Cover, Edition 178, March 29-4 April, 2009

Rocking it with the Cosmopolitan Women

Cosmopolitan Women

BY CHIJIOKE IREMEKA
AS a step towards emancipation of the womenfolk and young people in society, the Cosmopolitan Women’s Club, Lagos, recently embarked on fund raising campaign to finance its N150 million Vocational Training Centre — a skill acquisition centre that will impact positively on women and youths in the country.
The club has as members, women achievers, who are interested in physical, environmental, educational and social development in the community so as to enhance, empower women and alleviate poverty, among others, through skill acquisition training.
According to the President of the Club, Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi, the best way to help these people to become productive in the society is to teach them how to fish, not to give them fish, adding that this will provide hope to the hopeless, opportunity to the disillusioned and thus, start a chain of mutual development that will liberate many from the shackles of poverty down to coming generations.
Speaking during the official launching of the club at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos, recently, she said, “this is part of our contribution towards the government’s efforts to move the state forward through good governance and people friendly policies. Coming together is the beginning and working together is progress. Keeping together is success that cannot be wished away.”
The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, expressed the readiness of government to receive with open hands every initiative directed at alleviating poverty, changing lives and improving the socio-economic profile of the poor in the state.
The increasing awareness of the woman as a vital link in the development chain and the campaign to empower her, he said, has continued to receive the attention and support of every well-meaning people and organisations in recent time, adding that in an emerging economy such as Nigeria, women are wrongly perceived as home-makers inspite of their obvious material contributions to the survival of the many homes.
It is a common knowledge, he said, that all over the world, that government alone cannot solve the myriads of challenges facing a given society. Most advanced countries have succeeded because of the commitment and sacrifice to the cause of national development by stakeholders, partners, corporate organisations, NGOs and people of goodwill. The initiative of Cosmopolitan Women’s Club, therefore, is well appreciated.
He said, “poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth are our overriding policy thrust, and various programmes have been directed at achieving this. The beautification effort has employed thousands of people with skilled acquisition centres in the local government areas.”
The governor added, “the idea of social clubs has become part of our culture as they have continued to serve as stabilising factor in balancing our lives in a busy city like Lagos. Besides, they have become a rallying point and melting pots of useful ideas and initiatives that have continued to impact positively on the development of the society.”
“By virtue of her nurturing role and the natural attention to motherland, there is a nexus between the status of women and poverty in the society. Therefore empowering women is the equivalence of empowering the society and this must include a conscious programme of actions to empower the woman, the youths and our young graduates,” he noted.
The immediate past governor of the state, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was the guest speaker, said the club was born to contribute to solving problems confronting the state such as lack of care for miscreants and lack of electricity, among others.
He said, “when we ignore the poor, we do so at our own peril because selfish investors simply because they have the wherewithal can be attacked any time by these miscreants if left without assistance. Education is a weapon against poverty, which the state and well meaning Nigerians should be committed to.”
Our society, he said, is faced with phenomenal challenges, economic depression confronting the whole world also and we cannot afford to sit back and feel unconcerned because we feel comfortable whereas many people including our own relations too are wallowing in poverty.
At the occasion, the Vice-President of the club, who was also the Chairman, Planning Committee, Mrs. Bintu Tinubu, said the club was raised up to comform with the change in the world of clubs assisting the government, as it cannot alone bear the burden of the society.

The ‘Beautiful Underbelly’ project

Okpara Square, Uyo

TRAVEL journalist, Pelu Awofeso, has set out on a national tour, which will see him traveling to the whole 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory within the year. The tour began from the south-south Nigerian city of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, where the writer has lived since January 2006.
However, the first leg of this tour will take him through Akwa-Ibom, Cross River , Bayelsa, Imo, Abia and Delta states over a three week period.
On the way, Awofeso will profile the host locations, interact with the residents, assimilate himself into the local life, sample the local delicacies (and snacks) of the community; also, he will seek out lifestyles and mannerisms that stand each city, town or village apart from those of its neighbours and from the rest of the country.
The pan-Nigeria tour has been christened the ‘Beautiful Underbelly’ project, which is to communicate the fact that the really attractive side to Nigeria is largely ignored, shielded from global view, either because we are too conversant with them that they have lost their appeal, or because they are in remote places and as such they benefit from little or no media attention. As such, the tour will attempt to reveal the real spirit and the real essence of the Nigerian.
Incidentally, this project is happening at a time that the federal government has just re-branded Nigeria with a new national logo and slogan (“Good people. Great Nation.”).
Awofeso applauds this initiative and believes it is the right way to go. With the new brand identities, the negative publicity that Nigeria has been subjected to over the years is bound to diminish substantially.
Besides these Awofeso — author of a travel book on Festivals in Nigeria and a mini-guidebook on Plateau State — will use the opportunity the tour provides to actualize some of his long held aspirations, which include: to win Nigeria more recognition on the world’s tourist map through his writings; spend time among the Fulani in Kogi; spend a night out with a military patrol team on inter-state highways; attend as many coronations and festivals as may take place while the tour lasts; learn the Hausa language; and visit Nigeria’s biggest national Park in Taraba State, among many other interests. Ultimately, his impressions of the locations he visits will appear in another travel collection that will be published later this year.
Pelu Awofeso says of the project: “I am not under any illusion that this will be an easy ride. As a matter of fact, I have started to feel the pinch and the pain even on this first leg. But this is a vision I am prepared to see through in the service of my fatherland. I have the will, and because of that there will surely be a way.” And besides,he adds, “this is a practical education for me in terms of being able learn more about our people, our culture and our history, subjects I could not study as a student.”

