THEWILL DOWNTOWN MAY 22, 2022 EDITION

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

Entrepreneur And Queen of PR

George-Taylor on Boosting Tourism Using Communication

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

EDITOR’S NOTE

T

he beauty industry has seen a shift regarding what men can and cannot do; we regularly see many more men wearing full makeup these days. Back in the eighties, rock stars were noted for their gothic makeup and dark nail polish, but it was usually for stage performances to create a particular perception.

That's no longer the case. Nowadays, you find men spotting nail polish as part of their style, or could it —as I would like to think— be a statement? We spoke to stylist Tosin Ogundadegbe about this trend in our beauty pages, and we share tips for any man who would love to try this trend.

We are not exactly in the clear regarding the pandemic; people who have taken both doses of the vaccine and a booster shot have tested positive for COVID. While some corporations have started encouraging staff members to resume in their offices, the pandemic has made remote working more popular.

And what do you need in your home workspace to work effectively? We list eight of them on our career page.

For our cover story this week, we speak to Bukky George-Taylor. Most of you may know her as what I have dubbed her, the 'Queen of PR', but did you also know she is a co-founder of the lifestyle app; CRAWL, which shows you the hottest places to visit in Nigeria?

For George-Taylor, the app is her gift to Nigeria to help promote all the beautiful places in our country, a sort of response to the many horrid stories you read about Nigeria on the Internet.

Anyone from any part of the world can see how beautiful our country is when you use the app.

Now, that's how you bridge the gap between technology and tourism. Who knows? She might just become the 'Queen of Tourism' as well.

Apart from this, she has other businesses that you must read about on pages eight through ten.

Couples have different acts they find to be kinky while in the throes of passion, and our sex page, Downtown confidential, tells a tale of one of those kinks. The story is in line with a simple but very sensitive question: Do you swallow?

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

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

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

8

CONTENTS 16

COVER ENTREPRENEUR AND QUEEN OF PR, BUKKY GEORGE-TAYLOR ON BOOSTING TOURISM USING COMMUNICATION

REVIEW THE NORTHMAN

04-05

14-15

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN GLITZ AND GLAM AT AMVCA 2022

FASHION FASHION AND ART ON THE RED CARPET

Photography: Tope Adenola @tope_horpload Styling: Veronica Ebie @veronicaodeka for @vanestylesr Cover Story Outfit: Maison ÓGÒ @maisonoggo

06

DOWNTOWN HOTSPOT THE NEW AFRIKA SHRINE

07

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL DO YOU SWALLOW?

11

12-13

CAREER 8 WORK-FROMHOME ESSENTIALS TO HAVE

Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity

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

Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm - Contributing Writer Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.

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 communications as well as design.As a fashion & lifestyle journalist, 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.

BEAUTY WHAT'S GENDER GOT TO DO WITH IT?

WHAT YOU SAID INSTAGRAM @mayreejay

Cover Star @okafor7044

Boss

@oyinkan_xx

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.

Great

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VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION& ART ON THE RED CARPET

FASHION

Let's start with your outfit, what was the inspiration behind it?

My outfit was actually from a zodiac sign sketch I saw for Taurus by a sketch artist. I was googling something online —I was checking my star sign— and I was like, wow, I like this bull head, you can actually incorporate this to an outfit. It just came to my mind. I wanted to do something outstanding for the AMVCAs because I feel the AMVCAs is our Met Gala, it's like the biggest movie awards; they celebrate fashion, culture, and every year, I bring a statement to the AMVCAs.

I

t's red carpet season, and what better way to kick-off the season than with the much-anticipated 8th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, known for bold fashion statements.

While celebrities strutted down the red carpet in many fabulous outfits, a few designs caught our eye. This week, we will look at the fashion on the red carpet, focusing on designs

by Toyin Lawani.

This year, while we cannot ignore the fact that fashion designer Toyin Lawani's creatively outrageous attire with a bull's head captured the night, there were even more head-turning outfits that she designed for other celebrities on the red carpet.

From Pretty Mike's awe-inspiring Eko Story Elegance to Ifu Ennada's eccentric outfit, there's no doubt that Toyin Lawani is ahead of her time.

So what inspired the creative juices behind those outfits to come bubbling up? She chats with DOWNTOWN's Abdul Auwal.

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Toyin Lawani at AMVCA 2022

Two years ago, when I designed the skull head and face mask for Omashola, and a face mask for Ifu Ennada as well, people trolled me for two to three days straight up.

Three days later, the outbreak of the coronavirus spread out, and everybody had to wear masks. My pieces are always fashion-forward, I pick on things on time, I'm ahead of the story. The skulls were supposed to represent the deaths happening around us. I am a trendsetter, and I do things ahead, and I feel travelling far and wide helps a lot.

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

FASHION

Ifu Ennada at the 2020 AMVCA

What inspired Ifu Ennade's outfit this year?

So, Ifu Ennada came back and said, you know what? This year I want us to do something extraordinary that will beat the last one. So I sat and thought about what we could do this year to beat the last AMVCA. You know I am very artistic, and so the thought that 'you really don't know people' came to my mind. You think you know them but people actually have many faces. And how you see me is different from how another person sees me. What social media even tells you that I am might be different from my real personality.

People are different from what they sell, my personality might be

Omashola Oburoh at the 2020 AMVCA

different. So, I had this idea of a man with many faces and people with different behaviours. At the end of the day, it is like bringing people together, the dress had a 100 faces and people with different characters. And that was what inspired me.

I called one of my artists and asked if he could recreate the masks, and he said yes, but we would have to mould them. So, we started moulding the masks from scratch.

The masks were so heavy the baskets could not carry the weight, and they kept sinking in; we had to build an iron cage that would hold the pieces together. It was a lot of effort you know; it took almost 50 hands to get this done.

