FANIRAN TAYO
U n f i l t e r e d
EDITOR’S NOTE
WPhoto: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
hen Tayo Faniran began his acting career after participating in Big Brother Africa Season 9, he knew at the time that he would only be acting temporarily. What lay ahead of him was a life as a model in South Africa. But fate had a different tale for him. After an experience in South Africa, he decided to return home to Nigeria and pursue a career in acting. Before he left for South Africa, he had been cast in Tinsel, but it was a temporary role. Upon his return to Nigeria, he began seeking more permanent roles. Faniran has honed his acting skills to the point where he secured roles in major productions, such as Gangs of Lagos and Labake Olododo, but he wasn’t always comfortable in front of the camera. It took a director from his early days, having a conversation with him about his being camera-shy, to bring out the actor we all now know.
Read Tayo Faniran’s story on pages 8 to 10 of this issue.
Pearls have always been an elegant and timeless piece of accessory. Whether you’re dressing up for a special event or you want to add a touch of class to your everyday look, pearls are the perfect accessory to go with. We showcase various ways to incorporate pearls into your ensemble for a fashion-forward look on pages 4 and 5.
Our movie of choice this week is Smurfs. Our reviewer reviews the live-action adaptation, and he wasn’t very impressed, but don’t let that stop you from seeing it; he’s just not a fan of making cartoons into live-action films. Let us know what you think when you see it.
Until next week, enjoy your read.
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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.
AUSTYN OGANNAH PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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Dorcas Akintoye @mila_dfa_ - Contributing Writer
Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.
Sally Chiwuzie @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind - Contributing Writer
Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.
6 WAYS TO WEAR PEARLS FASHION
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Pearls are timeless, elegant, and versatile. They are no longer just your grandma’s jewellery; today’s fashionistas are finding creative ways to wear pearls that feel modern, stylish, and fresh. Whether you’re dressing up for a special event or just want to add a touch of class to your everyday look, pearls can help you achieve that effortlessly. In this article, we’ll explore six easy and stylish ways to wear pearls.
LAYERED PEARL NECKLACES
Instead of wearing just one pearl necklace, consider wearing several different ones at the same time to achieve a more modern and stylish look. You can mix short necklaces with long ones, or wear thin pearl necklaces with thick ones. Layered pearls look good with shirts that show your neck, blouses, or even regular T-shirts. This style makes your outfit more interesting while still maintaining a classy look. You don’t have to use only white pearls; you can mix different coloured pearls or wear them with gold or silver necklaces.
PEARL HAIR ACCESSORIES
From pearl-studded hair clips and barrettes to headbands and pins, pearl hair accessories are a trendy way to wear pearls without going over the top. They add a soft, romantic touch to your hairstyle and can be worn on both casual and formal occasions. Whether you’re rocking a ponytail, a sleek bun, or loose waves, adding pearls to your hair instantly gives you a chic upgrade.
PEARL EARRINGS WITH A TWIST
Pearl earrings aren’t just small, round studs anymore. Now you can find fun designs, such as hoops with hanging pearls, mismatched earrings, or shapes combined with pearls. These new styles make you look stylish while still keeping that nice pearl look. You can wear them with fancy dresses or just a shirt and jeans. They’re perfect for adding a little extra charm without appearing too forced.
PEARL BRACELETS AND RINGS
Pearls look beautiful on bracelets and rings, too. A single pearl on a thin gold ring or a bracelet with small pearls can look elegant. You can also be bold with a thick pearl bracelet or a large ring featuring a big pearl. These pieces make your outfit look classy without being too flashy.
PEARLS ON CLOTHES
Designers are adding pearls directly onto clothes, and the results are stunning. Think jackets with pearl buttons, tops with pearl beading around the neckline, or dresses with pearl embellishments. These small details can turn a basic outfit into something eye-catching. If you don’t want to go all out, look for pieces with subtle pearl accents. It’s an easy way to wear pearls without needing any jewellery at all.
PEARLS ON BAGS AND SHOES
Pearl embellishments on bags and shoes are a fun and unexpected way to incorporate pearls into your style. A handbag with a pearl handle or shoes with pearl accents can instantly elevate your outfit. This is an excellent option if you want to keep your look simple but still make a statement. You don’t have to wear any pearl jewellery; just let your accessories do the talking.
Pearls can be worn in many fun, fresh, and fashionable ways on your neck, in your hair, on your clothes, or even on your shoes. The key is to select a style that suits your personality and complements your outfit. So, whether you want to keep it simple or go all out, there’s a pearl look for you.
SALLY CHIWUZIE
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS
WIS FOR WORTHINESS
I’ll start by saying this: it was my birthday on the 18th of July. I think I started celebrating right from the beginning of the month — if not the end of last month. And honestly? I’ve been unapologetic about it. This spin around the sun has been intense, illuminating, and at times deeply confronting. There’s a lot to reflect on, a lot to give thanks for, a lot still to dream, affirm, and manifest.
They say you are nobody until somebody loves you. I don’t know who said it, but I’ve been sitting with that phrase. Turning it over. Questioning its implications.
