THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 24TH JULY 2022

...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2022

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FIREBOY DML ADEDAMOLA ADEFOLAHAN

TAKING AFROBEATS GLOBAL

Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

EDITOR’S LETTER

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SOCIETY

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COVER NOTE

CONTENT

Fireboy is a refreshing original musician, with style to match.

He is achieving heights with his profound voice and his upbeat afro sound which has caught attention of many stars including international artists like Ed Shereen and Modonna. His hit single “Peru” was a TikTok sensation that took over the world and even after a year of its release the song still evokes the same vibe it gave when it was first released.

This week FUNKE BABSKUFEJI speaks with the gifted crooner about his, life, sounds and musical journey thus far.

Society

OLAMINDE AND MOTUNRAYO TIE THE KNOT

It was almost an all judiciary atmosphere at Oluwakemi Balogun’s son wedding, Olamide and his wife Motunrayo (nee) Olaleye, the ceremony had more than 20 senior advocates and other senior judiciary

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Naija to the World

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S yle EXECUTIVE EDITOR KONYE NWABOGOR 08111847087

Lifestyle & Fashion Ten Things This Week 8 How Shade Thomas-Fahm pioneered the Nigerian fashion Industry

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Survivors

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One Of These Could Be Your Next Holiday Destination

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Ayo Shonaiya

VISUAL/SENIOR DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500

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Go Big or Go Home

5 Names To Know in African Fashion Industry

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE EDITOR OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI 08111847086

STYLE CORRESPONDENT ISIOMA USIADE GUEST CORRESPONDENT ENIAFE MOMODU CONTRIBUTORS AZUKA OGUJIUBA DIDEE ETA AYO LAWAL PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO’

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DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

20 @thisdaystyle |

I still remember the very first time I heard Nigerian music being played abroad. It was at the Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre in the UK. It was so surreal. These days there’s almost nothing exciting about hearing Nigerian music played abroad. And that’s because it is somewhat expected. Our sound has pushed beyond the shores of Africa and taken centre stage globally, with our artists touring the world and picking up awards on their way. We are at the forefront of the global craze for Afrobeats.

This week, I am particularly excited about this topic, and not only because of the cover personality, Fireboy Dml, who happens to be one of the current leading voices in Afrobeats and a burgeoning global superstar. This is also about Ayo Shonaiya’s documentary, Afrobeats; The Back Story, which chronicles the sweat, tears and blood behind what has eventually turned out to be Nigeria’s biggest export. Don’t know the difference between Afrobeat and Afrobeats? Then you must read his interview with Ayo Lawal.

Still, on the topic of our creatives going global, there’s currently a first it’s kind exhibition tagged ‘Africa Fashion’ taking place at the Victoria and Albert Museum London, which celebrates the creativity, ingenuity and unstoppable global impact of contemporary African fashions. It is the UK’s most extensive exhibition on African Fashion, and it features a selection of iconic mid-twentieth century African designers, including Nigeria’s very first fashion designer Shade Thomas-Fahm. Also featured are the works of amazing Nigerian fashion designers like Lisa Folawiyo, Orange Culture, Nkwo, Iamisigo, Mai Atafo and fashion photography from the most talented Stephen Tayo. Our creative story is one of grit and resilience, and as such, it is so heartwarming to see our dues finally come to us. From music to fashion, art and entertainment, we are leading the continent and creating a platform for our sister African countries to flourish globally.

As we look to the future, we must pay tribute to the past: the successes and the pioneers who put the movement into play. With that in mind, I ask that you experience this week’s issue with the pride that comes with being Nigerian. We might not be there yet, but we are definitely well on our way.

Konye

@thisdaystyleon | www.thisdaystyle.ng

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SUMMER kids

S yle Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

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PASTOR IDOWU & SIJU ILUYOMADE

olamide and Motunrayo tie the knot

KUNLE OGUNMEFUN

ADEYEMO ADEBAYO

MOYOSORE ONIGBANJO & FUNKE ABOYADE

UN GROOM’S FATHER, KEMI BALOGUN & FOLASHADE BALOG

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here at t was almost an all judiciary atmosp ding, OlOluwakemi Balogun, SAN son’s wed ) Olaleye, the amide and his wife Motunrayo (nee advocates ceremony had more than 20 senior under one roof and other senior judiciary officers without objection from any cor ner.

