THEWILL DOWNTOWN JUNE 26, 2022 EDITION

VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

Music 360 Approach on

From to Taking a CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

EDITOR’S NOTE

Transitioning from one career path to another isn’t always seamless. But for Dare Darey Art Alade, it was easy-peasy, perhaps because he was always creative.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

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CONTENTS

03

16

COVER FROM MUSIC TO TAKING A 360 APPROACH ON CREATIVE SOLUTIONS: DAREY

REVIEW JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION

ODDBOD & THE CITY DATE NIGHT!

When he finished third place on the Project Fame music talent show years ago, there was an uproar condemning the results, with everyone demanding that Darey was the rightful winner.

He had shown great talent and skill in his delivery of every song, so it was as clear as day, or so we thought, that he would emerge the winner of the competition.

14-15

ENTERTAINMENT FAMILY BUSINESS

But before then, Darey was already performing at nightclubs and church, plus he had a gig with CoolFM. Perhaps learning all the intricacies of producing a radio show helped him prepare for his role as the Chief Creative Director at Livespot360, along with his wife, Deola. She is the CEO—Chief Executive Officer.

In this tell-all interview with DOWNTOWN, Darey talks explicitly about transitioning to a 360 creative solutions company, the future of his music career, and how they (Livespot360) intend to take Africa to the world literally.

Royals in Nigeria are generally quite flamboyant, and so is their fashion. This week, our fashion page features some of the most stylish royals in Nigeria, according to their kingdoms.

04-05 FASHION THEIR ROYAL FLYNESS

06

ZODIAC ACCLAIM YOURSELF WITH THE CANCER ZODIAC SIGN

07

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL DROOL PLAY

Most people who know me know that I am a sucker for nude makeup, so our beauty page this week excites me. For lovers of nude makeup, this one is for you.

Like Darey and his father, many other families in the entertainment industry follow in their parents’ footsteps. In a special entertainment feature, we list different families that have taken after the career path of generations from ages past, tracing their family tree back to where it all began.

Don’t miss our movie review page, which spotlights two movies, Jurassic World Dominion and Netflix’s Spiderhead.

If you haven’t been scanning the QR codes at the top of page 16 then all I can say is you are missing out on a great playlist.

12-13

Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity

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

BEAUTY GETTING THAT CLEAN MAKEUP LOOK

WHAT YOU SAID INSTAGRAM

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.

@dikaofoma

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa + 2349088352246

AUSTYN OGANNAH

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

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David Nwachukwu @ebube.nw - Contributing Writer David Nwachukwu has always been immersed in fashion from the age of 10, watching a Dior by Galliano show on television.

His work in fashion stretches across media, marketing, brand communicationsaswellasdesign.Asafashion&lifestylejournalist, David has tracked key industry data for various publications including Industrie Africa, Culture Custodian, Haute Fashion Africa, and HELLO! Nigeria. A Geography graduate from The University of Lagos, David consciously aligns this background in environmental advocacy and sustainable development with the need to promote a more ethical fashion ecosystem. He currently oversees strategic communications at Clean Technology Hub.

Uzo Orimalade @uzosfoodlabs

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

@uwalee

@callmeneky

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

ODDBOD & THE CITY

DATE NIGHT!

ODUN OGUNBIYI

a winner we ordered a couple more cheeky portions. I washed down my meal with a beautiful crisp pinot grigio, and Emma had a cheeky lychee martini. Okay, fine. We had two each—I trust that this is a judgement-free zone.

T

here is a reason why the formula for the perfect date has stood the test of time.

‘Dinner and the theatre’ is a top-tier evening, and I can’t be convinced otherwise.

Last week I had the perfect evening with one of my favourite people, Emma Brown. Emma is the queen of finding interesting things to do in London. She never disappoints, so when she told me to meet her for dinner and a show, I slapped on my red lippy and made my way down to Covent Garden.

Buns & Buns Located inside the famous Covent Garden Piazza building, it was a great place to start the evening. The menu is Dim Sum, and their speciality (as you may have guessed from their name) is all about the pastry.

We went a bit wild because the menu was concise yet well-curated, so every item seemed like a must-have. We had the calamari, Asian chicken salad, spring rolls and the duck bun. The duck was such

The ambience was London in the summer at its best, with large windowpanes creating a perfect frame for the piazza view, letting us vibe to the sights and sounds as we were serenaded by the performers from the square just beyond.

It was the perfect way to start proceedings, and it was a slightly buzzed Ods that took a 10-minute meander to the theatre nearby on The Strand.

Six – written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss – Vaudeville Theatre Looking back, it was a sign of my horribly insular ways that I had not heard of this show before. The show has won two welldeserved American Tony Awards for best original score and best costume design and has a solid cult following.

Before I say anything else, let me just say it was

spanking gorgeous, bloody awesome, and a must-see.

The play is everything you wish for in great West End theatre. Real laugh-out-loud moments, witty banter of a manner that only the British can execute efficiently, a high-energy original music score (that will leave you in no doubt about why they won a Tony Award) and some great interactive bits. The whole room got on their feet for the encore and the applause was deafening.

With all that said, I should probably tell you a little bit about the play. The six wives of Henry the VIII. Before seeing this show, the most I ever associated with them was to vaguely remember their names and sing: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. Ironically enough, that is how the play starts, because unless you are a history buff, that is about as much as you would remember.

This show encourages you to look deeper. These were, after all women with full lives, hopes, and dreams who suffered love, loss, injustice, and the same infamous ex! It’s a riveting HER story in a manner never seen before. After every song, I would lean into Emma and whisper “this song is my favourite!” A badass all-female band and fabulous customs…

There were no mistakes made here.

Definitely add to your “to watch list”.

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VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION

Their Royal FLYNESS 5 Most Stylish MONA RCHS

A

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

cross the country, traditional rulers have just as much clout as elected officials— or even more. From the typically adorned regalia to beaded loafers and bogus necklaces, some of these monarchs don’t only show up to serve their people, but they also show off impeccable style. As the saying goes, heavy is the head that wears the crown; in Nigeria, that crown is sometimes aesthetically perfect.

The Kano EM I RATE Sanusi Lamido Sanusi – Former Emir of Kano Sanusi was nominated as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2009. He held the position for five years before controversially emerging as the Emir of Kano in the same year he was relieved of his duties as the CBN Governor.

During his six-year reign as the Emir of Kano, Sanusi reinvented himself as a charismatic figure at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. And this was evident in his style.

The Warri KINGDOM

Ogiame Atuwatse III (Omoba Tsola) - Olu of Warri, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III – Olori of Warri Born Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, and fondly referred to as Tsola Emiko, the 38-year-old succeeded his uncle as the 21st Olu of Warri. When his coronation made it to social media last August, Nigerians were as cheerful as ever. It felt like the beginning of a new dawn for most Nigerians—and you don’t even have to hail from Warri.

Just by being one of the youngest monarchs in the country, Olu of Warri’s style is up there with the best. But he also has his wife, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, to thank for complementing his style so seamlessly.