There’s a school of thought that says we shouldn’t need anyone’s validation. That wholeness should come from within. That we must be #Unshakable in our truth — whether the world claps for us or not. I believe in that. Deeply.
But I also believe this: There’s something profoundly human about being loved out loud. To be celebrated not for perfection, but for presence. For showing up as you are — tender, flawed, healing, real. For simply surviving. For still trying. For spinning around the sun one more time.
This birthday, I felt it. Not performatively — but in the marrow of my bones. Love poured in like a tidal wave. Messages. Prayers. Gestures. Photos. Laughter. Care. The kind of love that makes you pause mid-text and place your hand over your heart. The kind that brings tears to your eyes, not because you’re sad — but because you’re seen.
ourselves to be easier to love.
But worthiness isn’t earned. It is remembered. Reclaimed. Re-rooted. And perhaps the loudest declaration of self-worth isn’t a speech — It’s allowing yourself to be loved without resistance. That was my gift this year. Not material. Not flashy. Just presence. And proof. Proof that I am loved in abundance, not because I tick boxes, but because I show up with a heart wide open.
And maybe that’s the secret: To be loved out loud reminds us that we were never invisible to begin with. In the past, I have doubted myself. I have wondered if I was too much. Or not enough. But now, I’m learning this:
And that’s when it hit me: This is what worthiness feels like. Not perfection. Not applause. Not metrics. But love that meets you exactly where you are — and stays. Love that doesn’t ask you to shrink, prove, polish, or perform. Love that says, “You… just like this… are enough.” We spend so much of our lives trying to earn our worth. Through achievements. Beauty. Hustle. Obedience. Silence. We contort
The people who truly see you will never make you feel hard to love. And so — I made a decision. For a long time, I gave certain people grace. I told myself maybe they do love me, but… Maybe they’re just not good with words. Maybe they’re busy. Maybe they don’t know how to show it. But here’s what I know now: If you ever have to wonder whether it’s love — it’s not.
If your instinct is screaming that something is off — something is off.
If you have to shrink yourself to fit into someone else’s idea of love, it’s not love. If you’re constantly making excuses to explain away confusion, disconnection, or silence — it’s not love.
The people who love you will not make you feel unsure.
Stick with the ones who make it easy to be seen.
Stick with the ones who hold you in your fullness.
Stick with the ones who love you out loud.
And in return, I’ve made a vow: If I love you — you will know it. You will feel it. You will hear it.
Because love isn’t something I hide in corners anymore. It’s too beautiful a feeling to whisper.
So here I am, standing in my enough-ness. Not perfect. But so enough.
And because I recognise my own self-love now, I can detect the absence of love like a change in temperature —and I no longer negotiate with scarcity.
The people I choose. The spaces I stay in. The energy I exchange — all of it is filtered through one question: Does this feel like love?
And if the answer is no, I walk away. Without guilt. Without justification. Because worthiness means never begging for what should flow freely.
And as for this journey I’ve been on — this voice I’ve been growing, this brand I’ve been nurturing… it is not fuelled by algorithms or gimmicks. It’s slow. It’s steady. It’s real.
The voice of #Unshakable is rising alongside me, not in a rush, but with reverence. It’s being built not for virality, but for legacy. Not for hype, but for impact. For truth that lasts.
For strength that echoes. For a message that may live long after I’m gone. And that, too, is worthiness. To believe what you create matters. To trust that it’s enough — because you are.
So here’s to those who remind us of our worth when we forget.
Here’s to the messages, the prayers, the “you matter” moments in our lowest hours.
Here’s to the mirror moments when we whisper:
“I may not have it all figured out… but I’m still here. Still worthy. Still enough.”
Here’s to love — the kind that doesn’t just tell you that you are worthy, but helps you believe it.
‘See’ you next week.
TAYO FANIRAN UNFILTERED
Ina world where power and personal gain often silence true talent, Tayo Faniran is choosing honesty.
With no fear and no filter, he praised the pioneers of Nollywood, his peers who stayed back to build the industry, and even those behind the scenes who keep things going. But he didn’t stop there. He boldly called out the gatekeepers of Nollywood to stop making decisions based on selfish interests and friendships. “Art is spirit,” he said. “Art is God’s gift.” For Nollywood to truly grow, Faniran believes it’s time to let talent speak louder than connections and personal gain.
Faniran’s own story is the perfect example of what happens when purpose meets discipline. From being a top model to rising as the fan-favourite runner-up of Big Brother Africa Season 9, he has never stopped evolving. Instead of chasing only fame, he returned to Nigeria and built a new name for himself in Nollywood. With roles in Gangs of Lagos, Ada Omo Daddy, Labake Olododo, and more, Faniran proves that he’s not just talented, he’s intentional. A man of principle, passion, and presence, Tayo Faniran stands for something, speaks with conviction, carries himself confidently, and lives by his values.
In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Dorcas Akintoye, Tayo Faniran discusses the state of Nollywood, the need for change, his evolution as a creative, and why he believes the industry is on the verge of something bigger.