TEETH 4 TEETH

BY JUSTIN AKPOVI-ESADE
Frank Dallas Again
NOLLYWOOD actor Frank Dallas was all over T4T last week at O’jez, why? This is a puzzle we are presently trying to solve. He walked into the restaurant and saw T4T seated at his usual table, musing over some things (not for public consumption) and the ‘harassment’ began. “Shebi dis shirt good? Ehen, I no wear tie today, so, no be say you go begin go write say, my tie short or e too long o o.” He went on and on. Well, I know why Dallas was all fired up that night. Sometime ago, I saw his photograph in the papers as he received a Plasma television donated to the Actors Guild of Nigeria by a certain bank. Fine, you now know why Dallas was so excited that night, it is not every day one gets to see his photograph in the papers. And to think he just went to represent the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria at the presentation ceremony is another thing o!

Felix Duke’s Bloated
HAVE you seen dancehall singer Felix Duke recently? Or don’t you know him? Let me refresh your memory. Duke got ‘tired’ of Nigeria and left for London some years ago. He soon got ‘tired’ of the UK and came back to release a fairly successful song, Joana. Since then, a detractor claimed a certain multinational company took it upon itself to ‘rehabilitate’ Duke by giving him shows across the country. Now, he is fully rehabilitated and you need to see him when he came to O’jez to hangout, with a friend (na friend I talk o o, whether na man or woman, me I know know reach dia). He is so fat, in fact, bloated is the right word. He now moves like a 10-ton truck. Bros, do something about your new improved sized bifor sometin do you. Na advice I give o o.

Mama G’s Too Much
HAVE you seen Nollywood star actress Patience Nzokwor recently? Well, I saw a familiar figure at the celebrity hangout; it was spotting a light green beret (I am colour blind, please), a tight fitted jean trousers... How did I take in all these details? I am trained to do so, you hear, before you start getting ideas. Anyway, back to the figure, that turned all eyes as she walked into O’jez accompanied by another female and a man (names withheld). T4T realised it was Mama G (as Nzokwor is popularly called). Mama G took some time off production in faraway Enugu to come to Lagos to unwind (na unwind I talk o o). She actually had a nice time. The loud laughter at regular intervals confirmed her state of mind. Carry go Maa ma.

Leo Does Not Keep To Time
NOLLYWOOD actor Leo, remember Leo? Yes, the guy who spent a fortune organising a birthday party for his girlfriend (girlfriend o o o) and later went to London to cool off. Yes, you know him now. Leo kept a popular celebrity journalist (names withheld) waiting for hours on end at O’jez last Tuesday. See as life be? Wen Leo do betday for woman spend heaven and earth, im no late come o o. Now, wetin go make im life beta, na so im late scatter. Anyway, he came and amid thick sweat, he profusely apologised.

ogbuus@yahoo,com

‘Nollywood is the biggest Minister of Information, Culture and External Affairs Nigeria ever had’

STAR ACTOR


BY SHAIBU HUSSEINI
HE is one of the few Nollywood’s directors, whose works have featured in festivals across the globe and; he has consistently been on the nomination list of African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). Just last week his epic story Stronger than Pain, which gave Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, and Nkem Owoh their acting crest at the 2008 edition of AMAA was among the five Nigerian films that showed at the 23rd Fribourg International Festival in Switzerland at a special session for films from the Nigerian movie culture dubbed Nollywood. Tchidi Patrick Chikere was not in Fribourg, but gists from there is that the movie was well received. “I am happy it went well…I was busy at home brewing Telephone — my second album, “he explains even as he hands a promotional copy of the work, the follow up to his debut album Gold. Tchidi spoke with Shaibu Husseini about his new work and other projects.

What’s new?
I have just finished work on my new album titled Gold. It’s going to be released soon... For now we are just going into the promotion of the song Telephone as a way of heralding the entire album. Motivation for me has always been that restlessness that I have to do more to explore Tchidi’s limits if there are any... How does one live with a song in his head till his grave? It should be heard; else it’s like chewing without swallowing. And trust me; these songs in the Gold album are evergreen. Better by leaps than my first album, which was more like a learning process for me?