Born to the illustrious family of late Captain Dr Idahosa Wells Okunbo and Edamwen Evelyn Okunbo, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III (née Okunbo) married the king in 2014. Although she has been the Olori for less than a year, her immaculate style has always been prevalent.

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VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION

The Elegushi KI NGDOM

Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III - Elegushi of Ikate – Elegushi, Olori Sekinat and Hadiza Elegushi – Oloris of Elegushi

The Oyo EM PI RE

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III – Alaafin of Oyo

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was in the game for 52 historical years, by far the longest-serving monarch on this list.

Ikú Bàbá Yèyé, as he was often called, was crowned the Alaafin of Oyo—the title of the emperor of the medieval Oyo empire—in 1970 when he was just 32 years old. The now late Oba was one of the most influential people in Western Nigeria, with his throne regarded as one of the most powerful.

On the fashion front, his inclusion on this list is not questioned. Always seen in his agbada and staff, there is something about his style that corroborates the “ageing like fine wine” theory. His style is aided mainly by his wives as they all wear matching outfits to public appearances. When you have 13 wives, it is almost impossible not to maintain a premium style.

The Adamawa EM I RATE Musa Halilu-Ahmed – Dujima of Adamawa

Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi is the 21st Elegushi of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom. He is a descendant of the Kusenla Ruling House of Ikateland in Lagos State. Oba Elegushi has been in power for 12 years, but before that, he served as the Special Assistant to two Lagos State Governors— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (from 2003 to 2007) and Babatunde Raji Fashola until 2010. In 2010, he was crowned the King of Ikateland, at the age of 34.

Known for his luxurious lifestyle, the 46-year-old monarch understands what it means to be a King in Nigeria’s most westernised state. Whether on a golf course in typical fashion wearing a collared t-shirt and a face cap or kicking it with young entertainers in casual ‘fits, Oba Elegushi’s wardrobe is perhaps the most diverse in Nigeria’s monarch history. He wears suits as well.

In Oba Elegushi’s kingdom are his two fashion-inclined wives— Olori Sekinat Aramide Elegushi and Olori Hadiza Elegushi. Olori Sekinat, who was the king's University sweetheart as far back as 1999 before becoming his first wife in 2003, has grabbed a lot of media spotlight for her style. Her 45th birthday last November was talk of the town for weeks as celebrities and fellow royals showed up all glammed. If there is anything she does so graciously, it is to lead by example as the king's first lady.

Oba Elegushi’s much younger wife, Olori Hadiza, is often described as the ‘Olori in the north’ or ‘Olori two.’ She has so far maintained the levelheadedness required to wade through the typical challenges that comes with being taken in as a second wife, and as a result kept a low profile. But her elegance always screams loudly whenever she chooses to make public appearances.

She has not only grown in essence but in style, and whenever she steps out with her handsome husband, she does so wearing mouth-gaping ornaments.

Musa Yola, as he’s fondly called, is the Dujima of Adamawa State, a highly revered traditional title that dates back to Nigeria’s old Borno Empire during the 18th century. Musa Halilu-Ahmed, a brother to the First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari, was officially conferred and turbaned on March 31, 2018.

The 45-year-old’s involvement in politics makes him one of the most influential traditional leaders in the country. His style is equally powerful.

Always styled in full regalia and turban showing just his face and hands, the Dujima’s style looks like something that should be preserved in the museum. It is very culture-appropriate and fashionable.

Olori Hadiza Elegushi

Olori Sekinat Elegushi

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VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

DOWNTOWN ZODIAC

Acclaim Yourself With The Cancer ZODIAC Sign

BY IDOWU LAMI

ZODIACS Idia Aisian 4th Of July

ELEMENT: WATER QUALITY: CARDINAL RULER: MOON GREATEST COMPATIBILITY: CAPRICORN, TAURUS

C

ancerians often present to the world with a stony, brittle, even impermeable exterior. These oceanic crustaceans may appear taken away, harsh, and restricted, much like the crab that represents their sign. Underneath the shell, however, lies a compassionate and empathetic spirit with huge reserves of love and understanding. They will also exhibit their soft temperament, real compassion, and mystical skills over time. The crab, which represents Cancerians existence in both the emotional and physical realms, is represented by this marine creature, which smoothly shuffles between sea and shore. This is an oceanic sign, and it happens to be the first of the twelve zodiac signs.

The moon, the heavenly body that signifies comfort, self-care, and maternal energy, rules Cancer. They are mainly concerned with their own space. This zodiac enjoys making pleasant, protected spaces that pose as personal sanctuaries and then they spend a lot of time there. One of the most challenging Cancer characteristics is their tendency to be overly selfconscious in any emotionally charged situation.

Due to the intricacies of their emotions—which can swing from enormous happiness to extreme melancholy in a matter of seconds—Cancerians are known for being pessimistic. As crabs, when struck with feelings of unhappiness, they retreat into their shell for protection. These zodiacs are deeply concerned about their loved ones and are fast to take on the caretaker role. They tend

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to have a small, close-knit circle of friends with whom they can be completely honest, rather than a large network of acquaintances. Cancerians are particularly committed to love partnerships because of their devotion attributes.

Being an emotional sign, Cancerians feelings are paramount in the relationship. Because of their caring and gentle nature, they will display their sensitivity to the world without even considering the possibility of being wounded. Regarding choosing a partner, they always choose a mate who can communicate with them nonverbally, silently, and through a shared daily routine. Their love won't survive long with superficial, flaky, or untrustworthy companions. If they don't find a partner who can make them feel calm, safe, and free to express themselves, their lack of initiative

Mr Eazi 17th Of July

will make it difficult for them to develop the sex life they desire. Compassion and understanding from a Cancer shouldn't be taken for granted, or they'll show you how awful of a match you two are in the long term. Notable Cancerians include Solange Knowles, Kelvin Hart, Khole Kardashian, and Ini Dima-Okojie.

VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 3, 2022

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Drool PLAY

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

with more power and speed.

Someone with a softer and more adoration spit arousal, or someone who enjoys the sensation of fluids on their bodies, may favour slow, almost drool-like spit, creating a very intimate sort of bridge between the two persons. By that, it's worth noting that droll play doesn't always involve spitting in mouths. All it could take to satisfy the urge of someone into spit play could be sloppy fellatio. Not everyone might like being spat on or at, but we can all agree that when it comes to head, the sloppier the better. If someone is into spit play, that doesn't necessarily mean they're into everything spit-related.

Communicate with who you are with on what they might like, where they might want it, or how comfortable they are with swallowing or spitting back.

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

S

aliva has always smeared itself all over sex's reputation for as long as anyone could remember. The natural lube of intercourse as it is fondly called, regardless of its free pass in the bedroom, has a reputation as an indicator of disgust that very much precedes it. A few reading this might harbour that same feeling of disgust towards this kink for reasons like; COVID, Monkeypox and the general sliminess, but, as far as kinks go, they sprinkle fun on 'vanilla sex' disgusting or not.

