Cover, Edition 185, May 17-23, 2009

The driver on Zion seat

Ibeabuchi Anabana is an artist and also, a style expert. The art director of Insight Communications tells OYINDAMOLA LAWAL the relationship between his art and fashion.

Background
I’m from Obegu, Ugwunagbor Local Council of Abia State. I’m the third child. I was born in Belgium but grew up in Aba, where I also had my primary and secondary education. My tertiary education was at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu.
How was growing up like?
Growing up was great. Nana (my mum) was always there. Despite all odds, it was like I never lacked anything. I found my freedom on plain sheets of paper. She supported my talent whole-heartedly.
Role models
Quite a number and for several reasons. From childhood, my mother and elder brother (Ugo) were my heroes. Then the list grew when I got admission to IMT. I met heavyweights such as Nsikkak Essien, the Late Damian Onyekuru,
Chima Etu, Okechukwu Iwundu, Henry Morkah, Chamberlin Ukenedo, Uche Iroha, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Enyinnaya and Iheanyi Ihediwa. Most of them, I also met at Dolphin Studios, Surulere (my foster home) while doing my industrial training in 1997. Passing through the studio was a blessing in my life and I’ll never forget. Pastor Paul Adefarasin is another person I admire a lot. He’s got it. I equally love Mama Ekundayo for her big heart.
Journey into art and fashion
My journey into art started early. I really didn’t choose art. I just became aware I could draw at the sametime, interpret things on paper in my own way so I can say that art chose me and since then it’s been a wonderful romance. I could go on and on drawing and keep needing more plain sheets of paper. Then, there wasn’t an artist around, who was better than my elder brother, Ugo. I was always drawing hard to match up with him, which I think I still do till date. I love drawing human figure, elegance, style and design. The quest to complement the curves and general human structure with the above mentioned gave birth to my interest in fashion.
Again, after coming in contact with Daniel Iheanyi Ihediwa, my interest in fashion skyrocketed. He has a burning desire to change people’s perception about fashion. We’ll hang out and appreciate things around us, we’ll dream sketch, eat sketch, sleep sketch... talk about how nature has everything we need to work with. We’ll talk about how stuff can come out of nothing. Talk about how a discarded object could be useful. We’ll dream about making it big in art and fashion, we’ll dream about our names/brands on the streets, in world famous galleries and world famous fashion shows and boutiques. Till date, that dream is still very much alive and I thank God for that. The dream has given birth to ZION MMV (a cloth line). This is Daniel’s brainchild; I believe that with time our line will win more converts. Just watch out!
Inspiration
God first, then anyone that does his/her stuff sincerely. My immediate environment, people around me... you know, their attitudes, jokes, words, music, nature in general.
What makes an interesting drawing and painting?
For me, it’s sincerity. The fact that an artist humbles him/herself to really express his/her true feelings. Then one’s ability to manipulate and break the basic rules of art.
What makes an interesting fashion subject?
Something cool or sleek that keeps poking you even when you try to run away from it.
How do you arrive at the elimination of detail?
Well, Less is more. Less could be stylish too. Less helps in being single minded. The elimination thing is just one of my methods/style (doesn’t mean I don’t like detail). First of all, the aim is lost if I’m unable to catch fun while doing it so the elimination method is done on purpose. I get into that mode and have some great adventure. This is just me trying to deconstruct the norm. I do it with the aim of involving the viewer to make up the rest in his mind. Suspense makes some works sexy when it’s well done. As a viewer too, you know, there’s a great feeling when you decipher and complete an incomplete stuff in your mind. It gives that aha feeling. So, the elimination of detail is my way of involving the viewer.
What method do you use to apply colour?
I apply colour manually and digitally but the series of works you are seeing were coloured digitally with photoshop.
What about the pure line drawing?
Again, it’s done on purpose. It’s just me messing around with loose lines bearing spontaneity and fluidity in mind. I did all in ink — ballpoint pen.
What makes a good drawing?
This is a tough one. I always ask myself and intimate friends this same question. I used to think a good drawing is when you draw something as it is proportionally. But then, I later realised it’s way beyond that. The answer is relative but for me one’s ability to be the ‘boss’ to one’s style and creatively break rules to suit what one does because personalities and styles differ.
There are not many fashion illustrators in Nigeria, and the few that we have are not appreciated, how have you been able to survive?
Hope. Then, passion has been keeping me though I work as a senior art director in an advertising agency. It’s tough combining both but it helps my being... at least for now.
How do you view Nigerian art industry?
It’s unfolding and growing. There’s so much hope but the basic structures need to be put in place to help fuel the growth of the sector. Lack of these has destroyed many creative people’s zeal. You’ll be shocked at how many ‘would-have-been’ artists around you if you look around. With technology and access to information at our finger tips, things are gradually looking brighter because the world thrives on information now. How much information you have empowers what you do.
What stands you out?
Wow!... my name, my identity... my style.
How many companies have you worked with?
On a freelance level, quite a number. Officially, after my NYSC, just two. (Blue-Seal and my current place — Insight Communication.)
Challenges in life and career
Dishonesty and unavailability of basic infrastructures. The fact that I’ll have to deal with the unwanted songs of the massive choir of generators that surround me just to get things done or even have a cold drink or preserve food is scary. Then, the pollution. Sometimes, I feel so sorry for our lungs. Whether we like it or not, lack of power supply slows us down and it tells on us. If we call Nigeria the giant of Africa then we should live and act 21st ‘centurish’. Again, having to keep pushing when things seem not right; on the other hand it lets one realise the inner strength.
Unfulfilled dreams
Building my dream home through the proceeds from my art practice. Having a coffee table book of my works in most homes both locally and internationally. Floating a cloth label. Gracing front covers of The Guardian, Thisday, ARISE, NY Times, LA Times, Times, Newsweek, Wallpaper, Icon and so many publications that matter as a force to reckon with. Exhibit in the world’s most respected places and push great figures also both there and auctions.
Projection into the future
You know, art for me on the other hand is therapeutic. It tasks and relaxes the mind. I hope to inspire as many people as possible with my art through as many channels as possible. Seal so much grade ‘A’ book and fashion Illustration deals. Take much of my art beyond indoor to the streets. I want to communicate to wide range of people irrespective of age, race, or social class.

‘My dress? oh!… jeans drive me crazy’

THE young Makinde Arinlade is CEO, Making Faces; an outfit that specialises in beautifying people for events. The Oyo State native, who is also a graduate of History and International Relations from the Awolowo University, Ife, tells DAMILOLA ADEKOYA what fashion means to her.