What ever happened to your debut album?
My first album went unsung, mostly because of poor promotion. That’s all I can say. A lot of people are still asking me if the album is out! And I say, it’s been out for long that now, it just wants to go home and rest! But thank God, Telephone is getting airplay now...We know it will just keep getting better. And soon everybody can sing the chorus, Lay Back!

Are you gradually kissing bye to moviedom?
No! I won’t quit the movies. My careers are sister careers, thank God for that. I intend to even make the standard of my movies more international, in terms of content and performance, to the best of our finances. The world has seen my movies, but it is time to see them even in a newer light and disposition. “Nollywood is the biggest Minister of Information, Culture and External Affairs, Nigeria ever had!” As for my quitting the industry, my involvement in music is complimentary to my movie, for instance, the editor who worked on my music video is also working on my other movie yet to be released. Before I went into music, there was no much consideration for my movie because it involved extra cost, but now I have seen the need and so on… the association is quite very symbiotic as each positively rubs off on the other. The only challenge is that I hardly find time to rest these days, but never mind, I will rest when I am old!

AMAA 2009
Yes, three of my movies, Assassin, Beautiful Soul, and Live To Remember were nominated in 10 different categories for the AMAA awards. I feel happy and sad. Happy that some people or somebody, somewhere has recognised hardwork, and the impact we are making in Nollywood, where quality has dropped to the barest minimum. I pray for more awards like this to further raise the bars because 90 per cent of the practitioners in Nollywood have no business to be there. I just pray that the viewers don’t lose faith in Nollywood yet. The pruning will come naturally and the movies will be better and worth the buyer’s hard earned money. I feel sad because, at this stage in Nollywood, where we are getting so much recognition by the western media, western viewers, and movie pundits across the globe; now that we are being invited to all sorts of film festivals abroad — I was in Germany recently, and was directed to teach High School students about Nigeria, our culture, our people and our movies — the government and its agents are still allowing piracy to further denigrate our movie industry.
Nowadays our movies are all over in copied CD’s. There is even one they call 50-in-1 best of Nollywood that is hawked openly on the streets, yet the government and the police are doing nothing. It’s a shame.

AMAA awards, what are your expectations?
A wise man attends an award ceremony with an open mind. I am good, but I am not the only one who is good. A lot of the contenders for the awards also know their onions. I will go with an open mind. If my movies win anything, thank God; if they don’t, okay. We will get better and try again next year. I am never satisfied with whatever I have achieved; there is always room for improvement. I am happy to have even been among the few movie makers nominated in the whole Africa! I will still pop champagne for that. This year AMAA screenings, I hear was tough and will still be tough for the final awards. But we got 10 nominations; there is a possibility we will win some of them. As for Pee Cee and Tchidi, my name is still Tchidi, friends call me Tee. Peecee is not a name, I will consider for all… it’s just a kind of acronym from my English name Patrick and you know, the rest… It‘s just that sometimes you just get so restless with one name that you will just decide to change it one day and the next day bring it back... only true artistes will understand what I am talking about... it’s a crazy world — the arts!

Next Project
I am going to get more international. Henceforth you can see anybody, just anybody in my movies...Tanzanians, Kenyans, Americans, name them... We want to rebrand Nollywood for Afrowood. We need wider reach and acceptance. The viewers need to see new and talented faces merged with the faces they are used to. Also my stories will change. Love doesn’t have to be an end in itself in every story. Let us tell stories of human challenge in a hectic world. Stories of courage and victory. Let love come in just as a passenger to the tale! I am at the forefront of content re-direction.

Favourite track
My best tracks in this new album are Telephone, High, Another House and Rain in your Jeans. They are my kind of music. Cool, thought provoking and evergreen. But I did ‘popular stand’ too. You know the Nigerian kind of thing!

Nollywood
Nollywood is like a fire. If you handle it well, it can light up this nation for the world to see and love, but if you handle it wrongly, it can burn all of us! Film is propaganda. Film is history. Film is Public Relations. Film is prophetic and sets ideals for the future. It is a teacher; it can direct or mislead a whole generation! Film is everything to a nation. It’s amazing that people in power are not seeing this.