Now, using your spit on your lover as a lubricant while having sex may feel natural to some, and if you like it, it might lead to a heated session in the bedroom.

But, if the thought of someone drooling or spitting on you (or you do it to someone) makes you feel hot, you most likely have a drool kink. Relax, you aren't weird. In actuality, this is a considerably more common fetish than you may believe.

Research conducted on 4175 Americans about sexual fantasies

by Justin Lehmiller, showed that out of those participants, around 43% of men and 35% of women, admitted to having fantasied about spitting during sex at some point in their life.

One of the things that make kinks well, er… kinky is the lingering feeling of "you shouldn't be doing this", and with spitting, it's the same feeling. Spitting at someone is commonly perceived as a gesture of rage, hostility, or disdain. They also influence hot and steamy sex, which is why it can be really erotic.

More often than not, what we consider stimulating is frequently at odds with what society says we can or cannot do. Movies like 365 Days and Fifty Shades of Grey have made many people look at fetishes with less scrutiny than usual and more people are exploring various kinks more openly now. Like BDSM which plays heavily on dominance-

IMAGE FROM PINTERST

submission play dynamics, drool play almost mirrors a similar structure, with spit being a way to exert dominance over another person. In a way, it exists as one of the subtle subgenres of BDSM. Spitting has always been associated with humiliation, degradation, or outright disdain in social settings, and this is exactly how it is perceived in a BDSM relationship. In femdom sexual relationships or as part of a humiliation kink, 'spit in my mouth' porn is fairly prevalent. But it isn't always about humiliation.

The bartering of fluids during a passionate make-out session with whoever is usually a case of what you don't know wouldn't kill you because they're exchanged unconsciously. Something most people are comfortable with compared to having it shot at you during lovemaking. But not all drool play has to be cocked, loaded and ready to fire like a Barretta. Understanding the dynamics would do you a world of good in interpreting your partner's modus operandi for how well to spit or be spat on. Someone with this fetish might like being spat on aggressively,

None of this implies that you should spit or be spit on if it makes you feel very uncomfortable. Spit play isn't for every Tom, Dick and Harry, and although no one should mock or ridicule others' kinks, no one should force others into theirs.

This is something more people should acquaint themselves with because consent plays a volatile role when it comes to fetishes. I wouldn't say I have a problem with including saliva in my bedroom activities, but I know I wouldn't act hunky-dory if someone spat on my forehead mid-sex. Gradually introducing it, however, might sway me. The whole adoration thing is more my speed. So when my saliva-drenched tumescence briefly disappeared down Jade's throat, I couldn't help but wrinkle the sheets in my hand and moan f–k gently. My legs were spread apart, and she had pitched a tent right between them. I stared down at her as webs of saliva stretched between her fingers as she tried to get a better grip of my penis. Her mouth made slurping noises, and mine made more pleasurable groans. My muscles tightened, my toes curled up, and the upper part of my body contoured to the side. I was about to climax, and my moans grew louder and louder. She kept looking back up at me as she sucked faster and paired that with speedy hand strokes. This combo was the final straw; I shot strings of sperm on her face, breasts and hand before she wrung out what was left in me. As I lay there, twitching and trying to catch my breath, Jade wiped down all the saliva and semen off of me before getting up to clean herself. This was the sloppiest fellatio I'd ever received and the best so far.

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

COVER happened. From secondary school, I joined the choir, and then I ended up leading the choir. I also lent my talent to other schools like Queens College. It was their 50th or 70th anniversary—if I’m not mistaken— and they had a big production and needed male voices. So I and some of the other boys who could sing within that circuit gathered there, had rehearsal there, and we helped them—and I did things like that in secondary school. After that, I went on to study music at the university, and while doing that, I worked on the radio hosting shows. I was part of a group called ‘The Cordwebs,’ so yeah, I was doing everything.”

From Music to Taking a 360 Approach on Creative Solutions

Darey

STORY BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

A

s the DOWNTOWN team led by the Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, with writers, Kehindé Fagbule and Tilewa Kazeem sat in the Livespot360 office, expecting the conclusion of his meeting so we could proceed with the interview, it dawned on us just how much has changed in Dare (Darey) Art Alade’s world. We often see a lot of transition stories— from the arts to corporate, vice versa, or the incorporation of both, play out right before our eyes, but we have not seen one quite like his. Darey’s journey has been somewhat whole, from performing live music in clubs as a 15-year-old to masterminding the biggest concerts and TV productions.

He was also an on-air personality and a TV host, having coached on, hosted, and judged the biggest reality TV competition shows. But Darey got a big boost growing up, he was born into an entertainment household.

His dad, Modupe Afolabi Jemi-Alade, popularly known as Art Alade, was a TV royalty who transitioned into music royalty and pioneered jazz in Nigeria. Darey talked about his coming up, “Yes, I came from a rich entertainment background. My dad

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was the Director of Programmes at NTA, the host and producer of The Bar Beach Show and a national TV personality. He interviewed the entertainment society’s crème de la crème, almost like a Jay Leno.

This was before he retired and embarked on his musical career. So that’s where I came from, and of course, growing up, there was music one way or the other; either from the music my dad would listen to or the ones I knew. We all just love music and that was what really inspired me to go down the music alley but it wasn’t obvious early on. Because my mum used to work at the airport, I’d go there after school and start hanging out with fire service personnel. When they trained, I’d watch them.

When planes flew by I watched them, and at a point, I could recognise plane engines. Being at a young age, you’d have thought maybe I’d look towards becoming a pilot or an engineer, but that never

How has he managed to cram all of his accomplishments into one single lifetime? Darey started very early, hanging out with the biggest names in entertainment as a teenager. He reminisced on those days, “It was my reality. I would always hang out with older people in the industry. People like; Muyiwa Majekodunmi, Jaiye Aboderin, The Jaye Sisters, Wunmi Obe & Segun Obe, were people I hung out with. Being on the radio as well, I saw the likes of Plantashun Boiz happen, then Tuface after the Plantashun Boiz. I saw the Remedies come and go, I saw Ruggedman, Ruff, Rugged & Raw by Double X Posse, I saw a lot of them.

And over the years, that was the music I played on the radio and the kind of people I would interview as a radio on-air personality, all while I was still in school. I studied Creative Art, which included a bit of dance and theatre, and then ended up majoring in music, where I got my B.A. While all this was going on, I was still in that group, The Cordwebs and we would perform in all the major and minor shows across the country. Even when travelling by bus was a luxury.

Juggling all of that at such a young age was something I got used to because that was what I needed to do to survive. It became something I knew I wanted to do from then.

It became a pattern, It became something that could put food on the table, I was making money, I was hip, and I was becoming a household name. All this happened before Project Fame. Radio really gave me that platform. I’d get backstage access and VIP access to any and every social event, and I worked for it.”

“I started living on my own from the age of 16 or 18 during the RADIO DAYS, but it was never like I abandoned home. I would always visit home. Of course, my father was late at this time, so it was just my mum, my siblings and me. I was shuttling between that INDEPENDENCE while I still had ‘BREASTS TO SUCK.’”

