods to arouse your partner’s most delicate spots, including gentle licking, sucking, and swirling tongue movements. To improve the experience, experiment with different rhythms, pressures, and the incorporation of additional erogenous zones. You can lead your partner to their greatest enjoyment by effectively communicating and paying attention to their reactions.

4. THE POWER OF BREATHING

Breathing exercises have been shown to increase the pleasure derived from oral and manual stimulation considerably. Encourage your spouse to inhale slowly and deeply while feeling your touch. This focused method increases sensitivity and amplifies pleasure, resulting in a more personal and meaningful encounter.

6. THE POWER OF COMMUNICATION

Exploring pleasure beyond penetration requires effective communication. Discussions regarding preferences, boundaries, and desires should be open and honest. Allowing each partner to freely express their needs and desires, discuss fantasies, and try out various ways. You can begin a journey of shared pleasure and increased closeness by maintaining a secure and judgment-free environment.

CONCLUSION

Couples can access new levels of pleasure and connection by embracing oral and manual stimulation. Intimacy goes far beyond penetration. Exploring new erogenous zones, teasing, breathing exercises, sensual touch, mind-blowing oral methods, and open conversation can allow lovers to experience greater pleasure and intimacy. It’s important to communicate, research, and modify these tactics to meet your partner’s preferences because each person is unique. Take on the challenge, and allow the exploration of pleasure beyond penetration to strengthen your relationship and produce remarkable memories.

JOSEPH BENJAMIN

The Comeback

Whatdoes an inspiring comeback story entail? For starters, you have to have been at the top of your game at some point. Keeping the spotlight for generations is an elephant task, especially in a fast-paced industry such as the Nigerian entertainment scene, where creatives trade their talents and hard work for a seat at the table. This, in turn, motivates said creatives to make timeless work that not only stands the test of time but also serves as a blueprint for the next generation of creatives. The blueprint that has today firmly placed Nigeria on the map as Africa’s arts and entertainment headquarters. One of the creatives that was responsible for that blueprint is legendary Nollywood actor and TV presenter, Joseph Benjamin.

Having embarked on the journey over three decades ago, starring in Nigeria’s most popular TV series at the time, Tales by Moonlight, and eventually making his film debut in 1995, Joseph’s career has since been nothing short of legendary status. His foray into the TV scene provided him with a monumental boost as he hosted one of Africa’s most-watched TV shows of the early 2010s, the MTN Project Fame At the same time, he starred in some of the biggest titles in the country, paying his dues as the industry’s poster boy through a whole generation. Right in the middle of that era, however, he decided to take a break from the spotlight, relocating to the United States of America to chase a whole different dream. A couple of years later, he made his Hollywood TV debut, starring in the critically acclaimed drama series, Greenleaf

In his return back to Nollywood, Joseph had an insightful, nostalgic conversation with DOWNTOWN’s Kehindé Fagbule to discuss a very memorable past, his first and long love in music, the hiatus and the reason for it, and a glowy future as he aims to climb back up to the top of the food chain.

You started acting in the 90s. Not a lot of people can say that. How did you get into acting?

The funny thing is I was just having this conversation with egbon (older names) in the industry, like Akin Lewis and the likes, and we were talking about how it all started because I’ve known them for a very long time. Talking about my experience as an actor back in the day on Tales by Moonlight, which was where I got my first acting gig (as a 12-year-old). It was great. It was a learning curve. I didn’t get paid for most of my gigs back then. It wasn’t like there weren’t paid gigs because there were; however, some people took advantage of my naivety and inexperience. Those are part of my experiences going through that phase as a child actor. But it helped me evolve, so it was a mutual experience because that made me what I am today.

How did you make the leap from Tales by Moonlight to the late 90s when you had your movie debut on Crossroads?

It was during that same period when I had exposure on Tales by Moonlight I was privileged to work with a veteran in the industry at the time who owned an advertising production studio back in the day. The studio was in Ikeja, and I used to be a regular there, so I would know about any auditions happening and get inside them. I got notified of auditions for Crossroads, and that’s how I auditioned for it and got the role, which was my first movie role. That was how the transition came. So it was just a question of constantly being in the right environment; that’s how I got exposed to it and got the role.