Pretty Mike at the 2022 AMVCA

Back View Pretty Mike at the 2022 AMVCA

So, what was your inspiration behind Pretty Mike’s Outfit?

Ifu Ennada at the 2022 AMVCA

To be very honest, I'm a designer that gives credit when I should; the same way I told you about my bull head inspiration that came from the zodiac sign guy, Pretty Mike’s outfit, was from the Met Gala.

Alicia Keys, by, I think, Ralph Lauren. Immediately I saw that, I was like, wow! And so it hit me to redsign Pretty Mike's

outfit. I got rid of what I was already designing as soon as inspiration came. Obviously, the designs are different.

Pretty Mike was a suit and a jacket. It was far from it.

The New York City skyline inspired me to create the Lagos scenery with the yellow danfo buses, the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge, etc. It took 10 guys to paint it, and we had just three days to the AMVCAs can you imagine that?

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VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

DOWNTOWN HOTSPOT

NIGERIA'S MISUNDERSTOOD CULTURAL AND POLITICAL SALON

F

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

or so long, the public perception of the New Afrika Shrine is that it is a place only extremely street-smart people can even consider going to.

But that couldn't be farther from the truth.

In between his very vocal activism and provocative lyricism, it didn't come as a shock that Fela Anikulapo-Kuti made a few enemies in government—they were bent on tearing him down, and they were relentless in their witch-hunt.

Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder in the past, the old Afrika Shrine was renowned for its pull power. Recent guests have included Eryka Badu, Lauryn Hill, Skepta, Rita Marley, Bono, Anthony Joshua and Naomi Campbell.

Just four years ago, French President, Emmanuel Macron, spent an evening at the club, reliving his visits there when he was a junior diplomat in Lagos in 2002.

Fela’s history, alongside his vision for what the Shrine should look like—basically his home—pretty much draws the architecture, both structural and in the atmosphere, that today's shrine mirrors. When he built the first-ever Shrine in 1970, originally referred to as the Afro Spot, it was constantly getting raided by the then-military regime. The government at the time felt threatened by his dogged approach to challenging the government and resisting military rule and their abuse of fundamental human rights. It was both a place of entertainment and a cultural and political salon, where young Nigerians gathered in a spirit of optimism to discuss the country’s post-colonial future.

Seven years later, they eventually burnt it to the ground.

Even after he died in 1997, the old Shrine was still targeted until its ultimate despair. However, that didn't deter his children from remodelling the establishment and restoring it to its previous height. This would prove to be a difficult task.

In October 2000, the New Afrika Shrine was opened, having been built by his family, led by his eldest daughter, Yeni Kuti, and his eldest son, Femi Kuti. But the relationship with the government was still with a lot of friction, and the media didn't do enough to tell the Shrine story in a good light.

The New Afrika Shrine serves

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as a societal aggregator in its reception of people from different backgrounds. There is no entrance fee for most events at the Shrine, with the doors open 24/7, and everyone—locals and overseas visitors, rich and poor, black and white—are made to feel welcomed.

Four times the size of the original Shrine, the new club can accommodate two and a half thousand people. The club has a small library, pool tables and chill-out areas, photo galleries (of Fela and other great black men in the past) and organises education and outreach activities. Guests have access to food, drinks and merchandise, but no one is ever pressured to buy.

Perhaps the most liberal building in a

very conservative country, it is no surprise that the government isn't so keen on what the Shrine aims to achieve—a society of conscious people bent on questioning the status quo. Almost like an alternate reality of sorts, the Shrine, which also serves as a commendable tourist attraction, has an energy about it that begs to foster love and oneness.

The New Afrika Shrine has seamlessly picked up from where the old left off in terms of noteworthy global tourists. Having played host to prominent names such as Bootsy Collins and other members of James Brown’s band,

The shrine opens seven days a week, if you plan to be a consistent goer, you may need to take notes of the event and the show dates. The hall opens from 9am to late in the night.

On weekends it opens till dawn. Femi Kuti performs on Thursdays, Seun Kuti on Saturdays and Mádé Kuti on Wednesdays, all for free.

When asked about what the Shrine means to him, one of the co-founders of the establishment, Femi Kuti said, “The New Afrika Shrine is probably the most important thing I have ever done, aside from my children. At first, it was really tough because the government tried to stop us from building. So we did it quickly before they realised what we were up to. Then we had police raids for eight years, just coming in and breaking the place up, trying to stop what we were doing. In 2009, the authorities closed the Shrine, and there was a huge outcry. That was the last time we had any police trouble.”

In conclusion, Femi added, “There are clubs, hotels, and event centres. There are people selling food and drink. We have created a prosperous little city.”

Whatever perception you have of the Shrine is very misinformed and part of a smear campaign by past governments against Fela AnikulapoKuti and everything he stood for. If there is any place you want to visit to unwind and feel as liberal as ever, it is the New Afrika Shrine.

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

Do You

Swallow?

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

W

hat's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘swallow?’

For some, it might be the thought of pounded yam, furiously bludgeoned by two sweaty men with mortars, and then served with a dollop of egusi blissfully littered with assorted meats. While for others, it could connote the illegal means of smuggling drugs by digesting them— a lot like that Swallow film. However, today’s discussion doesn’t involve food or drugs. Today we’re talking about the big 'O'. No, not orgasms but Oral Sex and those little Micheal Phelps-like swimmers.

