Issn 2384-5635 00

ISSN 2384-5635 00

9 772384 563006 We’ll go through extra lengths to get it done. Artiste / Corporate / Event Management, Strategic Publicity & General Media consultancy.

+234 815 236 8266 +234 810 2147332 +234 813 424 6086 [email protected]

ELITE RESOURCES CONSULTANCY Quality services for quality brands.

$1BILLION: PRICE OF A VIRTUOUS WOMAN?

Don’t judge me for the approach I have chosen to serve my intro; obviously this is an entertainment magazine but oh yeah, I’m a Christian! (A passive one though, at least I know a few bible verses).

Proverbs 31:10 says “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” A Ruby is said to be one of the four most precious stones in the world (others being Emeralds, Sapphires and Diamonds). It is also amongst the most expensive stones in the world with its value being determined by its color, cut, clarity and carat weight. The world’s record for the most expensive Ruby is placed at $2.2 million (est. N341,000,000) for an 8-carat Ruby beating the previous record of $3.6 million (est. N558,000,000) for a 15.7 carat Ruby. Being as expensive as it is, the bible rates the value of a virtuous woman “far above rubies”

I have never questioned why the value of a good woman has been placed so high; rather I have always wondered, what exactly makes Editor-In-Chief them more valuable than their male counterparts. Some people say Anslem Jon it’s the fact that women are patient enough to carry children in their wombs for 9 months or even more – this I agree with. Others say a Sub Editor woman is capable/has the ability to make or mar an individual – this Leonard Onwubuoya I agree with also. Another school of thought says women consist of a larger percentage of a population after children – this I also agree Editorial Consultant with. Joyce “LMK” Imiegha

Yet with all these points stated and generally agreed upon, women Art Director are still rarely celebrated mainly for the reason why they have been Edesiri Ukiri (@Graphixed) tagged the weaker sex; a fact that holds no weight also with the manner and rate at which women clinch successes in their respective Proof Read fields. Elite Resources CS.

In the Nigeria entertainment world, more outstanding and Correspondents hardworking females are engagingly trying to take the industry to a Rufai Ahutu greater level and we are indeed proud of these women. There is no Augustine Ogbonna other better issue than this to celebrate women, given that this is our Jeffrey Onomoasor ninth issue - the number 9 indicating a major significance in the life of nearly every woman. Featured Writers Oghomwen Toni-Osagie Different from our norms of featuring males and females on our covers, Phidelia Imiegha this issue is a template of our respect and admiration for females. Winifred Ononikpo With interesting articles on outstanding female entrepreneurs and other topics relating to and celebrating the female world I suggest Production/Research you grab a chilled bottle of coke and not only read through the Tush Kingdom Media pages, but also enjoy reading Tush Magazine Issue 9.

Not forgetting, I have to appeal to you to be a brother’s keeper by Tush magazine is a publication of Tush Kingdom sharing this edition of Tush Magazine with a friend or neighbor. Media, a media outfit into magazine publishing and events organizing/coverage. Tush Kingdom God Bless! Media possesses rights to all published articles, interviews and pictures. No part of this publication must be used without due permission from our editor.

Anslem Jon. For comments, suggestions, criticisms or editorial submissions, write us via: [email protected] in this issue

4. Editorial Lounge

6. Editorial Focus: Betwwen Sheyi Shay & Tiwa Savage

7. UnderGs - Caesar

8. A becoming lifestlye amongst ladies

10. Our new crush - Yun’Grey’C

11. The Jorge Mendes factor

13. Aristokrat Nation

16. LoudNProud Live: Dollars & Nyra Edition

18. Celebrity Hub: Ngozi

19. Fashion Zone

21. Screen Kings: Kemi Adetiba

22. Cover Story: Victoria Kimani

25. Cover Story: Cynthia Morgan

28. Cyber bullying

30. Linda Ikeji

32. ONE NIGHT LIVE

33. Our first... Date?

37. Olawale

38. LMK’s Diary

40. MIA: Nollywood Actors/Actresses gone missing!

43. Movie Review: A Place in the Stars

45. GRUMI

46. Get Familiar: Nike Fagbule

47. Club Novonia Did Tiwa-Savage beget Seyi-Shay? - Anslem Jon

The global music industry has from time immemorial been a male dominated industry. This situation is clearly observable as well in the Nigeria music industry where for one female rapper there are 5 male rappers and for one female singer, you can find 20 male singers.