You enjoyed a brilliant spell in the 2010s featuring in some of the biggest Nollywood titles at a time before streaming and before Nollywood went mainstream on the big screens. At the time, you were being typecast…

To play the lover boy, loving husband, it was typical. When you get into that particular space, it’s dangerous because you can get stuck.

You are stuck because you’re not going to get roles other than that. I struggled to get out of that because, at the end of the day, it doesn’t allow you to express your fluidity as a professional.

On the flip side, it boosted your reputation within the space and even allowed you to branch out to TV presentations. You hosted the biggest TV show in Africa at the time for years. What was that experience like?

Project Fame is a game changer because prior to it, we didn’t have a show that had the same kind of leverage or clout that Project Fame had. It was a humble experience, and it was great for my career. It gave me that inkling that every creative looks for.

That’s one of the different art forms you’ve been known to embody in the Nigerian creative space. You sing as well. You stated that you consider yourself a musician first and foremost…

I said that because I know the entire journey was embedded in the sense that I started singing in the church choir, even before the creative me took off. Singing in the church choir as a child was like a buffer for me to get into the creative space as it were because when you’re singing in church, you’re not singing to yourself, you’re singing in front of a congregation, and at that time, it was building me. People who knew me from back in the day and how I started knew that I started with music. Many people who would see me over

the years who knew me back in the day would always make one reference; “you’re a singer; what’s going on with your music?” I don’t allow part of me to be lost, and I did everything to a good point. They are all one and the same together. That’s why I made that reference that I was a singer before anything else because I started as a singer before I evolved into all of these other aspects of my creative talent.

You released a couple of singles last year, teasing an EP. When are you getting around that release? Hopefully, soon, it’s still in the works, but I try not to put myself in a box where you are put under certain pressure and expectation; so you have to own your space and what it is you’re trying to do. And it’s allowed to determine or decide the pace at which you should go because, at the end of the day, you’re not trying to prove a point to anybody. For a creative, we have the beauty and talent to create on impulse. When you have to be creative genuinely, you have to create time and space to allow your creativity to blossom. That’s why they say, “obe to dun, owo lo pa.” (a tasty soup requires a hefty budget).

Another big leap you made was in 2019 when you went to Hollywood, starring in the American soap opera, Green Leaf. That was after your relocation to the States in 2016. Why did you leave the industry behind in the first place? Ebuka asked me this question the last time I was in Nigeria, ‘what informed that decision to relocate?’ It was born out of a need for personal growth. I had been yearning for more from where I stood. I needed more, and I felt like I had to break out. Mentally I needed a reset and career-wise, I wanted more. I remember at the time when I was done here; our content had not started enjoying the luxury of streaming that they enjoy today.

The most we had then was Iroko and YouTube.

Before then, it was DVDs, and then we eventually evolved to cinemas. I wanted more.

There was a nudge in my heart to go out, explore, and get more.

All of these were by design because God orchestrated them. Not just I was pursuing growth in my career, wanting more and getting out of my comfort zone as it were, He was orchestrating everything. It was more of a spiritual and psychological journey for me, so I had to go through an evolution where I had to reinvent myself. It was all by design; God had to keep me through the process of evolving and renewing me. And that’s why getting to that point and being there took a process of dying to everything that I was, letting go of all that I ever knew to be a thing. I had to let go of any form of entitlement that I had in my mind in order for me to evolve and get to where I needed to get to. That break for me was more like a pointer to show that there’s more to what you can become, but you, first of all, have to let go of what you were so that you can evolve to get into the space where you can be effective to become all that you want to become. And that is what I had to go through. So it took a breakthrough away from me leaving here for the past six years, and going through the process of evolution was hard. It was hard to let go of everything so that I could become because letting go is the hardest thing that you can ever do. But guess what? You cannot become if you don’t let go. And I had to learn all of that. I had to understand that, learn that, and it has given me an entirely whole new perspective on life, my career, and all that concerns me. I’m a different person mentally. Every other person’s story is different because I

remember I had this entitlement mentality when I first got there. I felt like I was the coolest person to come from Nigeria and all of that stuff. But I had to understand how the system there works. It does not care who you are.