You’ve evolved so much from where the public first met you. What would you say is the most misunderstood part of your journey so far? I feel like the story has been written, and I’m just a character in it. But so far, so good. I have a clear understanding of everything I’m doing, everything I’ve done, and everything I’ve become. I am fully aware of my starting point, how I got to where I am, and how I want to get to where I’m going. So, I don’t think I have anything in my heart that I’m harbouring. People misunderstand people every day. You can say something, and other people may misconceive it. It’s just a normal human life thing. So, I don’t think I have anything personal to share in that regard in terms of maybe something that I would say that maybe people misconceive me on. I know that I’ve grown, and I know that I’m still growing. That’s what is important. So, there were things that maybe I used to do when I was younger, or that I used to, you know, I had some beliefs or some ideologies when I was younger. Now that I’m more mature, I mean that I’m older, I’m more mature with my ideologies and diplomacy. I practice more diplomacy because I’m no longer a young chap. Today, I’m, like, I have to be a responsible businessman. Yeah, it’s important how I make people comfortable. Whether people are closer to me or people are far from me, it’s important to me that people feel comfortable because when I just gotten back from South Africa, and maybe like in other world or people book me for jobs and, eventually after meeting me and getting to know me, they’ll be like, oh, you’re such a sweet person. Like, we didn’t know. So, maybe people judging by picture and all of that may have a different idea of a person. And then when they meet you, eventually they realise who you are, which is normal. So, I’m good.
You’ve starred in major films like Gangs of Lagos and Ada Omo Daddy. What was your first acting role, and how did it challenge or affirm your talent?
My first professional acting role was Tinsel. So, as a professional model in South Africa, I was always in TV commercials. But TV commercials were always like, maybe short scripts. Sometimes they don’t even have dialogues, you know. But the first professional acting gig that I got was Tinsel. And that was right after Big Brother Africa. I remember I was with Wanky. I always say this as a Yoruba man, if I tell you that there’s fire burning on the water, I will be able to show you the ashes. So it’s not like I’m just name-dropping. But I remember in her office that year, she asked me, What would you want us to do for you? And because that time, I wasn’t even thinking of relocating back to Nigeria at all. So, I just said anything that would not make me stay in Nigeria. So, my role on Tinsel, I knew it was temporary. I was on another TV show like that. I had a few things like that to do. But at that time, for me, it was more of a, let me just participate or let me just do it. I wasn’t too much into it that time. However, the reaction from the people I got was what made me realise that these people will think this is the best I can do. Like, they feel like this is all I have, you know. So, I need to now start to develop myself to prove to them that I actually have a lot more. So, that was how Tinsel has been
able to sharpen me. I would say it was my first experiment as an actor. And the response that I got, the reaction that I got at that time wasn’t really the type of standard that I would be proud of. So, at that point, I realised that people expected, more of me in whatever I do. Even if, to me, it’s not really important. But I must make sure that I give my best in whatever I do. So, since that time, I’ve always kept this at the back of my mind. And I kept on finding myself, finding my gifts, you know, my talent, because it’s always been within me. You know, today that I know acting really well, I know that, yes, I’ve actually always had it. I just didn’t know how to tap into it. But today, I give God the glory because he has helped me to hack it.
“I feel like the story has been written, and I’m just a character in it. But so far, so good. I have a clear understanding of everything I’m doing, everything I’ve done, and everything I’ve become. I am fully aware of my starting point, how I got to where I am, and how I want to get to where I’m going.”
“I realised that people expected, more of me in whatever I do. Even if, to me, it’s not really important. But I must make sure that I give my best in whatever I do. So, since that time, I’ve always kept this at the back of my mind. And I kept on finding myself, finding my gifts, you know, my talent, because it’s always been within me.”
As someone who didn’t start in theatre or film school, how did you hone your acting skills? What process or practices helped you evolve on set? How do you prepare mentally and emotionally for a character? I’m a very spiritual person. And when I’m saying this, I’m not talking about maybe religion only or whatever. I’m talking about how I feel things. I think of things that will happen before they happen. They are just different. My instinct is really sharp. I’m so spiritually aware. So, when I want something, the first thing I’ll do is to tap into it spiritually. Like, I will just start connecting to it. I’m thinking about it. I’m praying about it. I’m imagining it. I’m daydreaming about it. When I watch a film, I’m lost in the actor. As in learning what the actor is doing, how the actor is doing it. All of these things, I’ll be doing it, you know, like, you know, spiritually. I’ll put my emotions, everything into it. And then, I also, I was watching, you know, like videos, you know. But some of the videos that I also watched were things that I knew I needed to acquire as an actor. So, I’ll just search and then I’ll learn maybe from professionals who have put videos out there on like YouTube and all of that. I watch content. They will teach you. I also collected materials. And also, most importantly, I had some films that I featured in that also served as the practicals of what shaped me into who I am today. Most of them are not big films like the ones I’m doing today. But those directors, someone like Mike Ezuruonye, I will never forget the brother, you know. When I came back from South Africa, his project, I did one project with him for Rock TV. I can’t remember the title. So, he was the director. He’s the director of that film. So, that was when I just got back. He just booked me for that job. And while we were working together, he gave me a point that to today I still remember. He was like, he called me one day after I shot a few scenes. He said, Tayo, why are you always turning your back to the camera? Like when you are performing, there’s something that is just always making you to just, you will just be turning like there’s a force that’s turning you away from the camera. So, I was