For jazz festival, Cape Town hots up

BY CHUKS NWANNE
ALL is now set for this year’s edition of the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival, scheduled for April 3 and 4 at the Cape Town International Convention Center, South Africa. By now, all the artistes billed to gig at the festival will be fine-tuning their songs towards the 10th edition of the show that has grown beyond the imagination of all, the founders inclusive.
Meanwhile, the community concert, part of the build–up to the festival proper, will again be held at Green-Market Square on April 1, with some of the top headliners for the main event billed to mount the stage. Performing at this popular, social and community gathering are 70s Soul group, the Stylistics, along with The Incredibles, Nomfusi, Claire Phillips and Pete Philly & Perquisite.
To complete this year’s lineup, organisers of the Festival revealed that Zaki Ibrahim will join the other 39 bands on stage. While she declined to categorize her music, what Zaki dishes out is a fusion of hip-hop, earthy soul, deep house, broken electro-acoustic beats with jazz-inflected vocal intonations. Still in her 20s, the Toronto-based South African singer has taken up as her mission, the creation of smooth hip-hop.
Born to an exiled South African father and Scottish mother, Zaki spent her early years shuttling between Cape Town and the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island in the British Columbia and Canada. She was drawn to hip-hop at early age and started to perform when she moved to British Columbia’s largest city, Vancouver.
Among other bands scheduled to perform include
Hugh Masekela (South Africa): Few local musicians do as Masekela does in taking South African music to the rest of the world. A member of the first jazz band to record an LP, Masekela consciously decided to focus during his exile on familiarising foreign audiences to local sounds. Since his return, this mission has not stopped. The 69-year old trumpeter travels and performs all over the world.
Freshlyground (South Africa): The seven-member outfit has come to represent what the new South Africa is all about. Not only is the band cosmopolitan in composition of its members, Freshlyground fuses various musical styles lacing familiar instruments such as drums, keyboard, guitar and saxophone with sounds of violin and mbira. The group participated at the first edition of the Lagos International Jazz Festival organised by Inspiro Productions.
340ml (Mozambique): The group describes its music as “Southern African contemporary sounds.” The four band members have worked hard to fuse reggae inflections with dub, ska, Latin and Mozambican marrabenta music. Now based in South Africa, the quartet keeps their music rooted Maputo beat.
Abigail Kubeka (South Africa): She has shared the stage with great singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Eartha Kitt. After Skylarks, an all-female vocal group led by Miriam Makeba in 1957at 16; Kubeka has remained one of the most revered vocalists in South Africa. She has worked to set the t stretch from jazz to cabaret. In addition to her singing abilities, the 67-year old artist has appeared in numerous films and theatre productions. Recently, Kubeka received the Order of Ikhamanga – the highest arts award in South Africa.
Cape Town Jazz Orchestra (South Africa): This is the first professional and city-wide jazz orchestra in post-apartheid South Africa. The 16-piece unit is a brainchild of the legendary pianist Abdullah Ibrahim. With the support from the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and under the baton of guitarist Alvin Dyers, the orchestra has the best of the Mother City’s young jazz talent.
Others are Carlo Mombelli & Prisoners of Strange (South Africa), Goldfish (South Africa), Jonathan Butler/Dave Koz Collaboration (South Africa/USA), Kyle Shepherd (South Africa), Magic Malik (France) and Mike del Ferro/Sibongile Khumalo/Shannon Mowday Collaboration (Netherlands/South Africa). Mos Def (USA), Napalma (Brazil), Ndumiso Nyovane (South Africa), Pete Philly & Perquisite Live Band (Netherlands), Dr Phillip Tabane (South Africa), Robert Glasper & The RCDC Experiment (USA), Shakatak (UK), Siphokazi (South Africa), Southpaw (South Africa), Stewart Sekuma (Mozambique) are also part of the lineup.
Unfortunately, after Femi Kuti, no other Nigerian band has participated in the festival since the inception.

The Guitar: shouldn’t be all about Benson and Klugh

BY BENSON IDONIJE
THERE is a worrisome trend about the modern jazz guitar that requires proper study for the purpose of advancing the craft, especially with the fact that an increasing number of young people are now playing the instrument all over the world, including Nigeria.
A welcome development this is, considering the fact that the guitar suffered serious setbacks in those initial days of the forties until Charlie Christian came to the rescue. Before this intervention, the instrument was relegated to the background merely as a chord affair, a tool for accompaniment until the innovative effort of Charlie Christian forced it to the frontline as a solo vehicle.
My worry however is that this whole new generation of guitar players are being inspired by George Benson and Earl Klugh–– two smooth players who have, however completely commercialised the artform and are being idolised for so doing. The spiral effect is that today’s young guitar players are sounding the same, note for note, phrase for phrase; whereas the guitar dynasty goes beyond George Benson and Klugh. The Nigerian experience offers a good explanation.

LISTENING to some of the frontline guitarists such as Kunle Ayo, Bright Gain, El Jazz, Ogunkoya and the long list that now fill the scene, it’s like one is listening to George Benson in tonal conception, style, phrasing, dynamics and even the scat-singing along guitar solos. These musicians are brilliant at least for the ability to acquire a technical skill that can help further their progressions and interpret their ideas for self-expression, but they all borrowed from George Benson; and it is quite obvious.
There is no harm in borrowing and even leaning on a mentor as we all know that art is derivative, but when a whole generation begins to sound the same, then, art ceases to exist.
These young guitarists claim to be influenced by Wes Montgomery, perhaps the greatest technician of the guitar, who in fact inspired George Benson, but Benson was only affected by Montgonery’s smooth, commercial side. Benson imbibed the pop-oriented spirit that Montgomery invested in such cross-over efforts as California Dreaming and A Day in the Life recorded in 1966 and 1967 respectively — for commercial success.
Wes Montgomery was one of the great jazz guitarists, a natural extension of Charlie Christian, whose appealing use of octaves became influential and his trademark. He was noted for outstanding feats in jazz, including chorded solos even at the octave. But he died prematurely in 1968.
Talking about Wes Montgomery as an influence, why would George Benson and his followers not listen to Montgomery’s hard bop guitar on such artistic masterpieces as Full House, Moving along, The incredible Jazz guitar, The Montgomery Trio, Movin Wes, The alternative Wes Montgomery and a whole lot of his recorded works within the short span of his life.