Let’s talk about the culture shock after leaving the scene as an accomplished Nollywood actor to making your Hollywood debut. Obviously, there are key differences that set both industries apart. What were some of the biggest culture shocks you learned?

Work ethic is the major difference between us and them. As per culture shock, not essentially because the industry is similar, and then we have the talent as well, all of that is similar. However, the work ethic was a game changer for me seeing things from the way it’s supposed to be as opposed to what is attainable at the moment. But are we willing to go through that process? As an industry, are we willing to understand that if we want to evolve and get to the next level where we are supposed to be, a lot has to be done? So for me, culture shock is more prevalent in day-to-day life than it is in the creative space.

At the time, there was no streaming, so some of our titles didn’t have enough global appeal to make it across borders. But now it’s different; we are making movies that are accessible all over the world, so it’s a different ballgame entirely. What do you think our industry should be leveraging right now?

We should be looking to sell more of our culture because there’s no better time to have our voices heard as a people than now. We have been given the platform to showcase who we are to the world. So I think that we should leverage that and start telling our own stories the way they should be told because no one can tell your story better than you; they can only try. But you’ll tell your story from a place of experience. We should be more intentional about inculcating our culture into our film, fashion, and arts, through our languages, especially for titles that have elaborate budgets. At the end of the day, your culture is who you are, and people will not know what your culture is if you do not show them. You should be proud and bold to showcase that to anyone. That is one thing that will attract them to want to move to you. I remember someone advised me when I first relocated. He said, ‘Joseph, be intentional about your Africanness over there. Do not try to be the next African-American.’ I’m not saying you should limit yourself, but do not tamper with who you are because that sets you apart. The moment you open your mouth and do not speak with an American accent, it sets you apart; you are different. We should be invested in selling stories that are invincible, genuine and original to who we are. Yes, of course, we can adapt to making films for a wider and global audience but also understand that your stories are relatable to your audience here and showcase who you are to the broader audience.

Welcome back. You’re back on set again. What differences between the 2010s and now indicate how far you’ve come? There’s more attention to detail, and our approach is more professional. First of all, we know that the audience has evolved, and we now have a generation of people who are very exposed, so you have to be intentional about what you are making. That means you’re paying attention to detail because if you’re not, they will help you pay attention to it when your film is out. They will highlight it and tell you where you dropped the ball. You either go hard or go home; the stakes are really high at this point, so I’m really impressed at how the system has evolved.

Let’s talk about projects so far. You have all hands on deck, busy trying to put things together. Could you share with us?

I am currently on one right now. It highlights the patterns of the church and the struggle between standing to the preaching of the gospel. The point of view of the old-time religion to some revelation of the prevalent strategies in the church today, dynamics and all of that. There’s this struggle regarding how we preach the gospel and the new

“We should be looking to sell more of our culture because there’s no better time to have our voices heard as a people than now.”

“I had to let go of any form of entitlement that I had in my mind in order for me to evolve and get to where I needed to get to”

dynamics and strategies used to get to today’s congregation. So that’s what I’ve been working on here in Edo State, on set with Akin Lewis, William Benson, Yemisi Kola, and so on. It’s been a great experience, and there’s been all hands on deck to make sure it’s a complete success. There are a couple of other things in the work. My management has also been working hard to ensure I get back into the space more actively. That’s the whole plan. We’re making sure that I get back into the system, and I’m happy. I have missed it.

We’ve missed you as well. With TV presenting, do you think we’ll see you in that space again?

Hopefully. We are working on a few things. I am working on some other things on my own end, so you will definitely be seeing me on-screen presenting soon. I feel so humble when I hear many people tell me how much my craft as a TV presenter inspired their journey to where they are today. So, so humble. So definitely, I look forward to getting back into that space as well. You never know.

For your fans who haven’t heard from you in a minute and had no idea what was happening behind the scenes, what message would you like to leave them with?