Allegedly, a ‘serving’ of semen is said to carry 37.5MB worth of DNA but not all data in this…stick is destined for procreation. When mouths and phalluses become acquainted, semen makes its way down the chute in some way. There's no need to squirm or avert your gaze. We understand that these things happen in a flash; one second, the coast is clear; the next, your eyes widen as your mouth fills, you take a large swallow, and it's down the hatch. (P.S penis wielders, exercise restraint and don't go around sowing seeds without proper permission and consent. Not everyone wants to be your soil.)

You've just downed a large mouthful of his seed, and if it's your first time, you're probably wondering if his fantastic swimmers will find their way to your ovaries, and cutscene, you're heading to the bathroom to puke like in Nigerian movies. First of all, that can't happen but you should know what exactly it is you just ingested. The water content of sperm is eighty per cent. It also contains proteins and amino acids, as well as sugars like fructose and glucose, zinc, calcium, and vitamin C, as well as a few other elements. There are also a few proteins and calories in an average ejaculation. A 2013 evaluation of studies published in the Journal of Andrology indicated that the average protein concentration of semen is 5,040 milligrams (mg) per 100 ml, according to Healthline.

Because the usual ejaculation excretes about 5 mL of semen, a gulp contains about 252 mg of protein. As far as calories go there are very few of them between 1-5 calories.

Another thing to know before going on a semen diet is you're only as safe as your partner (s). If you can't trust who and where it's been, don't stick it in your mouth because of a small portion of protein.

There's a reason there is no such dish called coq au semen.

(Google pronunciation of coq au vin.) STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HPV— as well as HIV—are risks. Yes, there is still a risk of contracting HIV through oral sex, even if the risk is lower than it is for penetrative sex. Just before I hurry off to the story bit of this article, I want to try to scribble down my take on this topic. I promise not to hold up the line so other “agendas can agend.”

So this thing is a “freak in the sheets” type of situation. Being completely–pardon my language– slutted out by someone. It has nothing to do with anything else.

It’s all part of sex; so most times, it boils down to how far you’re willing to go sexually and how much you trust who you’re with. I touched on it earlier but I’m rephrasing it for context. It’s also safe to say fizzing molecules of emotions is also a catalyst. And personally, scout's honour, I find it very very kinky. Now cue the story bit. The first time this happened, I felt it on a different level.

I hope my muse finds this amusing.

Femi sat there and watched her lips move as she explained the movement of a queen on a chessboard. As she shifted her gaze to his direction to know if he was paying attention, she caught him staring at her.

“Concentrate,” she said sheepishly as she tucked her hair behind her ear and a little warm smile appeared. They had known each

ORIGINAL IMAGE FROM MEDIUM

.COM

other from way back, when her love for chess waxed strong. He remembered how her medals hung high when you entered her childhood home. Although she was a few years younger then, he still found her cute smile her most attractive feature. But as he tried to act out a little of what chess she taught him, he had come to appreciate some of her developed physical features too.

Her cheeks and breasts were fuller, and so was her old smile.

They talked, laughed, and walked down memory boulevard together. The childhood crush they had for one another flickered in their hearts, but it wasn't something one visit would fix. As they spent more time talking and meeting up, like her once immense love for chess, they waxed stronger. After they had their first kiss, everything sort of turned up a notch. What they had was swaddled in melted strawberries, frozen, and then gently blowtorched to achieve the desired glaze. And it also perfectly describes what cunnilingus felt like with her.

As she went to work on his thallus, every sinew in his body stretched. She looked back at him as though she was egging him on and he got ten steps closer with every tongue technique.

He struggled not to let out a groan that he repeated till he eventually climaxed in her mouth. His fatigued apology was met with a coy smile and a gulp. Seeing that, his already flaccid penis sprung up. She got up from her knees and they engaged in a heated, passionate tongue wrestle. As she laid her back on the bed, she spread her legs, and he returned the favour.

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THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

COVER

Bukky George-Taylor

Entrepreneur and Queen of PR,

on Boosting Tourism Using Communication WRITTEN BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

DOWNTOWN’s Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, and writer, Kehindé Fagbule met with the woman behind all of that as she sat at her desk wearing a maroon Renaissance Agbada in all of her poise.

Although she lived in the United States through her college days, a quick dive into George-Taylor's life revealed that she in fact, grew up here in Nigeria. She gave the insight on that, “I left Nigeria when I was 15, right after SS 3. I lived and grew up in G.R.A. Ikeja. My mother worked for Nigeria Airways as the Assistant General Manager – Marketing. I attended Mrs. Ojutalayo’s school (Abbey Junior Mixed and Infant School), and I attended Home Science Association Secondary School.”

George-Taylor, who left Nigeria to get a degree in African American History and Women's Studies at the University of Massachusetts, revealed that communication wasn't the first thing on her mind. As a teenager, she wanted to become a professor and teach professionally. She explained how life took her on a different trajectory. “I did choose to study African American History and Women's Studies with a focus on Women of Colour and the Judiciary System. While I am grateful for all the knowledge acquired in my field of study, I wish I had studied Communications. I was a 15-year-old girl in college with very little experience, and neither did I know what career path I wanted to follow. At that time, I wanted to be a professor, and the plan was to study African-American history and enrol in a 5-year degree Ph.D. program to begin teaching eventually. Life took me on a different course, and Communications found its way to my heart. A part of me is still a teacher. My Robert Taylor Media team can testify to this.”

Photography: Tope Adenola @tope_horpload Styling: Veronica Ebie @veronicaodeka for @vanestylesr Cover Story Outfit: Maison ÓGÒ @maisonoggo

S

torytelling is important, but there are two sides to it. When we tell the story of Nigeria, especially one centred around the coming of age of a nation with huge potential, emphasis is often placed on the not-so-good parts. Think about the kind of news we consume daily, the headlines on the papers, words on the streets, and even the results on several search engine apps whenever the keyword is ‘Nigeria’.