Definition of fashion
Fashion is style. It is being comfortable with what you are wearing.
Style of dressing
I am a jeans person, but I sometimes try to wear other dresses.
Most cherished possession
It’s God and nobody else.
Most expensive item
It’s a gold set of jewelry given to me by my mum.
Favourite designer
Next, New Look, and Gucci.
Signature scent
I love Unforgivable by Sean John
Favourite colour
I do not have a favourite colour, but as a make-up artist, I play with colours a lot.
Favourite body product
I love Cocoa Butter.
Food
I like amala and ewedu soup.
Role model
My role models are Banke Meshida-Lawal, a professional make-up artist and Bunmi Oyeniyi, who is a beautician.
Stylish icon
I love Sasha and Omowunmi Akinnifesi; they are really good.
Turn on
Make-up, honesty and a good sense of humour.
Turn off
Dishonesty and people with nasty attitude.
Happiest moment
It’s yet to come.
Most embarrassing moment
It was the day my mum came to my school to scold me publicly for not coming home with my result. I was then in secondary school.
Describe yourself in three words
I am cool, friendly and creative.
Philosophy of life
Take life the way it comes.
If you are given an opportunity to change something in Nigeria, what would it be?
It will be enhancing the welfare package of the aged in our society.

Encomium Black & White Ball…

The glitz, The thrills, The drama

BY CHUKS NWANNE

The hype for the show was massive, so, it wasn’t a surprise to see top Nigerian celebrities turning out in their numbers for the Encomium Black And White Ball. Held at the KFA Events Place, Lekki, Lagos, the show, which lasted into the night, featured the presentation of a 90-page magazine, three-part, all-gloss, full colour package dubbed, A Decade of Encomiums (1997-2007).
Commenting on the publication, Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, who actually arrived behind scheduled, but fully kited, praised the effort of the publisher, Kule Bakare, over the years.
Unveiling the package, wife of the Lagos State governor, Abimbola Fashola, urged guests and Nigerians to avail themselves the opportunity of picking a copy of the compilation, but added, “I won’t call N25,000 only because, N25,000 is a big money to come by these days.”

The glitz
For a young designer, the event had enough to build a comprehensive fashion catalogue. Apart from the strut on the runway by some models, who showcased the designs of some selected designers, celebrities turned out in stylish outfits.
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Eucharia Anunobi, Oge Okoye, Ebube Nwagbo and Cynthia Okpara, among others, were at their best. The men were not left out, as Chidi Mokeme, Tunde Obe, Ali Baba, Julius Agwu, Victor Osuagwu, Kenny Ogungbe (KK) and Dayo Adeneye (D1) were all clad in suit.

The thrills
Tunde and Wunmi Obe (TWO) were totally in charge of the stage, melting out songs from both old and new recordings. The DJ also thrilled guests with popular Naija tunes such as Good or Bad (J Martin), Yori Yori (Bracket), Sokori Bobo (KC Presh), Dance For Me (Duncan Mighty) and others made noticeable impact.

The Drama
Despite stipulating a dress code — white and black — for guests, manycame for the event incomplete. In fact, a good number of guests were denied entrance; notwithstanding teir status.
For the intervention of Encomium magazine publisher, Bakare, guests such as Dele Momodu; Ganiyu Adams; Victor Osuagwu; would have been shown the way out by the unfriendly bouncers. A popular senator from Lagos was delayed entrance because he did not adhere to the dress code.

Beampeh’s colour invasion

ADEBIMPE Adebambo is not a stranger to fashion shows. The lady, who has participated in a lot of them, was one of the top five contestants at the Vlisco Urban Beat Designers’ Competition recently. The multi-talented artist is collaborating with Goethe Institut to stage Style, Fun and Identity. The show, which holds at the Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island office of Goethe, on May 23, is to celebrate five years of following fashion vision. The show, which celebrates the immense creativity in Africa that is often overlooked, will also feature an exhibition of photographic collections of Beampeh in the past five years. She speaks with OYINDAMOLA LAWAL on her upcoming show.

What is the inspiration behind Style, Fun, and Identity?
SFI has been my fashion philosophy since the inception of the Beampeh brand in 2004.
Why Style, Fun and Identity?
It is a symbol of style, comfort and the pride of being an African though I am also influenced by other cultures.
Are you showcasing your new collections?
I will be displaying “Colours on This Earth” during the show. It is a play on word. Apart from working with colours in the spectrum, I will also show designs influenced by other cultures and from other parts of the world. Some of my new and iconic pieces in the past five years of being a designer will be displayed.
What do we expect to see?
Interesting and inspiring clothes and accessories that were done with a lot of creativity and love. My pieces are from the heart and are for ladies between 14 and 70.
Being the first time Goethe-Institut Nigeria is hosting a fashion show, what is the relationship between Beampeh and fashion?
I guess after seeing my works — artworks, wearable art (fashion) and lights — they found the fashion fresh, different and arty at the same. They may have wanted to do something they have never done before. They have a new Director whom I think may want to inject some freshness into the Institut as well.
What do you hope to achieve with the show?
It is just a fashion exhibition with images of my past and recent works on mannequins and displays, but I suggested the fashion show as a way of adding colours to the event. It is also to showcase more of my works because Goethe aesthetic is minimalist in approach. It’s impossible to show more than 20 outfits in the space without it looking cluttered; and you know people also like shows and some nice entertainment.
You have featured in different fashion shows and exhibition including Vlisco and Nigeria Fashion Shows among others, what is the next step for Beampeh?
I want to keep the flag flying and keep on making women more beautiful and happy. I am also thinking of working on men’s shirts though I have done similar thing, in the past and it was a success before I diverted to ladies wears.
Projection into the future
I think globally while working locally, and I am working towards having my clothes and accessories in other parts of the world.