ELPHREDA GIWA & STANLEY UBANI

DESIGN

STYLE

SOCIETY

STYLE

MR & MRS IBEZIM

MR & MRS OLAYINKA FAJI

PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI

OLAMIDE & MOTUNRAYO BALOGUN

BRIDE’S MOTHER, MRS OLALEYE

TOMILADE SHODIMU

TOMIWA & TEMISAN SHODIMU & MRS SHODIMU

HRM TAIWO TAIWO

ENIOLA BELLO

GROOM’S MOTHER

OYINKAN FETUGA

RAJ GUPTA

RAYMOND MGBEOKWERE

MR & MRS AYO OLORUNFEMI

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HRM BABATUNDE AJAYI

MRS AKINLADE & MRS JOSE

MR DAGGASH

CHINEDU CHIGBU, IHUOMA

IBEKE CHIGBU, IYA OMONIBEKE, DAKUKU PETERSIDE & DAVID OMON

AKINDE PASTOR ADEYEMO ADEBAYO, PASTOR TREVOR & MOTUNRAYO

LADI SANNI

ELIZABETH EBI

YEMI SANNI & YEMISI SANNI

YODE & FUNLOLA DELANA

MR & MRS SHOLA OPALEYE

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Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

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Ten Things This Week

DESIGN

NDLEA BEGINS ABBA KYARI’S TRIAL

INEC DECLARES PDP’S ADELEKE WINNER OF OSUN STATE ELECTION

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he Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Senator Ademola Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party the winner of the Osun governorship election, with a total of 403,371 votes, defeating the incumbent, Adegboyega Oyetola of the All-Progressives Congress, who received 375,027 votes in a hotly contested race.

NOLLYWOOD SUFFERS A DOUBLE TRAGEDY WITH THE DEATHS OF ACTRESSES ADA AMEH AND SOLA ONAYIGA.

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AKWA IBOM AAC GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE PICKS CAROLINE DANJUMA AS RUNNING MATE

he sudden deaths of two actresses — Ada Ameh and Sola Awojobi Onayiga — have thrown their fans into mourning.

The death of Ada Ameh, 48, came hours after she ushered her friends into a new week in a social media post. The Benue-born actress who is known as Emu in the popular family television drama series, The Johnsons, reportedly died in Warri, Delta State, after she collapsed. In a similar development, actress Sola Awojobi Onayiga who was best known for her role as ‘Ireti’ in the TV series ‘Fuji House of Commotion, has also been reported dead. Onayiga was said to have been admitted to the ICU unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital two weeks ago. The late Onayiga was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2015 candidate for Ikorodu Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

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ollywood actress Caroline Danjuma has been selected as running mate to the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Mr Iboro Otu in the 2023 governorship election in Akwa-Ibom state. The announcement was made to party members and the general public in Uyo. The party noted that Caroline would bring to the table her experience in rallying global and national attention towards developmental, political and social issues, which will be instrumental to the party’s success at the polls.

BIDEN APPOINTS RICHARD MILLS JR. AS THE US AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA

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he United States President Joe Biden has appointed Richard Mills Jr. as the US Ambassador to Nigeria.

He takes over from Mary Beth Leonard, who was appointed the envoy to Nigeria by President Donald Trump. Richard Mills Jr. currently serves as the US Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of MinisterCounselor.

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OYO STATE APPOINTS ADEBAYO LAWAL AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR AFTER OLANIYAN’S REMOVAL

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has commenced its case of hard drug trafficking charges against the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja. The agency brought a Commander of Narcotics (Forensic Unit), Patricia Afolabi, to testify as its first witness.

The witness told the court that part of her job specification involves receiving and conducting forensic analysis on drug exhibits.

I CONTEMPLATED SUICIDE WHILE RECORDING MY ALBUM – OMAH LAY.

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tanley Omah, popularly known as Omah Lay, has spoken out about his battle with depression. In a series of tweets, he revealed that he was struggling emotionally and contemplated suicide due to his breakup with his girlfriend. He wrote, “I wanna spill my heart on this app like this.

Boy Alone might be the last time y’all will hear me cry on a song, On G, I was dead as* down, insecure, scared, depressed, and losing my mind like. I was literally gonna kill myself. My babe served me ‘breakfast’ at midnight. I wanted to go crazy. I felt like I lost it until after I finished recording Boy Alone.

I listened to myself and realized I’m one of the hardest sh*ttt African music has ever seen!!”

ollowing the removal of Rauf Olaniyan due to a series of charges and misconduct, The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved the appointment of Adebayo Lawal as the new Deputy Governor following the removal of Rauf Olaniyan. Before his appointment, Lawal was the Chairman of the State Housing Corporation. He had also served as the state AttorneyGeneral.

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“LAST LAST” HAS EARNED ME MORE MONEY THAN ANY OTHER SONG IN MY CAREER”- BURNA BOY.

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amini Ogulu, a.k.a Burna Boy, has revealed that his hit song, Last Last, has earned him more royalties than any of the songs he’s released. He made this known during an interview on “Shopping for Sneakers.

“I’ve actually made more money from that song than any other song in my whole career. And it’s even a short time. I only dropped it a month or two ago,” Burna Boy said.

YAKUBU MAIKYAU EMERGES NBA NEW PRESIDENT

NIGERIA’S OLDEST CARRIER, AERO CONTRACTORS, SUSPENDS OPERATIONS DUE TO THE ECONOMIC CRISIS.

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igeria’s oldest airline, Aero Contractors, has announced the suspension of flight operations. The airline, in a statement, said this was due to a challenging operational environment.

