THEWILL DOWNTOWN SEPT 12 EDITION

VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

NIP, TUCK, & COSMETIC PROCEDURES

A conversation with Dr. Hilda Titiloye

VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

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VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

B

eing a Nigerian living in this country can be stressful.

Day in and day out there is one thing or another waiting to frustrate the life out of you and give you a headache. It can get really depressing sometimes.

When we say it is tough being a Nigerian our foreign friends really don’t understand why. The Nigerian government basically provides nothing for its citizens. Governments are meant to solve problems and provide basic necessities for the masses but in this country it rather complicates things for its citizens. We barely have good roads, stable electricity; our healthcare and school systems are in a deplorable state and then there is insecurity. We have never felt so unsafe in this nation like now.

We wake up daily to news of wanton killings and abductions of Nigerians in various parts of the country by either Fulani gunmen or criminal gangs. Worse still, some of our political leaders from the north are politicizing the issue due to tribal sentiments.

For this country to work effectively for all we must restructure fully. The bells have been ringing for a while but President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, have deliberately refused to allow this despite their campaign promise on fiscal restructuring.

Last week, Rivers State successfully challenged the authority of the federal government-owned agency, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, over the collection of VAT in the state and sharing it amongst all the states of the federation.

Governor Nyesom Wike made a convincing argument on this matter before a federal judge.

Does it really make sense that States like Bauchi, Zamfara and Kano should be given VAT proceeds from the sale and consumption of alcohol in Rivers State or elsewhere after banning alcohol within their borders citing Sharia Law? This, I hope, will begin the journey to true federalism so that every state can develop at its own pace and provide for its residents. Nigeria will only be great when we do things properly.

In this edition of DOWNTOWN, we delve further into aesthetic cosmetic procedures with views from an expert and our cover personality, the Queen Mary University of London alumna, Dr. Hilda Titiloye, who serves as Clinical Director & Lead Aesthetic Physician at SKIN 101, Center.

Hilda first caught our attention when she went under the knife for a Tummy Tuck procedure, recorded the whole process and shared it on social media. In this cover – ‘NIP, TUCK & COSMETIC PROCEDURES: A Conversation with Dr. Hilda Titiloye’ – she shares her views from a patient & surgeon’s perspective.

You will also enjoy our other features on Fashion, Lifestyle, Relationships, Entertainment, Wellness and Beauty.

Do have a great week and stay safe. We’ll be here again next week by God’s grace.

@thisisogannah

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Acting Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Senior Lifestyle Editor: Ayodele Johnson Contributing Editor: Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity Contributing Writers: Boluwatife Adesina @bolugram Uzo Orimalade @uzosfoodlabs House Photographer: Rachel Seidu @rachelseidu Graphics/Layout: Olatunji Samson Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Interns: Kehinde Fagbule, Tilewa Kazeem Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’ www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

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CONTENTS Image by George Okoro

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

COVER STORY: NIP, TUCK, AND COSMETIC PROCEDURES: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. HILDA TITILOYE

04-05 FA S H I O N BLURRED LINES GETTING A STEP CLOSER TO FASHION EQUALITY

06

12-13

WORDS TO EAT BY SOMEONE PLEASE CALL 911

BEAUTY HAIRVENLY CHOICES

07

14-15

RELATIONSHIPS ARE YOU ‘HEADING’MY WAY?

WEBSIGHTS DOWNTOWN THIS WEEK ON INFIDELITY: CHEETAHS CHEAT

11

LIVING BRIGHTEN UP YOUR LIVING SPACES WITH LAMPS

16

*Cover image also by George Okoro

MOVIE REVIEW SHANG-CHI AND THE TEN RINGS PAGE 3

VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

FASHION

Blurred Lines Getting A Step Closer To Fashion Equality

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Charles Born in a pink blouse

Angel Obasi Mai Atafo Summer Collection Sees Men And Women Rocking Suits

PAGE 4

A

s I tried to think of a scenario in which men have fewer privileges than women, clothing came to mind.

For decades, women have been able to wear trousers, suits, and just about anything in the men’s section; and it is socially acceptable.

Being a “tomboy” isn’t derogatory, it is even considered cool in some cases. On the other hand, it’s not socially acceptable for a man to wear fake long nails, high heels, and a dress. Think of any men’s clothing, any at all; a woman can pull it off without anyone batting an eyelid. She would dress as a best man (suit, tie, and men’s shoes like we’ve seen a lot of in recent times) and be met with “awws”. Imagine the outrage if a man wore a bridesmaid’s dress.

In general, women’s fashion has much more variety and expression. For men, however, clothes worn in the 1800s aren’t too far off from what they wear now. So clearly, this is a case where men have fewer choices.

But, why is this the case?

Why can women wear men’s clothes, but men can’t do the same?

Why hasn’t there been a prevalent trend for men wearing women’s clothing?

Although male celebrities like David Bowie and Jaden Smith have been styled in feminine wear, it has yet to become a common sight within most public areas. This led to having a conversation with some male friends where the question if they ever wanted to wear female clothes and why they don’t was asked.

They didn’t think about it for Denrele Edun in a Dress

a second, their responses were, “No, I don’t want to look weird to other people,” “Skirts seem comfortable, but I don’t want to look feminine,” “People might think I’m gay,” and, “Society isn’t ready for that.”

The same questions were directed at some female friends just to compare reactions. No surprises there; most of them have worn their boyfriend’s entire outfits. From those conversations, it would seem that women adopted men’s fashion as a sign of empowerment because men are symbolized as powerful. Wearing men’s clothing gives the illusion of a male body frame along with the characteristics that are attached to masculinity. Shoulder pads emphasize strength; Pants indicate authority; Neckties evoke credibility. Female blazers and pantsuits were signals that women have entered businesses, politics, and other positions of power. So not only can women wear men’s clothing, they want to. Reaching the level of a man’s wardrobe is aspirational because they are perceived to be of a higher status. This perception is physically evident by how we feel based on what we wear. Wearing your man’s t-shirt for instance is a cultural phenomenon that has been given a romantic connotation. Chivalry or not, there’s a sense of protection that comes with it.