THE new generation of guitar players should now look beyond Benson and Montgomery and reach out to such undividualists as Kenny Burrell, a great blues man, and an epitome of good taste and solid swing.
Highly in demand from the beginning of his career, Burrell has appeared on a countless number of records during the past 50 years as a leader and as a sideman. Among his more notable associations have been dates with Stan Getz, Billie Holiday, Milt Jackson, John Coltrane, Gil Evans, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, Stanley Tuerentine and Jimmy Smith.
From the early 70s, Burrell began leading seminars and teaching, often focusing on Duke Ellington’s music. He toured with the Phillip Morris Superband during 1985-86 and has led three guitar quintets, even though generally Kenny Burrell plays at the head of trios and quartets. Some of his masterpieces include such Blue Note sessions as Blue Lights, Kenny Burrell and John Coltraine, Bluesing Around, Night at the Vanguard, Moonglow, Ellington is forever, Soul call and a host of others.
Kenny Burrell’s consistency as a bop guitarist who never dabbled in crossovers for commercial success truly recommends his artistic spirit to a generation of serious just musicians.
There are many other guitar players whose artistic approaches can help bring about the variety that is needed today on the guitar jazz scene. Check out great names such as Grant Green, Les Span, Benny Kessell and more.
A severely underrated player during his lifetime, Grant Green, one of the most soulful guitar players jazz ever experienced, had a beautiful sound and excellent guitar skills. He maintained that he listened to horn players rather than other guitarists, and his single-note fingering and style, which avoided chorded playing, was unique.
Green’s extensive foundation in rhythm and blues’ combined with a mastery of bebop and simplicity helped him put expression ahead of technical expertise.
Green was a superb blues interpreter and his later material was predominately bluesy though he was also a wonderful ballad and standards soloist. He was a particular admirer of Charlie Parker and his phrasing often reflected it. He played in the SOS with Jimmy Forrest, Harry Edison and the saxophonist, Lou Donaldson. He also collaborated with many organists, among them Brother Jack McDuff, Sam Lazar, Baby Face Willettee, Gloria Coleman, Big John Patton and Larry Young.
During the early ‘60s both his fluid, tasteful playing in organ-guitar-drum combos and his other dates for Blue Note established Green as a star, though he seldom got the critical respect given other players. Green played with Yousef Lateef, Joe Henderson, Elvin Jones, Hank Mobley, McCoy Tyner and all the jazz greats. Sadly, drug problems interrupted his career in the ‘60s and undoubtedly contributed to the illness he suffered in the late ‘70s. He died in 1979.
Green has a whole legacy that will be of use to the young, aspiring jazz guitar players. Among them are such brilliant albums as Green Street, Idle Moments, Grants first stand, Complete Blue Note with Sonny Clark, Feeling the spirit, Green is beautiful, Carrying on, Alive, Green Blues.

HOWEVER, it is advisable for a complete throwback on Charlie Christian who began this whole artistic trend. His time in the spotlight was very brief. Born in 1916, he died in 1942, shortly after unleashing a revolution on the jazz scene.
Some of his reissues which will certainly be of help to a young, ambitious guitar player are Charlie Christian with Benny Goodman, Live Sessions at Minton’s Play House, Solo Flight, The Genius of the electric guitar, Jazz Immortal, Charlie Christian/Leser Young.
It can be said without exaggeration that virtually every jazz guitarist that emerged during 1940-1965 sounded like a relative of Charlie Christian.
He played his instrument with the fluidity, confidence and swing of a saxophonist. Although technically a swing stylist, his musical vocabulary was studied and emulated by almost all the bop players. Charlie Christian had a dominant influence on all the players. He still has.