There was—and still is—an apparent need for Public Relations (PR), and S far as we are concerned, Bukky George-Taylor has stepped forward to take on the mantle, but in a rather unconventional style.

Fifteen years ago, Bukky George-Taylor founded The Bobby Taylor Company, a registered Public Relations Company in Canada. Early operations after the company had launched saw her become a stakeholder within the Nigerian

PAGE 8

entertainment scene (but not for very long); a mission she conquered, having represented D’banj, Eldee The Don, and a host of other big names in the industry at the time. But Bukky George-Taylor has grown tremendously since then.

Nowadays, the serial entrepreneur who started as a publicist is now the genius behind an innovation that is bound to redefine the tourism experience in Africa.

The Bobby Taylor Company, which had penetrated the Nigerian entertainment space through the Future Award in a grande strategic gesture, has so far been rechristened Robert Taylor Media Ltd. A boutique Communications and Special Events Company located in Lagos, Nigeria. It caters to both corporate and contemporary clients and has represented some of Africa’s best local brands, and global brands looking to penetrate the African Market.

As she spoke, we could not ignore the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sticker —an organisation based on Sisterhood that she joined as a teenager— slapped against the lid of her personal computer. Of course, she is pro-woman. Her heavy involvement in the sorority can be seen on her Instagram. In Nigeria where the concept of a sorority on school campuses isn't exactly a thing, George-Taylor presently heads the sorority’s Lagos division. She tells us about it, “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated is the first African-American sorority founded in the United States in 1908 at Howard University. The organisation is based on sisterhood and service to the community. It has partnered with various local communities to solve problems and provide programs of service in the United States and abroad. Some of the organisation's notable members include the current Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, Wanda Sykes, Maya Angelou, Corretta Scott-King, the first female President of Liberia, Ella Johnson Sirleaf, and more.

I recently became the President of the first chartered chapter in Lagos, Nigeria, in June of 2021; it will be the third chapter chartered in Africa after South Africa and Liberia. This was definitely a big deal for me because I joined the sorority at the age of 18 when I was studying at the University of Massachusetts. So having joined the sorority in college and at a young age, and then being able to bring it back to my

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER We have a lot of subscribers, and they get their news right directly into their inbox daily.”

I am definitely interested in partnering with our local government. I am passionate about tourism. I have won awards in the Tourism Space; my opinions have been sought in various projects centred on tourism. Partnering with the government to change the narrative of our country definitely interests me.” home country, is a big deal for me. The organisation definitely kept me grounded when I was in college and empowered me to become a leader and serve my local community alongside my Sisters.”

With a strong foundation in the sorority and heart of the Phoenix, George-Taylor formed and registered her company as a 25-year-old. An impressive feat for a young adult who was just done with college. How could she have pulled that off? We asked to know her career trajectory; did she ever toe the line of a 9 to 5 job? She replied, “I did work 9-5. After I was done with college, I moved to Washington DC, and I worked for a law firm called Cadwallader, Wickersham & Taft for a while. I have done quite a bit of work in corporate America, actually. I then moved to Canada and started working for the University of Manitoba as the Executive Assistant to the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. I have also worked as an Administrative Assistant with the Certified General Accountant of Manitoba. So I did work a 9-5. It was while I was working at the University of Manitoba that I decided to resign to launch my own company, “The Bobby Taylor Company” a registered Public Relations Company in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada.” She certainly made a good call.

Since the formation of her company in 2007, Bukky George-Taylor has also been heavily involved in the lifestyle, hospitality and media industry. It all comes full circle, and she ties it all up seamlessly. Her media involvement which had already started as far back as her college days when she actively blogged, was rekindled.

Two years ago, she became a Director in one of Nigeria’s first digital publications, “The Lagos Today Newspaper” which covers stories, sights, and happenings around Lagos, Nigeria. She talked about her media involvement, “I work in the communications sector, and a huge percentage of my work is communicating with the press (Media Relations), it only makes sense to equally own a media platform and relate closely with journalists.

We asked how that part of her business was doing.

"And it is going very well. ‘The Lagos Today’ is loved by locals and the diaspora.

As far as lifestyle and hospitality go, Bukky George-Taylor did something very innovative last March. She merged hospitality and technology to provide Nigerians—and tourists alike—a solution that boosts the tourism experience in the country immensely. The result of that is the CRAWL App. George-Taylor, who defines it as Africa's first social calendar app, further explains the invention: "CRAWL Africa is a social directory and a local tourism app that started with Lagos City and will be available to major cities across Africa. CRAWL Africa was birthed to solve a problem; navigating the social and cultural scene in any city can be difficult due to a lack of information or wrong information.

I spend a lot of my days making suggestions for tourists or advising on what’s new in Lagos or where to visit. I also spend a lot of time connecting restaurants, bars, galleries, and various places with customers. A typical phone call goes something like this, “Bukky I have tried to call RSVP and it's booked. Help me do something, I know you can.” If I am able to help, I am picking up my phone to call the restaurant, “Hi Manny, I have a guest, she's super important and will love to eat at your restaurant. Can you make a table available?”

So to solve all those issues, I decided to build CRAWL, which I have now trademarked the name Crawl Africa because even though we have just done Lagos, we are about to roll out Abuja and Accra fairly quickly. The app is amazing and should be on everybody’s phone. It will show you all the beautiful places your city has to offer. You can check categories like arts and culture, fine dining, beaches, getaways, etc. The app provides you photos, descriptions, opening and closing hours, accurate reservations numbers, access to Uber, and Google Maps, and can even show you what places are closest to you.

It’s perfect for anyone visiting Lagos for the first time. You get to see a real snapshot of our city. The birth of CRAWL is my way of positively showcasing our city, supporting business owners in the hospitality/social space by connecting them with potential and already existing customers.”