At ELLE’s 2018 Women in

VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

Hollywood event, singer and lead actress of A Star is Born, Lady Gaga, wore an oversized Marc Jacobs power suit to make a statement. During her speech, she said, “We have the power to speak and be heard and fight back when we are silenced…So, after trying 10 or so dresses, with a sad feeling in my heart, that all that would matter was what I wore to this red carpet, I saw an oversized Marc Jacobs suit buried quietly in the corner… I decided today I wanted to take the power back. Today I wear the pants.”

Wearing the “pants” mentally empowered her because a maleinspired outfit made her feel like she had the same power as a man.

However, there is no empowerment linked to a pencil skirt. If a man wears a dress, he doesn’t seem strong, he seems “feminine,” which is often tied to a weaker, submissive character. A man cannot dress in a gown without their sexuality being questioned. You must be gay, trans, or anything else but a straight man, because a man who likes wearing a skirt undermines the display of male power. Also, if you’re indeed homosexual, it’s different because gay men aren’t “real” men since “real” men aren’t feminine. There is fear and shame in wearing women’s clothes because it would force men to view and express themselves in ways they were conditioned not to. Sundresses are soft and airy; sleeveless tops vulnerably expose your shoulders and arms - which is not exactly something to be proud of if you don’t have biceps; bejeweled hairpieces emote flamboyance. These types of feelings are restricted for many men, which is showcased in their restrictive fashion.

On the opposing end of the spectrum legendary TV personality, Denrele Edun was for the most part of his illustrious career, targeted by the public for his choice of wardrobe.

Debbie Beeko in Mai Atafo Menswear 3 Piece

Having interviewed the likes of Akon, Beyoncé Knowles, Tyler Perry, Lil’ Kim, Snoop Dogg, Cuba Gooding, Amerie, and Lloyd, Denrele had established himself as a force to reckon with and one of the nation’s biggest names in his field. Despite being very talented and one of the best at what he does, people choose instead, to focus on his choice of shoes in a reductive attempt to label him either gay or an attention seeker.

Intrigued by the veteran’s style, a phone conversation with the 40-yearold, asking him about his style was as refreshing as can be. Here’s what he had to say: “For me, style is when they are running you out of town but make you feel like you’re leading the parade. Fashion is in the cloth but style is in the wearer.

Everyone can do fashion but style, you have to own.

Fashion unites us but style sets us apart.

Style, for me, is an expression of individualism mixed with charm. The male clothes are the strongest ones and anything that depicts strength, resilience, tenacity of purpose, and toxic masculinity is always celebrated. Alternatively, anything that comes across as effeminate, delicate, or fragile is frowned upon. When I started out wearing gravity-defying shoes, it

Adim Isiakpona and Lala Akindoju Wear Similar Agbada

FASHION

Paystack CTO, Ezra Olubi

wasn’t wellreceived but I look in the mirror and like what I see; if nobody likes it, go and jump over the third mainland bridge. I’m never one to give a hoot, I wear what I want because I’m comfortable in it. Also, as I’ve always said, the higher the shoes, the closer to heaven. So to everyone who is judging me and thinking I am the devil’s advocate, guess what, God hears my prayers faster because I’m closer to him.

With the new narrative of men getting very adventurous with their experimental side, I think we’ve encountered a new wave of fashion rebels. Women have been rocking tuxedos and other male clothing way beforehand and they’ve always come across as being fashionforward.

To the people who tell me “don’t you think this is too outlandish?

Isn’t it too much?” I reply, “too much is never enough.” To the ones always questioning my sexuality because of my style, I have something to say to them: who you go to bed with is different from who you go to bed as.”

On the same table is Paystack CTO and co-founder, Ezra Olubi, who was the subject of online hate when he posted a picture of himself in a gown on the way to a wedding.

Unlike Denrele in his early days, Ezra admitted to being sheltered from the hate as he neither goes out a lot nor has a huge social media presence. When asked to describe his style during an interview, he had one befitting word: “myself.”

This didn’t seem to be enough for Peace Itimi, the interviewer, who threw a bunch of words at him including eccentric, androgynous, and effeminate. He then responded saying, “I probably used ‘eccentric’ when I was in university, but then I questioned why I was calling myself eccentric. I dropped that label over time because it speaks to the fact that what I’m doing isn’t normal. I’d use androgynous instead because that has been a recurring theme in regards to how I carry myself in a bid to blur the lines between both genders.”

Achieving gender equality would not only benefit women but also men. If men and women were seen as truly equal, then there would be no shame for a man to shop in the women’s section. If “girly” wasn’t associated with weakness, then men would be more expressive and finally feel the comforting breeze that comes with a flowy skirt.

This transcends to fashion accessories. Men are not exactly expected to do anything to their nails, wear jewellery on certain parts of the body, carry handbags, or braid their hair. In the hypocritically shame-based society that we live in, your sexuality is always questioned if you dare to do something different as a man. When you begin to think about why using nail polish automatically suggests that you are into men, you question where that ideology came from in the first place. Why is it okay to have masculine women but taboo to have feminine men? Why is masculinity the ultimate and femininity something to be ashamed of?

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VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

WORDS to EAT by

DOWNTOWN EATS

UZO ORIMALADE

Someone Please

Call 911

furiously on the chips when IT happened. The part of the episode where the Queen of Men morphed into this other worldly being, guns, tigers, proverbs, incantations... Then I screamed.

Chaos. Pain. Blood everywhere, I am so confused.

I hear voices. I hear his familiar voice. And I also hear other voices reeling out medical words so I assume they are doctors or nurses. Which makes sense. I am in a hospital.

One minute, we were having a Netflix and chill evening, the next minute pain and all this.

A few hours ago.........................

The husband and I decided to shut the world out and spend a few precious hours alone. With our intense schedules lately, we needed to decompress and just be.

The much-anticipated Queen of Men miniseries event on the streaming platform was on our watch list and being the hostess that I am, I set out a selection of things for us to eat and drink. I set everything up on the dining table so we could snack as we watched. Nothing as serious as proper food. Popcorn. Plantain chips. Salsa. Spicy dip. Chicken wings. Meatballs. Spring rolls. Puff puff. Palm wine.

Chapman. Water. Ice cream in the freezer.