I’ve missed you guys. I’m back now, hoping to return to that space where I entertain and inspire you with my life and work. I look forward to getting back with you guys. Thank you for being the best part of my life; your love and encouragement keep me going. It’s great to see that I am loved and have been missed too.

Steps to a Secure Future The Path to Financial Freedom

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

In a world where financial stability is highly sought after, achieving true financial freedom remains a significant goal for many individuals. However, the path to financial freedom is not an overnight journey but rather a series of deliberate steps and smart choices. You can pave your way towards a secure and prosperous future by implementing sound financial strategies and adopting a disciplined approach. We explore the key steps to achieving financial freedom.

Step 1: Define Your Financial Goals

The first and foremost step towards financial freedom is to establish clear goals. Take the time to identify what financial freedom means to you. Whether it’s retiring early, starting your own business, or being debt-free, defining your goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the journey.

Step 2: Create a Budget And Stick to it

Developing a budget is crucial in managing your finances effectively. Track your income and expenses meticulously, and allocate your resources wisely. Identify areas where you can cut back on unnecessary spending and redirect those funds towards savings or investments. Remember, every dollar saved today is a naira that can work for you in the future.

Step 3: Build an Emergency Fund

Life is unpredictable, and unexpected expenses can wreak havoc on your financial stability. To guard against such situations, establish an emergency fund. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This safety net will provide you with peace of mind and protect you from resorting to debt when faced with unforeseen circumstances.

Step 4: Manage And Reduce Debt

High-interest debt can be a major roadblock on the path to financial freedom. Make it a priority to pay off your debts systematically. Start with high-interest debts first while making minimum payments on others. Consider strategies like the debt snowball or debt avalanche method to accelerate your progress. As you reduce your debt burden, you’ll free up more funds to invest and grow your wealth.

Step 5: Invest Wisely

Investing is a crucial step towards building long-term wealth. Educate yourself about various investment options such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate. Diversify your portfolio to mitigate risks and take advantage of compounding returns. If you’re new to investing, seek guidance from a financial advisor to help you make informed decisions aligned with your goals.

Step 6: Plan For Retirement

Saving for retirement is an essential aspect of achieving financial freedom. Take advantage of retirement accounts that offer tax advantages and potential employer matches. Contribute consistently and increase your contributions whenever possible. Starting early and allowing your investments to grow over time can make a significant difference in your retirement nest egg.

Step 7: Continuously Educate Yourself

Financial knowledge is power. Stay informed about personal finance concepts, investment strategies, and market trends. Read books, attend seminars, and follow reputable financial experts to enhance your understanding. The more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to make sound financial decisions that align with your goals.

Step 8: Seek Professional Advice

When in doubt or facing complex financial situations, seek guidance from professionals such as financial advisors, tax consultants, or estate planners. These experts can provide personalised advice tailored to your circumstances, helping you make the most of your financial resources.

Conclusion: Achieving financial freedom requires discipline, perseverance, and a well-executed plan. By following these steps—defining your goals, creating a budget, building an emergency fund, managing debt, investing wisely, planning for retirement, continuously educating yourself, and seeking professional advice—you can pave the way to a secure financial future. Remember, financial freedom is within your reach, and every step you take today brings you closer to your dreams of a prosperous and worry-free life.

Folorunso Alakija

FASHION AND SUSTAINABILITY

How to Build an Eco-Friendly Closet

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

It’s time to step into a world where fashion meets a greener conscience, where style and sustainability unite to create an eco-friendly closet that speaks volumes. Creating an ecofriendly closet is a captivating journey of conscious choices. It’s all about embracing quality over quantity, opting for timeless pieces that defy fleeting trends, and seeking brands that champion ethical practices; the list goes on and on. In this article, we will explore ways to create a wardrobe that turns heads and treads lightly on our planet. So, let’s dive in and journey toward a more sustainable and stylish future.

(1) EMBRACING TIMELESS PIECES

In building an eco-friendly closet, you need to start by embracing timeless pieces that transcend fleeting trends. Go for garments made with durable materials and classic designs that can last very long. Opt for versatile items that can be mixed and matched to create several outfits. Those items will also help in reducing the need for excessive consumption.