Lagos is a city worthy of a showcase; its beautifully diverse populace, the fast-paced nature—a walking contradiction for a city that spends a third of a quarter of its daily 24 hours in traffic, and it never sleeps. The spirit of a megacity that hasn't quite blossomed has all the ingredients and potential to become one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. But this is not the case. When we asked George-Taylor if she is open to working together with the government to solve this problem, she replied, “I am definitely interested in partnering with our local government. I am passionate about tourism. I have won awards in the Tourism Space; my opinions have been sought in various projects centred on tourism. Partnering with the government to change the narrative of our country and welcome visitors definitely interests me. Anything to boost the tourism sector in this country, count me in.

I love Lagos, I love Nigeria. I see that despite all of the shortcomings that we have, there are also many amazing things about our country. Our shortcomings are more played up than all of the things that we have to offer as a country or as a state. I think it is important for us to realise that other countries that sound so amazing have as many shortcomings as we do, but they are in total control of their narrative, and they are putting in

Bukky George-Taylor With Her Alpha Kappa Sorority Sisiters Nigerian Chapter

the work to make their country function better.

We need to jump ahead of our narrative and showcase the country. We also need to fix the issues we have as well. I always preach that no amount of PR will sell a bad product. Let’s fix and then let’s sell.”

To sell anything, intentional marketing is required. Marketing is usually storytelling with conviction. But who is telling these stories?

We asked George-Taylor for insights on what needs to be done to change this narrative and ultimately make Nigeria marketable. “We can change the narrative in Nigeria by putting the right leaders in place that will do the work and then re-orienting the people of Nigeria.

Our National Orientation Agency needs a lot of support and government backing.

Many people focus on external communications

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VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

COVER

I want to give back and share my wealth of knowledge, and this brings me back to teaching/ mentorship. I look forward to this. I recently wrote a book called Born to Stand Out – a guide to personal branding which our agency offers as a service…” alone; however, internal communications is equally as important, and this is where re-orientating the people comes to play.

We need to learn to jump ahead of our own narrative in Nigeria to change global mindsets and counter negative stereotypes about Nigeria and its people.

Various countries have Public Relations Agencies supporting their narratives, handling crises, and putting together campaigns. There are so many people and many entities doing some amazing work. We need to tell these stories.”

Conversation then shifted to tourism.

Tourism is a big deal, it is how many countries in the world get most of their revenue. Although that is not the case with Nigeria yet, seeing as George-Taylor has administered the marriage of communication and hospitality to birth a tourism product in the new age, we asked her for some strategies. “I would say that we need to focus on Nigeria becoming a global destination for leisure, investment, and entrepreneurship. Ghana has done a tremendous job in boosting its tourism sector. Billions of dollars are made yearly from tourism in Ghana, and we can do it too. We have what it takes, but we must put in the work.

Our country can boast various cultural events, rainforests, savannahs, waterfalls, and other attractions.

Tourism can boost our economy; provide jobs, and so much more.

While we need to brand the country and make it marketable to the rest of the world, we really need to focus on Security, Infrastructure, Technology, and Information. Heavy focus on the tourism sector by the government is highly crucial. I recently worked with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group on some recommendations regarding Communications/Marketing in the Nigerian Tourism Policy. A lot of people are working behind the scenes, and we look forward to seeing this industry boom!”

PAGE 10

Our airports, for instance, are the first point of calling anyone has with our country, and yet, it’s not very friendly. How do we make it more welcoming for tourists, we asked.

“When you walk into other airports, you see a fine representation of the country you are visiting. Everything you need to navigate the city can be found at the airport from car rentals, hotel information, and even an information desk where you can ask questions or ask for assistance. We sadly do not have an information desk at our airport with trained personnel who are courteous and can sell the city to a first-time visitor.

You cannot even find friendly signs welcoming

you to Lagos.

It should not be a difficult experience for anyone visiting Nigeria for the first time. Why do we have to know somebody in Nigeria to navigate? We can decide to visit many countries without knowing a soul residing in that country and enjoy touring that country. You can find information on the city you are visiting online; you can plan your entire visit and see the city's experiences. We need to get there. People should be able to visit Nigeria and find relevant information easily.”

One of such things to help would be a website for the state; as we spoke, George-Taylor mentioned her experience searching for a website. “I tried to visit www.lagos.com and found a US-based jeweller store. Yikes!”

But she hasn't given up hope. “I am, however very optimistic. I know it can be done. And I want to do my own part, which is why I have curated CRAWL. You can read about a dangerous Lagos, those are the kind of stories that we hear in mainstream media, but when you open the CRAWL app, you will see all the diamonds in the rough,” she concluded.

One can only hope that Nigeria continues to grow as much as George-Taylor has over the years. On the 26th of April this year, she turned 40, and with her company, the Robert Taylor Company clocking its 15th-anniversary this September, we shifted the spotlight onto her professional life. When asked what she would hope for the Robert Taylor Company, she said, “I would hope that Robert Taylor Media continues to build leaders. Good leaders build other leaders and not followers. I would hope that we continue to provide excellent service to our customers.”

She proceeded to highlight the differences that have come with maturity in both her company and personal life.

“I would say that my company has more structure than before. It has evolved from just a communications agency to a Creative and Strategic company. I am proud of this, and it took a lot of learning, implementing, and adapting to get the agency to where it is now.”

In terms of her personal life, she had this to say, “As a person, I will say that I am more intentional about many things. Personal Development is extremely important for me. I spend time reading and attending virtual classes, programs, and conferences as well. I am particular about women-led conferences as it gives a more realistic insight to navigate through life and career.