When asked if he was doing all that whilst living with his parents, he clarified, “I started living on my own from the age of 16 or 18 during the radio days, but it was never like I abandoned home. I would always visit home.

Of course, my father was late at this time, so it was just my mum, my siblings and me. I was shuttling between that independence while I still had ‘breasts to suck.’”

But why did he decide to leave home, one might ask. “It was more

VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER I had started making demos and things like that. I didn’t start music as a recording artist but as a performing artist. Give me a live stage band; live performances and an orchestra were my things. I felt becoming a recording artist was a transition for me. You’d find that not all performance artists are great as recording artists, and not all recording artists make great performance artists. Fast forward to the day I played the Project Fame commercials on the radio. I realised that this audition venue wasn’t far from where I worked. So when I finished my shift, I thought to go there and try out. Seeing as that day was the last day, I just thought, ‘shebi, I used to sing? It shouldn’t be that hard.’ And since then, the rest, as they say, has been history. I gave birth to Nigerian RnB and paved the way for those who confidently wanted to come with a different sound.”

convenient for work. Coming close to work, I could literally walk to my place of work, and I had already formed a sense of independence.

I was making my mistakes on my own. And when of course, water pass garri, I had where to go back to for advice. And even how I got my radio job was interesting. It came from performing. It came from singing for Laitan the 'theheavywind' Adeniji. You probably know him as Fela in Kalakuta Queens. He had a band then, and I would jam with him, and we’d do a few songs. We were performing at a restaurant owned by a cousin of mine down the road on Ozumba Mbadiwe. He hosted nights like club nights and entertainment nights, and all the big boys and people hung out there because it was a nice spot. I used to perform, and I would speak to the audience, run like a temperature check with the audience and unknown to me at the time that the person who was going to give me my first shot at the radio was listening. From that humble beginning, I spent my fives years in radio, and there wasn’t a show I didn’t host. From the prime time to commercials, I was the voice behind it. Even my first time on-air was as a result of someone not showing up, and I was living right across the street,” he explained.

Darey enjoyed acclaim in his early days in the music industry. At the height of his career, he was the strongest voice in the alternative music scene. This was at the same time, he did something unprecedented and gave birth to a series of groundbreaking theatrical concerts for Valentine’s Day annually titled Love Like a Movie. Having been graced by some of the biggest names in American entertainment, such as Kim Kardashian in the first season, Kelly Rowland in the second, and Ciara in the third, the series set a new standard for cutting-edge production in Nigeria. This was Darey’s introduction to the production scene. He talks about how it all started, “Everything was all in phases, and it was the necessity to create experiences that only we understood.

We knew what we wanted to achieve, but didn’t have the hardware or the experience to materialise ideas in our heads on another level. We realised we had to do it ourselves and that was what gave birth to Love Like a Movie. I hadn’t done anything in a while, a public concert. So we chose to do something fresh. Because of my style of music, it was a concert for Valentine and that also gave birth to our experiential production and now, experiential marketing. The 360 solutions we now provide for all sorts of experiences for our clients. It came as a result of necessity; we needed to raise the bar.

You see what we are doing now? Mediocre is even generous because we are not doing anything as far as giving people something worth sitting down to watch and really taking them on a journey (insinuating that they have much bigger plans). So we just closed the book and opened a new chapter entirely.

I was deliberate, I was purposeful. It wasn’t easy; it was very very tough. But fast forward to where we are today; those were the sacrifices we made, not just for ourselves, but before the entire industry. It took a lot, I wouldn’t lie to you.”

“Dick Griffey, hmm. He had double or triple bypass surgery and didn’t quite recover. A lot of work and money… We had plans.”

We asked if he thinks his career trajectory would have been different if Griffey hadn’t died, Darey responded, “I don’t know.

Although he was very influential—if you look at his history, having done Soul Train and a few projects—there is no way to tell. You have to look at everything as God’s will. If that had happened, maybe what we’ve done (with Livespot360) wouldn’t exist. I could have been on the biggest stages, I could have been the bridge between Africa and the global market. I could have been anything, but I am still something, and I have to take my reality as opposed to what coulda shoulda woulda. Plenty talk doesn’t fill the basket, so if wishes were horses..., right now, that’s all in the air, and it is in the past now. Right now, it’s all about the tangibles; the family, the business, the ideas, solutions to provide; that’s my reality.”

Darey’s now-heavy involvement as a big player in the lifestyle space has so far seen world-class projects over the years.

In addition to the success of Love Like a Movie, Livespot360— a world-class creative solutions company he runs with his wife, the CEO—have also been responsible for redefining the festive concert experience. But for Darey, it transcends lifestyle and festivals. “It’s beyond that, with my wife and myself at the helm of affairs; it’s a 360 creative solutions company. So when you think, ‘I don’t know what to do, I need an idea’, or you have an idea, it starts from there.

The entire value chain to bring it to life, we do that in-house, no third-party. We can create an idea and bring it to life with everything that comes with it. We can provide those solutions across all disciplines. We are your one-stop-shop,” he explains.

They have found a way to blend lifestyle

“My wife... She's the CEO... She's the one that makes things happen, pushing the buttons; I'm the creative guy, the CCD — Chief Creative Director”

It must have been difficult juggling all of that with school. When asked, Darey affirmed, “It was tough. In my third year, I wanted to drop out. I told my supervising lecturer then, and he was the one that convinced me that I was almost there.

But my mind wasn’t there anymore, I had seen the world. By this time, I had started travelling and hosting, so you couldn’t talk to me anyhow (suggesting that he had started growing wings). But I needed that voice to help me stay grounded. You might not need it but just have it. So I did that while also going to the Muson School of Music.”

Darey was always going to do music. He talks about how he made the switch from performing for an audience to recording songs in the studio. He said, “I started writing and recording music long before Project Fame; while I was still on the radio,

Certain things happen in our lifetime that change the course of our journey.

With Darey, one could easily see a future where he became one of the biggest RnB artists in the world. After his sophomore album, unDAREYted, was released in 2009, it brought him a connection with American music business legend Dick Griffey, who offered to executive-produce his third album.

This presented an opportunity for him to break into the American market at a time when American collaborations were only the figment of our imaginations. Unfortunately, Griffey died before the project’s completion.

Darey reflects on that tragic experience,

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COVER and corporates seamlessly through pop culture. Their copyrighted “Detty December” trademark has become a well-received lingua to connote the exhilarating festive end-of-the-year packed with all kinds of shows. Leading by example, the Livespot X Festival has brought Nigerians some of the most thrilling concerts the country has ever seen, including ‘that Cardi B concert.’