My name is … I-k-e-e-e-e Chukwu

HE might not be the most loved hip-hop artiste in the country, but he is certainly one of its most popular. For many, Ikechukwu is one of the finest things to happen to the industry. Weeks after the release of his second album, which has left many of his critics dumbfounded, he opened up to the Young & Nigerian crew on his music, style, among other issues.
Your second album took a long time to come out, could it be because of the reception the first album got?
First and foremost, I am the leader of WFA (World Famous Akademy) and since we operate as a unit, it is not in my best interest, but that of the brand to push the album as a whole. Secondly, we needed to do some work from the first album since a lot of people were stuck on “my name is Ikechukwu” single only. I sang in my first album, but like I said, “my name is” was too overwhelming, now, we are pushing the other aspects of Ikechukwu, so, the people can get it. I am not a singer but I can tell a good note from a bad one.
You said part of what people do not understand about your music then was that you were angry – are you still angry now?
I am still angry, though it is now under control. The story must be known before the actions could be understood and judged.
Is My name is Ikechukwu the problem?
I am very proud of the attention the work, My name is Ikechukwu, has created. I produced it, and co-directed the video; it is okay to score oneself good marks because of its acceptability not just across the nation, but the continent. So, I do not regret anything, but to now have a follow up as big as ‘u know my p’ and then the monster of ‘wind am well’ is the main thing. No one can call me a-one hit wonder, so, I would leave it as it is.
The new album is autobiographical – why?
I felt the need to give them a personal piece of my life because of the missing connection. People know me from my singles, but they do not know how I went from being a mad man to happy lucky one. Even (dance song) Wind am well is autobiographical because it dealt on some part of my life, too. People don’t understand that. I felt it was necessary to let them know where I was coming from, so that, they can follow me without hesitation, on the journey I am trying to take them on.
What drives you?
One word, “ emotion” or “passion” to me they literally mean the same thing and I am filled to the brim with both.
And your music?
I have passed the test of whether it is credible or not, I do what I choose. I like dancing, so, it isn’t hard to make dance tracks. But the truth of the matter is, I like serious substances that say something. Even in Wind am well, I was still saying something; though it may not mean something.
Tell us about this album
Life and times of Killz Vol.1, the beginning of the trilogy summarises certain trials and tribulations of Ikechukwu. Don Jazzy, Myx, Xela, Tymix, Ikon, V.C, Perez and I produced this abum in collaboration with Alaye, D’banj, Wande Coal, Thembi (artiste from Zimbabwe), Naeto-C, M.I, and Ekene, a Nollywood actress.
How come we’ve never heard of any relationship gossip or seen you with any girl?
Let’s leave that alone. I have been under the radar and if I am above it; there will be nothing to write about. I have always had a relationship; even when I was single, I still managed to keep it to myself and that’s it. I don’t tell people that or show it.
You are one of the most consistent artistes with Storm Music – what’s the deal?
You have to weigh options in decision making. I have had good rapport with Obi Asika (CEO, Storm Music) since day one, and business concerns come first in our relationship. When you make decisions based on emotion you don’t always get the best. I am happy where I am because of the treatment I get and having said that, I believe WFA and Storm are married to the game.
Speaking about the WFA — that’s something between you and Naeto — both of you are stuck together!
Naeto-C is like my younger brother. My younger brother introduced him to me between 1999/2000. We have come a long way. There was a time it used to be, “Nah do it like this “ or “ you need to make that sound like this, open up a little “, all coming from me since I was the seasoned vet; but now there is a partnership and we both contribute to make things work.
What would you say is the major difference between the two of you, because almost all your works are done together?
Our lifestyles. We have seen different things and have different swag; even our flows are different though some people may think otherwise because there are somewhat similar things in us.
Your album launch was a huge success – how did it happen?
It was incredible and I am elated.
Then you guys are going round town on a tour kind of?
Calabar at this point has been done and it was a great success. We’re making the rounds across the nation because for a person like me, who has been confined to Lagos and outside the country, it will be nice for my fans to see me.
I’m sure you’ve been asked this more than once, where does music start with you?
Well, a long time ago, I realised I love entertaining people doing break-dance, singing and acting. At a point, I was overwhelmed with hip-hop though you may say I make music because hip-hop found me. I live it, breathe it, and grow through it. I explore life through it and now, I feed on it. If I have all from a source, what else is there to life?
Define your music
It is hip-hop, Rap R&B, Shapeshifting, Morphing and others.
You do other stuff apart from music?
Yes. Outside the entertainment industry I do consulting jobs for banks, oil, media, and telecoms companies. I am also involved in agriculture, so, I could be described as jack of all trades and master of many.
The ‘baffs’, the ‘rides’ – it’s all coming together for you man!
Life is getting better. Finally. But the wardrobe has always been on.
Your parents
I like the privacy they are currently enjoying and I don’t want to interrupt it. They were at my first album launch till it about 5am.
Channel O and MTV awards?
Well, I won both. At Channel O, it was for the best male artiste while MTV was for the best video. They made me happy.
So, what’s the future like for you?
Well, the plan was that by this time, I would have been back to the US for my acting career.
What would you want to be remembered for?
I would want to be remembered as the guy that changed the rap music scene in Nigeria and as one of its greatest exports.

POWERED BY RedSTRAT
thefuturenigeria@yahoo.com

The canvas Beyond the Obvious

Lady, by Odunifa

BY TAJUDEEN SOWOLE
THE artists, Ade Odunifa, Ogaga Tuodeinye and Sylvester Aigbogun, believe that there is little innovation on canvas these days. To them, painting now offers fewer challenges.
The need to make the canvas more exciting led them to do the show, Beyond the Obvious, held at Terra Kulture,Victoria Island, Lagos, recently.
Tuodeinye hints that the idea of redefining the canvas came last year and “grew to the point that we planned to have 25 works per artist, making 75, but had to come down to 50, in all.”
Aigbogun provides a more direct explanation as to what led to the theme. According to him, though they have impasto common in their works, “but each is different because of the materials used, which is beyond the obvious.”
For Odunifa, in pastel and oil, he appears to have found what he calls “beyond the common.”
At the end of the show, Beyond the Obvious was not a disappointment. What led to the theme ended up being less important as the exhibits convinced visitors that truly Terra Kulture was gradually returning to the higher quality shows it’s been known for.
The first two shows of the year in the gallery had sent wrong signals about the high standard the place was noted for.
Odunifa’s palette revealed a romance with draughtsmanship, rather than the textured canvas. This gave the series, Figure Paintings, a classic touch, even in their impressionistic look.
According to Odunifa, “I painted these two pieces in two hours just to be free of any confinement; not minding the results. I could have done the two works with my eyes closed.”
A foray into why some of the works were Untitled revealed that it was better to allow the viewing public to interpret them and come up with whatever title they desire.
Tuodeinye argues, “some collectors, mostly women, prefer works to be untitled, so that, they can interpret them, to soothe their moods.”
In his past shows, Tuodeinye, who studied Fine Art at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), Lagos, hardly appeared a minimalist, but one of his works, in the Hope series, exposed him as hiding behind those realism skills he is known for. He had worked on several art projects for the United Nations Fund Population Fund, UNFPA and Action Health Incorporated.
The works — oil and acrylic on canvas — offered therapeutic lessons.
Also in series were Aigbogun’s Urban Migration; a depiction of “one of my interactions with cities.”
And in a kind of a revisit to the renowned Alfred Hitchcock, the painter’s Emotions in boxes of four figural images of people, each in a space, reminded the viewer of the psycho-therapeutic theme explored by Hitchcock.
In these boxes, it would be hard for anyone to end a day without one of the moods depicted by Aigbogun. He boasts: “My works lead you faster to a destination.”
A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Odunifa who has been practising for 10 years after graduation, participated in the last Pastel Exhibition of Mydrim Gallery tagged New Page.
His leaning towards oil, he explains is because “pastel is fragile, you can’t play around with it easily.”