I am also more intentional about enjoying life. The older we get we learn how fickle life can be. People have come and gone and so every day counts now more than ever.

Happiness, peace, and a healthy balance between work and my personal life are most important to me.”

The perks of prioritising one's peace and happiness cannot be overstated.

As at the time of this interview, it was a week ago, that the entire country heard the shocking news of popular gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu's passing.

The gospel of peace has been turned up a few notches. We asked Bukky for her take on the tragedy, to which she replied, “She was my favourite.

I've seen a lot of people say, “oh why didn't everybody do something?” Trust me, when someone is in an abusive relationship, there's absolutely nothing you can tell them until they are ready to move on; until they are ready to heal, and until they are able to identify that where they are isn’t good for them. When you are in an abusive relationship, you are almost in a cage.

I personally don't believe that there is anything anybody could have done because these abusers are extremely calculated and are good manipulators.

Many women try to leave their abusers but are drawn back due to broken self-esteem, psychological trauma, the kids, and many other ‘excuses’.

It’s not an easy place to find yourself. I feel like everyone needs to normalise therapy. There's such a stigma around therapy, and there shouldn't be.

Having someone you can talk to with an objective opinion that even also understands the psychology of abuse is extremely important. We have amazing organisations like WARIF, Cece Yara, and then digitally, Betterhelp.com. We also need to be kind to people; a lot of people are going through a lot. It cannot be easy.

At the end of the day, Sister Osinachi’s life and death touched many people in different ways. She gave a lot of women voices that had been silenced by abuse for so long. She remains a hero in my books. May her soul rest in peace.”

As we wrap up the interview, DOWNTOWN’s Editor welcomed George-Taylor to the 'fourth floor.' With a facial expression that screams ‘jolly!’ she said, “Yes, the big 40. I don’t feel 40 at all. They say your age is whatever you feel your age is. I feel strong, confident, and very alive. I am grateful to God.” When asked what she is looking to gain in terms of being an entrepreneur at 40, what other projects she is hoping to take on, and what the future holds, she responded, “I want to give back and share my wealth of knowledge and this brings me back to teaching/ mentorship. I look forward to this.

I recently wrote a book called Born to Stand Out – a guide to personal branding, which our agency offers as a service. I am excited about this as well.

I am also excited about Tourism for Nigeria. We have a lot of people putting Nigeria on the Map. From Art X to Lagos Fashion and Design Week to The Flytime Music Festival to Alte Fest, and so much more. It’s just time to tell our stories to the rest of the world, and I want to be a part of that.”

And if there is anyone capable of doing that, it is the Queen of PR, and maybe of tourism, soon, Bukky George-Taylor.

8

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

CAREER

WORK-FROM-HOME ESSENTIALS TO HAVE

BY IDOWU LAMI

D

espite the vaccines restoring some level of normality to the working culture, some businesses continue to encourage their staff to work remotely. That's good because you can feel more relaxed, comfortable, and productive at home, and your suits can also take a break-the bottom half of them, at least.

To carry out those tasks at an optimal level, however, certain things must be in place to put you in the right frame of mind.

Oversized T-Shirt

Now, without further delay, here are a few items to make working from home more comfortable and more productive.

IMAGE FROM UNDERSTOOD.ORG

Airpods Max APPLE

Crescent Unisex Sweatpant CAMP BEVERLY HILLS Masala Chai Latte

Tommy Furry Home Slippers TOMMY HILFIGER

Laptop Phone Holder Self-Cleaning Water bottle LARQ

WorkEZ Laptop Stand UNCAGED ERGONOMICS

Royal Seat Cushion PURPLE

PAGE 11

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY

N

ail art is considered feminine territory in the world of beauty, but anyone can decide to design their nails if they see fit. Lately, more and more men have been opting for nail polish after a manicure, and it's not just because gender norms are shifting in the present generation. Male selfcare and grooming are now making major wages in the beauty industries. Many men and some of your favourite celebrities have been spotted wearing nail polish lately as part of their style and fashion sense. And from the look of things, this trend is here to stay.

Fashion stylist Tosin Ogundadegbe (Thestyleinfidel), a nail polish wearer himself, has been flaunting this new look for men, so we asked him what he thinks about the trend and why he indulges. His answer was very reassuring, “For me, it’s not really a trend. I’m just a fan of doing whatever gratifies my thirst for just living.

I had the thought to beautify my nails, so I just started painting and experimenting with different nail art”.

For women, creativity and nail art designs have no limits. Women experiment with all kinds of shapes, colours and techniques.

However, that isn't the case for all men.

Why are men not “allowed” to?

There might be certain constraints to colour or designs, and Tosin believes that “For men who don’t like to explore too much, they can easily find nail polish that blends with their natural nails, so it becomes an upgrade to what natural nails look like.

However, I have experimented with gold, white, black, and many others. I just love to maintain the shape of my natural nails”.

Tosin Ogundadegbe

WHAT'S GENDER GOT TO DO WITH IT?

BY SOPHIA EDISI PAGE 12

The gender-neutral trend is quite popular among Gen Z, and even though there's a lot less judgment nowadays from the public, we can’t ignore the fact that there are those who frown at it. “I have come to the understanding that not everyone will like you, regardless of if you dress well or weirdly, and I think I’m already fine with that. I’ve seen people looking at me with weird looks and those who also want to give it a try too,” said Ogundadegbe.

Regardless, everyone has the right to their own opinions; I can’t tell people what to hate or love. I love doing my nails, and I’m sincerely unbothered about what anyone else thinks.

Speaking on his first impressions when he walked into a manicurist and asked to get his nails painted, “it was so weird because a lot of women were surprised and wondering what a huge guy like myself is coming to do here. I got eyes on me at the time; it’s my sense of style, which I’m used to, so I don’t shy away from things. And as you know, I’m all for people sparking conversations”.