Livespot360 has been a huge success, but Darey can only lay claim to the creative side of affairs. He pleasantly shares the spotlight with his wife; the CEO of Livespot360, showrunner of The Voice Nigeria, and Executive Producer of Livespot360 latest blockbuster show, Real Housewives of Lagos, Deola Art Alade (née Ayeni). Admitting that although his wife works under the radar, she manages the business end of things, Darey explains, “Yes, she’s always behind the scenes, under the radar, but that’s beginning to change. People are beginning to drag her out of her shell, her hiding spot. She’s the one that makes things happen, pushing the buttons; I’m the creative guy, the CCD—Chief Creative Director. And we just work together that way. Women make great managers and great leaders, so she spearheads the vision, mission and the entire business in terms of building and capitalising on opportunities. I’m the one that just leads the creative team, as it were. So she’s behind the scenes, always working in the shadows, but yeah, her name has been popping a lot now. Like me, people know that she executive produced on The Real Housewives of Lagos. She produced The Voice Nigeria; she’s always about her work.”

But exactly how easy is it to be in business with your spouse? Sometimes, couples who run a ‘family business’ struggle to shuttle between their professional and personal lives without having to sacrifice one for the other.

For the Art Alades, that isn’t the case. Their 15-year union waxes strong as the company continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Darey shares the dynamic of their relationship with us, “We’ve always done this together from the get-go. She used to manage me at a point and opened a Twitter or Facebook account for me; I wasn’t interested in those things back in the day. She would always look at opportunities and say, ‘let’s try this, let’s try that.’ We’ve always worked together. It’s just always worked for us, so it’s not something that we think about, it’s natural. She’s the business side of things, and I’m the creative side of things. I’ve learnt a lot from her, and she’s also learnt a lot from me, so it’s been a symbiotic relationship. We fight the battles together, come what may.”

When asked if they had a formula to make it work, he replied, “There’s no formula. All I can say is that people have to be tolerant, just understand and play to your strengths, cover each other’s weaknesses, and as long as you don’t lose focus of your target down the line, your aim, vision and goals, you’ll be able to withstand anything that comes at you.”

In Livespot360, they have together built a Nigerian dynasty.

Recently, a new instalment was added to their already impressive catalogue; Livespot360 produced the Nigerian franchise of the global show The Real Housewives. The aforementioned The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOL) was produced for Showmax via NBCUniversal. Since its pilot, the show has been well-received by Nigerians. Having so much critical acclaim, there have been demands for its renewal for another season.

Darey speaks on the show’s success, “The reception has been through the roof. It’s what we all hoped for and worked towards. That’s why it’s important to always put your best into whatever you do. If it becomes a hit or not, you don’t want to look back and have regrets.

The first episode broke the entire streaming numbers in Showmax history. Yeah, the client is happy and if the client is happy, for you that

PAGE 10

means there’ll be a season two. But it’s not my call, I can’t tell you that until they say.”

The RHOL is not the only global production that Livespot360 has been involved with.

Last month, his involvement with Rihanna’s cosmetic brand, Fenty, was visible across his social media. “We handled their launch event,” he clarifies. The company is renowned for bringing or playing a role in the arrival of some of the biggest names in global entertainment, so we tried to get a sneak peek of who next they have on their roll call. He responded, “I can’t say. But we are definitely working on it. There are a few people under our radar; even Cardi wants to come back. She had a great time. Time will tell; we are planning, and I can’t jinx it by giving away anything, but we are working on a solid festival experience again for the end of the year.”

Who knows? Maybe they will bring Rihanna herself this time.

As they look to keep bringing the best of American entertainment back home to Nigerians, the Headies, Nigeria’s biggest music awards, a former client of Livespot360—the company was contracted to produce the show in 2018—are taking the show to the United States this year. When asked to give his take, as an artist, on the decision to hold the event abroad, he said, “I don’t have any opinion of it. I’m not a stakeholder in the Headies. Honestly, I don’t know because there are so many different ways to look at it. Yes, we are growing in leaps and bounds, and all that; our music is global now as it were, but maybe someday, we can look at reciprocating the gesture when the Grammys hold an event in Africa.

There’s also nothing wrong with dreams and wanting to be on the big stage.

So there are too many ways, I can’t have an opinion about it.

I can only be logical and objective. But that question is for the person that is doing it. Why did you carry it there? If they give you a good answer, fine. If they don’t, what happens to those that cannot travel? If we are all able to watch here, why not? If it’s better than what we’ve done here, yay! Then it is even better; we will be excited.

But as long as it is a positive step forward, I am always going to be in support of it, as long as we are pushing the envelope and bettering ourselves, and looking at how to improve, increase and scale-up, and provide more opportunities.

But I don’t see how that helps the value chain at the bottom line. I don’t see how it helps put food on the table of our local artisans, the stage builders and so on because they can’t travel.”

He continues, “As an artist, I haven’t put out music recently, I have no nominations, so I don’t have any opinions. But as a musician, generally, of course, I’m happy with the success that the music and the musicians have made; I’m happy with the global attention and the awards, the streaming numbers and all those things.

Awards are neither here nor there. They don’t measure your success as far as I’m concerned.”

Livespot360 does a lot of things, and although not explicitly stated in print and documentation, assisting the tourism sector of the

country’s development is one of them.

Having worked with the Lagos State Government in the past, Darey was asked if working hand-in-hand with the government to curate tourism products is something he might consider doing.

He responded, “If it’s needed. Lagos state always seems to know what they need. But they also know that there’s always an opportunity to consult; we know them, they know us, so whenever they need us, they always know how to reach us. And we are always open to collaborating and helping elevate the country’s state. To play our own little role any which way.”

But relationships with the government are not the easiest to manage, especially when it involves party politics. During this election season, in particular, campaigns will be as loud as can be. We asked Darey if Livespot360 gets involved in political projects or considers them off-limit, and he responded, “Off limit? We’ve done everything. We’ve done all sorts of things. If any politician requires Livespot360 to do a political campaign, we need to understand what it entails and what are they trying to do? We are apolitical; we’ve never sided with any political institution or anything. For example, when working with banks, we work with any bank. We have established a level of reliability. If you are looking for a certain something and you know what you’re looking for, you know where to go to. And this is without advertising or selling ourselves. What we do sells us. And if this bank comes, and that bank comes, we can give them what they all want individually. We won’t spoil the integrity of ‘this relationship’ by dealing with ‘that relationship’. So we can work with anybody. But again, if it is a political entity that’s looking for a solution, if we feel that we can do it, or we feel that it is worth it, maybe.”

He continues, “The business has

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the years. Each time, you just feel like you’re bursting on the scenes; you feel like what next? Like you’ve reached a threshold, you feel like you’ve done it all, meaning it’s time to push the envelope and find another thing. That’s happened many times. And now, considering where we are with this and everything we’re doing, we know that the international expansion to other markets is beckoning. What we want to do is be the eyes and ears for anyone who’s looking at coming into Africa. Because when people say “Africa to the world,” we’re always thinking, ‘who’s going to bring them in?’

Africa to the world also means that global standards, practices and brands need to be here.