We wore our sweatpants and oversized t-shirts, shut the curtains, put our phones on silent mode and settled down on the couch with an extra-large duvet, and hit the play button.

It was all going according to plan until we got to the final episode. Episode 7. My plate had crunchy plantain chips and dips on it as the episode started. I was munching

PAGE 6

Now.....................

I am lying down. No blood now.

Bandaged. Pain medication is administered intravenously.

A doctor and two nurses stand by the bed. My husband is seated. Beside me. Holding my hand Mr doctor man speaks - ‘So how did this happen?’

I cannot speak. Bandages and all. I close my eyes and hope they all go away. No one must know about this.

I hear my husband clear his throat.

‘Well..’ He begins. I squeeze his hand. Sending him a message...

Do not tell them.

I turn to look at him. He is smiling. Actually – he looks like he is holding back laughter. His eyes are twinkling. Traitor.

‘So. We were watching Queen of Men’ ‘Ah yes. I plan to see that once my shift is over’ Mr doctor man says.

My husband continues - ‘You should. So we were watching Queen of Men and snacking.

You know...nothing out of the ordinary. However, my wife here was eating some unripe crunchy plantain chips. And a part of the episode we were watching was pretty intense so she must have chewed the chips the wrong way. Next thing I know, she screams, and I see blood coming out of her mouth.

Before I get to her, she drops the plate, and it breaks, and she steps on a piece of broken glass.

There was blood everywhere.

From her mouth and from her foot. I rushed her here.

Mr doctor man looks like he is stifling laughter.

“Madam. You will not be eating anything for the next 2 days.

Just liquids and warm water and salt to gargle. The piece of plantain chip was sharp, and

you must have bitten down with a lot of force because it cut a portion of your gum and you bit your tongue. That’s where the blood came from. It looks scarier than the actual damage so do not worry. You also need to stay off your left foot and keep it dry as you cut it badly. Try to be more careful in the future.”

I am so embarrassed.......

Recipe Dips to serve with plantain chips.

To make the Chunky Salsa, you will need: • Half a red or white onion – cut into very small pieces • 4 large firm tomatoes – seeds and pulp removed. Cut into small pieces • 1 yellow or green habanero pepper – cut into very small pieces. Remove the seeds to take the heat level down • 3 basil leaves (any kind you prefer works) – cut into thin strips • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions: • Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Season to taste and leave in the fridge in an airtight container • To make the creamy dip, you will need: • 1 cup thick unsweetened yogurt or Greek yogurt • ¼ cucumber. Peeled, seeds removed, and cut into very small pieces • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • Chives or spring onions. Cut into small pieces • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions: • Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Season to taste and leave in the fridge in an airtight container.

Enjoy!!!

VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

Are You

RELATIONSHIPS

‘Heading’My Way?

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

F

rom as far back as I can recall, I was always thought of as a ‘bad boy’. Remember those kids who would deliberately drop pencils to peek at the colour of girls’ underwear?

That was me.

My eyes shone the brightest when kissing scenes came up in movies and whenever we played ‘Mummy and Daddy’ I shuffled wives like a deck of Whot cards.

One night, we were suspiciously ushered to bed by my older brother. He laid our beds, tucked us in, and fluffed our pillows. Bros went the whole nine yards which was very unlike him.

Amidst his niceties, I laid in bed resenting him for not letting me finish watching cartoons. My sister on the other hand was none the wiser and was already in Disneyland.

Curious to find out what was so important, I snuck back to the living room and I was disgusted by what I saw...Who am I kidding? I was grinning from ear to ear. I almost asked him to share his snacks with me.

It was new and unlike anything I had seen or read. It was oral sex.

Upon my further visual enquiry for educational purposes the words cunnilingus, fellatio, head, blowie, and brain kept recurring. Only later did I find out that the last three words were just colloquial variants of the first and second words.

Fellatio pertains to men and it is the oral stimulation of the male genitals while cunnilingus focuses on the oral stimulation of the female genitals. Both words I learnt much later in life from another movie but that’s a story for another day. Before that information, I stuck with the bandwagon and referred to the act as head.

As detailed as the movie was, it didn’t account for the many things that I later got to find out about the hard way. Lessons like you can very much get sexually transmitted diseases and infections from oral sex, the different aromas and fragrances, your teeth have no business in the conversation, and always return the favour.

The Law of Always Returning The Favour

For the sake of this story, I’ll elucidate. Let’s think about it like pancakes and syrup.

There are people who; like pancakes but can’t make it, there are those who like pancakes and can make it and those who can’t stand it. With this delicious breakdown. I’m sure after this some of you wouldn’t be able to look at pancakes the same way anymore.

Anyways, I recommend letting whoever you are with know where you stand on

Illustration by Victor Asowata

the subject and you move on from there.

Who knows? You might just come across someone who loves or hates it as much as you do. I haven’t always had the best of luck in such situations but we move regardless.

Did Someone Say Lollipop?

Just like lollipops and popsicles, you derive the sugary enjoyment from licking them, the same goes for fellatio. Newbies, you don’t have to overthink it just lick; he’ll understand that you are yet to take your training wheels off.

Another thing worth stating is since you are down there you might as well say hello to its twin brothers( you know what I mean).

They also have huge roles to play in their entirety. Gentle licks and teasing kisses would expedite how long you get to spend there but always remember anything worth doing is worth doing well.

Please, Your Teeth Have no Business in The conversation I have to revert to a proverb that properly explains this; Just because the tongue and teeth are housed under the same roof does not mean

they have the same job -pun intended.

If you decide to allow oral sex, ensure that whoever you choose to share the experience with is well informed on the subject. I had a close call with a girlfriend of mine at the time.

Blinded by the urge, I forgot to ask for her sexual resumé. She was so inexperienced and to top it all off she had Diastema (Gap teeth).

My life and the lives of my unborn kids flashed before my eyes. She spent the night apologizing while I nursed my contused genitals.

Sadly, I had gone first and spelt the entire alphabet from A-Z and then backwards. I even spelt coconut. Climaxed and satisfied, she couldn’t return the favour.

Always Hydrate

In both cases, slippery, slimy, and wet is always best. The more saliva you can produce during oral sex the merrier for both parties.