Now that nail art is taking off among men, and has also become a status symbol, a fashion statement and one of the tools that make you cool, it's safe to say that we're all ready for the change. This time it’s all about transitioning, trying new things, and being playful, practical, fun and bold with beauty.

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY

TOP 3 DESIGNS FOR HIM AND HOW TO WEAR THEM ABSTRACT DESIGNS Abstract designs look fabulous on any nail, long or short, male or female. So if you aren’t ready to embrace the all-out nail art with open arms but still want a bit of creativity and sophistication to your style, abstract designs would do the trick for you.

PLAIN GEL POLISH A plain monotone gel polish is the most simple nail style for men. You can wear a simple, bold gel polish for an effortless look. And if that’s too easy for you, then take it a bit further with a pop of two or more shades of the same colour on each hand to literally make your mani have cool vibes and make it look more fun.

Fireboy DML

MINIMALIST DESIGNS Applying a thin line of silver glitter polish for French tips is cool without looking over-the-top.

Glitter mimics the look of crystals.

Adding this at the base of a clear mani with different-sized embellishments for a more unexpected minimal look might be the coolest combo you might have tried. Trust us when we say it makes the work of art look minimalist.

Breathable Nail Lacquer KIKO MILANO

Gel Couture Nail Polish ESSIE

Bayo Oke Lawal

PAGE 13

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

Glitz Glam and

The Eighth Edition Of The AMVCA Lived Up To Expectations

Ik Osadiouduwa

& Bonang Mathe

ba

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

S

ince countries began to reopen after the COVID-19 brought the world to a halt in 2020, event red carpets have significantly become more interesting. People can gather again, and they have chosen to do it in grand style—the AMVCA, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, is the latest instalment of that.

Having gone on a one-year hiatus, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards returned with glitz and glam like never before. It was expected to be culture's biggest night here in Africa, and the lofty expectations were met and surpassed almost immediately, right from when the red carpet, hosted by Toke Makinwa, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Uti Nwachukwu, and Ghana’s Sika Osei, received its first guest.

Red carpets are usually known for hosting women, especially, in their glory. This year, however, the AMVCA served a more balanced look-book as the men on the night gave the gorgeously-styled women a run for their money.

The gala proper was not short of phenomenal. Hosted by multi-talented Nigerian media personality, IK Osakioduwa, and South Africa’s media darling, Bonang Matheba, the event kicked off with a characteristic energetic performance by Mama Africa herself, Yemi Alade. Another standout performance was a mashup by afro-fusion sensation, Rema, and legendary afrobeats musician, Lagbaja, serving as a high point on the night, bringing nostalgia on stage. Speaking of nostalgia, Taiwo AjaiLycett’s Industry Merit award win for her contribution to the industry through her role on Tinsel also caused the crowd to erupt in applause. However, the most hilarious moment of the night came after IK Osakioduwa, who had been roasting several Nollywood stars, told the audience that actor, Deyemi, had to become a real estate agent later got a 9-5 because the pandemic affected the film business.

Then Deyemi, in a goofy Will Smith improvisation, yelled: “KEEP MY NAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!” as he tried to make his way onto the stage.

Big winners at the awards include Funke Akindele (best actress in a comedy, Omo Ghetto The Saga), Osas Ighodaro (best actress in a drama, Rattlesnake), Samuel “Broda Shaggi” Perry (Best Actor in a Comedy, Dwindle), Stan Eze (Best Actor in a Drama, Rattlesnake), Omowunmi Dada (Best Supporting Actress, Country Hard), Odunlade Adekola (Best Supporting Actor, Jankariwo), Ramsey Nouah (Best Director, Rattlesnake), Chukwuemeka “Mr Funny” Emmanuel Ejekwu (Best Online Content Creator, Oga Sabinus), Izu Ojukwu, Okey Ogunjiofor (Best Overall Movie, Amina), to name a few.

The prize transcends movie appreciation as guests were also recognised for their outfits in a special “Best Dressed” award. Nollywood actress, Osas Ighodaro, received recognition as the Best Dressed Female, while model, and Nollywood actor, Denola Grey, won the male category of the award; each carting away 500,000 naira.

Foreign representation was also present as Hollywood veterans; twin sisters Tasha and Sidra Smith, came to grace what will go down as a memorable night.

PAGE 14

Busola Tejumola

i-Uchendu

Ebuka Ob

wa

in Toke Mak

Uti Nwachukwu

dra Smith

an Funke Akind

inda Suleim

Ibrahim & L

Tasha Smith & Si

ele

Sika Osei

Lagbaja & Rema

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

Bolanle Austin Peters

e

Adunni Ad

Idia Aisien

Deyemi Okanlawon

utchings

Eku Edewor

Carolyn H

Bright 'Basket Mouth

'

Darey

Denola Grey

D'Banj Performing

liet Ibrahim

Ju

Kate Henshaw

ukwu

Lota Ch

ju

Lala Akino

Mawuli Gavor Meg Otanwa

aro Osas Ighod

kereke

O Yolanda

Ohimai Atafo

Nancy Isime

PAGE 15

VOL 2 NO. 21 • MAY 22 - MAY 28, 2022

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

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

Movie Review:

THE NORTHMAN

T

here’s a poetry to Robert Eggers’ language. His incredibly detailed world has a gravitational pull toward excellence as a storyteller. It comes through in his dialogue, camera framing and immersive production design. And although his latest, The Northman, is a classic tale as old as time, Eggers bakes a brutal cake layered with meaning, incredibly rewarding themes, and a grand sense of mystery. Like Eggers’ previous work (The Witch, The Lighthouse), The Northman is wicked and delightfully weird without ever losing its grip on being a compelling character study engulfed in dazzling imagery – and it’s his best film to date.