like, okay, what do you think that could be? He was like, it must be that you’re just camera conscious and your mind is there. So, you are kind of like shy with your performances. So, you are hiding from the camera. So, you are to perform to the camera. That’s what makes you an actor. You know what I’m saying? And look, till today, I don’t think there’s anything that can separate the love between me and the camera. Once I’m on a set, the director will be watching me on the monitor, smiling throughout. You know what I’m saying? That’s what directors get today because of that point that he gave me. Also, working with my colleagues, you know, I’ve worked with some of my colleagues in South Africa, here in Nigeria. And I watched, you know, people think I have so much pride. You know what I’m saying? Because I know why. I’m confident. But I’m not arrogant. I’m not disrespectful. I’m the most modest person that you could ever meet. People will tell you, people who have met me or who have worked with me will testify to that. That I’m very modest, very calm, very simple on set. I’m cool with all the camera crew. You know what I’m saying? I’ll go to them. They will show me playbacks of myself. The sound guys, they will let me listen to my voice. My colleagues that I’m working with, I’m not going to say that, let me not let this person know that I don’t know this thing. I was asking questions. Some of them gave me some points that I still remember to today, you know. So, it was even until after Gangs of Lagos, that I now started going to LA for some workshops and all of that. I’m preparing to go again. There are short courses, not just workshops for some days because of time as well. Because I have projects here. So, I’m always working on myself. I spend time in front of the mirror a lot. I also play with my looks a lot. If you watch all my films now, I look different. I have different characters in all of them. And today, I even met some of my fans and they can’t recognise me. They will be talking about me, that I’m not this person. I’ll be smiling in my mind because, you know, my looks change all the time. If you see me now, I don’t look like Nino of Gangs of Lagos. What I played in Labake Olododo as Jaiyeoba doesn’t look like what I played in Anikulapo. What I played in Anikulapo looks nothing like what I played in The Fire and the Moth. I just finished a project of mine that I produced, Bodija. What I look like in there, what I sounded like, my attitude, my countenance and everything in that film also, is another thing that will shock people again because it’s a totally different person. So, I’m constantly working on myself. I’m constantly developing myself. I’m constantly finding myself because you can never know it all.
What are your thoughts on the current state of Nollywood? What excites you, and what do you think needs to change or improve?
So, the current state of Nollywood right now, I would say that, as I always say, and this is not because of public or whatever, I always show so much appreciation in my heart, from the bottom of my heart, to our predecessors, you know what I’m saying? People who have come before us, especially those who are late, who did not even stay up till now to enjoy most of the things we are enjoying now. Without them, there wouldn’t have been anything for us
today to all gather and share. I also always give a shout out to even some of my colleagues, like my peers, people who are not too old, way older than me, people who are like my age mates and all of that, who stayed back. You know what I’m saying? When people like us were not here and, you know, they were still pushing Nollywood and they pushed it to a level that it became attractive enough for people like us to say, oh, let’s go back home now for Nollywood. They’ve done amazingly well. So with everything going on in the industry, we must always still be appreciative of where we have gotten to. The journey has been so long and today we have something solid that we all look up to, right? The only thing that I would say is that I think the gatekeepers are the ones who should just be truthful to themselves, to not let power, ego, that part where they begin to put their own self-interest above the art, because they are major custodians of the art, and art is spirit. They should not disrespect art. Art is God’s gift. So, they should, for Nollywood to go to where we really want it to get to, look at what is happening at Afrobeats. Afrobeats is having the breakthrough, because if Sony Records wants to deal with, maybe, Burna Boy, they will go to Burna Boy and his team. If, maybe Empire Records or Rockafella or something maybe they want to deal with Olamide now, they will go to Olamide and his team directly. But in Nollywood, it’s not like that. When the big things come into the industry, they go to certain people, and those certain people are the people that
should please let start using their church minds more to put their selfinterest. I don’t want to say selfish, but their own interest, they should put it aside, and they should always let art prevail. E.g., let’s give things to people that really deserve those things, because we know they can actually deliver those things. Not because, oh, this person is my person, or these are the people we party together, or these are the people that we wrote together, or whatever. If we can put aside all our selfish interest and our own differences, and we all focus on the arts, we would be surprised how big Nollywood has already become. We already have everything we want. We just need to, put all these differences aside and always think about the arts. I will work perfectly well in this industry with someone that I’m not cool with, because of the projects, because I want to make sure that the project is executed. I know, yeah, we’re not friends, or I’m nobody’s enemy, I don’t hate nobody, I don’t have bitterness in my heart for anyone, but I’m just saying, even if I know that we’re not cool, but art brings us together in this industry, we are going to do that stuff. So, that is what we must always put first in any decision we make in terms of taking Nollywood forward. You see all this Netflix, Prime Video, all those things we’ve
been hearing, which we are not really sure of, but we’re just hearing things, it’s just a phase. As Nigerians, I know we always conquer. I know we always rise above challenges. I know it won’t be long before there will be bigger things, and even greater than what we’ve seen before will come now. It’s important for players to position themselves in the right places, so that when these blessings begin to come, it will fall into the right hands.