“Due to the impact of the challenging operating environment on our daily operations, the management of Aero Contractors Company of Nig. Ltd. wishes to announce the temporary suspension of its scheduled passenger services operations with effect from Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

“This does not in any way affect the maintenance activities of the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) otherwise known as AeroMRO, the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) also known as Aero Training School, the Helicopter and Charter Services operations.

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, has emerged as the 36th President of the Nigerian Bar Association. He polled a total of 22,342 votes to defeat two other contenders Chairman of the NBA Securities Agencies Relations Committee, Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), and a former General Secretary of the NBA, Jonathan Zaidi. Maikyau succeeds Mr Olumide Akpata, who was elected in 2020.

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DESIGN

How Shade Thomas-Fahm pioneered the Nigerian fashion Industry Decades before the Deola Sagoes and the Ituen Basi’s of the Nigerian fashion industry hit the scene; there was Shade Thomas Fahm, one of Nigeria’s first modern fashion designers. In her time, she was one of Africa’s most influential designers and a pioneering figure in the Nigerian fashion industry. When Sade Thomas Fahm started her boutique tailoring in Ikoyi, little did she know that she would be someday referred to as Nigeria’s first fashion designer. Or that her towering influence would one day be celebrated at a landmark exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London. Speaking exclusively to Thisday Style on her early years in fashion, she says, ‘’I felt the need to promote fabrics and styles from my part of the world because I loved the way they looked and how they made women look.’’

Shade’s love for fashion started when she was a child. She would pick bits and pieces from neighbours tailoring stores to make dresses. Not long after, she moved to London with the hope of starting a nursing career, but her passion thought otherwise and led her to the world of modelling and fashion. She then enrolled at St Martin’s School of Art (now Central Saint Martins) to further pursue her chosen career. She would eventually become the first Nigerian woman to achieve a professional qualification in fashion design when she graduated in 1959. In 1960, Shade returned to Lagos, Nigeria, armed with her degree and a desire to put the Nigerian Local fabric on the global map. This desire gave birth to her first fashion shop called “Maison Shadé”, which later became “Shadé’s Boutique.”. It stocked Nigerian designs and was the first in Lagos to use mannequins just like she had seen in the UK.

“We wanted to make a mark, to apply what we had learned abroad,” she explains.

In the beginning, she had a hard time convincing Nigerians to buy local fabrics and designs. But she won eventually won them over and became an influential designer and dressmaker in the Lagos fashion scene. Some of her clients at the time included Hannah Awolowo, the first lady of Nigeria’s old Western Region, and Princess Elizabeth of Toro, a trailblazing model, government minister and Uganda’s first female lawyer. Often using aṣọ-òkè, àdìrẹ, akwete and okene in her designs, she re-imagined traditional Nigerian styles for the modern woman, creating a pre-tied gèlè (headwrap) to make getting dressed easier, and added a zipper to the ìró (wrapper). “I was always putting one style up against the other style.

For instance, I would look at the European skirt and then I would put it up against, in my mind, the Yoruba ìró... Both clothe a woman’s lower half and in similar ways but with distinct differences. Both styles had something to learn from the other.”

In the early 2000s, Mrs Thomas-Fahm bowed to competition from the global fashion industry and closed her final boutique in Lagos. By then, the designer says, upper-class Nigerians had pivoted towards Western couture, depriving local brands of clientele.

One cannot undermine Shade’s influence and contribution to the Nigerian fashion industry, as her use of the local fabric has influenced her contemporaries and designers from younger generations to date.

And it is this same influence that is behind her being celebrated by the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, as a ‘Fashion Vanguard’ years after the Shade boutique.

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STYLE

Big bags are a girl’s best friend.

The big bag era isn’t going anywhere. Yes, we have been carrying mini bags lately, but from the look of things, the big bag is still very much around. It is all about supersize.

JENNIFER OSEH

Let your accessories do the talking.

You need accessories that can stand on their own and not just blend in. Statement accessories will certainly elevate your look.

BLUMARINE

Get roomy with baggy fit.

Great news for women who like more comfort and room to move about in their jeans. Baggy jeans are super-casual and cool, and they send a message that you can combine comfort and chic in one outfit.

GO BIG OR GO HOME The latest trend is to go big and bold. Not everyone is a risk-taker when it comes to their wardrobe, but it is time to bring out the baggy jeans, oversized tops, and accessories hidden in your closet because oversize is stepping up the fashion chart. These days when it comes it comes to fit, bigger is better.

By Usiade Isioma

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DESIGN

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STYLE

Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

YUTEE RONE

Pump up the sleeve volume.

Oversized sleeves are in. This is one look you should try. Steal that spotlight. A little fuss can be fun sometimes.

Platform heels.

Take your feet to new heights with some sky-high platform heels. You can see the ‘90s inspiration coming through with chunky block heels.

Create a maximalist look by pairing these heels with your favourite wardrobe staple.