We want to be that gateway, and we have to meet them halfway. Sometimes they are not going to come all the way here because they are sceptical of what the country has to offer, but we are the ones that can be the custodians and be like ‘come with us, we will take you and show you people you need to meet, places you need to go to.’ Not as a tourism operator, but to provide solutions for them knowing the market like the back of our hand, based on what we do. We are poised for that expansion over the next few years.

COVER they about?” and see how to improve that and push them to be more solid.

Along the line, they got to learn what we are doing at the end of the day, but I never want them to feel like they are forced to be anything.

Whatever they choose to do, they should put their best into it and be the best at it.”

As far as having “There’s no FORMULA. All I a support can say is that people have to be system goes, gives TOLERANT, just understand and Darey credit to his for being play to your STRENGTHS, cover kids his immediate “there are each other’s weaknesses, and as A&R, people who are long as you don’t lose focus of your responsible; me, it’s target down the line, your AIM, for my family, my my kids.

VISION and GOALS, you’ll be able wife, Back then, I would to withstand anything that comes at when make music in the studio, you.” and they were

different parts. If someone wants to hire screens for a political campaign, they can go to ‘Rent-a-Rig,’ our sister company. I don’t care where it goes; I don’t even know what it’s used for. You’ve hired it; go and do your wedding, concert or campaign and return it. It does not mean ‘Rent-a-Rig’ supports you; I’ve just provided you with a service; it’s a business, a transaction.”

It’s a business, at the end of the day, one that has to be run strategically to meet an intersection of delivering the best possible service to its clientele and making profits to keep scaling. But Nigeria is not the friendliest with businesses. Especially in their line of business, which involves heavy and often expensive importations, that’ Rent-a-Rig’ depends on to provide Nigerian showrunners state-of-theart equipment. How does the company survive the country’s steadily regressing economy that has essentially closed down businesses? Darey shared an insight, “There are no tricks to surviving Nigeria.

You survive Nigeria by just knowing how to survive Nigeria. I don’t know how else to put it. We know the nuances. If you’re trying to get certain things done, you have to be willing to go as far as you need to go to get it done. In another clime, you know there’s a process to follow and can predict what time you’ll get whatever out of that process. Here, sometimes, it is unpredictable, so you must be prepared for the unknown. That’s every business person’s constant mind space in this country. That said, it doesn’t mean that we don’t have processes. We have processes and everything to do with structure, organisation, and whatnot, but we always know at the back of our minds. And I think that’s what sets us apart, the ability to switch when something is failing; what is the backup plan? How do you adapt to that without losing sight of what needs to be done?”

Just like with every business, scaling and expansion are imminent. For Livespot360, Darey paints a picture of what that expansion looks like. On expansion, he says, “It has happened many times over

He goes on to list their products and accomplishments over the years, “We have Rent-a-Rig, we have the biggest rig, and provide sound, lighting, projectors and everything that makes a concert. For instance, those back-to-back concerts in December, they use our equipment. So Livespot360 is not producing it, but our equipment is there.

We service the industry in that capacity.

Wedding Architect, our sister company, handles premium birthdays and weddings in exotic locations. We have a few other sister companies that handle different things such as productions and advertising and media. We have one that does experiential marketing as well. Livespot360 is five companies in one, because of the different offerings that we have. All of those elements coming together, that’s what makes it 360. Our staff strength used to be almost 100, then we cut down. And when we are doing big festivals and all that, we employ almost 1000 people.”

As we concluded the interview, we asked about his kids. Having been exposed to music the way he was, Darey’s innate interest in music was rather expected. However, the decision to nurture it was solely his. When asked if any of his children are towing the creative line, he responded, “Our daughter is very creative when it comes to art, painting, and putting things together. My son is more into football. But he has an ear. Just like me, I’m the only one doing music in my family, but my siblings love music. They have a unique taste for sounds, and my son is like that. You will catch him listening to mature songs, and he’s just 14.”

As a father, sometimes you want to nudge them in your field, as we have seen quite often with some parents. That’s not Darey; he gives his reason for this, “No, I don’t do that.

But there’s also nothing wrong with it. If you want your heritage to permeate through your kids, that’s fine. It’s not a crime. Anybody can do that. But it’s also important not to force people to do what they are not naturally inclined to. So find out about the child, “what interests them, what do they like, what are

young. If they were feeling the music, I knew I had something right. If they are not, I knew to start another track immediately. It’s always about the people around you; nobody being sincere would tell you they did it by themselves. It’s not possible.”

Whether or not Darey decides to end his ongoing 2-year hiatus and release a new record is to be seen.

The Not The Girl and Pray For Me singer talks about potentially putting out a song again, “I have several unreleased songs. At the moment, as we speak, there’s no particular plan. I might go back to recording very soon, but I’m so preoccupied with so many deadlines and projects that I’m working on now. Helping people bring their dreams to fruition, like; The Real Housewives of Lagos, The Voice Nigeria, and different brands and experiences.

But I still perform, host events, and am still booked from time to time.

The music? Maybe; it’s either I release stuff I haven’t put out yet, or I start creating a new direction of stuff. Putting music out is not the easiest thing. It’s easier now than before, but it depends on the level you want to put it out. Everybody can go to Distrokid and put it out for free, but if you are looking to optimise, get out there and play with the big boys, that’s not going to cut it. My sound has always been unique. The passion and fire to create Afrosoul or “AfroNB” which is African RnB as I like to call it, is still there, don’t ever get it twisted [he chuckles]. It’s just that over the last several years, we’ve just been focused on expanding. We were hit

by COVID and had to let people go, restructuring and re-strategising.

Now things are bouncing back.”

Even if he never puts out another song, Darey’s music career will be regarded as one of the biggest references in Nigeria’s rich music history. However, his contribution to the lifestyle scene and entertainment, in general, is what has set him on the path to immortality. And contrary to past misconceptions, Dare Art Alade is no longer unDAREYted.

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

BEAUTY

Getting That Clean MAKEUP LOOK

BY SOPHIA EDISI

A

re you struggling with cakey makeup? The good thing is that there are many easy tips to make applying your makeup a smoother process. Regardless of how you want your makeup to look, it’s always okay to explore and try new things. Whether a beauty pro or a total amateur, you can benefit from a few makeup hacks. A different technique might just be what would give you better results, and you know what they say: You never know unless you try.

DAB, DON’T SWIPE

Dab your foundation gently on your face and neck until it is absorbed into your skin completely. You can always build up to your desired coverage. The trick is to make your face appear natural rather than your foundation just sitting harshly on your face.

SET ALL THE WAY

Set your face with a setting spray at every step, from skin prep to laying your foundation, baking or contouring; this helps smooth and blend in any harsh line. It’s a process that minimises the chances of you having a cakey look while also guaranteeing you fresh makeup all day. y

Getting a clean makeup look begins with getting your perfect shade. A foundation that’s not only a lightweight, blendable foundation but one that also offers great undertone and is packed with ingredients that are good for your skin.