In your view, do you think Nollywood is doing enough to position African stories for the global market?
We are doing enough. Definitely, we are doing enough. I promise you. People are suffering to make films. Sometimes, there are many things that actually work against filmmaking in Nigeria, that mouths may not be able to explain, except you get into it, then you experience it by yourself. Even some content that people will see, and they’ll feel like, ah, this nonsense content. People may have broken bones and lost some blood to create that. Do you get what I’m saying? So, people are really, really trying. We just need to keep trying more. To be more original, we should stay away from making content that look alike. Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, all our cultures. Let’s say I, as a Yoruba person, now, if I speak for my language and my culture, I can tell you that our culture and language are as colourful as our masquerades. It’s too colourful, like a rainbow, different colours. That means we can tell our stories in different ways. Same genre can be interpreted or expressed in different ways. So, we should stay away from copying. Personally, when I want to play a role, everything I’m preparing for that role, I’m preparing it against the last role or the other roles I’ve played. In my mind, I’m thinking, I did this in that role, I don’t want to do it in the next role, so I won’t be tagged as the actor that is always doing this or that is always saying this. So, even me, I stay away from copying myself or repeating what I’ve done. So, people should refrain from repeating what others have done. Just come out with original stuff and add it to your own storytelling and artistic expression. But in all honesty, people are really trying. We just need to add a few touches here and there.
Read the full interview on www.thewilldowntown.com
STAYCATION CULTURE
Exotic Moroccan Hotels to Stay In
Owned by the King of Morocco himself, this palatial haven is the definition of regal. Think private riads (Moroccan-style houses), intricate tilework, and butlers who move through secret tunnels. It’s opulence wrapped in tradition. A stay here is like living in a fairy tale, with Wi-Fi.
Selman Marrakech is where equestrian elegance meets Moroccan extravagance. With Arabian thoroughbreds parading in the gardens and a spa inspired by ancient wellness rituals, this hotel is effortlessly luxurious. It’s ideal for those who want a bit of glam with their green juice.
A legend in its own right, La Mamounia embodies timeless glamour. The gardens are vast and dreamy, the rooms exude classic elegance, and their spa is a destination in its own right. It’s the kind of place where you wear a kaftan by day and dress like royalty by night.
Nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Fès, this boutique hotel offers history with a side of luxury. It combines Andalusian-Moorish architecture with fine dining and panoramic views of the medina. Great for a quiet, culturally rich escape.
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
In the era of remote work and digital burnout, the “staycation” has emerged as a luxurious rebellion against the stress of long-haul travel. But what if you could take that cosy, no-rush vibe to a new level, somewhere exotic yet effortlessly chill? Enter Morocco: a country where timeless charm meets modern comfort. From bustling souks and traditional mint tea rituals to rose-scented hammams and rooftop yoga, Morocco offers the ultimate reset for body and soul. Whether you’re flying in from Lagos or you live in Morocco, Morocco’s best hotels serve serious style, hospitality, and serenity on a platter. Here are five incredible spots to consider for your next dreamy staycation.
by Richard Branson, this mountain
is all about peace and
in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot is lush, secluded, and perfect for travellers who love nature, stargazing, and toptier pampering in equal measure.
Staycations don’t have to mean staying home in your pyjamas (although no judgment there). They can mean indulging in rich culture, warm hospitality, and total relaxation without having to cross oceans or deal with jet lag. Moroccan hotels are masters of aesthetic, serenity, and soul-soothing comfort. Whether you’re journaling on a terrace, diving into a spa session, or enjoying couscous under the stars, these destinations redefine what it means to take a break. For your next “do-notdisturb” moment, consider Morocco, because sometimes, the best escapes are just a mint tea away.
La Mamounia, Marrakech
Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux
Selman Marrakech
Royal Mansour, Marrakech
Owned
retreat
altitude. Located
Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains
GROW THICKER EYEBROWS 5 WAYS TO
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
If you’ve ever wished your eyebrows were fuller, you’re not alone. Thick, well-shaped eyebrows can frame your face and make your eyes pop. However, factors such as over-plucking, stress, or genetics can cause your brows to appear thin. The good news is that with the proper care, you can grow thicker eyebrows. In this article, we will show you five simple ways to get fuller eyebrows.
APPLY CASTOR OIL REGULARLY
Using castor oil is one of the best natural ways to grow thicker eyebrows. This oil contains nutrients that nourish your hair roots and promote stronger hair growth. Apply a small amount of castor oil to your eyebrows before bed and gently massage it in. This nourishes the hair roots and stimulates blood flow to the area. After a few weeks of doing this every night, you’ll notice your eyebrows looking fuller. Test it on your skin first to ensure you’re not
AVOID OVER-PLUCKING
If you want thicker eyebrows, you need to stop over-plucking them. When you pluck too much, you damage the hair roots and slow down growth. Sometimes this can even cause permanent thinning. Let your eyebrows grow out naturally, even if they look messy at first. This gives the hair a chance to come back stronger. Instead of plucking, use makeup to shape your brows while they grow in. You need to be patient because the hair roots need time to heal.
