THEWILL DOWNTOWN, November 12, 2023

V O L 3 N O. 4 6 • N O V E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 3

LAGOS FASHION WEEK

THE MOST EPIC FASHION SHOWDOWN

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CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

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It didn’t just stop with the fashion shows; the retail part of the Lagos Fashion Week experience left me asking myself one question: With the rather expensive purchase cost of Nigerian designer brands, how easy is it for anyone to support the industry? It boils down to the cost of production.

With the cost of raw materials at a record high, it leaves the designers no choice but to price their merchandise at a high rate, making it difficult for us to actually “Buy Nigerian.”

I also ask myself: What is the solution to this problem?

As you read this, we should be on the final day of the GTCO Fashion Weekend, which brings us to the end of the fashion season. I’m hoping their runway has an impressive lineup.

In other news, our magazine is fully interactive.

Click on the page title on the content page to take you straight to that page or on the instructions underneath the QR codes on page 16 to take you to the playlist.

14

Crafting The Ideal Eyebrow

BEAUTY

15

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

T

he fashion season is gradually coming to an end. Designers showcased and presented their collections and left it to us to decide who did a great job. And so this week, we bring you a summary of the designers at Lagos Fashion Week. There were several offsite, stand-alone shows, each doing its best to put up a great show, but the best by far was the Atafo show— it was enthralling. I mentioned this before, so I won’t bore you with more talk about the Atafo show; I’ll only say that the designer set a standard that will be very hard to beat. Fashion shows in Nigeria ought to take a cue from it.

Another designer who did a great job of his standalone show was Sisiano. The collection was unique, and the team beautifully orchestrated the show; the designer gave his all.

DÉCOR

The Best Flooring Trends

04-05 FASHION

Why You Should Wash New Clothing Before Wearing Them

16

REVIEW

Bellanaija Style Digital Summit

Adire

07

The Science of DOWNTOWN Arousal CONFIDENTIAL

8-11 Lagos Fashion Week COVER

WHAT YOU SAID V O L 3 N O. 4 5 • N O V E M B E R 0 5 , 2 0 2 3

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.

DARE TO DREAM

ANITA NATACHA AKIDE’S UNRELENTING SPIRIT

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Until next week, enjoy your read.

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AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Danielle Loth Writer: Ijeoma Ezeanyika Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

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.

Dorcas Akintoye Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.

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www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

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VOL 3 NO. 46 • NOVEMBER 12, 2023

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FASHION

WHY YOU SHOULD WASH NEW CLOTHING BEFORE WEARING THEM

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

E

veryone has been in a situation where they recently bought new clothes and are eager to flaunt them. It’s imperative that you wash them first, though, before donning that brand-new clothing. It may seem like a waste of time to wash new clothing before wearing it, but several benefits of doing so go beyond simply keeping them clean. In this article, we’ll look at 10 reasons why washing your brand-new clothes before hanging them up in your wardrobe is always a good idea.

3

. SKIN IRRITATION

Fabrics, especially synthetics, can be stiff and abrasive from the store. A wash softens the fibres, making them gentler on your skin and preventing potential discomfort.

2 DUST AND DIRT .

During storage and transportation, clothing can accumulate dust, dirt, and insect debris. Washing ensures your new clothes are fresh and clean.

1

. CHEMICAL RESIDUE

New clothes often contain residual chemicals from the manufacturing and packaging process. These chemicals can be irritating to your skin and cause allergic reactions. A good wash helps remove these harmful substances.

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4 SIZING ISSUES .

Other shoppers might have tried on clothes before you bought them. Washing helps to remove any lingering bacteria or germs from previous fittings.

VOL 3 NO. 46 • NOVEMBER 12, 2023

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FASHION

8

. ALLERGEN REMOVAL

If you have allergies, washing new clothing will help eliminate any allergens that may have settled on them while they were on the store shelves, such as pet dander, pollen, or dust.

5 COLOUR FASTNESS .

Some dyes used in clothing may not be colour-fast. Washing new clothes separately can prevent colour bleeding and protect your other garments.

9

.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

6

.

SHRINKAGE

Clothing that multiple shoppers have touched in a store makes it difficult to guarantee its cleanliness. It’s good personal hygiene to wash brand-new clothing before wearing it.

New garments, especially those made of natural fibres, can shrink after their first wash.

By washing them first, you’ll ensure a proper fit when you wear them.

7

.

10

.