Willis Conover... The Voice of America

BY BENSON IDONIJE
ONE of the greatest and most popular broadcasters the world ever knew was Willis Conover who died eleven years ago in May 1998. For over 50 years, he dominated the airwaves and was heard in all countries of the world, presenting “Voice of America Jazz Hour” which was often preceded by “Music USA.” It was a daily programme that often began from 12 midnight.
Despite the awkward time that this broadcast was aired, millions of jazz fans and devotees kept faith with Conover as he discussed jazz from its New Orleans beginnings of Louis Armstrong and mainstream era of Duke Ellingion and Jimmy Lunceford through to the modern and avantgarde of Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.
Conover’s demise dealt a significant blow on the propagation of jazz as an art form because since his death, the world lost the regular flow of jazz information that came from Voice of America studios every day through a man who was profoundly knowledgeable about the subject, an encyclopaedia and a scholar of contemporary music. With Conover on the air, it was not completely necessary for jazz fans to thirst for Downbeat, Jazz Times, Jazzwise, Jazz Journal and all the magazines that weekly publicised the activities of jazz. These magazines only had the advantage of the publication imprint in terms of providing the public with a permanent record of events, with photographs that helped to drive the stories home.
But transient though the broadcast medium that we listened to was, the teeming listeners to Voice of America Jazz Hour while it lasted, were greeted by the pleasant and friendly voice of Mr. Conover himself whose deliberate style of presentation made it possible for all the overseas countries who were not too versed in English language to fully understand the import and message of his presentations. He was a virtuoso who kept the whole world awake and alive at night.

Art music such as jazz and classical music have traditionally been consigned to the non-listening belts of broadcasting because they are regarded as minority programmes. As opposed to popular music programmes, which appeal to the general public only a few people, a small section of the community, have continued to listen to these art music forms. Maybe, the time has come to reverse this long standing trend, judging by the impact that Conover made on listeners all over the world, and the negative effect the stoppage of the programme as a result of his absence has had on the evolution and development of jazz all over the world.
I am of the opinion that broadcast managers should now begin to rethink their approach to the scheduling of art music, especially jazz. The music should now be pushed to peak listening periods where more people can listen to it; and I am sure that with time, many listeners would be won to jazz as its passionate aficionados.
Actually, the effect of this move would be spiral and far-reaching. It would change the orientation of musicians who cannot presently see beyond the hip hop and rap level. Even the artistes who are currently involved in such mainstream music as highlife, Afrobeat and juju would see the need for improving themselves as musicians, not just entertainers.
They would realise the need to play an instrument in order to widen the scope of their musical horizon in preparation for lasting careers. Even as singers, listening to the likes of Cassandra Wilson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, and Kevin Mahogumy who are some of today’s jazz singers; and veterans Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Lou Rawls would greatly improve their vocal chords to the extent of taking them to higher levels of creativity.

Besides, the presentation style of Willis Conover would be experienced and imbibed by a generation of presenters who have now been deluded into believing that the more music less talk approach to presentation is an ideal option. If they have not been sufficiently exposed to the load of information that characterised Rick Dee’s Top 40 count down, they would greatly feel the need to ‘talk’ if they heard jazz presentations regularly.
Even the jazz programmes that some of us, including Lindsay Barret and O.J. Nanna presented in the form of Stereo Jazz Club and NBC Jazz Club from the 60s to the 90s inspired a good number of Nigerian musicians across Nigeria and Ghana – who have continued to be grateful to us and the programmes for their professional development, especially the way these programmes exposed them to various instruments and eventually moulded their careers. This story is not about broadcasting and West African musicians. Even though the digression is relevant, it is all about the inimitable Willis Conover, the man who endeared himself to the whole world as a great jazz presenter on the global airwaves for over 50 years.
Conover had fan clubs wherever the United States Information Service had presence all over the world, and was celebrated rather than the musician themselves for the impact he made.
On account of his programme, my own fan club of the 60s called “Friends of Music USA” met regularly to discuss jazz and answer some of the quizzes that Conover posed on “Jazz Hour.” It was for his sake that for many years, I received free copies of Downbeat magazine as President of a chapter of Music USA.
Conover was not just a presenter of jazz on radio, he was a jazz educator. He travelled with almost all the top jazz musicians and was present at most of the recordings. As a result, when he spoke, he did so from residual experience, a wealth of first had knowledge that was authoritative. When Duke Ellington died in 1974, Conover ran programmes on the Duke, the first jazz musician to perform at the whitehouse. Not only did he trace the stories of Caravan, Mood Indigo, Take the A train and others from their compositional stages to rehearsals, he also discussed the mood and attitude that charactised their recordings.
When Coltrane died in 1967, Conover demystified avant garde by developing the story of Coltrane’s saxophone from the conventional level that Charlie Parker created through to the modal experience Coltrane garnered from the Miles Davis Sextet of 1959 in Kind of Blue. Conover was a teacher.
As presenter of the nightly Jazz Hour, which was acknowledged all over the world, Conover was more popular than the musicians whose music he reviewed. Conover was also held in higher esteem than the critics of that period, and his views were greatly respected.
Leonard Feather, Alun Morgan and Nat Hentoff were three of the great critics whose liner notes guaranteed acceptance and greatness for jazz musicians. But many fell over themselves for Conover to fill the backs of their albums with information, which would serve as endorsement from the scholar of contemporary music, the authoritative voice on voice of America. Many wanted him to pronounce on their recorded albums as soon as they came from the studios, but he was very wary and careful.
Conover was a humble and kind-hearted man who was not willing to hurt anybody. He did not see himself as a critic out to point out the pitfalls of recordings and the shortcomings of a musician’s art. He felt that every jazz artist was great in his or her own right and that nobody should question his or her performances. He chose to remain a commentator.
When he was compelled to write liner notes on one of Alhmad Jamal’s hit albums, he preferred to do so along with a critic who discussed the music. His contributions came as something in a lighter mood — which had nothing in particular to do with Ahmad’s music. And yet, at the time, everybody was hailing Ahmad Jamal as Miles Davis’ influence in terms of the economy of notes.
Conover was also required by various Jazz Festivals to put the stamp of authority on their shows. He was needed by producers and musicians to identify with their live recordings where they expected him to at least say nice things about them and their music. The only one that I know of is his presence at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival where he came in to give support to Mahalia Jackson.
When he walked on stage on July 6, 1958, all he said was, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is Sunday morning and time for the world’s greatest gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.”
This one statement sold the concert and the recorded albums of this festival.
I remember Conover.