MASSAGE WITH COCONUT OR OLIVE OIL
Massaging your eyebrows with natural oils, such as coconut or olive oil, can also help improve growth. These oils contain vitamins such as E and K that nourish the skin and hair follicles, making the hair healthier and more resilient. A gentle massage with warm oil increases blood flow to the area, which supports hair growth. Doing this regularly, a few times a week, can strengthen your eyebrow hairs and promote thicker growth. It’s a soothing and natural way to care for your brows.
EAT FOODS THAT SUPPORT HAIR GROWTH
What you eat affects how your hair grows, including the growth of your eyebrows. Foods with protein, iron, vitamins, and biotin give your hair what it needs to grow strong and healthy. Without enough nutrients, hair growth can slow down or even stop. Try incorporating more eggs, spinach, nuts, and fish into your diet to provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs for new hair growth. You can also consider taking a biotin supplement if your diet lacks sufficient amounts of this nutrient.
USE AN EYEBROW
SERUM
For faster results, consider using an eyebrow growth serum. These serums contain ingredients like peptides that help repair damaged hair and stimulate new hair growth. Apply the serum to clean skin every day to allow it to work on your hair roots. It takes a few weeks to see results, but regular use can make your eyebrows look much thicker and healthier.
Growing thicker eyebrows takes time, but it’s not impossible. The key is to be patient and stick to your routine consistently. Whether you’re using natural oils, improving your diet, or applying serums, give your brows the love and care they need. And remember, every eyebrow has its unique shape and growth pattern.
FITNESS BURNOUT IS REAL
HOW TO RESET WITHOUT QUITTING
Switch Up Your Routine
Monotony is a motivation killer. If you’ve been doing the same HIIT circuit or running the same route daily, your body—and brain—gets bored. Try something new: dance cardio, boxing, Pilates, swimming, or even hiking. Novelty keeps things exciting and challenges your muscles in different ways.
Yes, rest is productive. A deload week means reducing intensity and volume—using lighter weights, fewer reps, and shorter sessions. It gives your body time to recover while still maintaining movement. Think of it as active recovery, not laziness. Take a Deload Week
Focus on Recovery
Burnout often stems from neglecting recovery. Stretching, foam rolling, deep tissue massages, and sleep are not luxuries—they’re essentials. Schedule them into your week just as you would schedule workouts. Bonus: it feels amazing.
Workout For Joy Not Obligation
Move in ways that feel fun. That could mean dancing in your room, taking long walks with your playlist, or joining a social sports club. Fitness doesn’t have to be a grind—it can be a source of joy, connection, and creativity.
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
When it comes to workout goals, there’s nothing like the rush of smashing a workout, logging your best run time, or hitting a new personal record at the gym. But then, one day, it just stops feeling good. Your body aches in all the wrong ways, your motivation vanishes faster than pre-gym protein bars, and suddenly, the thought of doing one more squat makes you want to ghost your entire fitness routine. Congratulations, you might be experiencing fitness burnout. Yes, it’s a thing, and it’s more common than we admit. Even fitness influencers feel it, they just don’t always post about it. Burnout happens when our bodies and minds are overworked, under-rested, or simply bored. The good news? You don’t have to quit. You just need a reset. Here’s how to keep moving without losing your love for movement.
Set New Non-Scale Goals
Chasing aesthetics can be exhausting. Instead, aim for strength, endurance, flexibility, or even consistency. Try setting a goal, such as doing 10 full push-ups, mastering a yoga pose, or exercising three times a week. It shifts your mindset from punishment to progress.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak or failing; it means your body and mind are asking for kindness. Instead of quitting altogether, permit yourself to reset. Fitness should be a lifelong journey, not a never-ending hustle. Listen to your body, mix things up, and find your way back to movement that excites you. Remember: the goal isn’t perfection, it’s sustainability. You’re not lazy for taking a break, you’re smart for choosing balance. So go ahead, skip that workout if you need to. Your future self will thank you for not giving up, but simply hitting refresh.
DOWNTOWN ZODIAC
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
When Leo season rolls in (July 22 –August 22), it brings with it drama, sunshine, and main-character energy. If you’ve ever met someone who knows how to turn a regular hangout into a fullblown spectacle, chances are they’re a Leo. Ruled by the Sun and symbolised by the lion, Leos are natural-born leaders, unapologetic showstoppers, and certified hype machines — of themselves and others (when they’re in the mood).
Whether they’re strutting into brunch like it’s a runway or holding court at a party, Leos are impossible to ignore. But beyond the theatrics lies a generous heart and a loyal spirit.
Here are three key traits that make Leos unforgettable.
Bold And Fearless
Leos don’t do “lowkey.” They were made to shine, and they know it. Confidence is in their DNA, and even when they’re unsure, they fake it till they make it — usually with great success.
Warm-hearted And Loyal
Though they crave the spotlight, Leos are fiercely protective of their loved ones. If you’re in their circle, you’ll get royal treatment (and maybe a bit of possessiveness too).