ODOUR REMOVAL

PEACE OF MIND

New clothes can have a peculiar odour due to various factors, including storage conditions and shipping. Washing eliminates these odours, leaving your clothes smelling fresh.

Last but not least, cleaning brand-new clothing brings comfort. You can relax and appreciate your clothes, knowing that they are clean and free of any potential irritants.

CONCLUSION

The comfort, health, and general contentment with your purchases can all be significantly improved by taking the time to wash your new clothes before using them. It makes sure that your new wardrobe additions are spotless, secure, and prepared to be used without any unpleasant surprises. The following time you go shopping, remember these ten points and wash your new clothes well before adding them to your wardrobe. Your well-being and skin will thank you for it!

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DOWNTOWN

The Science of Arousal

What Happens to The Body During Sex

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

T

hough many people find it mysterious, sex is a fascinating and natural part of human life. The changes our bodies go through during this intimate act are the subject of extensive scientific study, in addition to the joys it offers. This article will provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the intriguing science of arousal by examining six things that take place in the body during sex.

4

. BLOOD FLOW TO GENITALIA The vaginal area experiences an increase in blood flow when one is sexually aroused. Men get an erection when sexually stimulated, while women have vaginal walls and clitoris engorgement. Sexual pleasure and function depend on this increased blood flow.

1

.INCREASED HEART RATE

5

. HEIGHTENED SENSATION

Heart rate elevation is one of the most noticeable symptoms of sexual excitement. Increased heart rate and pumping to key places supply the body with the oxygen and nourishment it needs to respond to intimacy as desire and excitement grow. Part of what makes having sex so thrilling is this elevated heart rate.

2

.HORMONE RELEASE

Your body releases an array of hormones during sexual activity.

“Feel-good” hormones, or endorphins, are released in high concentrations and induce feelings of joy and contentment. Oxytocin, sometimes known as the “bonding hormone,” promotes intimacy and trust by fortifying the emotional bonds between couples.

3

. MUSCLE TENSION AND RELAXATION

Having sex is a vigorous physical activity that works for several muscle groups. The muscles in the body tighten in preparation for the sexual act as excitement increases. This tension is released at the climax, resulting in a feeling of contentment and relaxation.

We are more sensitive to touch and other sensory inputs when we are sexually aroused. This improves the sensory experience by making the skin more responsive to kisses and caresses.

This increased sensitivity plays a part in the great pleasure that comes with having sex.

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. RELEASE OF SEXUAL TENSION Elevated tension is reached in the body during the pinnacle of sexual excitement. A pleasant peak marked by rhythmic contractions of the vaginal muscles, which is also known as an orgasm, releases this tension. An exhilarating moment occurs when all sexual tension is released.

CONCLUSION

Sex is a natural and beautiful expression of human intimacy, and understanding the changes that occur in the body during sex helps us better appreciate how intricate sex is. During sex, a lot of things happen in the body, ranging from an increased heart rate to hormone releases, muscle tension and relaxation, blood flow to the genitalia, heightened sensation, and the release of sexual tension.

These serve as a gentle reminder that connecting and having fun with our bodies is a normal part of being human.

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VOL 3 NO. 46 • NOVEMBER 12, 2023

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COVER

LAGOS FASHION WEEK THE MOST EPIC FASHION SHOWDOWN

L

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

agos Fashion Week has always been the most anticipated fashion showdown every year since its commencement in 2011, and this year, it began on the 25th of October 2023 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos.

The first day of this outstanding event commenced with an essential agenda - The UNESCO Report Launch. This monumental event sought to delve into the world of the African fashion industry to examine its trends, challenges, and promising growth opportunities. Omoyemi Akerele, the Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week, and Toussaint Tiendrebeogo smartly moderated the event. The esteemed guest speakers of the panel included Reni Abina, the creative director of Rendoll, as well as Inane Ayissi, Lulu Shellbell, and other prominent industry figures. After the eye-opening discussion, the Fashion Week tents opened their doors, ushering in majestic runway shows. Simultaneously, the SwapShop, an intriguing component of the event, came to life with a bustling activity. For the entire week, the runway was home to fashion enthusiasts who came to feed their eyes with beautifully crafted pieces by fantastic designers. Here, we have profiled each designer.

OSHOBOR Oshobor is a 2022 Green Access Finalist known for its signature waste wool, which made a triumphant comeback to the runway, unveiling a fresh and evocative collection titled Graduation of Love.