There’s also the likelihood that you can’t produce enough saliva during fellatio or cunnilingus investing in a bottle of edible lube would do you a world of good.

If You love to Eat Onions, Avoid Me!

Aside from the premium tears from cutting onions, it, as well as garlic can hugely affect the taste of the genital juices.

Onions don’t necessarily smell like daisies and roses when you eat them. The pungent smell would make going in for a kiss impossible.

I have nothing against people who eat onions or garlic but the taste and nutritional value aside, why would you eat garlic before a sexcapade? Are you a serial killer?

Pineapple has been said to sweeten juices. Why not opt for that instead?

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VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

Image by George Okoro

COVER

NIP, TUCK, & COSMETIC PROCEDURES A conversation with Dr. Hilda Titiloye

What started as an in-house ​​conversation​(between the Acting Editor and her family) ​brought forth last week’s cover story issue on Body Enhancement. Conversations like, why it has become rampant in today’s Nigeria and what brought about the spike in patients looking to go under the knife to correct a flaw was dissected.

Although said discussions explored the stories of patients and their testimonials it was from a singular perspective.

With that, we knew it would be an injustice not to highlight those whose roles are crucial to the story and introducing their medical takes on the surgeries and why they think the society we’ve found ourselves in is comfortable surrendering themselves to a high risk-reward.

To help clear the air and shed some more light on the topic, we sought out the opinion of Nigerian registered and licensed medical practitioner, Dr. Hilda Ashio Titiloye. Among her memberships are the Nigerian Medical Association, the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, the International Association of Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine.

With a postgraduate training in dermatology and aesthetic medicine from the prestigious Queen Mary University of London and University of Cordoba, Spain, she developed a great interest and passion for skincare and beauty.

Currently serving as the Clinic director and lead Aesthetic Physician at the SKIN101 center, a full spectrum cosmetic medical facility, she’s able to guarantee her patients are given the utmost care and attention.

Despite being an avid advocate for the promotion of healthy ethnic skin and wellness, she went the extra mile to undergo a Tummy tuck,​documenting​ the whole process from start to finish. In this interview with DOWNTOWN’S Ayodele Johnson and Tilewa Kazeem, she touched on subjects that further broaden why aesthetic surgery has become glorified in today’s world.

PAGE 8

VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

C

hronicles of My Tummy Tuck was such a fun read.

It showed first-hand what you went through.

You stepped into the shoes of a patient and went under the knife yourself. Did you have any fears or reservations that nibbled at you before and after the procedure?

Thank you for taking out time to read it. lol.

Funnily enough, I had absolutely no fears nor reservations. It might be because I am an insider.​ ​ A​t our center, I see these plastic surgery patients come and go so these type of procedures have lost their novelty to me. I had no fears.

Throughout your career as a medical practitioner, you always advocated for body positivity and how the taboo mentality behind cosmetic surgery should be unlearned.

What does believing in your country’s capability and that of your doctor to give you the right results do for women who feel abashed by the procedures?

Let me say first that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, the perception of beauty is completely subjective. What feels beautiful to me could be completely different from what feels beautiful to you, and we should individually embrace what makes us unique while accepting what makes every other person unique. We should also accept that not everyone is happy or satisfied with how they look and wanting to fix one thing or another really shouldn’t attract any shaming. We still have a long long way regarding this taboo mentality but I would say the subject of plastic surgery is much less of a taboo now than it was 5, 10 years ago.

As a doctor what does that do for the confidence of Nigerian surgeons?

Nigerian plastic surgeons have indeed come a long way. Well enough to even attract patients from other countries, so they have succeeded in reversing medical tourism in some cases which makes us all proud. I am not a plastic surgeon but I can speak for the ones I know. They are very confident and pleased at how the industry has grown in the last couple of years.

Would you be open enough to share with us some of the prices​?​ ​How much​do​ these beauty surgeries cost?

Hmmm. It’s a wide range depending on the procedure and the patient. Also depending on the surgeon. I will rather not say.

What role does social media play in pushing people to extremes just to attain elegance and beauty?

Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, we use it as a tool to increase and raise awareness about the quality of work we do, on the other hand, everyone there, especially on Instagram puts the best version of themselves out there, showcasing unattainable levels of perfection which drives a societal desire for standards of beauty that are impossible to achieve.

In the recount of your surgery, you talked about your tummy itching. Is that a normal reaction to the surgery, and why?

Yes, it happens in many patients, it is part of the healing process.

Post Op what are some warning signs that indicate that all isn’t well with the procedure?

There are a number of signs. Excessive pain, excessive bleeding, excessive swelling, heat from the surgical site, fatigue, fever, bad-smelling exudates, pus-like exudates… there are a number of them.

People who carry out these procedures are often referred to as fake. I’d like you to clear the air about this.

The truth is there will be a subset of people that

COVER Image by Afolayan Photography Abuja

I personally categorize it in the same place as having veneers, hair extensions, fake nails… etc but with different risks!”

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VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

COVER

Same as I tell my patients, we don’t need these procedures per se, we want them. Lol. They are not necessary. We want them because they improve our perception of self or improve our quality of life, but they are not necessary.

There are some that are necessary, don’t get me wrong, but I could have been ok without a Tummy tuck too.”

Image by Afolayan Photography Abuja

will always have reservations about this topic. And that is ok! If the next person thinks having plastic surgery makes me fake, so be it.

I personally categorize it in the same place as having veneers, hair extensions, fake nails… etc but with different risks!

In my opinion, once you have decided to do this, you should just shut your ears to other opinions, especially condescending ones.

Simple.

In your opinion how necessary are some of the procedures you’ve had to carry out?

Same as I tell my patients, we don’t need these procedures per se, we want them. Lol. They are not necessary. We want them because they improve our perception of self or improve our quality of life, but they are not necessary. There are some that are necessary don’t get me wrong, but I could have been ok without a Tummy tuck too.

You spoke about the pain five days after your tummy tuck as “not bad at all” Is this a healing process unique to you or is it a normal experience?

For me, I think I expected much more pain so I kept waiting for more pain and it never came. So I overestimated what the pain would be like. I have had patients complain about a lot of pain and others say it’s not bad. I would say it’s patient-dependent.