JULY 22ND – AUGUST 22ND
ELEMENT: FIRE RULING PLANET: THE SUN SYMBOL: THE LION FLOWER: SUNFLOWER, MARIGOLD BIRTHSTONES: PERIDOT, RUBY
Creative And Dramatic
From fashion to storytelling, Leos are expressive and imaginative. They’re not afraid to push boundaries or take up space — in fact, they demand it.
In a world that often values subtlety, Leos show us that it’s okay to live out loud, take up space, and celebrate yourself. They may be the zodiac’s drama kings and queens, but their energy is infectious, their loyalty unmatched, and their presence impossible to forget. So if you’ve got a Leo in your life — hold onto them. They’ll keep your world vibrant, loud, and full of love.
Austyn Ogannah, August 13th
Uti Nwachukwu August 3rd
Meagan Good, August 8th
cassy’s chronicles
AFTER HOURS
Ishould have known he’d be trouble from the first day he walked into the office.
We’d just onboarded a new batch of interns, and like every year, they all looked like babies to me, fresh-faced and eager. But Korede? He wasn’t like the others. There was something about him. His presence.
His calm confidence. The way he held eye contact, as if he wasn’t afraid to look at you and be looked at.
I was his direct supervisor. Three years older than him, not that it mattered. But in the office, that small age gap felt like a wide line I wasn’t meant to cross.
Still, he kept pushing the line.
He’d compliment my perfume. Offer to help with late tasks. Stand just a little too close when we reviewed work. I pretended not to notice until I couldn’t.
It was a Friday. The office was quiet. Most people had gone home early. I stayed behind to finish a report. Then, as usual, he popped his head into my office with that mischievous smile.
“You’re always the last to leave,” he said. “Someone has to keep this place running,” I replied, not even looking up.
He stepped in fully, shutting the door behind him. “Want some help?”
I should have said no. I really should have. But I didn’t.
He sat beside me, pretending to go over the report. I could smell his cologne, soft and warm, the kind that lingers on skin and clothes. I turned to say something about a typo, but he was already looking at me.
“I like how you smell,” he said suddenly. I blinked. “Korede...”
“I think about you,” he added, his voice lower now. “All the time.”
It felt like something in me cracked. The part of me that had been pretending I hadn’t noticed the way his shirts fit, or how his lips moved when he talked. I stared at him for a second too long, and he leaned in, slowly, giving me time to stop him.
I didn’t.
The first kiss was gentle, as if he were asking for permission. The second was hungry. I pulled him in, not caring that this was my office, not caring that he was younger, not
caring about anything else except how good it felt to have his hands on my body. I sat, breath shaky, heart racing. He followed, climbing over me, kissing down my neck, his hand sliding under my shirt like he already knew my body. I moaned softly as he found the curve of my breast. He paused. “Tell me to stop if this is too much.”
I looked up at him. “Don’t stop.”
He pulled my skirt up, fingers quick and sure. I unbuckled his belt, hands trembling slightly. When he entered me, it was sharp, intoxicating. I gasped, grabbing onto him. He moved with this rhythm that made my body forget where we were. I bit my lip to hold in the sounds. His breath was hot
against my skin, his hands gripping my thighs like he didn’t want to let go.
It was fast but intense, raw, and thrilling. A stolen moment. The kind you don’t plan, but never forget.
When it ended, we were both quiet. We sat there, breathing heavy, clothes wrinkled, the room smelling like perfume, sweat, and a secret we’d just created.
He looked up at me and said, “I’ve wanted this for so long.”
I laughed softly. “You’re too young to be saying things like that.”
“But you didn’t stop me,” he replied. I didn’t.
And maybe I wouldn’t stop him next time either.
Whatis the deal with the Smurfs? It’s hard to find anyone who is a genuine fan of the blueskinned, mushroom-dwelling cartoon creatures — they are, arguably, the worst thing to come out of Belgium since King Leopold II — yet Smurfbased films and TV shows continue, relentlessly, to be made.
Now, by unpopular demand, they’re back. Following the advice of Justin Timberlake in The Social Network and dropping the ‘The’, this is another crack at the liveaction/animated hybrid format established with 2011’s The Smurfs. It’s a tedious entry in a tedious series, with more than a whiff of corporate mandate about it.
The script, by Pam Brady (a writer on South Park ), at least shows initial glimmers of self-awareness, gently ribbing the Smurfs’ simplistic, characteristic-based naming convention (Brainy, Clumsy, Hefty) — with notable exceptions for Smurfette (whose chief characteristic, presumably, is ‘woman’) and, most bafflingly in this film, two Smurfs with regular-people names (Ken, Ron). Our hero is a character with no unique trait at all, the humiliatingly named No Name (voiced by James Corden).
So much here feels tired and unoriginal — especially a sequence through the
BY BOLUWATIFE
ADESINA
multiverse seemingly lifted straight out of Inside Out.
A wiser, wittier film might have found an interesting angle for No Name’s identity crisis. Instead, we have James Corden singing an interminably earnest ballad about “trying to find a reason to be strong”, a sentiment we can sympathise with while watching this film. Yes, in addition to their signature Sing A Happy Song (which even the Smurfs themselves here acknowledge is annoying), there are songs in this one. Godspeed, parents.