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CREDITS

COVER

PHOTO - TY BELLO STYLIST - MOSES EBITE OUTFIT BLACK PANT & BLACK WHITE SHIRTEmmy Kasbit WHITE VINTAGE SHIRT - Bazzeann Official LEATHER PANTS - Ade Doja CROP ORANGE SUIT - JZO

Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

Fireboy is a refreshing original musician with style to match. He is achieving heights with his profound voice and his upbeat afro sound, which has caught the attention of many stars, including international artists like Ed Shereen and Modonna. His hit single “Peru” was a TikTok sensation that took over the world, and even after a year of its release, the song still evokes the same vibe it gave when it was first released.

This week FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI speaks with the gifted crooner about his life, sounds and musical journey thus far.

As a young child growing up, did you know you were musically inclined and did your parents support you in pursuing a musical career full-time?

By the time I was about 11/12 years old, I knew I could sing. I had just started discovering my gifts at the time, so I didn’t pay full attention to it. To me, it was just something I knew I could do, nothing more. I was focused on my other gifts like writing (mainly poetry and articles). 5 years later, when I realized music was what I wanted to do with my life, everything changed for me. It’s crazy the things purpose can do to a man. It went from obsession to blind devotion—nothing else mattered to me. I didn’t tell my parents until 2016, just before I finished school in 2017, and of course, they were not cool with it at first. Their first-born son had gone from a grade A student to a budding afrobeat artist. It was a transformation they couldn’t process. A year later, I had left school and gone to Lagos, and apparently, I was doing fine on my own as a struggling underground artist. Nothing was making sense yet, but they saw that my resolve was strong, so they did what any good parent would do and decided to support me instead. Glad it all paid off in the end. For me, it was music or nothing.

What was their reaction to your success, and who will you say your biggest supporter is when it comes to taking your career to the next level?

The first sign of real progress was when Olamide signed me up in October 2018. Everyone who knew me went crazy with joy. My parents were the first people I called, and it was an emotional one that day. I could feel the relief in their voices as they prayed for me and congratulated me. Naturally, my family are my biggest supporter. I could name a few people in the mix but having a parent’s support is a strong morale boost for any creative.

You have a unique sound that stands you out from many artists and has allowed you to work with prominent international artists. How will you describe your music with the kaleidoscopes of sounds we have been hearing spring out from Africa and Nigeria especially?

If I’m being honest, I haven’t been able to define or analyze my music or sound properly. I’ve always identified with afrobeat based on my identity, not the sound itself. I am African; I am Nigerian. I am Yoruba. Those are my roots, and that’s where my music stems from, but then that’s it. I have quite a number of proper afrobeat records, but then probably half of my discography stems from pop and RnB. I bring the “afro” into it by connecting with my roots and using my local dialect and Yoruba expletives like “ye”, “oh”, and “ah”. Those little things make any record I make tied to afrobeats.

And, of course, you have the instruments and whatnot. I think what makes my music stand out in the afrobeat kaleidoscope is the intent in songwriting. But in the grand scheme of things, my sound is largely universal and connected to different genres. Music is freedom.

FIREBOY DML TAKING AFROBEATS GLOBAL

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Speaking of working with international artists, you have worked with a couple of them. D-smoke on your Apollo album “Champion”, Ed Sheeran on the remix of your single “Peru”, and the biggest for me is with Madonna on the remix of her hit song “Frozen”. Tell us how did these collaborations come about, most especially with Madonna?

Madonna has been a fan of my music since 2019. She was always bopping to my debut album, “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps”, and she tagged me to a couple of videos, so the relationship has always been there since then. Early this year, 2022, she hit me up on Instagram and told me she’d like me to be a part of a remix to her classic song frozen, and that was it. No one says no to that. We went back and forth on WhatsApp on what my direction would be like on the song and linked up a week after in Los Angeles to shoot the video. It was fun; she’s a very lively person for a 63-year-old. I mean, she’s the Queen of Pop. She has an insane sense of humour, and she handles fame like a natural. I have learned a lot from her as a superstar, and I’m glad we have a friendship outside the music we made.

Madonna is a musician your parents will be familiar with. She’s been famous for four decades. How did they react to you doing a remix of her song?

They couldn’t believe it! But then, at that point, it could have been Michael Jackson, and they still wouldn’t have been phased that much. To my parents, no feat’s too high for me. Their faith in me is so strong.

What impact have these collaborations had on your career and you as a musician?

My global recognition has skyrocketed, of course, but then that’s just a bit of it. As a musician, these collaborations have opened my eyes to so many possibilities and ideas. There’s nothing like having a solid network of creatives at your disposal.

I’ve not been that much of a collaborative artist, so collaboration means a lot to me. For me, it’s about building bridges and relationships that will last for years outside of music.

Several Nigerian musicians from the last ten years have cited Wande Coal as their inspiration, yourself included. Apart from him being an inspiration to you, you are also a big fan. What impact has Wande Coal had on your artistry?

To me, Wande Coal was the one that breathed soul into what Afropop/afrobeats is today. Most fans of mine would say that one of their favourite things about me is the way I lace my vocals with passion in my songs. Well, Wande Coal shaped me into that kind of artist, and I’m super grateful for all the things I’ve learned from him. Apart from all that, he’s one of the few superstars who, despite all the success, harbour such great love for the craft and want to sing and make music, nothing more. That greatly inspires me never to forget why we’re here in the first place—our love for music. It’s easy to forget that and just get lost in all the fame and glamour.