STUDIO IMO Studio Imo is a brand known for its commitment to slow-fashion knitwear, and it made its Lagos Fashion Week debut with a collection titled Good Hunting. This collection skillfully demonstrated how crocheting endures the test of time and was an ode to literature.

CYNTHIA ABILA Cynthia Abila took centerstage with its SS24 collection.

This exquisite collection showcased a captivating array of finely tailored dresses crafted from the brand’s well-loved fabrics.

RENDOLL Rendoll is a luxurious women’s fashion brand making its debut, and it took the runway on the first day. Rendoll incorporates sequins and vibrant multicoloured fabrics into its designs, a signature style that has been identified with it since its inception in 2019. The

PEPPERROW Pepperrow featured stunning pieces, from skirts adorned with raffia accents to multicoloured dresses with intricate embellishments.

They displayed their latest collection, I Love You, which has continued to captivate people this season.

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COVER KENTE GENTLEMEN From Cote d’Ivoire was Kente Gentlemen, a fashion brand deeply committed to ethical practices within the African fashion industry. It showcased its SS24 collection titled A Woman Wearing a Suit. The collection expertly presented an array of well-tailored two and three-piece suits accentuated by stylish, exaggerated collars and adorned with exquisite African prints.

CUTE SAINT The collection displayed a range of outfits, beginning with a striking female model in swimwear paired with gloves; the collection showcased a range of bodycon tops, crop blazers, gowns, and black baggy denim pants, all of which offered a fresh and genderbending vibe.

AJABENG

LILA BARE Lila Bare came with a new collection titled Kolam, which explored 3D technology, original prints, and metal and bead works.

The show opened with a body-fitting androgynous piece worn by two models; what followed next were pieces made from crochet and simple garments.

Ajabeng, the visionary design house, showcased its SS24 Pride of Ghana collection. The collection beautifully honours Ghana’s lively Highlife music and the essence of its culture.

It featured a range of elevated minimalist uniform pieces, which presented a harmonious fusion of contemporary designs and cultural homage.

PETTRE TAYLOR Pettre Taylor hit the runway with its collection, Let Our Differences Bloom.

This collection was more than fashion; it was a movement that gave a shout-out to global togetherness through clothes.

piLLz N PoiZn piLLz N PoiZn’s SS4 collection beautifully embodies modernday feminity through an exquisite use of soft and intricate fabrics, which resulted in an array of diverse and captivating silhouettes.

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VOL 3 NO. 46 • NOVEMBER 12, 2023

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COVER EMMY KASBIT

UGO MONYE Ugo Monye showcased its SS24 collection, which is its most striking and monumental collection to date. The pieces featured multiple layers of fabrics, flowing agbada garments, and complementing caps. The collection delivered a fusion of traditional menswear with a contemporary twist.

SVL DESIGN SVL Design made a successful return to the Lagos Fashion Week runway, ready to showcase another eclectic collection after earning recognition as a 2022 Green Access finalist.

The brand returned with a fresh body of work that delves further into patchwork while infusing a distinctive streetwear sensibility.

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Emmy Kasbit, one of the headliners of the 2023 Lagos Fashion Week, took the runway with his new collection, which was unexpected yet interesting to see as he experimented with traditional textiles and prints.

This collection was inspired by his father’s Ukara cloth - a textile historically belonging to a group of men in Igboland in southeastern Nigeria.

LFJ LFJ presented its captivating undersea collection, a collection which exudes a couturelike and theatrical essence, with each piece evoking a sense of substance. Their apparel is characterised by their soft and luxurious textures, complemented by striking headpieces such as hats and masks.

KIKOROMEO Kikoromeo made a stunning comeback to the Lagos Fashion Week runway and unveiled its latest collection. This collection was crafted from the brand’s unique hand-printed fabrics and exuded vibrant, experimental androgynous aesthetics.

DESIRÉE IYAMA Desirée Iyama returned with its SS24 collection tagged Botanical Garden. The pieces were a nod to botany with a touch of feminity. It ranged from mini flowers to bold floral prints.

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COVER

Ellie Kuame Adama Paris

Ellie Kuame, with its SS24 collection titled Foundation, offered pieces of couture.

The models for the brand were sent down the runway in structured ball gowns, exaggerated sleeves, and bucket hats.

Adama Paris, who previously showcased at the 2021 Lagos Fashion Week, also graced the 2023 runway once again.

It offered its latest collection, which explored pieces made from denim.

Short dresses, three pieces, and skirts were embellished with bronze, and it also delivered cute petite purses and bags.