Fatal results such as the one that occurred in 2018, at the MedContour clinic show a need to verify the capacity of a surgeon to perform an operation. Are there specific checks that patients need to consider before submitting to surgery?

Yes, there are checks. Apart from Instagram and other social media platforms where most people seem to find their surgeons and sometimes encounter charlatans, in Nigeria, one can verify the credentials of the plastic surgeon they are interested in working with on the official website of the Nigerian association of plastic and reconstructive surgeons (www.napras.org.ng).

PAGE 10

The focus when plastic surgery is discussed is usually on celebrities but the market expands to other demographics. Is the procedure common with any particular generation or class of people?

From my experience and encounters with patients that see the plastic surgeon at our center, the typical plastic surgery patient has a disposable income because the procedures are not cheap.

Middle class to upper class. I find it’s mostly women in their 40s, 30s, and late 20s, especially after childbearing. Yes, a good number of celebrities come in but a good number of professionals do too.

Do the patients who seek an enhancement of their body have permanent closure regarding their concerns or do they have to commit to frequent bids to improve their imperfect bodies?

This is different for different people but for most patients, if satisfied after the first procedure, they hardly come back for anything else. There are a smaller group of people that would come back a second or third time either because they are

perfectionists or the procedures didn’t meet their needs.

How often do you have men come in for one procedure or another in Nigeria?

Not as many as women. Certainly. The procedures our men mostly come for is liposuction and gynecomastia reduction surgery (male breast reduction surgery).

What procedure has the highest risk factor?

A body lift. Because it’s several procedures in one.

Which one has the lowest risk factor?

Every surgical procedure carries some risk, so anyone looking for procedures with the least risk better to go for non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures like Botox, dermal fillers, laser etc.

From your experience, especially after undergoing a procedure yourself, what are the biggest surgery mistakes doctors and patients make?

Some doctors overpromise. Big mistake.

And patients mistakingly think all the results are gotten on the surgical table. The aftercare will determine how well the outcome will be.

How far have patients gone in terms of their request to achieve a smaller waistline: have Nigerians gone as far as taking out a lower rib yet?

Not yet. We aren’t there yet. Lol. There has also been a recent surge in non-surgical cosmetic/aesthetic procedures. What is your perspective on that?

Now, this is my forte and comfort zone, I can speak on this subject for hours.

Worldwide, there has been an increase in the demand for non-surgical procedures that can improve and enhance appearance, and you know Naija no dey carry last so it has come to us. Lol. These non-surgical procedures also called aesthetic medical procedures enable us to tweak appearances with minimal risks and without the downtime that comes with the surgical options.

For example, one can have a liquid facelift using Botox and dermal fillers with almost no downtown to a few days downtime vs a traditional surgical facelift that will take months to heal. While the non-surgical option might not give the same drastic results, it can give a very noticeable improvement and roll back many years of aging off one’s face. Some dermal fillers can be used to change the shape of a face, increase the height and change the shape of the nose, and can be used for buttock augmentation amongst many other indications. There are fat reduction treatments available now that can help sculpt a body without surgery….indeed Beauty medicine has come a long way in the last decade with new advances every day. Practicing in this field is really exciting I must say, it is constantly evolving. There is much more to come and as the rest of the world experiences these new advancements, be rest assured the SKIN101 center will make them available in Nigeria as well. I truly can’t imagine working in any other field.

Truly, what is your perspective on plastic surgery?

It is a very personal decision. I can’t say there is a right or wrong reason to have a plastic surgery procedure. For me, the Tummy tuck was lifechanging, greatly improved how I view myself, and made me more comfortable in my skin.

Simple. If given the choice again, I would do it again.

VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

LIVING

Brighten up Your

Living Spaces With Lamps

Gold Wire Cutout With White Linen Shade Table Lamp

Gold Wire Cutout With White Linen Shade Table Lamp: N40,000 It might not be actual gold but the message is received loud and clear. Strategically wrapped with gold cutouts, its intricate design would catch anyone’s attention.

Lampadaire Studio Floor Tripod Lamp

BY TILEWA KAZEEM

T

he one thing that new homeowners overlook is a lamp. They make a statement and elevate a good design into something spectacular. There is no doubt that choosing the right lighting for your home can be difficult, but when it comes to floor lamps or table lamps the rules are simple... what’s your style? Floor lamps work with modern spaces while table lamps are more suited to traditional ones.

You can add an artistic touch to your bedroom as well as a practical touch to your living room with these bold lighting options courtesy of Fodismic Lights.

Lampadaire Studio Floor Tripod Lamp: N85,000 A dramatic studio floor lamp is a great choice for a living room or library that needs a bit of a lift.

BAMBOO Table Lamp Antique Brass Tripod Base

BAMBOO Table Lamp Antique Brass Tripod Base: N40,000 Give your space a tropical feel with this tripod-style modern table lamp.

Finished with antique brass shaped like bamboo, it adds a natural-luxe appeal to any space.

Taurus Cobalt Blue and Gold Tapered Jug Table Lamp: N85,000

Taurus Cobalt Blue and Gold Tapered Jug Table Lamp

Any room can benefit from the warm texture this lamp brings. Its gold and cobalt blue touches bring some class to any room.

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VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

BEAUTY

Hairvenly Choices

BY ONAH NWACHUKWU

Mpho Laing

Braided Ponytail

A good ponytail whether high or low is always a winner in our books, but adding a braid to this hairdo will make it look even better. Try Mpho Laing’s version of this look by parting the back of your hair and placing your choice of hair extension in there. Pulling your hair back in a firm hold, secure it with a hairband. Apply hair gel to your hair till you reach the ponytail, lay your edges, then braid the hair extension and secure the ends with a fancy hairband.

A

lthough wearing your natural hair can sometimes be a bit of a task regardless of your hair type, the beauty of our hair though is its ability to be styled in a hundred different ways.

Whether it’s knotless braids or box braids, braided ponytail, or even just outright rocking your Afro, we have listed a couple of hairdos that are the go-to styles for celebrities and socialites.

Take a cue from them as you book your next appointment with your hairstylist(or style your own hair); we promise you it will be worth your time.