Who else, locally, African or international, is an inspiration for your artistry?

I cite Wande Coal, Jon Bellion and Passenger as the foundations of my sound, solely based on the honesty in their music and artistry overall. You listen to these artists and know that they love what they do wholeheartedly.

Let’s talk about Playboy, your third album: does the title reflect your relationships with women right now, or is there someone special in your life?

The term “playboy” in this sense doesn’t refer to the loose meaning we are familiar with. Right now, I’m in another entirely different headspace. It’s me willing to come out of my shell to “play”.

To stop overthinking things and live my life like the pop star that I am. Not to be careless, but to care less about what others will think and stop brooding over decisions too much. Over the past year, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s okay to do things and watch life unfold. So basically, it’s me telling myself it’s time to come out and have fun, to enjoy the fame I’ve worked so hard for. To experience new things and new people. To “play”. Playboy.

I was privileged to see the effect you have on your fans, especially female ones. How do you handle the spotlight? Do you still get to the things you normally do?

My female fans are a core part of my artistry solely because of the kind of music I make and how I make them. The bottom line is that the ladies love me, and, in this business, that is a blessing. I’ve learned how to enjoy it and, at the same time, set boundaries. As much as I’m coming out of my shell, I’m still subtly reclusive and guarded. In a way, it makes my relationship with them beautiful because when I do come out of my hermit to “play”, it’s always a special

My global recognition has skyrocketed, of course, but then that’s just a bit of it.

As a musician, these collaborations have opened my eyes to so many possibilities and ideas.

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getting back on the road again.

moment for them, and that makes it special for me too.

You’re getting money from streaming, royalties, video games, live performances, and appearances. How has having all this money changed you?

Change isn’t always a bad thing. Yes, money has changed my lifestyle, way of thinking and the way I handle things.

But my core being is still intact, at least for now. Jokes aside, I don’t think I’ve made enough money that will change me.

Maybe one day in the future, who knows?

The way you look is the culture right now: your dreads, tattoos and eclectic style, which I say is borderline Alte( but you say it isn’t). How much of this is you being yourself, and how much of it is going with what’s trending?

I think that’s the thing with being a superstar. Your lifestyle becomes the trend, although tattoos and dreadlocks have always been a thing. I chose dreadlocks because I like to whip them on stage when I perform. It adds a certain kind of energy to my performance. I’ve always wanted tattoos cause I see them as art. I like to dress differently because when I step into a room, I have to stand out somehow. I don’t consider myself Alte because that is a whole different culture; I wasn’t developed in at all. Dressing different isn’t Alte. That being said, I’m glad that the little details about me can influence pop culture in my generation somehow.

How, then, will you define your style?

Reserved, edgy, dark and subtly sensual.

You’re an international rock star. How has travelling all over the world affected you as a person?

Travelling is a lot of work. But it’s also fun and eye-opening.

I’ve learned a lot from experiencing different cultures and people, hence increasing my knowledge and exposure, but it is mentally tasking. Once in a while, I’m grateful for the short breaks I get from travelling, and I relax/detox for a bit before

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Madonna has been a fan of my music since 2019. She was always bopping to my debut album, “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps”, and she tagged me to a couple of videos, so the relationship has always been there since then.

a person yet.

It is almost an unwritten rule that successful artists take up protégées to mentor as they grow in their careers. Do you have anyone like that on your team, or are you looking to mentor anyone at the moment?

Call it humility or being modest, but I don’t see myself mentoring anyone just yet. I’ve been opportune to bless and change a few people’s lives through what God has blessed me with, but then that’s just it.

Maybe in a couple more years, I’ll be in that headspace, or perhaps I just haven’t met such

What do you do when you are not making music?

I love football. I love watching, playing and talking about it. I also like to read books and play video games to unwind. I’m an indoors guy, so most of my fun things I do at home, except when I step out to play football with the homies.

Lastly, what do you wish you were told when you started that you think would help anyone in music starting today?

I wish someone had told me earlier that I needed to first work on finding my sound. Most of my early professional years were spent blindly doing what every other young artist was doing. Until 2017 when I found my sound, and that’s when everything changed. A year later, the breakthrough came. For a budding musician, finding your sound makes up 60% of your becoming a complete artist.

The rest, you learn as you go and grow.

FIVE HEALTHY TEAS YOU SHOULD BE SIPPING RIGHT NOW

It’s July, it’s cold, and the weather is gloomy. It would be great if we could spend the entire day wrapped in blankets, but the bills must be paid. The only thing that helps keep the body warm is to drink lots of hot tea. Not only is a hot cup of tea soothing, but it can also benefit your health. Teas come in various flavours. Keep reading to choose the best choice for your health and palette.

By Usiade Isioma

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S yle Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

Green Tea

Green tea contains thermogenic properties, which assist your body in generating heat to burn fat and keep you warm. After an early morning meditation practice, start your day with a cup of green tea.