Exquisitely Madam 9ice

Toni Payne


BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL
OLUWASEUN Antonia Payne-Akande is the brain behind the Toni Payne brand, a known name in the international fashion and entertainment scene. The wife of the gongo aso crooner, Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, she is also the founder and publisher of Nigeria Entertainment magazine.
The brand, Toni Payne, was coined from her name, Antonia, while Payne is her maiden name.
The fashion designer and cosmetologist built her reputation early in life and in fact, cultivated her passion for fashion when she was a little girl.
She says, “fashion has always been something I enjoy doing as a little girl. Then, I did not have an idea of what fashion is or what it should be and that made it fun for me.”
She continues, as a designer of repute, “I seldom follow trend. I create most of my designs. Currently, I have a T-shirt line called Toni Payne wearable art and positees. The name is self explanatory.”
The lady says she did not just dabble into cosmetics, she started by working for a company that was in that line.
In her words, “the business started while I was working for a cosmetics manufacturing lab. I started out with just eye shadows and after much research expanded from there. All my mineral cosmetics are hand crafted, so, I can tell you wholeheartedly that I put my all into developing a wonderful product and building a brand to reckon with.”
The US-based beautician says, “Toni Payne is pretty much a lifestyle, hip, fresh, trendy, casual and relaxed magazine. With my makeup, I offer two products for different ways of life — natural and the alternative.”
Managing her career and motherhood is very interesting, says the lady, “my motivation is that my boys are proud of me; and having a husband who is always there for me, helps too.”
The only child of her mother and the first of her father, Akande-Payne says her target audience is “anyone that loves quality products regardless of age or sex.”
For the California State University Video Digital Animation graduate-turned designer, every design has its uniqueness, and they are created to impress and to add quality to life.

‘It’s all about my mood’

Immaculate Nnubia (aka The Main Man) is a movie and music producer and director, who before now, directed such TV drama as “The Happiest Family; and A Price to Pay among others. The Theatre Arts graduate and native of Oraifite, Nnewi – South Local Council of Anambra State was involved in Nollywood for a few years before venturing into full time music. He tells CHIOMA PAMELA NDUKA what fashion is to him.

What’s fashion to you?
Fashion is a statement about oneself and how you feel at a particular time. In fact, it’s all about one’s mood for me.
Uniqueness of your style
My style is unique. I am creative and as such, I prefer to tell my designer, what I want and how I want it.
Favourite designer
My tailor is my favourite designer, because he sews to specifics.
Favourite piece of clothing
Casual outfit is the best for me.
Favourite colour
Red is my favourite colour.
Signature scent
I use a lot of scents, but I prefer Erato collections
Most cherished possessions
I love my laptop especially the software in it called “fruitee loops,” which I designed myself.
What would you not be caught wearing?
I can wear any cloth, but G-strings, not for me.
You and chains
I love silver chains, but not the pronounced ones, on my casuals.
How do you relax?
I feel relaxed being in the company of my wife and daughter.
Stylish Icons
I love Lagbaja a lot.
Where is your fun travel spot?
Obudu Cattle Ranch is always where I love to be.
Who’s your role model?
Actually, I have a lot of role models, for instance in the Christian setting, I admire Rev. Chris Okotie; in business, it’s Pat Utomi; in entertainment, it’s Mikky; in marriage – my parents; and generally in life, it’s Jesus Christ.
What do you think about Nollywood?
Nollywood can best be described as a child that has refused to grow up.
What would you like to change in Nigeria, if given the chance?
I would love to change our leadership for better.

‘Everything is fashion for me’

ADEWALE Adepoju (aka W4) is a young and promising artiste. Born on April 20, 1982, the native of Ilesha-Ikoyi, Osun State is set to release an album, Just another day, to the market. He already has hits such as Hala-hala, Magic and No go wan go enjoying commendable airplay. W4, who attended Command Schools for both his primary and secondary education, tells DAMILOLA ADEKOYA, what fashion means to him.

Definition of fashion
I see fashion as an expression of oneself. It is a combination of ones thought and style.
Family background
I am the last of the two children in my family. My father is soldier and my mother is a cosmetologist.
Style of dressing
It’s just my chucks, pencil jean, fitted shirt and my bead. That’s just me.
Favourite piece of clothing
My pencil jean.
Most expensive item
That’s my Mont Blanc wristwatch.
Favourite designer
It’s Mont Blanc
Stylish icon
In Nigeria, it’s Tu Face Idibia, D’banj and Rita Dominic; internationally it’s Usher and Brandy.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I hang out in the basketball court with friends who are good at the game.
What would you not be caught wearing?
I can wear anything depending on my mood.
Turn on
Beautiful things; they really turn me on.
Turn off
I hate crafty people; they are not my kind of people at all.
Most cherished possession
My talent.
Food
I love plantain, amala and ewedu soup without stew.
Describe yourself in a few words
I’m simple and easygoing.
Happiest moment
It was when I came out with my first single, Temperature.
Embarrassing moment
It was my first performance, where I did an entirely different song from what I rehearsed. But I thank God it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
If you were given an opportunity to change something in Nigeria, what would it be?
The power outage in the country is painful; I want to make electricity regular and available.