(2) CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE FABRICS

Prioritise garments made from sustainable fabrics when selecting new additions to your wardrobes. Opt for organic cotton, hemp, linen, and other materials that are produced using fewer chemicals and have a lower environmental impact. Apart from the fact these fabrics feel great against your skin, they also reduce the ecological footprint of your clothing.

(3) EXPLORE SECONDHAND AND THRIFT SHOPPING

Embrace the joy of secondhand and thrift shopping by unleashing your inner treasure hunter. Visit vintage stores, consignment shops, and online platforms dedicated to pre-loved fashion. Doing that will enable you to discover unique pieces with stories to tell while reducing textile waste and supporting a circular fashion economy.

(4) PRACTICE RECYCLING AND UPCYCLING

You can give your cloth a second chance at life through recycling and upcycling. Explore creative ways to repurpose your old or damaged clothes instead of discarding them. You can transform a worn-out shirt into a trends tote bag or, better still, breathe new life into jeans by adding unique patches. Turn fashion waste into stylish statements and unleash your creativity.

(5) INVEST IN QUALITY

In a world of fast fashion, investing in high-quality garments is a revolutionary act. Go for fabrics designed to last long, even if they come with a higher price tag. Apart from the fact that quality clothing withstands the test of time, they also help reduce the need for frequent replacements, minimizing the overall environmental impact.

You can transform your wardrobe into a beacon of eco-consciousness by embracing timeless pieces, choosing sustainable fabrics, exploring secondhand options, practising recycling and upcycling, and investing in quality. In a world where fashion and sustainability harmoniously coexist, every garment holds the power to shape a brighter future. So, step into your stylish and sustainable journey and work towards letting your wardrobe become a testament to your love for your fashion and the planet.

What Your Favourite

Ice Cream Flavours Say About You

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Ice cream, a universally cherished dessert, entices taste buds with its wide array of delectable flavours. From classic vanilla’s timeless allure to chocolate’s rich indulgence, each person holds their unique preference. While some individuals equally delight in the spectrum of ice cream varieties, most have a personal favourite. Have you ever pondered the reasons behind your particular ice cream inclinations? The answer lies within your personality. Explore how your distinct traits shape your ice cream preferences and discover what your favourite flavour reveals about you.

•Vanilla

Vanilla stands as the reigning champion among ice cream flavours across the globe. Its timeless taste can be savoured on its own or combined with delectable companions such as waffles and doughnuts. If you find yourself captivated by the allure of vanilla, you embody the spirit of a free-spirited bird. You possess a spontaneous nature, unafraid of taking risks and embracing thrilling adventures. Independence is a treasured value to you, as you cherish your freedom above all else. You resist any form of confinement in both your professional endeavours and personal relationships. Your decisions are often guided by emotions rather than strict logic, yet your wellspring of creativity is abundant.

•Chocolate

Following vanilla, chocolate claims its well-deserved position as the secondmost favoured ice cream flavour. This fact may seem astonishing, given that chocolate itself is an irresistible treat, renowned for its presence in coffees, candies, and other desserts. Devotees of chocolate often exude charm and allure.

If chocolate is your preferred ice cream flavour, it suggests that you possess an exceptional talent for entering into relationships, yet maintaining them may prove to be more challenging. You emanate flirtatiousness, vitality, and a captivating aura. You carry a hint of naivety and an animated spirit alongside these traits.

• Strawberry

Strawberry stands as a timeless ice cream flavour, beloved by many. Interestingly, it is often the preferred choice among introverts. A study revealed that those who have an affinity for strawberry ice cream tend to exhibit traits of tolerance, devotion, and reserve. If you frequently find yourself instinctively gravitating towards strawberries, it suggests an introverted nature within you. However, you also possess a remarkable sense of logic and thoughtfulness. While your shy and quiet demeanour may initially give others pause, once you establish comfort with people, you become an absolute delight to be around.

•Mint Chocolate Chip

Mint Chocolate Chip is another common variety of chocolate ice cream that combines crunchy chocolate chips with cool and flavorful mint. Mint chocolate chip lovers are full of ambition and confidence. You are the type of person who never shies away from a fight and may even go looking for one. You are argumentative and difficult to please. You have high standards and also like to criticise what you deem subpar. You like to plan ahead and tend to stay ready for all possible outcomes, so nothing surprises you. Even though you are stubborn and like to get your way, you are also loyal and reliable.