Herbal Tea

During the colder months, a cup of brewed dried fruits, flowers, herbs, and spices will quickly recharge your mind and body. Some herbal teas contain antioxidants, which can aid in the prevention of diabetes and tumour growth.

White Tea

Due to its high antioxidant concentration, white tea provides the most significant anti-cancer properties compared to more processed teas. It relieves heat, strengthens the spleen, and soothes the mind, making it great for sore throats.

Ginger Lemon Tea

Ginger lemon tea is an excellent choice on a cold day as it helps your immune system. It has a diaphoretic effect, which helps warm your body from within. Best served with friends and family.

Black Tea

Black tea helps refresh the mind and relieves fatigue. It also stimulates saliva secretion and has a diuretic impact. It is suitable for cold and rainy days since it warms and nourishes our bellies. It tastes the finest when shared with a companion over tea.

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FIREBOY DML AND MADONNA

CHINYERE ADOGU

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Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

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MMEEE MOROCCO

DOWNTOWN PORT LOUIS MAURITIUS

ONE OF THESE COULD BE YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY DESTINATION

DUBAI

IDIA AISIEN

By Funke Babs-Kufeji

After a challenging 2020 and 2021, travel is back with a bang in 2022 and a whole host of the best holiday destinations are open to travellers who wish to start exploring again. Not sure where to head off to? Check out our top picks for the best holiday destinations to visit

OVERWATER VILLAS AT SONEVA JANI RESORT MALDIVES

MAURITIUS

MYKONOS GREECE

The island of Mauritius stuns with a variety of adventures packed into it. Crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches and luxury resorts are what many rave about the compact island. The quaint fishing villages, hiking in mountain forests and beautiful botanical gardens are some of the best attractions that create a well-rounded experience for visitors.

the rows of local goods stores that line the winding lanes of the medina in Marrakesh to riding a camel into the sunset to the counting of stars in the Sahara Desert sky, a trip to the historical city, is definitely enticing.

MONACO

Good things come in small packages. What they don’t tell you about Monaco is how colourful and captivating it is. Still, when you see it with two eyes, it is indeed a sight to behold and, of course, not forgetting the great history filled with barbarians, kings, supercars, movie stars and bags of money. And as the second smallest country in the world, Monaco makes a cosy holiday destination.

THE MALDIVES

This island country has become the most trending vacation spot in recent times. Iconic water villas and picturesque ocean views are one of the main tourist attractions. The Maldives is one of the best relaxation retreats you can find, and the island is a beauty to behold. Pictureperfect villas suspended over striking blue waters, snow-white sand beaches and sunsets dipping into the horizon. The islands are popular with honeymooners looking for alone time who want to explore the depths of the sea, scuba diving, snorkelling, and more. OVERWATER VILLAS AT SONEVA JANI RESORT MALDIVES

ZANZIBAR

The island of Zanzibar may be small, but it is quintessentially a destination with historical, cultural, exploratory and eco-tourism beaches. It is an escape from every day and the ordinary, with world-class beaches and rich history, culture, and geography like no other in the world. It’s a

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MONACO

CHIOMA IKOKWU

true tropical paradise, but with so much more to offer than just surface beauty. Whether you want to explore in, on, or under the water, you’ll find the adventure you crave in Zanzibar, including diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, and windsurfing. You can go fishing and take a cruise. Whether an expert or a complete novice, you’ll find many opportunities to have fun, learn new skills, and enjoy Zanzibar’s brilliant blue waters.

DUBAI

Stunning monuments, vibrant manmade beaches, swanky hotels and skyscrapers, and ultra-modern malls and souks are what make the skyline of Dubai look spectacular and attractive. Visited by millions of tourists all year round, Dubai has every reason to be at the top of the list of places you need to visit in the Middle East if you have never been.

Dubai is renowned for its entertainment and recreation, luxury stay and shopping and best of world cuisine. It is a hot favourite destination among travellers of all kinds.

MOROCCO

Morocco, the northern African country, is diverse. It has a rich history and plenty of unique experiences to engage your senses. From perusing

SEYCHELLES

Set in the Indian Ocean, the islands of Seychelles is a beautiful archipelago of 115 Island which is synonymous with flawless, smooth white beaches, shimmery coastlines, palm-line shores and warm crystal blue waters. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world and not a low-budget destination. With the right amount of money, Seychelles offers all the water sports activities you can imagine, such as banana boat rides, parasailing, windsurfing, jet and water skiing, beach parties, night safaris, and round-the-island boat races and sunset cruises.

SEYCHELLES

MYKONOS

If you are one to party hard like to meet cashed-up Alisters, and like new everything, Mykonos is just the place for you. It is one of the first Greek islands to be considered a holiday destination and has been on the holiday map since the 1960s. There are over 25 beaches in Mykonos, but only a handful are well organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports beach bars and the lot. The clear, shallow waters and golden beach sand make the destination ideal for everyone.