Braided Bangs Braids are always in trend but take yours up a notch by adding bangs to your braid style. Make like Ezinne Chinkata and add some beads to the bangs for that show-stopping look.

Beverly Naya

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Top Knot

A Topknot is very stylish and there are variations of this hairdo. So whether you are all dressed up for a red carpet event or simply dropping off the kids at school, you need knot(get it?) worry about your look because it is a winner any time of day.

Kika Osunde

Twist Out If you decide to carry your natural hair, a nice look to try is a twist out. Before you go to bed, part your hair into sections and twist each section, then loosen them in the morning and spray on some light coconut oil for some shine.

Make like Beverly Naya and sweep it to the side.

Stephanie Coker Aderinokun

Ezinne Chinkata

Afro An Afro has been a trend for African hair texture since the seventies and there are different ways of pulling it off. Kika Osunde shows us one of the ways and we can’t say that we are surprised that she pulled off this look.

After all, she is Kika good hair, isn’t she?

VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

BEAUTY

Marcy Dolapo Oni

Finger Waves Finger waves became popular in the 1920s along with the new fashion of that erathe flapper dress. Recreate this iconic glamour look like Dolapo Oni did for her birthday shoot by applying some gel, or hair mousse (you will need a copious amount), then using your fingers, and in small portions, push your hair in the direction you desire.

Dodos

Curly Bangs Curly bangs have always been very funky and have graced the heads of celebrities from way back like singer-songwriter Donna Summer. Channel this look like Dodos did for an effortlessly chic night or day out in the town.

Nse Ikpe-Etim

The Pompadour

Hit the red carpet or any event for that matter with a statement hairdo like the pompadour. Nse Ikpe-Etim looks gorgeous with her smooth sides and poofy top twist, and so can you.

Juliet Ibrahim Eku Edewor

Braided High Bun One of the beautiful things about braids is that there are a million and one ways to wear them. Make like Eku Edewor and put yours up in a bun.

Faux Locs You don’t have to loc your own hair to be able to rock the locs-look. Many people, celebrities included, simply go for faux locs. It’s pretty simple, buy the extensions, have your hairstylist install them to your hair, et voila! locs for the next two weeks or more. You decide.

Olar Folami

Bantu Knots As with all protective hairstyles, Bantu Knots are perfect for you regardless of your hair type. Originating from Southern Africa, this hairdo has no limit to the number of mini buns you can create. Add some drama to yours as Olar Folami did.

Tonye Garrick

Braided Space Buns Take your braids-style game up a notch by putting them in a space bun. It looks quite good on adults. Just one look at Tonye Garrick and we know you will agree with us.

Funke Akindele Bello

Halo Braid

The halo or crown braid is an excellent way to look chic. Whether you choose to style your hair this way for a beach wedding or a garden party, this hairstyle, depending on the placement, and how tight or loose the halo is, can actually be pulled off for a number of occasions.

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VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

websights DOWNTOWN

This Week On Infidelity:

Cheetahs Cheat With how stories of cheating spouses and partners littered the internet some days ago, you’d have thought it was National Infidelity Week. Celebrities yet again took to social media to call out their cheating partners, and let’s just say, it’s not looking good for some of them.

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Paternity Fraud: The Father Of Infidelity

Just Not Built For Monogamy Annie Idibia called her husband, iconic musician, Tuface, out over his relationship with one of his baby mamas, Pero Adeniyi.

For the Gen Z reading this, Pero is Tuface’s first baby mama and she gave birth to three of the music star’s kids. Now, I know what you are thinking: how do you have three children with one woman and you were never married? Well, we will get to that.

Annie took to her Instagram page to call him out over his relationship with Pero. She wrote: “I am a patient woman. I am not a fool, Innocent. Your family never loved me from the beginning. No matter how hard I tried.

I was never worthy to them. I have made so many sacrifices for you and all your children.

God knows I have tried. Your baby mamas constantly use your children as an excuse for all sorts of rubbish. I try to stay gracious. You are not the first man on the planet to have kids by different women. You can do better.

Everything I do is to show the good human that you are. But today, this move done by you, Efe, Frankie, and your family is unacceptable.

What kind of man takes his kids to Disney and spends nights in the same apartment with his kids and their mother? How many times have you gone to see your kids with Pero? and she stays with you and the kids under the same roof?”

Tuface and Pero with their daughter She deleted the post some minutes after.

This would attract immediate social media attention and ultimately a prompt response from Tuface’s brother who had a thing or two to say about Annie.

Tuface’s brother, who goes by Charles Idibia, replied to Annie on his own Instagram page. He accused her of using charm on his brother among other things.

The back and forth between Annie and Charles didn’t stop there as he accused her of domestic violence against his brother.

This has since seen the spat escalate into a social media war between the Macaulays and the Idibias as a new member of either family pops out daily to drag each other on Instagram.

One can trace Annie Idibia and Pero’s rift back to 2015 and 2016 when they both called each other out on social media after photos of Tuface reportedly kissing Pero at the singer’s nightclub back in 2015 broke the Internet.

Annie Idibia née Macaulay, who had been in a relationship with Tuface since she was 16-years-old had held onto her dreams of a ‘happily ever after’ for so long. He sold her the dream; then added a little T&C howbeit in fine print: Pero Adeniyi.

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Nothing was funny to comedian and media personality, Chinedu Emmanuel, popularly known as Nedu Wazobia, as he explained why he had paternity tests done on his children. This came as part of his response to his ex-wife, Uzoamaka Ohiri, who accused him of a range of things including bigamy, neglecting child support, and domestic violence whilst they were together.

Uzoamaka Ohiri called Nedu out with an Instagram post, aiming to have him fired from his job. She said: “ looks like a good time to call useless men out... @nedu_ wazobiafm I am tired.”

Tuface and Annie Idibia As the saying goes, old habits die hard; it would be incredibly comical to expect a man to keep his distance from a woman he once got engaged to and had three children with. Perhaps, Tuface took the easier route of marrying his longtime girlfriend, who at the time before his fame, doubled as his benefactor. The decision to settle down with Annie nine years ago was one that pleased the entire nation as people who had ridden for the couple’s relationship felt it was both long overdue and a debt finally repaid. Turns out Pero was never going to be out of the picture.