Ma tte F NY inis XC hS OS ett ME ing TIC Sp S ra

KNOW YOUR FOUNDATION

Vanessa Gyimah

LET IT SIT

You will get fuller coverage if you let your concealer sit and dry for a bit, especially when using hydrating concealer. Be careful not to leave it for too long. Just a little bit to get it thick, so it isn’t difficult to smooth. Also, apply your lightest concealer at an angle to lift your eyes a bit.

PAGE 12

Super Stay Active Wear Foundation MAYBELLINE

BLEND IT OUT

You can master the skill of blending your makeup using a makeup brush and then going over it with a makeup sponge to get all the excesses off for a seamless finish. Blend properly to have a good transition.

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BEAUTY

DEFINE YOUR LIPS

Hyaluronic Happikiss LipStick Balm CHARLOTTE

Line your lips with a lip liner and go over the lip line with a concealer to achieve a more defined lip line and bring out a sharp shape. Blend out the concealer till it evens out with your skin.

EXFOLIATE YOUR LIPS

Gloss Bomb Drip Lip Cream FENTY BEAUTY

Before applying lipstick, you should exfoliate your lips to eliminate the dry skin. With proper lip prep, your lipstick will sit smoothly on your lips. Try prepping your lips with a gentle lip scrub at least once a week, or apply lip gloss before you begin your makeup.

HIGHLIGHT BEFORE BLUSH

For most people, highlighting the cheekbones with a bronzer is the last step of their makeup routine. You can also dab a cream or powder blush over your bronzer for a soft, glowy warmer finish with pure ease, adding the perfect amount of depth to the face.

Luminescent Bronzer HOUSE OF TARA

Creme to Powder Foundation MAC COSMETICS

Multi-purpose Makeup Brush ZARON

TRANSLUCENT POWDER

Dust some translucent setting powder on your lashes between coats of mascara.

It helps grip mascara, leaving you with fuller, more voluminous lashes. It also helps with greasy eyebrows. Apply a little over your natural brows for a matte finish.

KEEP THE HAIRLINE NEAT

We totally get that you want to slay your look; however, accumulating makeup residue around your hairline or frontals doesn’t make it look clean. It’s best to get a headband or give yourself a few inches short of your hairline when applying makeup.

Oil Control Setting Powder NUBAN BEAUTY

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

ENTERTAINMENT

amily BUSINESS Five Households That Have Held Down Their Family Names in The Entertainment Scene

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Reverend Josiah Jesse J.J. RansomeKuti

T

he concept of a family business is a common phenomenon. However, the practice, which is rather prevalent in the corporate industry, can be quite tricky. Often, separating business from pleasure is not an easy thing to do. Human relationships are so complex, and having to compound them with constant talks of money and career is more likely to strain them—the pressure could be overwhelming.

But family businesses aren’t peculiar to the corporate world. Although a much different structure from suit-and-tie operations, the entertainment industry has seen a few households attain relevance together. But

that doesn’t mean it is without its own glitches with families in the entertainment scene.

When the Okoyes (P-Square with their brother and music executive, Jude Okoye) split, to Nigerians’ shock, the intricacies of familial relationships took centre stage. It is just business at the end of the day; or is it more?

There are still a few households that have not only maintained relevance at the very top level but also a very cordial relationship. While some are siblings like the Egbusons and the Apatas, others are generations of a lineage passing down the baton like the Kutis.

The Ray-Eyiwumis Fela Kuti

Seun Kuti

If you are a lover of the Yoruba film industry, you must be conversant with ‘the Rays.’ Ranked as one of the most talented, creative and popular families in the industry, they are renowned for their collective impact on the industry. When any member of the family produces a film, the whole family sometimes features in it. With four of them still alive and active, their history as descendants of a lineage of thespians can be traced back to their late father Pa Eyinwunmi Ray, a professional actor and film producer who was a great pioneer of the Yoruba theatre in the 70s before moving to home video. His wife, veteran actress Olajumoke Ray-Eyiwumi, with the support of their children—Muka Ray, Lasun Ray and Murphy Ray— has since done an impeccable job of making sure that the family’s creative flag keeps flying high.

Femi Kuti

Yeni Kuti

Mádé Kuti

The Kutis The Kutis are the most prominent Nigerian household on the social front and within the entertainment scene. Although Fela Anikulapo-Kuti played a pivotal role in putting the household name on the map as

PAGE 14

the renowned pioneer of Africa’s foremost genre afrobeat, music renditions in the family didn’t start with him. Music in the household can be traced as far back as Fela’s great-grandfather, Likoye Kuti, an Egba griot. Likoye’s son, Reverend Josiah Jesse “J.J.” Ransome-Kuti (Fela’s grandfather), followed his path into the musical vocation and wrote a series of popular hymns in the Yoruba language while serving as an Anglican cleric. The legacy has so far been passed across six generations, and there is no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Last year, one of Fela’s sons, Femi Kuti, and his grandson, Mádé Kuti, got Grammy recognition for a joint album they created. Add that to Seun Kuti’s (Fela’s last son) equally impressive career. Overall, the household has produced eight musicians, a music manager, and four dancers, including Yeni Kuti.

Murphyray Olajumoke Ray-Eyiwumi

Lasun Ray

Muka Ray

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The Afolayans

The Afolayan family consists of six prominent actors, forming a film dynasty that is well known in Africa and synonymous with outstanding work. Before Gabriel and Kunle Afolayan was their father, a veteran film actor, producer and director, Adeyemi Afolayan (popularly referred to as Ade Love) and aunt, Toyin Afolayan (widely known as Lola Idije). The Afolayan siblings consist of ace film actor, producer and director Kunle Afolayan, actor and singer Gabriel Afolayan, actor Aremu Afolayan and the eldest, actress, filmmaker, producer and director Moji Afolayan. Moji Afolayan is also married to a prominent actor, producer and director Rasaq Olayiwola, known as Ojopagogo. Just like the Kutis, the Afolayans don’t look like they are taking a break from the spotlight anytime soon, with Kunle Afolayan already starring in a movie

ENTERTAINMENT

Adebayo Salami

Tope Adebayo

Sadiq Adebayo Rasaq Olayiwola Femi Adebayo

Adeyemi Afolayan

Toyin Afolayan

Aremu Afolayan Moji Afolayan

Ridwan Adebayo

The Adebayos

Veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, became a household name in the Yoruba film industry well over two decades ago and has since introduced a good number of his children to the family business. His most famous son, Femi Adebayo, has produced, directed and acted in several blockbusters, from home videos to the big screens. Other film family members include ace movie director Tope Adebayo, location manager Sadiq Adebayo and video editor Ridwan Adebayo who handles almost all the post-production of the family.

Gabriel Afolayan Darimisire Afolayan

Kunle Afolayan

The Ogulus Self-acclaimed African Giant Damini Ogulu, widely referred to as Burna Boy has, over the past decade, put his family in the spotlight. But he comes from a musical family.