Nokia pumps up Music value

R -L: Beatrice Olumhense, Nokia Marketing Manager, (Campaigns/Activations); Andre Henshaw (Andre Blaze-Nokia Icon); Mr. Bakdia Olowu (Illrymz); And Mr. Benedict Afagwu (Dj Humility) at the press briefing.

STORIES BY CHUKS NWANNE
THE new Nokia Xpressmusic Playlist Top 5 is set to pump up the music volume in Nigeria. To be driven by music personality, Andre Henshaw (Blaze), the show will encourage youths and music lovers to share their favourite Playlists to win and also create an exciting platform to play, touch and share music experiences.
The outfit will also partner top Nigerian artistes to reward Xpressmusic consumers with pre-loaded music content and other amazing top of the range prizes.
Speaking at a media briefing held recently in Lagos to herald the show, the Marketing Manager of Nokia Nigeria, Beatrice Olumhense, described the project as a new experience in entertainment in the country.
Olumhense restated her company’s unflinching commitment to connecting with people. “And Nigerians are indeed a very special people to connect with,” she reveals.
All entries for the show will be made online via nokiaconnected.com. The two challenge categories of entry are the 1 in 5 challenge and the 5 in 5 challenge (playlist master).
In the first category, a player enters five song titles and artistes names in any one genre. To qualify for the playlist master challenge, the player enters five songs titles and artistes names. The five classes of entry are strictly Naija, dancehall, techno, club mixes and head bangers/rock.
The top 10 finalists will create two 10 minutes edit of their playlist in designated studios and uploaded on the special Nokia connected website and played in its Rave Parties in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos.
The judges for the competition include top celebrity D.J, Benedict Afagwu (DJ humility) soundcity DJ, Bakdia Olowu (Illrymz) and Blaise.

He, Them & Ali Baba

STORIES BY CHUKS NWANNE
AFTER year’s of absence in the iondustry, ace comedian, Ali Baba, is returning with a music/comedy show tagged, Ali Baba Again in He, Them & I.
According to the producer, Bunmi Davies, it will be a reference point in the country’s showbiz.
Davies says: “He stands for the rave of the moment in the music industry; D’ Banj, ‘Them’ stands for Ali’s lieutenants in the music/comedy circle while the ‘I’ stands for the king of comedy himself, Ali Baba.”
Scheduled to hold on June 12 and 13 at the Expo Hall, Oceanview, Victoria Island, Lagos, the producer says, “other comedians do show for just a day, but a day will not be enough for the king. This is part of what makes it greater than others.”
Already line –up for the show are artistes such as Julius Agwu, Okey Bakassi, Basket Mouth, 9ice, Gbenga Adeyinka, Yibo Koko among others.
“A lot of artistes will perform at the event, so, one day will not be enough. Since the first day is a public holiday, we can’t afford to deny Nigerians the opportunity of relaxing and having fun,” Davies quips.
Also speaking, the show’s communications officer, Olujuwon B.P, the show will mark the return of Ali Baba.
“It will be different and unique because, for a very long time, Ali Baba has not done a solo show; the last time he did one was in 2005, which was a success. For close to four years, he has been busy planning this. His fans can be rest assure that they will get nothing but the best.”

One-on-one with Jah Squad

STORIES BY CHUKS NWANNE
THEIR performance at D’Yard, a new hangout in Lawanson, Lagos, turned the crowd wild in excitement. In fact, the two energetic ladies nearly stole the show from 4kasibe crooner, DJ Zeez, who headlined the gig. Aside from their stagecraft that caught the attention of all, the energy that comes with their raga raps stands Jah Squad out from others. The music, a fusion of raga and hip-hop, reminds the listener of the days of Patra, Yoyo, Chakademus and Pliers, Shaggy and others. “We want more, we want more,” rented the air as the ladies made way for DJ Zeez. At that point, it was obvious that Jah Squad had won the heart of many.
Few weeks later, the group returned on the same stage, where they clinched the first position at the maiden edition of D’Yard Open Mic, a platform created by the outfit to encourage talents as well as discover new acts.
The drama of the night started after the contestants had finished their performances. From no where, Jah Squad appeared, requesting to mount the stage for the contest.
Going by the concept behind Open Stage, the group got the last slot to gig that night. Half way into their performance, the crowd gave their verdict with cheers and applause; even fellow contestants nodded in approval.
Abimbola Caroline (Angel) and Chika Ekpendu (Ling-change) were at The Guardian recently and we got talking.
Though she had no formal training in music, Abimbola’s interest in music dates back to her childhood, when she joined her Church choir in Oyo State. She later relocated to Lagos where she met Henrietta Kosoko, wife of popular actor, Jide Kosoko, who linked her with Tony Tetuila as a backup singer.
“When I came to Lagos, it was difficult because I didn’t know anyone to talk to until I met Henrietta in the church. She discovered I had talent in me and introduced me to Tetuila; I worked with him in his album, My Car. But we later had issues, so, I left his band,” Angel says.
What was the problem?
“I don’t want to talk about it now,” she replied.
But does it have anything to do with music or just personal problem?
“It’s personal and I don’t want to talk about it, meanwhile, it’s all history now.”