•Coffee

Coffee, one of the world’s most beloved beverages, also finds its place as a favoured ice cream flavour. Indulging in the pleasures of coffee, whether in liquid form or frozen, brings pure delight. If coffee ice cream holds the title of your favourite, it signifies that you embrace the present moment and radiate a cheerful personality. Your characteristics align with those of chocolate enthusiasts but with a touch of tradition. You may sometimes find yourself overcommitting and subsequently abandoning tasks before their completion. Responsibility may elude you, and you often exhibit an attitude of having nothing to lose. With your vibrant persona, boredom creeps in easily, necessitating constant stimulation.

•Pistachio

While not the most renowned, pistachio ice cream unquestionably ranks among the most delectable frozen treats available. Admirers of pistachio ice cream showcase a fascinating blend of introverted and extroverted qualities. If pistachio is your preferred ice cream flavour, you exude abundant creativity and sophistication. Embracing your unconventional nature, you derive a sense of pride from it. Your idea of fun may veer towards the eccentric, and you appreciate maintaining a sense of organisation. At times, you can display a degree of rigidity, yet your rational mindset enables you to consider others’ perspectives readily.

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning (Part One)

The Mission: Impossible franchise has been the most consistently excellent action film franchise in Hollywood over the last 25+ years. Forget about the MCU or  DCEU, with their tonal inconsistencies and varying quality between films, where you can get a dreary Ant-Man film and an electric entry like Guardians 3 within mere months of each other. Forget even the James Bond or John Wick movies, Mission: Impossible is as close to an assured great time at the movies as you can get. The latest entry in the franchise continues a streak of hits for star-director pairing of Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie. Tense, timely and flecked with the perfect mix of humour and pain, Dead Reckoning Part One manages to tell a complete story while also making sure we know that the mission is not yet accomplished.

For the last 27 years, Tom Cruise, now 61 years old (!!!) has spent the vast majority of his time running, dangling and jumping for our viewing pleasure (and I’m sure to satisfy his adrenaline addiction). He has been the face and brains of the franchise from its inception and continues to perform edgeof-your-seat stunts. He has climbed the Burj Khalifa, freedived for 8 minutes underwater and done everything possible to put on the most exhilarating show for us, and I, for one, am very thankful. Trying to one-up its predecessor (Mission: Impossible Fallout), a nearly flawless film in Mission: Impossible Fallout is a tall order that I don’t think this film fully achieves, but it’s a thrilling attempt nonetheless.

Directed by Cruise’s new favourite director Christopher McQuarrie (Top Gun Maverick, Mission:Impossible Rogue Nation and Fallout), Dead Reckoning follows Ethan Hunt and his crew as they try to avert a new, different kind of existential threat: Artificial Intelligence. The team chases and is being chased all over the globe as they try to keep the advanced technology from falling into the wrong hands. With a plot synopsis that would’ve sounded too far-fetched to believe even 15 years ago, the film seems almost prescient in its prediction that the next frontier for conquest isn’t on the battlefield but in the control of truth. Being able to determine what is moral and amoral, Cruise’s Ethan Hunt posits is too much power for one entity to wield.

One thing I’ve loved about the Mission: Impossible movies is the “lived-in” nature of the world in the films. The tropes never seem

to get old. There’s a checklist each film hits without fail (“your mission, should you choose to accept it”, masks, Cruise running, car chase, huge final stunt), but each film finds a way to put a new spin on said tropes. Dead Reckoning is no different. The film jaunts around the globe, from scenic Italy, to arid Abu Dhabi, the UK and many more, with our heroes chasing after a key that controls something called the Entity. Along for the ride with Cruise are series regulars Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg and Rebecca Ferguson. Vanessa Kirby also reprises her role from Fallout as the vivacious White Widow. As for newcomers, there is none more interesting than Hayley Atwell, who plays Grace, a thief who strikes up an almost instant bond with Ethan Hunt. Sparks fly on screen whenever Cruise and Atwell interact; so good is their chemistry together. Very much looking forward to part two for more of the same. The soundtrack by returning composer Lorne Balfe is excellent again, with a great interpolation of the iconic theme worked into a lot of the film.