FIA There was also FIA, with its SS24 collection titled Connecting Lines. It returned with an experimental collection, which was the pairing of their signature woven fabric with denim to make beautiful, bold pieces.

Nkwo Nkwo continued its journey of indigenous African storytelling this season at the Lagos Fashion Week. It displayed deconstructed shirt dresses detailed with woven fabrics and upcycled denim pieces.

Éki Silk Éki Silk, who returned to the Lagos Fashion Week runway, presented unique silk pieces in beautiful print designs.

Éki Kéré Éki Kéré is a Nigerian sustainable brand known for its Adire and raffia detailing.

It debuted on the Lagos Fashion Week runway, showing Adire pieces with coloured raffia detailing alongside footwear, headpieces, and handbags made from raffia.

Kilentar Translated to mean, What Are You Saying, Kilentar, a womenswear brand celebrating feminine elegance, offered its SS24 collection, exploring the brand’s ethos. The collection’s pieces are simple and ethical.

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VOL 3 NO. 46 • NOVEMBER 12, 2023

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DÉCOR

THE BESTFLOORINGTRENDS

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

D

o you want to spice up your flooring game? Going for a floor finish that is easy to clean and blends in scratches is an excellent place to start. When choosing flooring, you should opt for flooring materials that can stand up to the wear and tear of your lifestyle. Picking flooring that works for you should be your target. Consider these top flooring trends and select the one that best fits your lifestyle needs.

WOODGRAIN Wooden flooring will remain a top-tier flooring trend. With its natural colours, fibres, and texture, it can be used to create a space that provides peace, rest, and refuge. Woodgrain flooring has a gentle aesthetic that is the perfect ambience to relax and unwind, and it is the ideal way to complement a relaxing space.

CHECKERBOARD FLOORING Revitalise your home with checkerboard flooring, one of the hottest trends.

Checkerboard flooring, in its revival era, is a fantastic way to add pattern and visual interest to a room.

They look especially good in the bathroom, kitchen, and hallway. Although traditionally known to be monochromatic, modern checkerboard flooring iterations use a variety of playful colour schemes in softer tones.

LARGE FORMAT TILES For their ability to make smaller spaces look bigger, large format tiles are big news. Using large format tiles leaves you with fewer grout lines and so makes a small room feel spacious.

You can opt for large porcelain tiles; they are incredibly hard-wearing and stain-proof and have a wide choice of available colours and textures.

SHIMMER AND SHINE Blanketing floor with carpets that shimmer and shine and dazzle is now creeping into the world of interior design. Using carpets with a subtle shimmer is a great way to embrace this trend. It also adds a much-needed dash of luxury and added warmth to your finished look.

TIP: If you do not want to choose gold, opt for natural hues instead.

Dark rust tones are excellent for cosying up bedrooms.

WOOL CARPETS Wool carpets offer remarkable resilience to both wear and tear and general dirt while still keeping their original appearance for many years and yet still providing natural insulation by reducing draughts and trapping warmth. At this point, it is safe to say soft, plush wool carpets are going nowhere.

With a timeless look and an increased desire for sanctuary in the home, wool carpets will become increasingly popular. If you are looking to add value to your home, wool carpets can be a good way for you to achieve this as they provide a robust, durable option for those looking to install some comfort without compromising quality.

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VOL 3 NO. 46 • NOVEMBER 12, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

BEAUTY

Crafting The Ideal Eyebrow A Step-by-Step Guide

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Y

our brows can frame your face, accentuate your features, and convey your unique personality. Though it can be challenging to get the ideal brow, fear not; with the appropriate advice, you can expertly shape your ideal brows.

You can get the beautifully defined arches you’ve always wanted by following the steps in this step-by-step guide.

TEP 1: S GATHER YOUR TOOLS Make sure you have the necessary tools available before you start. You will need an eyebrow pencil, tweezers, a spoolie brush, and eyebrow scissors. A seamless workflow will be guaranteed if these tools are available.

TEP 2: S DETERMINE YOUR IDEAL BROW SHAPE

TEP 4: S TWEEZE WITH

Understanding your face shape and choosing the optimal eyebrow shape that compliments it are the first steps in creating the ideal brow. There is an eyebrow form that will accentuate your attractiveness, regardless of the shape of your face—oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or diamondshaped.