FOR Chika, the second member of the group, playing music is like a dream come true. “I have this passion for music at early age; I love music very much. Right from then, I always dream of becoming an artiste in future. I knew I have the talent, which is from God.”
From backing up artistes in Lagos and playing at parties, Chika joined a performing group, Jah Cross Family, where she met her partner, Angel.
“We were nine in number; Angel was part of the group. I discovered that Angel is into my kind of music; we do almost the same pattern of music. Right from time, I love raga music. I do other styles, but raga dancehall is it for me. So, when we left the group, we teamed up to form Jah Squad.”
“We’ve been together for four years now and we’ve recorded songs such as Dance All Day, Romantic Call, Boy U 2 Fine, Na You I Love, Year Of Grace, Angeli and others,” Angel adds.
Your music sounds more like Patra?
“Yes, we look at Patra, Shaggy Chakademus and Pliers as our role models. If you look at the industry now, you will discover that few people do that style. So, we are a kind of trying to fill the gap,” Chika says.
On their compositions, Angel informs, “we do our compositions together; she takes the raps while I do the slow side of it.”
Soon, fans of Jah Squad will play their songs in the comfort of their homes.
“We’ve been working for some time now, but the album will be out. We actually have a single, Dance All Day, which we are promoting the video on air; the track will be part of the full album,” says Angel.
What’s the title?
“Year of Grace,” Chika reveals.
It sounds gospel?
“Well, there’s a bit of gospel in our songs; you may call it gospel raga. But it’s all about saying this is our year of grace.”
How do you intend to sustain the group?
“It’s about understanding,” Chika quips. “We love each other very much.”
So, tribal differences will not be an issue?
“Our families are very close; we are family friends. So, even if we have problems, our families are there to mediate and help us settle the matter. But the truth is that music brought us together and we are staying like that,” Angels enthuses.
Meanwhile the group is working on two singles, which will form part of the main album.
“We have about 16 singles now,” Chika sings.
Don’t you think you are having too many singles?
“The thing is that as artiste, you are doing the music for your fans not really yourself. So, sometimes we do a song and if it’s not well appreciated by our fans, we still go back to the studio to rework it. We are working constantly; you know music comes any time.”
Aside from music, Jah Squad is also involved in other businesses.
“We do so many crazy things, like customising names on silver and carvings to make blings,” Chika says amidst laughts.
How do you manage to do the carving?
“We don’t have machines, but there’s this Chinese company we go to for that. We create the designs and go there for carving. It’s simple; we have the materials and if you want us to carve your name on it, we will do it for you now,” Angel adds.
That means you have interest in fashion?
“We are seriously thinking of making it a serious business. But we are still waiting for Governor Fashola to finish breaking the buildings before we open our shop; we don’t want our shop to be broken,” Angel says jokingly.
Are you even thinking of settling down soon?
“Well, as artistes we are not really thinking of that for now,” says Chika.
Angle says, “marriage affects career and as an artiste; you don’t move out the way you used to, you have responsibilities… a lot of them. So, we are not thinking of that now, maybe after our first and second album, then will we start looking towards that.”
You might end up with someone in the industry?
“That will be better,” Chika quips. “He can even be our manager. I just want someone that will understand my musical career and respect it.”
Having seen Jah Squad on stage at different occasions, collaborating with Egberi Papa I of Bayelsa, Timaya, will surely make an interesting viewing; even the ladies know that very well.
“Ah, we will scatter the whole place,” Chika screams.
“That place will be on fire; we are looking forward to working with him sometime in the future,” Angel says.

Around and about Nollywood...

BY Shaibu Husseini
Here is Cannes Film Festival
THE 62nd edition of Cannes International Film Festival opened on Wednesday. The festival became the first international cultural event of the post-war era, when it opened its doors to outsiders on September 20, 1946. It was organised as a non-profit organisation, and managed by a Board of Directors until 1972, when it was taken over by the state. Since inception, the festival has held every year with the exception of 1948, 1950 and 1952. For this edition, French actor, Isabelle Huppert, has been named jury president. The actor is going down into history as the fourth woman to head a panel in six decades of the festival, following the stints of Liv Ullmann, Jeanne Moreau and Françoise Sagan. The festival, which will run from May 13 to 24, is reputed to be one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.

Akunyuli endorses Africa Audio Visual Awards
THE Africa Audio Visual Awards (TAVA), instituted to improve the audio visual quality of indigenous content has continued to elicit support and endorsement from important stakeholders. The Ministry of Information and Communication recently endorsed the award. The endorsement, according to a statement signed by Stanley Okoronkwo, on behalf of the organisers, was communicated on April 20, 2009. It was gathered that the Minister has promised to attend the event. “You know she is very serious about the national re-branding and the audio visual sector is the most elective vehicle to use to achieve these goals,” Okoronkwo said. In another development, Africa’s Prime Independent Television and Cable Network, DAAR Communications, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower, has sealed a partnership deal with TAVA organisers. Conceptualised by Videosonic Studios Limited and organised by PRIMAX Global Services Limited, it has as its theme, “Perfect picture, Perfect sound”. The event holds at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on July 9. TAVA aims to reward professionals as well encourage them to attain perfection in their areas of specialisation. The different categories of the awards include the Most Outstanding Television Programme, Music Video, Movie, Television house, TV Commercial, Audio Visual Equipment, Institution and Individual. President of the award scheme, Mr. Okey Ogunjiofor, has assured of a hitch free and outstanding event. He said: ‘TAVA will be the benchmark in the nearest possible time.” Nigerian Film Corporation, National Film and Video Censors Board, Association of Movie Producers, Directors Guild of Nigeria, BOB TV, FEPACI, AGN, MPAN and Bisi Olatilo Show, among others, have endorsed it.

Waka pass…
Producer- Amebo A. Amebo
Director- Mr. Gossip
Actors- Nollywood Celebrities

Izoya heads to Cannes
ISAAC Izoya, actor and head Ehizoya Golden Entertainment and Production Company, should be in Cannes, France now. The acclaimed Nigerian cultural ambassador in Germany will be there to shoot a German movie. The producer sent a mail informing us that he will be featuring as a sub-lead in a movie that also stars one of Germany’s veteran actors, Rolf Eden, who is ‘in his 80s’. Izoya also said the shooting, which began in Berlin, also stars actors from different parts of the world. But one waka pass that knows someone, who knows us, thinks we should demand for the final product of the shooting when it is ready. We sensed jealousy as soon as the waka pass mentioned that most times some of this “international starring” (sic) might not go ‘pass playing waka pass’. The fellow meant featuring as ‘extra’. Well, we will wait until the food is ready instead of allowing the aroma to fill us. In the meantime, we think we know Izoya too well to know that he has walked past the level of playing waka pass. True.

Mahmood Ali-Balogun is in Cannes
FILMMAKER and documentarist, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, is also in Cannes for the film festival. His arrival on Wednesday swelled the ranks of Nigerians, who are already there to be part of the world event, which holds yearly in May at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, in the resort town of Cannes, in the south of France. Beyond enhancing his veteran status Mahmood is also there to conclude discussions he started with Kodak in 2006 on the possibility of partnering with him to produce his feature film Tango with Me. “I am here to hold further and final discussions with them with regards to my proposal to them on providing equipments and post production support for my film Tango with me. I look forward to a good meeting,” he said. Those who are familiar with the story of Tango with me say it has the potential of raising the stakes if well executed. They are hoping that Ali-Balogun will be able to garner a lot of support both at home and abroad to translate his vision to reality.

Nigeria is happening here...
THERE are no visa headaches this time and so officials of the Nigerian Film Corporation made it on time to Cannes to hoist Nigeria’s flag at the global feast. Indeed no one can ignore Nigeria’s stand as it is well laid out with something from verbal to documented information for anyone who walks in. The stand also serves as the catch up point for Nigerian filmmakers and journalists.