Burna boy’s passion for music was inspired by his grandfather, Benson Idonije, who used to be Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s manager. Benson Idonije’s twin brother, Jesse, is also in the music industry. Burna Boy is managed by his mum, one-time DOWNTOWN cover personality Bose Ogulu. Her success in this position, which has seen her son rise to the pinnacle of African music, has earned her the alias ‘Mama Burna.’ Bose Ogulu is also the founder & CEO of Spaceship Collective, the holding company for Spaceship Records (an entertainment label) and Spaceship Publishing (a publishing outfit). Bose is not the only one involved in Burna Boy’s career; his younger sister Ronami is also a major part of the singer’s career. Ronami, a fashion stylist, has been spotted on many occasions styling her brother for his events, including international ones. The last child of the Ogulu family, Nissi is also a music artist.

Bose Ogulu Benson Idonije

Damini Ogulu Nissi Ogulu

Honourable Mentions The Adewales Actress Toyin Adewale, her husband, veteran actor and producer Sunday Adewale, and their musician son, Mayowa “Mayorkun” Adewale.

The Egbuson Siblings Actress and producer Dakore EgbusonAkande and her brother, actor Timini Egbuson The Edochies Veteran actor Pete Edochie and his sons, actors Linc and Yul Edochie.

The Kosokos Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, his daughters, actresses Sola Kosoko and Bidemi Kosoko and late wife, Henrietta Kosoko.

The Apata Sisters Sensational singers and performers, Niniola and Teni Apata, are popularly referred to by their first names.

The Otedola Sisters Disk jockey and musician Florence “Cuppy” Otedola and her sisters, actress Temi Otedola and musician Christine “Tolani” Otedola.

Ronami Ogulu

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VOL 2 NO. 26 • JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2022

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

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

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

WATCH of the Week time of his life. Abnesti JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION Spiderhead the is dizzyingly charming, Movie Review:

Chis Hemsworth has proven time and time again that he’s more than the muscle-bound, hammer-wielding God of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

From his unexpected comedic turn in 2016’s Ghostbusters to brutal action hero in Extraction, Hemsworth continually brings his A-game to all his roles. And he does the same in Netflix’s latest original movie, Spiderhead.

Almost 30 years after Steven Spielberg first thrilled audiences with Jurassic Park, the franchise’s new generation realised the way back to recapturing the magic was to, well, go back.

Jurassic World Dominion, the final instalment in the revival trilogy, goes all-in on nostalgia, regrouping original stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum while evoking the tone, aesthetic and beats of the 1993 classic.

Was it effective?

It worked, to an extent. Jurassic World Dominion is an aggressively fine and mostly enjoyable romp that does some things well and others things less so. It’s the epitome of just OK. If you’re an existing fan, it’ll serve you well – and there is a lot of fan service, including little callbacks and nods. You know exactly what the filmmakers, including director Colin Trevorrow, are doing when Neill’s Alan Grant is reintroduced on a dig site, surrounded by dirt and palaeontology accoutrements, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you have Neill on board, use him, and milk that nostalgia for all it’s worth. By this point in the franchise, six entries in, it’s well out of fresh ideas, so it may as well lean in on what it knows is going to work.

What works are the big set pieces with roaring dinos, sharp teeth and humans in peril, the gleeful comeuppance that awaits every villain and, of course, very cute baby dinosaurs – especially when they’re animatronic and not hollow, deadening CGI. There is a greater reliance on puppetry and animatronics in general here than in the previous two entries.

A forgettable motorcycle and dinosaur chase in Malta is offset by the pageantry of the third act, during which the two parallel storylines converge, even though it takes too long to get there. Storyline one involves Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard’s Grady and Claire on a rescue mission for their kidnapped adoptive daughter Maisie (Isabella Sermon) and another in which Neill’s Alan and Dern’s Ellie Sattler are gathering evidence of the

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deliberate ecological disaster being committed by a genetics company’s moustache-twirling boss Dodgson (Campbell Scott).

A caper through the wilds of the dinosaur sanctuary nakedly apes Spielberg’s movie.

We’re talking upturned Jeeps, torchlight beams swinging about in the dark and the tension of remaining very still while a ferocious beast is an inch from your face.

However, there’s not that much tension because there aren’t that many stakes – none you would believe anyway because you know they’re not going to bring back Neill, Dern and Goldblum just to kill them off, and they’re not going to dispatch Pratt and Howard either, it’s not that kind of movie.

So what kind of movie is it? It’s an inoffensive, low-commitment action flick. It may dress itself up in ideas about the ethics of genetic manipulation or the hubris and folly of man’s ambitions to control nature, but in the end, it’s about a few jump scares and the clash of apex predators. It’s like going on the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios theme park. You board the ride excited for a few safe knocks and shocks, and your breath will momentarily catch before the plunge.

But you also know exactly what to expect. There are no surprises, no stakes, and you walk away content enough, but within a few minutes, as you line up for the next attraction, you’ve already forgotten what just happened.

5/10

Spiderhead’s story features a facility of the same name, where convicts have the opportunity to shorten their sentences by volunteering to undergo drug trials. The nature of the experiments and the end goal is a mystery, but having the luxury and freedom that conventional prisons don’t offer is certainly appealing to the subjects. The person administering these experiments is Steve Abnesti (Chris Hemsworth), who’s very passionate about the good that his work will bring in the long run. One of the convicts and the main protagonist of this story is Jeff (Miles Teller), who came to Spiderhead after a terrible accident landed him in prison.

The movie begins by establishing that Abnesti, and his trusty but nervous sidekick Mark (Mark Paguio) have already perfected some drugs, such as one that makes the convicts laugh no matter how sad the situation. The drug they’re testing now, however, is a love drug, which literally manipulates the volunteers’ emotions and feelings for one another. During the course of this story, Spiderhead’s perfectly run operation begins to crack as Jeff and Abnesti come to odds about the philosophical nature of the experiments versus the moral consequences.

Spiderhead had potential as a thriller, but its execution doesn’t match up to the interesting premise. While a certain mystery box element in the first half of the movie is a bit lacking, the cast and their talent are able to keep the viewer engaged in the story, thanks in no small part to Hemsworth’s performance.

Hemsworth is totally immersed in his role as a highly motivated and passionate man trying to achieve the impossible. He’s quirky and eccentric, and it’s clear that Hemsworth is having

which adds to the intrigue of his experiments up until the final frame. He shares amazing chemistry with Teller and Jurnee Smollett, who plays another convict in the facility. Smollett herself gives an undeniably powerful performance as a woman hiding from her dark past.

Spiderhead works as an enjoyable thriller that checks all the boxes of shock and awe, suspense and

mystery, bolstered by great performances. It’s a short movie, which makes it a serviceable watch, despite its issues. Tune in if you want to see a Hemsworth performance that’s a departure from his usual clean-cut action hero roles.

Spiderhead is now streaming on Netflix

PLAYLIST FOR THE WEEK

AJALA - Only Fans

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BLK ODYSSY_ James Robinson - HANG LOW (feat.

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Planet Giza - Start Over

Ruger - Girlfriend

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Sunni Colón - UNIVERSE 4 TWO

Drake - Texts Go Green