As great as this film is, the runtime is a problem for me. The 2hr 43 min runtime is breezily paced up until the middle of the 2nd hour of the film. I found myself checking my phone a bit during that period, but I very quickly dropped it again when the final action sequence began. Probably one of the most exciting sequences in the history of the franchise; all I’ll say is, it involves Tom Cruise skydiving onto a train. Similar to Fallout, the sequence keeps ratcheting up the action, and when you think the stakes can’t get any higher, the film ratchets it up another level. The influences from games like Uncharted

2 and Metal Gear solid are the sorts of easter eggs I love pulling out from films like this, and it all comes together to make a whole that, while not quite as cohesive as Fallout (not a bad thing, Fallout is definitely a top 5 action film of the decade so far), is a very tight story nonetheless.

Despite its longueurs and shortcomings, this movie is still a bag of extravagant treats. A submarine attacked by an invisible foe beneath the Arctic ice. A grand piano suspended directly over Ethan and Grace and prevented from dropping only by a slowly weakening clamp. Rebecca Ferguson wearing a sniper’s eye patch (Metal Gear!). A nuclear bomb that asks the person trying to defuse it whether he is afraid of death. And, best of all, in Rome, a yellow Fiat 500 rocking and rolling down the Spanish Steps—which, as we are charmingly assured in the closing credits, were not harmed in the making of the film. Thank God. Or thank Tom Cruise. The choice is yours.

WATCH OF THE WEEK

THEY CLONED TYRONE

Screenwriter Juel Taylor makes his feature directing debut with his own co-written script; it’s an odd, slightly baffling, but likeable piece of work. It’s a conspiracy mysterycomedy that starts out as a neo-blaxploitation romp or super smart satire on race and white privilege that you might compare with Get Out or Sorry to Bother You. But then it broadens into something sillier and goofier, almost a kids’ movie. I can imagine it building a cult fanbase by being shown every Christmas Eve on TV, and it’s certainly got three powerhouse performances from Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx and John Boyega.

The scene is a deprived African American neighbourhood where people listlessly drink certain branded types of what appear to be alcoholic soda, munch down fried chicken and use chemicals on their hair. Tyrone (Boyega) is a drug dealer who is discontented at a rival player moving in on his turf and also annoyed at money owed to him by notorious pompadoured pimp Slick Charles. Slick is played by Foxx, and is always complaining about the ungrateful, unreliable women he’s exploiting. His main earner is the wisecracking Yo-Yo, played with whipsmart presence by Parris.

After Tyrone is fatally gunned down outside the motel that Charles habitually uses as his HQ, he is astonished to

Rating: 8.8/10

Until the discovery, the movie is tough and intimidatingly violent and callous in its realism. Then it becomes a wacky adventure. Yo-Yo turns out to be a huge fan of Nancy Drew mysteries and gleefully gets involved in the detective work because that’s what her heroine Nancy would have wanted. She even manages to open the back door of a van, just as Nancy would do it. I’m unsure if Juel intended to make Yo-Yo a Nancy Drew fan or that he simply realised at some rewrite stage that the trio’s adventures looked like Nancy Drew, and he needed to pre-empt that. But it’s amusing just the same.

see Tyrone alive and well the next day, apparently unaware of the shooting incident. Charles, Yo-Yo and this new Tyrone team up to solve the mystery and discover the existence of something very strange underground, which has something to do with Tyrone being cloned.

As for the high concept, it is very weird: especially as it is, frankly, not very obvious why the evil controllers particularly need to clone anyone, as this clone-replacement leads so easily to the denouement. But it all bounces along amiably enough due to the high-octane work of Boyega, Foxx and Parris. Perhaps they deserve to be in a more serious film or in a comedy that was skewed more toward grownups. Well, it’s a film with its own peculiarly unexpected innocence and charm. They cloned Tyrone is now on Netflix.

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