Ugbomah won’t be there this year
CHIEF Eddie Ugbomah, OON, called to say he wouldn’t be in Cannes this year. The veteran filmmaker, who was at last year’s edition, said he needed time to work on the building of his Edifosa Movie Academy. So, he is skipping Cannes this year; and would divert the funds into the structure. Waka Pass ran into him last week around the Iganmu area with heaps of books, which he hinted were donated by the Director General of National Theatre, Professor Ahmed Yerima. ‘He donated the books for use at the Edifosa Academy library,’ he disclosed, adding that he has decided to go round to seek support for his dream since most of the mountains have refused to go to Mohammed. Have you observed that Chief now has a popular refrain- ‘arum choru ego’. We asked one waka pass and he said it means ‘my body needs money’ in Igbo. We concur.

We ran into Eucharia Anunobi
POPULAR Nollywood actress Eucharia Anunobi showed up on Facebook minutes after we made up our minds to fund a search party on her. Many will agree that ‘UK’, as she is fondly called, has been missing in action. The last time we checked on her, we were told she had become something of an evangelist and was doing everything possible to seek the kingdom of God first, before every other thing would be added unto her. Good decision if you ask some of her fans. Anyway, the UK that we saw on Facebook appears to us as someone that God has started ‘adding unto’. She was all smiles on the picture she posted and looked really chubby. Honestly, she doesn’t look a bit as someone who once had a hubby that did Ben Johnson on her. She appeared very fresh and friendly (she even sent a message to find out how we were doing), so much so, that we are beginning to think that most of her friend should about now be beating the footpath to her Ikeja home to find out, which God she is worshiping. We are happy for Sister UK and we look forward to an exclusive interview with her soon. We refuse to listen to this waka pass that wants us to find out when the picture we saw on Facebook was taken. He thinks (and we refuse to believe him) that the picture was taken when UK was UK and not when she is ‘You Kay’. I don’t know what that means, but carry go original UK. Any other coinage is a counterfeit.
To God be the Glory.

UNESCO report on Nollywood divides Moviedom

Reactions have continued to trail the recent report by UNESCO that Nigeria is the second leading movie producing nation. India is rated above Nigeria. While some Nollywood practitioners consider the survey as worthy of celebration, others feel it is not Uhuru yet. Moviedom presents some of the reactions...

Nigerian Film Corporation
The Nigerian Film Corporation played a major role in the outcome of the exercise through the data made available during the survey, whose result indicates that in 2006, Bollywood of India produced 1,091 feature length films while Nigeria’s Nollywood produced 872 films in the video format. The survey further revealed that ‘Hollywood’ (USA) came third with the production of 485 feature films. The survey showed how film and video productions have become vehicles for cultural identity, values and means to bring people of different backgrounds together while engendering economic growth and development.

The filmmaker Ola Balogun
These statistics are simply ridiculous! What is the use of quantity without quality? And can you compare the average Nollywood production with Japanese or Brazilian productions? No offence meant, but really, our would-be film makers and already established film and video professionals should pay a little more attention to operating at a proper professional level rather than indulging in all this hollow self-congratulating fantasy about being the “largest film production entity” in the world.

Jeta Amata, director of Amazing Grace
We are not the ones lauding Nollywood for producing so many films, it is the world that is enthralled at our dexterity and proficiency to foster something from almost nothing. We did not go around bragging about this, it is the world that invited us to every corner of the globe to talk about our creation. We have all made a decent living from this industry and quite rightly so, this makes me wonder at the negativities especially from our esteemed academics, who should be thankful to Nollywood for giving them a new case study. We need to keep the flag flying.

Filmmaker and documentarist, Mahmood Ali-Balogun
I think Ola Balogun’s admonition should be taken well. Yes, the novelty has been quite exciting and noteworthy, but guys can our works really be compared with those from countries mentioned in the report? We need to begin to work as professionals and pay attention to the necessary details in every production process! Right now, the attention should shift away from ‘how many to how well our films are made’.

Filmmaker Amaka Igwe
The UNESCO report was not all about numbers, it was also about cultural export and development. It talked about our Language films. It praised Nigeria for talking a cheaper option in telling her own story. It is a great positive article, written by UNESCO, a credible world organization, after a three year study. I always wonder what people want from Nollywood. If the films we make are bad, come teach us. Like Teco B said, make a film and prove your point. I have not made a film in 5 years, but I salute the courage of young filmmakers who trudge along and keep us on the map. I detest people who sit on the fence, running commentary and waiting for Godot. I think the article by UNESCO is positive.

Actress and singer, Stella Damasus Nzeribe
I am absolutely thrilled about the statistics. As a person who has grown within this industry, it is a huge thrill to me for such a body as UNESCO to praise our film industry. In as much as I believe that we should always be real in examining ourselves, let us not focus so much on the fact that there are problems that we don’t acknowledge. May I remind you that negativity, most often, breeds negative results. We need to recognise that we have fought battles of under-financing, lack of education, lack of government support and skepticisms of the private sector to support the industry. Compare the resources available to the people we are being compared with and the time they started. Would we criticize a five-year-old child for failing to meet up with the standards of the 50 year olds he is competing with? Please let us be reasonable in our criticisms and start doing our bit to change things instead of being negative about it. I am proud of Nigeria, and I am proud of my industry. Congrats Nollywood, I wish you in more recommendations.

Fishing anew in Nwonyo

BY BRIDGET CHIEDU ONOCHIE
IT was a dramatic scene to behold. And whatelse to imagine when fishermen on canoes paddled and dug deep into the water for the big catch? And when eventually, the biggest and winning catch weighing (230 kilogrammes) was caught after several grueling hours by Mallam Ubar Buba?
Nwonyo Lake, in the outskirts of Ibi town, attracted a large crowd of people, who thronged the venue, to witness the first attempt to put the Nwonyo Fishing Festival in public glare.
The 93rd edition of the festival, which held recently in Ibi, Taraba State, will remain green in the minds of the people for the top government functionaries it attracted. Among whom were the Senate President, David Mark; the First Lady, Turai Yar’Adua; the Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma; Deputy Governor of Benue, Steven Lawani; Deputy Governor, Gombe State, John Lazarus Yoriyo; and the Deputy Governor, Adamawa State, Bala Nggilari as well as the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto. Also present was the past governor of the state, Rev Jolly T. Nyame and the incumbent, Danbaba D. Suntai, among several captains of industry.