The Focus Features’ Viking epic follows Prince Amleth (Oscar Novak) on the verge of becoming a man when his father (Ethan Hawke) is ferociously murdered by his uncle (a terrific Claes Bang of The Square). Amleth’s uncle kidnaps Prince Amleth’s mother (an award-worthy Nicole Kidman), leaving his world upside down as he tries to find his place in it. Raised with tremendous hate in his heart for the next 20 years, Prince Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård) is ready to exact revenge and take back what’s been stolen from him.

Compared to Eggers’ previous two films, The Northman is his most straightforward narrative. However, that doesn’t hinder the experience one bit. Eggers' films are mesmerising because of the haunting and psychedelic imagery and detail. The Witch and The Lighthouse both feature images that will continue to live on, and The Northman is no different.

There’s a scene involving children that will stick and really upset some people.

It’s incredibly dark and brutal, but it raises interesting questions about where the line is for Amleth? He is someone so consumed with hate that he’s strategic about everything,

PAGE 16

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

making the basic need to be human feel nonexistent. This is perfectly visualised in a scene where he cries his last tear as a child.

And what kind of Eggers movie would this be if it didn’t dip into the supernatural? This is an arena that Eggers excels in as a filmmaker.

Anything that feels otherworldly is always grounded because of his navigational skills with tone. He can show you the most disturbing material and still have you eager to see where the story goes.

One terrific duel between Amleth and a giant, undead entity will excite those who have a taste for the weird. But the sequence also pumps the brakes with its follow-through. All these largerthan-life experiences have a reason for going to the extreme. For instance, the fight scene mentioned above could be read as an internal battle to prove Amleth’s worthiness in receiving heroic gifts (like a sword). Eggers is cautious about blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.

Performance-wise, so much can be said about Skarsgård’s beastly take. Not only does he tap into the complex emotions of a man trying to fulfil a promise and have a legacy of his own, but he also brings so much physically to the role that’s intoxicating. One scene when he catches a spear and throws it right back to its sender is chilling. How Skarsgård walks ( a slow, deliberate, and blood-thirsty manner) is something that deserves to be decorated in gold. You’ll believe Amleth’s pain 100%.

But it is Kidman who gives the most surprising turn of the film. It’s been some time since she’s gone to this level. She accomplishes so much in such little screen time, primarily in a scene near the film’s last third, which is one of the most powerfully constructed and acted moments in any movie ever. You’ll know it when you see it because you’ll feel a fire build within you.

The Northman may not pull everyone in at once, but it will have some serious legs. More and more people will discover it over time, and those who do will sing its praises far and wide. It’s an old story, older than Hamlet. (Hamlet, with his similar sounding name, is actually based on Amleth’s journey.) But there’s such a freshness to its view on fatherhood and what we lose along the way. There’s also a lot to admire and learn, like how the younger generation sees the older generation as having more integrity for having faced a harder world.

Plug into its cinematic power and feel the whirlwind of its bone-breaking vision. It’s the most confounding studio film of the year.

9/10

WATCH of the Week

Our Father

Scan this with your camera to access the playlist (Spotify) the film lurches into new territory. The nightmare in the past becomes very much a thing of the present as they share their concerns, trying to reconcile what they have discovered with their own value systems and wondering to what extent their parentage defines who they are.

Although it’s let down by a score which makes it feel like a TV special, and a style of presentation which sometimes falls into the

same trap, the layered subject matter in this film makes it a fascinating watch. Director Lucie Jourdan does a good job of balancing multiple story strands and giving different siblings the chance to air their personal stories. As their number just keeps growing, it seems entirely possible that new ones will emerge as a result of viewing this film. Watch with due caution, but do watch if you can.

PLAYLIST FOR THE WEEK

Some only children are content to have all of their parents’ attention.

Others long for the company of siblings. Growing up in a small town just outside the US city of Indianapolis, Jacoba Ballard was one of the latter. She had what she thought was an advantage over others in that situation: Knowing that she was conceived using donor sperm.

This meant that there was a possibility that she could have a half sibling or two somewhere out there. When DNA testing service 23AndMe launched, she decided to use it to try and find them – but it soon became apparent that something was wrong. To date, she has found 94.

To put that in perspective, most fertility clinics, including the one her mother had attended, have a rule whereby they never use the same donor’s sperm more than six times. This rule is especially important when all the inseminations are carried out in the same geographical area. It minimises the risk that half siblings will, as the film delicately puts it, ‘marry’ without knowing they’re related. Seeing these particular siblings side by side, one is struck by something else. They almost all have the same blond hair and blue eyes, although their parents’ features vary, and the mothers were promised that donors would be chosen who physically resemble their husbands.

There has been enough advance publicity about this film that it won’t surprise viewers to learn that the culprit was the fertility doctor, who used his own sperm, contrary to his promises and without consent. There is a lot more to the story than this, however. The film explores various reactions to their discovery, including the particular distress faced by families in which the artificially inserted sperm

Burna Boy - Last Last

Ceeza Milli_ WizKid - Shayo

Cruel Santino_ Shane Eagle_ KAYTRANADA_ Lucky Daye Tomi Agape_ Amaarae - Rapid - Look Easy

Kendrick Lamar - N95

Maeta_ Buddy - Teen Scene (ft.

Buddy)

Show Dem Camp_

Kizz Daniel_ Tekno - Buga

Mavins_ Crayon_ Ayra Starr_ LADIPOE_ Magixx_ Boy Spyce Overdose

SPINALL_ Asake - PALAZZO