ZANZIBAR

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S yle Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

S yle

Mayowa Nicholas, Nigeria

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Mayowa Nicholas made her entry into the fashion industry when she emerged as a finalist at the annual elite model look competition. She was the first Nigerian model to star in Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce and Gabbana and Calvin Klein campaigns, respectively. She also made a major impression internationally when she finally walked Victoria’s Secret show, being historically among one of the first African women to ever come that far in Fashion.

FASHION

Silvia Njoki, Kenya

Silvia Njoki is an award-winning Kenyan fashion journalist, Stylist, content creator and the editor of her blog. As a student, she proceeded to find her path into the fashion industry, using modelling as her stepping stone. Totally driven, she did quite well and made it a point of duty to learn the tricks of the trade. Eventually identifying with fashion styling as being her preferred profession, Silvia attended Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design” to brush up her skills.

She then returned to Kenya to set up her own company named “Styled by Silvia”, which has gained a reputation for her exceptional works ever since then.

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Imane Ayissi, Cameroon

Imane Ayissi is the founder of the eponymous fashion brand “Imane Ayissi”, a France-based haute couture company that specializes in custom-made and luxury ready-to-wear pieces, which are distributed in South Africa, Cameroon and Japan.

Imane Ayissi produces high fashion garments that merge the contemporary with the traditional, with a common goal to create the ideal wardrobe for the diverse African. He began his career as a dancer at the National Ballet of Cameroon and then, at some point, went on to fashion designing. Before this, he modelled for some of Fashion’s most prominent names like Dior, Valentino, YSL and Givenchy.

STYLE

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FASHION

STYLE

NAMES TO KNOW IN THE

By Charles Didee Eta

AFRICAN FASHION INDUSTRY In celebration of the ongoing Victoria and Albert museum African fashion exhibition, which appreciates the creativity, ingenuity and unstoppable global impact of contemporary African Fashion, we celebrate five names who, amongst a host of others, have in their own way contributed to the worldwide appreciation of African Fashion.

Omoyemi Akerele, Nigeria

Roberta Annan, Ghana

Roberta Annan is the co-founder of Impact Fund for African Creatives. This fund invests in creative businesses across Africa, pioneering Africa’s first long-term fund of about €100 million target, strictly for the creative industry. Passionate about developing business opportunities for women in Africa, she also started the African Fashion Fund in 2014 to empower African designers to access the global fashion industry and market.

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Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week, and its parent company, Style House Files, Omoyemi Akerele, is one of the leading voices behind the growth of Nigerian Fashion. As one who is passionate about the industry, she has, through various platforms, advocated for young creatives on the continent to gain recognition and compete with their western counterparts on a global scale.

This she has done through different projects ranging from the Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Fashion Focus, Fashion Business Series, and the Style House Files Incubator.

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S yle Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

Sunday, July 24, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9936

AYO SHONAIYA &

of melodious choruses.

How is this different from AfroFusion?

I mean, Burna Boy calls his music Afro-Fusion - same with Oxlade. However, I don’t feel that make should be an umbrella name. Why? To me, it sounds like a question - Fusion with what? There’s a question after Afro-Fusion; what are you fusing with? Then you can now start to explain. To me, there is no difference - Fusion is what Afrobeats is.

STYLE

Afrobeats is bigger than it’s ever been. What is next? What can we do to become more than just a passing phase?

We should not lose our heads!

Let’s not dilute it too much to the point of losing our core.

“Afrobeats: The Backstory” made me realise Video Directors are the unsung heroes of our now thriving industry.

Would you agree?

Yes, definitely! These are the people who are documenting the trends and growth in our industry. Music videos are a mirror of what’s happening in our music industry - even society at large.

The growing success of the music industry affords even more opportunities for our music videos to be even better. Back in the day, we used to have menus for music videos. Video production companies had fixed prices and options for music videos - and these options were limited. Today, the possibilities are endless.

Interview by Ayo Lawal

How did you get into the music industry?

I love music a lot. At the time I started recording these videos, I was working with King Wasiu Ayinde - We managed him. The clips I have of him will keep your mouth agape - it’s truly something! However, music management wasn’t something I wanted to do - I never even thought I’d end up working in the music scene. I loved and consumed music like every other music lover out there before that.

My Introduction to Baba Keke and D1 was Kennis Music. Watching this documentary, I have a deeper understanding of what they did for the music industry. You talk about them - especially D1 - with so much high regard. Why exactly?

I’m in love with that guy. LOL. I always tell people that when D1 and I met, it was love at first sight. We were sitting across from each other at a dinner table in the UK, and our eyes met - I remember thinking to myself, that’s THE D1. I don’t know if he’d seen one of my movies prior or something, but he also kept looking at me. We got introduced after dinner, and immediately we were getting along so well. Eventually, we ended up going out for drinks later that night. I speak highly of D1 because that’s who I wanted to be - and I still want to be like that man. D1 is the man!

Whenever we meet at events or social gatherings, we end up pairing off, gisting and just having a good time generally.

If there’s one thing you could pick from him, what would it be?

His forever good looks! I hope when I’m his age; I still look as good.