5: FILL STEP AND DEFINE

PRECISION

TEP 3: S MAPPING OUT YOUR BROWS

Make sure the eyebrow pencil or powder you use to fill in your brows matches the colour of your hair. To create the appearance of hair, apply small, feathery strokes.

While maintaining a natural appearance, define the arch and tail.

Stray hairs outside of the designated area can be pulled out with tweezers.

Always pull hair out in the direction that it is growing, and keep in mind that sometimes less is more. Take care not to over-tweeze as this can result in thin brows.

TEP 6: S BLEND AND SET

Use an eyebrow pencil to mark the three critical locations—the beginning of your brow, the arch, and the end—to maintain symmetry. The highest point of your arch, the inner corner of your eye, and the outside corner of your eye should all align with these points.

Use a spoolie brush to soften any angular lines and blend the colour for a glossy finish.

Finally, use a clear or tinted eyebrow gel to put your brows in position.

CONCLUSION

It takes skill to create the perfect brow, and practice makes perfect. Keep in mind that your eyebrows are sisters, not twins and that they should complement each other rather than match perfectly. You’ll refine your technique and find the ideal brow shape for your unique face over time.

You can achieve perfectly framed, expressive eyebrows that accentuate your natural attractiveness by following these instructions and getting a little practice.

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BELLANAIJA

VOL 3 NO. 46 • NOVEMBER 12, 2023

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

STYLE DIGITAL SUMMIT Where Style Meets Tech

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

A

frica’s leading tech-driven media company, BellaNaija Style, marked a significant milestone on September 23rd, 2023, as it hosted the first-ever physical edition of the BellaNaija Style Digital Summit at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, which offered an ideal setting for the highly acclaimed event. It was a remarkable day of redefining fashion, creativity, and sustainability. This groundbreaking event, in partnership with Ecobank, welcomed over 250 enthusiastic attendees, influencers, and key stakeholders in the fashion, lifestyle, and creative industries. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mary Edoro, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy at BellaNaija, who shared the vision behind the summit and its significant impact since its inception in 2020.

The summit featured an exceptional lineup of thought leaders, influencers, and visionaries who engaged in structured discussions on essential topics shaping the future of the fashion industry.

Attendees gained insights on crafting their unique narratives while securing sustainable earnings and also enjoyed all-day snacks, drinks, breakfast, and lunch, along with specially crafted BellaNaija Style Digital Summit23-themed cocktails. BellaNaija Style’s commitment to amplifying calls for ethical fashion practices and inspiring private sector commitments around sustainability was evident through the “Sustainably Fashionable SwapShop” partnership with PrettyStylishFinds. The BellaNaija Style Digital Summit 2023 epitomizes BellaNaija’s dedication to innovation, creativity, and the future of fashion in Nigeria and beyond.

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BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Scan this with your camera or click to Scan this with your camera or click access the playlist (Youtube Music) to access the playlist (Spotify)

MOVIE REVIEW:

Adire

WATCH OF THE WEEK

INVINCIBLE SEASON 2

God of War and seen Norse blacksmiths speak like cowboys. This is comparably more than fine.

as the first wholly independent BAdireilled film produced by FilmOne Studios, tells a tale of agency, found-family

and reprisal of self-righteousness and hypocracy. It’s funnier than I expected it to be, stylish (in more ways than one) and completely sidesteps the “third actitis” that seems to plague a vast majority of Nollywood productions. I sat, not knowing what to expect, and left quite impressed. I love a good surprise.

Adire follows well, Adire, the vivacious titular character played by an electric Kehinde Bankole (Super Story, Blood Sisters), who begins the film as a frustrated veteran prostitute. Tired of being under the thumb of her pimp, Adire steals what she believes she’s owed and flees to a village in rural Ibadan, where she sets about reclaiming her autonomy by starting her lingerie business full time (her quarters in the pimp’s house are littered with some of her designs. Good “show, don’t tell” here).

Her entrance into the community befuddles the men of the village, particularly married Tobi (Kelechi Udegbe, who got the most laughs from me with his “Tiger” catchphrase).

Hijinks ensue. Adire’s entrance to the community shakes up the social order, rankling many of the women, particularly church leader Folashade (a stately Funlola Aofiyebi), who can feel her firm grip on the churchgoing populace slip as Adire wins the women over one at a time, helping them woo their husbands anew with her lingerie.

Speaking of clothing, every piece that Adire wears in this film is a banger. They really showcase her confidence through her eclectic style.