Diamond... for greatness

Isibor and Talabi... during presentation

BY CHIOMA PAMELA NDUKA
FOLLOWING the successes recorded in 2008, Diamond In the Rough (DITR) had another commendable outing on Tuesday, March 24, at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).
Designed to showcase people with ingenuity, values and self worth, DITR was initiated by Saint Media, an organisation that is involved in mentoring youths so that they can learn from the success stories of celebrities.
Last Tuesday show, which had Debo Talabi, the CEO, Telios Development Nigeria, and Mrs Mavi Isibor, the MD, Poise Nigeria as celebrity speakers, attracted a lot of youths mostly students of institutions of higher learning in the state.
Talabi, a University of Lagos Chemistry graduate, while narrating his success story, recalled how he left Lagos for Abuja in search of greener pastures with the sum of N2, 500.
He noted that through hardwork and sincerity, he became a multi-millionaire, running property and development outfit.
Isibor, on the other hand, narrated how she overcame penury through hard work. She said: “Hard work, determination and perservance have been my watchword.”
Isibor also use the forum to call on youths never to lose focus, as challenges are stepping stones to success.
Speaking after the show, the organisers said, “DITR’s aim is to serve as a platform where young people will be influenced positively by people who have become successful by following the principles of diligence.”
They added, “the interactive talk projects role models to enable young people in tertiary institutions realise that success is deposited in them, and that they only have to discover their worth and work at it.”
The maiden edition held in March 2008 at the Afe Babalola Hall of the University of Lagos, Akoka. The role models showcased were Mitchell Elegbe, MD Interswitch and Mrs. Blessing Awosika, MD, Sokoa chair centre.
Lagos State University will host the show on April 28, while it will be the turn of University of Lagos in May.

Naija pop...Comedians blast

• Pls, don’t corrupt our children, comedians chide hip-hop singers
• Timaya’s irresponsible gestures on stage


BY CHUKS NWANNE
THE first story on Naija Pop… published a few weeks ago in The Guardian Life magazine generated mixed reactions from a wide range of readers. While those, who have been nursing some reservation about the recent trend in the music industry pitched tent with the report; like the yellow madam must have done, others were like, “eh, gradually, we will get there.” One obvious thing is that something is actually wrong with the quality of works in the industry.
It’s not as if one is not happy with the crop of music ‘stars’ in the country, who are benefiting from the trend, winning awards, headlining gigs and even gaining international recognition for their work… far from that. But as one of our readers pointed out, “for how long are we going to continue like this.” That was the motivation behind the article in the first place. The truth is that, if we fail to arrest the situation now, then it might just become a standard for the younger generation.
At the AY Live 3, a comedy show held recently at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotel, Lagos, a good number of comedians echoed on the same issue –– poor lyrical content in our music. Coincidentally, that was the same day the first part of this story was published. As if it was planned, the comedianss, one after the other, took on the artistes… not minding whose ox was gored. A good number of them (hip-hop artistes) were actually present. In fact, some even performed that night.
I waited patiently to see if the attacks will hit any of the female artistes, but hands kept pointing towards the guys and they laughed over it; though not all. Yes, I observed some of them closely at the gig, as they received attack upon attack from the comedians; that was where I concluded that these guys know their game plan.
Comedian AY dedicated a better part of his performance to about the poor quality of lyrics in recent times; his point were clear. “I don’t understand what our musicians are singing today. They just sing anything they like and we patronise them,” he observed in a comic manner.
With DJ Jimmy Jatt on the console, AY sampled some evergreen songs produced in this same music industry in the past; songs by artistes such as Ras Kimono, Chris Okotie, Alex O and Felix Leberty others. You need to see the reaction of the audience when the songs came blasting from the woofers, still sounding fresh after years of production. Gongo Aso and Yahooze were hits last year, how many of us still play them on our CD? How many of us today would jump from their seats at the call of the tracks? That’s the point.
As if that was not enough, Comedian Kofi came on stage, still on the same topic and I was smiling inside. Yes, because that was the point I was making in my report. Kofi faulted the lyrics and titles of most songs by Nigerian hip-hop artistes. As usual, the audience totally agreed with him, with some of them nodding their heads in approval.
“But you are the ones buying them,” Kofi fired back.
I don’t know what you make out of Kofi’s music, but you can’t miss the messages anyway.
The highpoint of the night was when comedian Jedi came on stage; instead of telling jokes, the comedian turned musician did a different thing all together.
“I want you to listen to this interesting ring tone I have in my phone; I got it from someone,” Jedi said.
At that point, the hall was calm. The next thing, we heard from the phone was a very tiny voice singing “Orie o 4kasibe, orie o 4kasibe…” the crowd was thrown into a prolonged laughter.
“This girl is about two or three years. What is Orie 4kasibe,” Jedi quizzed amid laughter from the audience, who couldn’t provide any answer to the question.
“Is this what we are teaching our young ones? What message do we have for the kids…,” Jedi went on and on.