There’s a lot of reference to radio stations in the documentary. With

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STYLE

DESIGN

DESIGN

The house lights go off, and the spotlights come on.

The composers are playing a heroic tune as Davido descends from the floating stage above the sold-out O2 Arena. The instrumentals for “Aye” is playing through the speakers - this time a lot slower than usual - as 20,000 people sing along. Standing in the crowd is Ayo Shonaiya. It was at that moment he decided to give all the filming he had done purpose. That’s how the hit Netflix documentary “Afrobeats: The Backstory” was born.

“I didn’t even like the name before. I thought it was too close to Fela’s Afrobeat.” Over the years, the arguments about “Afrobeat” and “Afrobeats” have grown more intense. Afrobeats, not to be confused with Afrobeat, is a play on the latter.

For a while now, it hasn’t been “Afrobeats to the world” - it’s been the other way around. The success the Nigerian Music industry is enjoying at the moment can be associated with the success and failures of the generations before them. A time when our local music industry didn’t have the capital pull or world appeal it currently boasts of. Watching this documentary, I see a lot of influence these “OG’s” still have on the industry today - From Asake’s “Emi o shakomo” line to Ruger’s Baba Frayo-inspired eyepatch. A lover of music myself and working in the entertainment industry, this documentary made me really see everyone started from somewhere. Major players in the music industry today have been a part of the industry for longer than I had ever imagined.

There is a lot of archival content in this documentary? How did you come into them? Did you always know you wanted to do this?

First of all, what most people don’t know about me is I’m a documentary filmmaker. I went to film school before heading to Law school.

There, my major and speciality were in documentary filmmaking. I learnt the importance of gathering archives, keeping archives and using them to tell future stories - well, history stories. When I started filming this, it was unconscious for me - well, not completely unconscious. I was conscious of erratically recording videos to have a momentous of my music journey, which I thought I would only do for about two years. Two years became another two years and ended up becoming five years. The thing was, I just kept on recording - As my music career got longer, I just kept on recording.

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From Lagbaja to Rema, from Baba Frayo to Ruger, the relationship that exists between fashion and music is a mutually inclusive one. Do you agree?

I never really noticed the Baba Frayo & Ruger eye patch relation until now. Well... Yes, I’d definitely say there’s a relationship between fashion and music.

Baba Fela, for example, everyone knew him for his music, but he delivered in a truly African fashion - excuse the pun. Fela always wore African, right down to the shoes! I believe this was intentional. Adekunle Gold is also a true epitome of using fashion as a powerful tool in music. We’ve literally watched him change his style right before our very eyes as the music followed.

the upswing of streaming platforms, do you think their importance is overstated in present-day Afrobeats? Do they still have the same impact today?

To be very honest, I didn’t do as much as I would have loved to on radio stations. To answer your question, definitely! Radio is still where you break the music - at least in this country. This is why till today, a lot of artists are still particular about their radio play - getting on rotation, getting on air etc. It plays a big part, if not the biggest part. Even now that we have these streaming platforms, radio is still where your everyday Nigerian turns to for information, news and entertainment. Obviously, the radio played a more important role back then because it was the only means to share your music and get it heard. Today, it’s not the only way, but it plays a very important role. You cannot have a successful song breakout or release plan without including radio. You can get your TikTok dance in motion and pay for your music distribution on these streaming platforms - they work, but radio is still where you want to be. You can’t rely on everything else and skip the radio.

The Nigerian Music Industry during the heat of the pandemic was different. Streaming music played a huge role in how much musicians earned. What role do you think this has played on Afrobeats and music in Nigeria in general?

This was when Nigerian artists knew the importance of streaming.

When you’re at home - unwillingly - and you have no shows, no appearances, and the way you usually make money is limited, you’d have to sit up.

In your opinion, did this shift lead to a herd of “TikTok music”?

I’ve been in the music industry way before social media become a thing. I started in the music industry when the internet itself was less than ten years old. Now, when you look at the marketing strategies of these new artists - even the established ones - they seldom exclude TikTok. Why? It’s working for some people. It’s what people are doing now, so I really can’t fault it. As long as we achieve the desired result and we arrive at the same destination, then we’re good.

Is there really a difference between Afrobeat and Afrobeats?

A clip of AfroB that didn’t make the documentary explains it best.

Afrobeat without the ‘s’ is Fela Kuti’s music. That is African rhythms, with high life, Funk and Jazz. A collection of all these, plus pop music, a bit of reggae, plus dancehall and hip hop, is what Afrobeats is. It includes a lot

Are you happy with the outcome of the documentary?

I mean, like every production, there’s always something you wish you did differently. Particularly, some clips couldn’t be cleared, so that we couldn’t air them. However, I’m happy with the response - it’s been fantastic so far. It’s doing exactly what I want it to do. We have billboards all around the world with “AFROBEATS” (with an s) all over them. People are reviewing, sharing, and talking about Afrobeats. They’ve been hearing it for a while; now they know the back story. The story doesn’t end there, though - SEASON 2 IS COMING.

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