One of my favourite things about the film is the script. Jack’enneth Opukeme’s dialogue is unexpectedly florid (someone uses the word “Dirge” in this film. I was sold immediately I heard that ), flows naturally and refrains from being overtly expository. Some may complain that they don’t speak how people from Ibadan speak, but I’ve played 2018’s

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The film is also shot really well. Director Adeoluwa Owu and Director of Photography Emmanuel Odihiri light the movie brilliantly, whether day or night. It was always easy to see what was going on, and they really flex their muscles in some scenes with some brilliant mood lighting.

There is a lot of directorial flair in this film, with my absolute favourite scene being a dream-like montage where Adire is dancing in a darkened room surrounded by texts from lustful men in the village. It doesn’t move the plot forward, but it’s an artistic touch I’m not sure I’ve seen elsewhere in another Nollywood film.

The film is paced well too. Asides the commotion in the village, the film is imbued with a sense of foreboding by the interspersing of scenes of Adire’s pimp hunting for her. I won’t spoil, but I quite like how he eventually figures out her whereabouts. The third act sews up nearly all the plot threads that were woven in the film and does them without rushing. I found myself impressed at how well it tied together and particularly enjoyed the payoff of a particular character who kept getting closeups all through the film, even while not having much to say. My “Chekhov’s Gun” radar was tingling, and it paid off really smartly, with an inadvertent slip into religious extremism.

I really enjoyed Adire. It balanced comedy and a more serious tone capably, told a story of reclaiming agency, making unlikely friends, and blurring of the line between self-righteousness and hypocrisy. I have very few complaints (though the plotline of Adire’s male friend (Ifeanyi Kalu) doesn’t exactly work how it sought to ). Adire is the first of many FilmOne originals, and if they’re as charming and funny as this, then bring them on.

Rating:7.8/10

the horrible truth about his father Nolan, aka Omni-Man (JK Simmons), and trying to piece together something resembling a life. It’s not all bad, though. Things are going well with his girlfriend Amber (Zazie Beetz), and college promises to be an exciting new chapter.

However, Omni-Man is still out there somewhere, and other threats boil below the surface.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the condition of superhero fatigue, and for good reason. After years of making absurd piles of cash, the capes and tights genre Season 2 has a lot of work to do. For a has become overfamiliar to many, start, it needs to remind us what the hell is with DC and Marvel’s recent going on. After all, the first season of the output being fitfully entertaining show aired back in May 2021, an eternity at best and cynical, unimaginative ago. Secondly, it needs to address the and creatively bankrupt at worst. fallout from those calamitous events, plus The thing is, this is nothing introduce the new threats that will follow. new. Even in their paper and Oh, and it needs to get all that done in four ink forms, superheroes get old episodes because this season is (for some after a while. It’s why books that subvert the genre come along, like inexplicable reason) broken up into two Alan Moore’s Watchmen, Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, Garth Ennis’ The Boys and Robert Kirkman’s Invincible. It’s no coincidence, then, that the adaptations of the latter two of these works are some of the most-watched and well-liked Anderson .Paak - Fire In The Sky BADBADNOTGOOD_ Samuel T. superhero Herring - Time Moves Slow properties around, and Invincible is releasing the first half of its second season.

So, does the starstudded, bloodspattered epic retain the, at times, shocking momentum of the first season?

Bucie - Easy to Love Derek & The Dominos - Layla

parts, with the second part airing sometime in 2024. Honestly, with all those provisos, it does a very solid job. What initially feels a little too widely scattered comes together beautifully in the fourth episode and leaves you hungering for more, but not in a lame, cliffhangery kind of way.

The voice acting, as always, is excellent, with Yeun, Simmons, Sandra Oh, Gillian Jacobs and Walton Goggins doing particularly solid work. The animation is a little less consistent, with some sequences featuring jaw-dropping spectacle, whereas others feel a little on the cheaper side. However, if you’ve been hungering for more subversive superhero antics that feature a shitload of gore, swearing, adult themes and dark comedy, then Invincible season 2 will fit the bill nicely. At least until Amazon pulls its finger out and releases the second half of the season.

berlioz_ Ted Jasper - nyc in 1940

Kokoroko - Something’s Going On

Yeah. Yeah, it does.

Invincible continues the story of Mark Grayson, aka Invincible (Steven Yeun), who after the shocking ending of the first season, is dealing with

Tame Impala - Mind Mischief

VANO 3000_ BADBADNOTGOOD_ Samuel T. Herring - Running Away

Tame Impala - Music To Walk Home By