It could be argued that Tuface isn’t built for monogamy. Like aforementioned, three children with one woman sort of changes the dynamics of the relationship which makes calling them “baby mama”, howbeit technically accurate, seem offputting. That is a whole nuclear family right there.

Ultimately, the heart wants what it wants and we know now for a fact that Tuface wants to have his cake and eat it but there’s a name for that, and it’s called polygamy. He caved in to societal pressure and chose the western ideology of marriage which has since created this big mess he now has to own accountability for.

Social media E-nlaws had a few things to say. Here are some of the reactions online:

The story developed into a social media soap opera which featured a short-term suspense that saw Annie momentarily taking out her acquired “Idibia” last name from her Instagram page.

After keeping silent for so long, the music legend would go on to release a song during the heat with the first words on the song saying “I’ve been searching for true love, gotta keep right on searching till I find…”

The song was done in collaboration with Idoma music legend, Bongos Ikwue. Part of the lyrics of the song say; “I’ve been searching for a woman wey go make all these nonsense start to make sense. I’ve been searching all kinds of places, sample many ladies from different places.”

Annie Idibia later commented under her husband’s Instagram post promoting the song; an action which made Nigerians believe everything that had happened was fabricated to promote the song.

She wrote: “Yay finally out, thank you so much sir ‘Bongos Ikwue’” The 45-year-old finally released a statement on his Instagram page requesting privacy.

VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

websights DOWNTOWN the baby belonged to him. He came to this assumption on his own because we were married. I think he thinks too much and he can’t blame me for this”

Here are some reactions from fans of the show on social media:

Here’s what the online jury had to say:

Nedu and Uzoamaka

In an interview with GoldMyne TV days after the drama unfolded, Uzoamaka revealed the details of what led to the DNA tests. She said with no remorse, “Along the line while we were still married, Nedu became very insecure and he was doubting the paternity of my last child - the second girl. He went to find out through a DNA test, unfortunately for him, it was the first child (which wasn’t his).”

Nedu on the face of these allegations took to Instagram to explain his side of things with the shocking revelation that his first son was indeed not biologically his.

Nedu got social media’s attention with his revelation, but so did Uzoamaka, who immediately fired back at the comedian ordering him to shoulder some of the parenting responsibilities he had abandoned for four years.

Since divorced, the only evidence of domestic violence the court of public opinion was left with was images of both parties bruised from alleged attacks so there is nothing concrete in that department. The infidelity department however was booming as Nedu accompanied his Instagram post with the DNA test result that confirmed that truly, his wife not only cheated on him whilst they were married, she also did a number on him in a classic case of paternity fraud. At least Tuface had his seven kids with his full chest.

She would dig her hole even deeper when she posted on her Instagram Story how she never tried to pin a child during wedlock on her then-husband.

“I never for once told him I was pregnant for him or

A Dysfunctional Family Got Even More Dysfunctional

Days after his wife was evicted from the show, Ajmoney granted an Instagram Live interview where he publicly scolded his wife’s behaviour in the house, expressing how deeply hurt he was by it.

Just before she went home back to her husband, she also got on Instagram to apologize to her husband in an Instagram post where she broke down in tears, asking for her husband’s forgiveness alongside Nigerians’.

A follow-up post would circulate social media showing her returning home into her husband’s arms with a warm embrace reminiscent of what the prodigal son received in the Bible.

Tega and Boma wagging with a video that went viral which featured her kissing Boma in bed in what many suspected to be sexual intercourse under the sheets.

A few days after that, the duo openly shared a kiss to the amazement of housemates during a task.

This activity between the duo ultimately led to their untimely eviction from the house as a result of garnering the lowest votes.

Fans took to lambast them for their actions; especially the 29-year-old married woman who left her husband behind at home to cheat on national television.

Heads turned even further at the dynamics of the said relationship as her husband, a man by the name Ajmoney, came on social media with the revelation that he had also cheated in their matrimonial home and the mistake has caused so much damage.

According to him, if Tega is doing or saying anything to spite him, it’s because he deserves it.

The next installment of “Infidelity Today” features ex-Big Brother Naija housemate, Tega.

On day 42 of the show, Boma, and Tega-the only married female housemate on the show, were the lucky ones to get into the executive lounge by themselves. With the both of them alone, Boma spanked the mother-of-one and soon, the duo started kissing passionately.

This comes a few days after Tega set tongues

Tonto Dikeh and Kpokpogri

Helen Of Troy Prince Kpokpogri, the ex-lover of controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has alleged that she cheated on him with another man during their short-lived affair.

Kpokpogri, who is also the chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, was unveiled by Dikeh on the occasion of his birthday on June 27. Popularly referred to as the prince of Niger Delta, the politician described his ex-lover as “Helen of Troy.”

The once happy relationship crashed after a viral voice note and a phone call between Kpokpogri and a socialite, which had the politician bad-mouthing the actress, her behaviour and addiction, was leaked online by a notorious Instagram gossip blogger.

The actress in an “appreciation post” thanked the gist blogger and also confirmed the collapse of her relationship with Kpokpogri.

Another audio was leaked online where the Nollywood actress was caught confessing to how she would have killed her ex-husband, Churchill, with rat poison if they weren’t divorced.

Tega and her husband, Ajmoney

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VOL 1 NO.31 • SEPTEMBER 12 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

Movie Review: BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

SHANG-CHI AND THE TEN RINGS Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton Screenplay by: Dave Callaham, Destin Daniel Cretton Andrew Lanham, CAST: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, Tony Leung

Netflix Watch of the Week

Money Heist Season 5 (Part 1) Regardless of what I conclude in this review, there’s no denying that Money Heist has been an overwhelming success. Not just in popularity and viewership for Netflix, but the story as well.

I mean, it’s wild, right? It has all the absurd stories and twists that should have derailed the series a long time ago, but somehow it’s made the ridiculousness work. The entertainment is so concisely wielded into the story mapping, and the characters are so well-defined that it’s an intoxicating, addictive formula. Money Heist is going to be difficult to beat for Netflix. This is by far one of their best series.