A curious Smurf tradition holds that a pop star must voice Smurfette. As the prophecy decrees, Rihanna inherits the role from Demi Lovato and Katy Perry, lending the soundtrack two original numbers. She gives it a good go, but few of the celebrity voice actors here make much of an impression (save for the unmistakable drawl of Natasha Lyonne, voicing Mama Poot, the leader of the mischievous Snooterpoots).
The visuals are hardly much more cheering. Director Chris Miller opts for a very in-vogue-at-the-moment 2D/3D animation style, which only feels cheap and jarring, especially when the characters enter the liveaction world. So much here feels tired and unoriginal — especially a sequence through the multiverse again seemingly lifted straight out of Inside Out.
Everything is derivative. The plot almost apologetically offers some nonsense about magic books which hold some kind of ill-defined, Infinity Stone-esque power in this universe. The most exciting new wrinkle it can manage is that Razamel, brother of the usual foe Gargamel (both voiced by JP Karliak), is the chief baddie here. It’ll please fans of the Smurfs, I guess; it’s just not clear who exactly they are. Or if they even exist.
Rating:4/10
If you have kids, sure, see it.
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It’s always fun, if not very relaxing, to check back in at The White Lotus
HBO’s luxury-hotel set anthology series is a deliciously twisty wealth satire with sharp edges and deeply thoughtful themes. It is also pretty anxiety-inducing to watch, even when you’ve been on this particular vacation two times before. In the new third and humid season, Lotus travels to Thailand with yet another star-studded cast and deeply stressful vibes. That’s just the general rule when it comes to the series: the fancier the hotel, the more uncomfortable the audience’s stay there will be.
While the cast is still beloved and appealing and the odiously wealthy are still dragged through the mud, the new Lotus doesn’t quite have the same sharpness as Seasons 1 and 2. It takes a fraction too long to get things moving, and the satire feels a little less biting. But that’s nitpicking the acclaimed Emmy-winning series. Expectations for Lotus and writer/creator Mike White are so astronomically high because its first two seasons were so out of this world. An onlygood season of Lotus is much better than most other TV shows right now.
Like the two previous seasons, this year’s story begins with a mysterious death and then flashes back a week. Season 3 ups the ante on the violence, opening amidst a shooting that may have had more than one casualty. But as horrific as that bit of barbarity is, we instantly swerve back to the smiles and waves of the Thailand White Lotus staff as our three main groups of guests arrive.
There’s the Ratliff family − Timothy (Jason Isaacs), Victoria (Parker Posey), Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lachlan (Sam Nivola) − a North Carolinian dynasty humouring their daughter’s interest in Buddhism.
Looking for “wellness” and bonding are Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Laurie (Carrie Coon), three longtime friends who have aged into very different women in their 40s.
Finally, there’s Rick (Walton Goggins) and his conspicuously young girlfriend Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), a somewhat trashy pair who look completely out of place among the posh and refined.
Among the hotel’s proverbial “downstairs” of employees is Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), returning from Season 1, on a work exchange at the Thailand branch of the Lotus hotels. There’s also Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), an earnest security guard with a massive crush on breezy “health mentor” Mook (Lalisa Manobal, of K-pop group Blackpink). As is usual in the Lotus universe, the hotel employees are just trying to do their jobs when the antics of the guests interrupt their lives.
Season 3 of Lotus may be lacking in some aspects, but creator White’s ability to build tension in his stories is simply unparalleled. Scenes set on luxury yachts and in gorgeous hotel pools can generate the same fraught anxiety and apprehension as a battle scene in a different show.
Every conversation the characters have in Lotus feels deeply important, and also as if it might devolve into blows at any moment.
Season 1 was more of a straightforward critique of the white elite, and Season 2 devoted a great deal of time to analysing the toxicity of men. Season 3 is obsessed with facades and artificiality. Everyone at the Thailand Lotus is putting up some kind of front, be it subconsciously or intended. However, breaking down all the faux personas reveals truths that most of the characters don’t want to face.
Full of veterans and bright young faces alike, the cast is once again perfectly predisposed to their roles. The breakout this time is Schwarzenegger (yes, he’s the son of who you think), a snide, entitled trust fund kid who thinks the world revolves around him and his appendage. The actor plays despicable almost too well, with greasy smiles, quick wit and anger.
Each subsequent season of Lotus has offered fewer laughs and far more moments so cringeworthy you might try to hide behind something. Perhaps that’s simply a case of form following function: The world that each season has premiered in has gotten successively less lighthearted with every headline. If every moment in Lotus teeters on the edge of incivility and bloodshed, it might just be because the world at large feels that way.
LEISURE - Rescue Me
Durand Jones & The Indications; Aaron Frazer - The Way That I Do
Kamasi Washington - Street Fighter Mas
BowAsWell - Over When The Night Is Gone
Melodiesinfonie - AO Longo Do Rio
Show Dem Camp; The Cavemen.; Ruti; Nsikak David - Train
Parcels - Gamesofluck
Revers Gagnant; Matild - Paradis bleu Venna; Yussef Dayes; Marco Bernardis; Rocco Palladino - Sicily'