I recalled the previous week at The Vault, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the Nigeria-Britain organised concert. Comedian Omo Baba, who anchored the event, express his disappointment over the poor level of compositions from our artiste. This time around, it was reggae artistes.
“One thing about reggae artistes is that they don’t think about their compositions. The only thing they think about is the instrumentation and then sing whatever comes to their minds,” Omo Baba observed. The comedian practically demonstrated his points with the live band backing him.
Trust Djinee. Immediately the Ego crooner was called on stage that night, he started with his usual preaching. “This is a night of live music; enough of ‘DJ track one.’ If you can’t play your songs live, then you are not an artiste.” Truly, Djinee belongs to the group you can actually call musicians.
Meanwhile, if Timaya’s performance on stage at the AY Live3 concert is the best he could come up with, then the Egberipapa 1 of Bayelsa should go back to his drawing board. Aside his uncoordinated show and the fact that his Dem Mama Soldiers are now trying to overshadow him on vocals; Timaya needs to observe some level of decency.
Based on his standing and his ability to break into the main league of Nigerian entertainers, which he has embraced as the major line in all his compositions, Timaya is no doubt a successful artiste. But the act of throwing his underwear to the crowd is irresponsible and grossly indecent. Yes, Dem Mama singer actually attempted pulling his trousers and throwing it to the crowd –– the VIP area for that matter.
Timaya started well that night with a standing ovation from the crowd, but along the line, he went off the hook. He climbed down the stage to pick a lady from the audience, but instead of the normal dancing, both Timaya and the lady ended up on the floor. As if that was not enough, he started pulling off his underwear!
“Whatever Timaya has taken before climbing the stage is not sold in packets,” Ali Baba said as the Port Harcourt-based artiste exited the stage.
Yes, it was obvious that Timaya was under the influence of something I don’t really know.

NO doubt, we’ve succeeded in making our own music; we’ve excelled in making our people love and appreciate our songs; we’ve attracted the attention of the world to Nigerian music; we’ve won several international awards; we’ve created jobs for hundreds of young Nigerians; we’ve produced our own stars; we’ve provided content for the media… but we are not done yet. We must set a standard for our industry and there’s no better time for that than now.

Francophonie Week in Lagos

BY CHIJIOKE IREMEKA
EVERY year, for one week, the world vibrates to the sound of the francophone community.
Tagged the Francophonie Week, dozens of activities such as ball game tournament, films, food fair, quiz, scrabble competition, among others, are organised in order to make it possible for both young and adults to come together in a celebration of the French language.
The event actually began in 1995 at the initiative of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. Every year, around March 21, various events are organised simultaneously around the world, to promote cultures of French speaking countries, amongst those who want to learn more about French culture and language.
The Alliance Française, in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Nigeria, the Embassy of Togo, the Consulate General of Republic of Benin, the Embassy of the Republic of Chad, Lycée Français Louis Pasteur and Lagos Accueil Women’s Association, celebrated this year’s event in Lagos.
According to the Deputy Director, Alliance Française, Lagos, Mr. Cazeilles Norbel, this event affords people that are not from Francophone countries, who wish to be part of French culture, to join the cultural reach event by registering with its French training centre in Nigeria.
He said, “Alliance Française are in three major places in Lagos State — Ikoyi, Yaba, Badagary and Ikeja. The French certificate we issue is recognised in 146 countries of the world. We are to promote French culture for companies and business people. This cultural event is done all over the world between 16 and 21 March of every year.”
To him, it has been good and nice since they started. “Nigerians have been of great support to this event. Most of our students are Nigerians, following the fact that French is now second foreign official language in Nigeria. Nigerians are great,” he said.
However, the closing Cocktail — French taste— organised by Lagos Accueil Association and Wine Tasting, offered dance party and live music.

Dance extravaganza

Apama dance company performing

BY FLORENCE UTOR
GONGBEAT Productions recently staged a dance festival to recognise, celebrate and also bring to people’s awareness, the beauty of dance.
Tagged ‘APDC Fest’ 09, the festival, which has as theme, Our Heritage: A Divine to our Destination, ran from March 18 to 20.
Dede Kelvin Alozie, the project manager of Gongbeat, said: “It is a celebration of the efforts of dance companies as promoters of the country’s arts and culture.”
While saying that these companies have contributed immensely to nation building by engaging youths through dance, lamented the poor treatment given to private dancers. He said, “we are not appreciated, but if not for us (dancers), our heritage would have been lost.”
He cited the example of the 8th All Africa Games, where the initial contract signed in Lagos was to pay each performer N80, 000, but by the time the artistes got to Abuja the amount was reduced to N15, 000.
“We rejected the offer and held the organisers to ransom until we arrived at a bargain of N50, 000 per artistes. It was also at this forum that we decided to form the dance guild,” he said.
Segun Bankole, an insurance practitioner, who spoke on how to market dance, urged the companies to create a path for others to follow rather than following the existing trend.
He stressed the need for dance companies to package themselves properly to draw attention and investors.
Dele Shonubi, a publisher, called the companies to networking, he said, “it is easier for me to pick up a proposal of someone that I know, and know what he or she can do, than for me to pick up that of the person I don’t know.”
Awards were presented to long-standing supporters of the arts, which include Jahman Anikulapo and Shonubi among others. The audience was thrilled to colourful traditional dances by the various dance companies that participated in the fiesta.