It helps that the series provides comfort. Audiences will press play on season 5, knowing that it will not let them down. There’s always a sense of anticipation when audiences enter the final season, and there’s this anxiety that it will blunder on the last leg. Money Heist season 5 removes those fears from the first episode. It’s cinematic by nature. Action-filled to stimulate the brain. The characters engage with the soul. It feels like comfort food. Your heart paces, but you feel at home.

All the writing efforts come to fruition in season 5. Having well-delivered characters pays off. There’s a sense that you’ve been on a journey with them since season 1. They feel like your friends, and at times, family. The heist team has formidably made the audience root for them with their story. It’s not about being a criminal or good versus evil. It doesn’t exist in this bubble Money Heist creates. Season 5 shows how the concentrated messages created so far have worked. It’s easy to become attuned to the anti-establishment. To feel disenfranchised by authorities. To go against the status-quo in a world of systemized economic processes.

As the promotional work suggests, and the rhetoric language used in season 4, season 5 is war. Pure and simple. It’s rarely about the thrill of a heist, or the safety of hostages, or the greed for riches. It’s family. It’s togetherness. And it’s also an abundance of survival. All rules are thrown out of the window in season 5 as both sides are desperate — the heist team and the authorities.

Of course, there are variables involved; Professor is captured by Sierra,

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Some things never change. Death, taxes, and Marvel movies making all the money. Featuring Marvel Studios’ first all-Asian cast, this film both pays homage to the heritage of the actors onscreen and manages to tie this fairly standalone MCU entry into the larger tapestry of the established cinematic universe. The fact that director Destin Daniel Cretton and screenwriters Dave Callaham and Andrew Lanham were able to accomplish all of this, while still finding time to tell a captivating origin story is nigh unbelievable.

I really did mean all the money. With a worldwide opening weekend haul of $140 Million, Shang-Chi has surpassed all expectations and extinguished all doubts that still lingered about the viability of the theatrical release strategy. But is the movie worth all the hype or is it just another entry in the superhero movie-verse?

Short Answer: It’s EXCELLENT. Someone else will have to do the math, but if Shang-Chi is not the most action-oriented MCU film in terms of sheer runtime, then it must rank right near the very top. What I can definitively say, however, is that the fight choreography and stunts are like nothing in the established film universe. Where it sometimes felt like Marvel fight scenes frequently devolved into people just doing karate at each other, this film feels alive in more ways than one. Whether flittering around combatants or zooming out to give the battles some perspective, the camera is never still and is as much a character as anyone on screen. At their best, Shang-Chi’s fight scenes toy with visual expectations in ways that emulate some of modern Chinese cinema’s finest. One character commands the wind in sync with their motions—giddily recalling and building upon the aerial wonder of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Another trades brutal blows inside of a high-speed bus, and the resulting brutality feels like a PG13, version of Police Story. Still another sequence decides that the construction catwalks on the edge of a skyscraper is a good place to flip between wooden planks on multiple levels and kick the crap out of anything that moves; it’s a scene paying homage in both humor and bombast to the directorial likes of Stephen Chow.

Far from merely a martial arts showcase, however, this movie is carried by a phenomenal plot and cast. Lead actor Simu Liu makes the jump from small-time sitcom character to MCU franchise tentpole look easy. His

relationships with the rest of the cast propel the movie forward and there is very little you can take away from his performance. Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, and Fala Chen in her (regrettably) brief appearance are all superb and their frequent use of Mandarin Chinese really drives the point home: this is Marvel’s love letter to the Asian continent. Special praise though must go to Tony Leung. Previously only known to Asian audiences, “The Man Who Can Speak with His Eyes” brought his legendary film career to bear in his turn as one of the most hypnotizing personalities ever seen in a modern Marvel film.

“Villain” doesn’t do his performance justice. There’s truly no greater kryptonite to a powerful hero than disenchantment with a parent—or a child, for that matter—and Leung is fascinating here as a brooding-yet-loyal father. Leung’s performance hums with the slow burn of a father for whom nothing is ever good enough, and he radiates an unforgettably condescending aura, off which his co-stars feed ravenously.

Sometimes, a film can drag while trying to reflect characters’ cultural origins, yet Shang-Chi benefits from its own emphasis. Katy, Shang-Chi, and his sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang) each grapple with Chinese family expectations that run counter to how they live their lives, whether in America or abroad. Yet director and co-writer Destin Daniel Cretton is careful not to tie those issues up with cute, family-friendly bows. Shang-Chi in particular takes his conflict with his father to the very end of the film, stumbling and revolting at all turns, and it adds a rare heft to a Marvel film’s central conflict. Awkwafina is clearly here to chew scenery with comic relief, yet even her workload is tasteful here—and her character gets a development payoff by film’s end, to boot.

The few issues I have with this film are the sometimes poor CGI and the big, bombastic fight that seems to be a prerequisite for any Marvel movie’s third act. These in no way draw away from the excellence present in the rest of the film.

Good butt-kickings with a strong family foundation, whether that family is unified or dysfunctional are an important component of the many martial-arts-themed films from the Far East.

Shang-Chi nails this idea in ways that are truly unique to the superhero film canon. It is exactly the blast I was hoping for ahead of next year’s massive Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

8.5 / 10

a character with pierced eyes and a no-mercy approach. The bank is complicated to maintain for a hostage situation. Plus, the authorities, led by Colonel Tamayo, have lost their heads. It’s not about a civilian rescue anymore. Season 5 induces psychological warfare while the media documents it all, allowing the general public to form opinions.

Netflix cruelly gave the audience the first five chapters on the initial release, but it’s abundantly transparent that the game has changed as the story journeys towards a conclusion. The writers are not holding back, and neither are the production team.

Deep down, I do not want Money Heist to end, but in reality, it would be selfish to demand further seasons with these characters. We’ve exhausted them to a pulp as we have analyzed every inch of them since season 1. I trust that the team behind Money Heist could create more stories, making them wilder, while somehow maintaining the excitement and entertainment, but it does reach a point where it has to be accepted that the story must end.

So while I wait for the final five episodes, in which I have all the confidence in the world that they will pull off an exciting finale, it’s time to realize that this journey is over. Bella ciao, ciao, ciao!