BESIDES, this is the first time the festival will enjoy the participation of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC). The presence of NTDC is part of efforts by the state to turn the yearly festival to a national tourism event.
Though Argungu Fishing Festival enjoys popularity and patronage that transcends the nation’s frontier, the Nwonyo Fishing Festival is said to enjoy a bigger space of performance.
The Nwonyo Lake is said to be far bigger than the Matan Fada River of Argungu and the catch from Nwonyo, too, is bigger.
The first day of the two-day event witnessed a number of activities, which included water games and cultural displays, durbar procession, boat regatta and swimming competition for men and women as well as canoe racing.
From the early hours of the day to the wee hours of the night, there were flashes of music, dance and feasting. NTDC also added colours to the event through its raffle draw that saw many of the community dwellers winning various items such as sewing machines, motorbikes and refrigerators.
On the second day, the grand fishing was keenly contested with hundreds of fishermen cutting across different age brackets gunning for the top honour.
While the fishermen of Argungu used fishing gourds and nets, the people of Ibi use canoes in order to prevent any attack from crocodiles and other dangerous reptile in the water.
The Senate President, David Mark, urged the people to make the festival an international event, as there are a lot of resources in the town to make the event a tourist destination.
He call on the people to think of the possibilities of constructing a golf course, and building hotels as well as other facilities to elevate the festival and attract tourist .
The highpoint of the festival was when the First Lady, Mrs. Turai Yar’ Adua, led the way in eating of the winning fish.
It was a scene to behold as the everybody took part in the communal feast with a lot of entertainment to go with it.

BEFORE the events of Nwonyo 2009 started, the NTDC team, led by its Director General, Segun Runsewe, visited Sarkin of Ibi, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu Dan Bawuro 111, who appreciated the group for partnering with the state government to organise the event.
The team was also at the palace of the Masa Ibi 11 and the Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Dr. Shekarau Angyu, in Awkari City to garner support for the festival.
In his response at the two palaces, Runsewe pledged the support of the government and parastatal in developing the festival into both a national and international event that will have mass appeal and also bring both economic and socio – cultural developments to the community.

THOUGH the fishing festival has the potential of rising to an international event, however, to get to that level, a lot things need to be done, especially in the areas of packaging and infrastructure, road network and tourism support facilities such as hotels, which are presently almost non – existence in the town.

Whispering for Dummies

BY WOLE OGUNTOKUN
AFTER receiving plenty of mail in that regard, The Whisperer realises how difficult it must be for some men to communicate with females they want to be friends with as well as potential partners.
As suitors, they are clumsy, they say things that make onlookers cringe, and they ignore the cardinal rule: when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
I stood in the company of a lady many would regard as a diva in the entertainment industry, whatever that word means.
She is unmarried but doesn’t seem to be dying from this condition many people ordinarily consider an ailment. As we stood talking, a male acquaintance sidled up to her and commended her for great work done. No problem so far.
Then he said, “I guess to do this kind of work; it’s convenient to remain single.” Foot in the mouth.
And like most amateurs, even though he knew he said something not quite right, he couldn’t keep quiet. He kept digging and floundering until he was way in over his head. I could see him frantically attempting to stop but his mouth betrayed him. The Whisperer in me looked at him and told him to shut up. It was a mercy killing, because I had seen the smouldering in my friend being addressed and knew there would have been an outburst of sorts soon if I hadn’t intervened.
This therefore is an open instruction book to all men who might want to do some amateur whispering, and desperately need to be seen by all and sundry as suave and smooth. It’s in line with all the books that say computers for dummies and astronomy for dummies.
Whispering itself, being an exact science, the ability to say what is right at the appropriate time and when to shut your mouth is as technical as the engine of a brand new car.

THE first lesson is absolutely free of charge and is meant to help the lines of communication. I’ll say something odd here to the men. Check to see that your male friends like hearing you talk.
If you can’t interest your beer buddies and they groan in despair when they hear you attempting to join a conversation, chances are it will be an uphill task trying to get a woman to listen to you for more than a couple of minutes.
If you are unnecessarily loud, and given to yelling when you are with the boys, temper it down for the ladies. No female wants you shouting at her because you are trying to be warm and outgoing.
Respect the personal space. There is an invisible circle around every human that must not be crossed except you are invited into it.
That space is the one that might make a difference in people being uneasy about you or being absolutely free. If you lean close to whisper into the ears of a female you’ve set your eyes on, be careful how you do it.
Unwanted lips touching the ear, standing so close you are breathing in each other’s carbon monoxide is a no-no. Keep your distance and err on the side of caution. If she likes you enough, one day she will stand so close; you will see the light, just like a lamp coming on in a dark room. Don’t ask me how you will know, just believe that you will.
Less is more. It’s as simple as I just wrote it. The attention you give her, the conversations you make.... Be careful that you are seen as a reservoir of knowledge and not as a fountain of information.
There is no female that likes a clinging man. For some men, the penny just dropped at that last line. If you are overly effusive with your love and affection, it will not be appreciated. I shall ignore the females protesting at the point I just made now.
If you pour it on, always sounding like an Indian lover in a Bollywood flick, the full impact of your personality will be lost on her. It’s the same way people generally do not appreciate free things; whether it is free tickets to the theatre or freebies of any sort.
They think there must be some defect in the design so they look down on it. Turn it down a bit, learn to relax. Always remember, what will be yours will be yours.
A female saying no to you is no indictment of your character or person. If she asks you to be more open, more loving, tune the dial to match what she wants, but be careful about being overly effusive. Women do not like gushing men no matter what they say to the contrary.

THERE will always be someone better looking than you. Don’t go around trying to match up with the brawny fellow on the front cover of that magazine, just be yourself in every way you can. If there is a possibility you can firm up your body, why not?
But if you do not have the time or inclination, ensure that something else has muscles; your personality, your kindness, your humour, your bank account...something has to have muscles. Women are far more practical than they are given credit for.
If you’ve met a girl that has a roving eye and speculatively inspects every man she meets, ditch her. The regular female however, will take you, as you are if you can find her emotional dashboard. Once you have the emotions, you have the woman.
Though females appear to be the same all over the world, there are slight variations from area to area, depending on environmental backgrounds, culture, DNA and up-bringing.
A modern woman might have a problem ironing your shirt because she feels it makes her subservient to you, but if you show it is something you would do for her without thought, it balances her perspective. Learn to delay gratification.
There are too many men who would try to jump the bones of any female on the first night they meet them.
No woman wants to be treated like meat. And believe me; they know what’s on your mind when you start breathing heavily and getting cross-eyed.
Free your mind; enjoy her person, the smiles she brings so easily to your face. In many ways, relationships do not differ from the way they were when we were fifteen years old apart from the heavy emphasis on physical intimacy, the older we get.
Find the joys and sheer pleasure you had in relationships when you were a teen. And for those who would say, “I’m not a child anymore,” hear The Whisperer. When you lose your childhood, you’ve lost everything.

laspapi@yahoo.com