Not to get you bored, this piece is actually not a comparison feature between male artistes and their female counterparts but an insight as to how well Nigerian female artistes are thriving in spite of the strive amongst males. Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay happen to be just two of our celebrated female artistes whom we are confidently proud of.

In 2010, we all got introduced to Tiwa Savage when she released her first single under Flytime Entertainment headed by Cecil Hammond; the song titled “Kele Kele” was produced by H-Money and ever since Tiwa has worked her way to becoming one of Nigeria’s favorite female artistes.

Two years later, we were made to notice another Nigerian talented female artiste- Seyi Shay. Following the path of Tiwa, Seyi Shay released her official singles“No Lele” and “Loving Ur Way” produced by H-Money and was also released under Cecil’s Flytime Entertainment as well.

It struck me to observe that besides the fact that these two female artistes chose to work with the same producer on their first singles which is based on their productive stay in England, there seems to be more similarities in their musical career. After the release of her singles, Tiwa went on to take the lead role in Dr Sid’s “Over the Moon”; a move that subsequently increased her followership. Seyi Shay also tried the same move by being the lead character in Ajebutter’s “Omo Pastor”, but that move didn’t work out quite well compared to Tiwa’s.

Tiwa left Cecil joined Mavin and formed 323 Entertainment, a management company with her hubby. Seyi in the same vain left Cecil and joined J-Management as an independent artiste.

Recently, Tiwa released a controversial video to “Wanted” and within 72 hours got millions of views on YouTube. Critics attacked her for releasing a rather reveaing video considering the fact that she is married; This move strategically increased her popularity and once again Mrs. Balogun became a winner once more. She also got featured by Patoranking, a rave of the moment.

Seyi on the other hand also featured Patoranking in one of her singles “Murda” where she appealed with lots of sexy moves in the visuals. Fusing different genres and talented artistes, the song became a hit. Presumably, the team at J-Management decided to emphasize on the number of views the video got on Vevo.

Noticeably, Tiwa has always been the “first doer” with Seyi Shay following suit and I am beginning to wonder if Seyi actually has a book on Tiwa which she abides by.

6 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig underg’s set to blow

Kelly Imadegbelo also known as Caesar is a performing artiste and song writer from Edo state. He started singing at the age of 12 and then later joined a music group which he left after discovering his talent.

Caesar’s unique style of music is one that has been in him from his Caesar tender age. His Genre of music popularly known as reggae or dancehall has gained more listeners in Africa and the world at large over the years. Caesar’s energetic and authoritative style of performance is one that is very rare and to watch out for.

Just as he calls himself the Conqueror, Caesar promises to be a unique brand that is going to conquer the music industry nationwide and internationally. Watch out for the big moves which will soon be shown to the world soon.

Follow on Social Media accounts: Twitter and Instagram - @caesarudonno

7 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig A Becoming Lifestyle Among Ladies - Oghomwen Toni-Osagie

The other night I was having drinks with friends and we were ‘innocently’ eavesdropping on a group of ladies having a conversation. Well, they were quite upset and I bet the whole restaurant could hear them.

From what I gathered a lady at their table was upset! Let me rephrase that, she was raving mad! She said; “I am sick of him! So sick! How can he claim to love me and still no ring? No introduction? Nothing! Does he think our life is a reality show? When is he going to pop the question? When?”

So we gathered she has been with her ‘boo’ for a while now and she was getting tired of being a ‘Miss’ and not a Mrs. Probably she wasn’t having it anymore, and the man was ignorant to this fact. So the next call for solutions of course were her ‘girls’. Have you ever noticed how we women (well most of us) find it easy telling our friends everything? Maybe it is because they always proffer the best advice or because they often go through similar situations.

I come from a society where the greatest accomplishments of a woman is on her finger; her wedding ring. If you don’t have a man at home no matter what other career moves or ambitious goals you might have attained over time it all sums up to nothing! - Just because you don’t have a man.

So majority of the women you meet are desperately looking to be hitched. The minute they meet a man they already start planning the wedding in their heads; from contemplating flower arrangements, to deciding if small chops will be served at the wedding. Men on the other hand can smell desperation; they know when a woman is desperate or frustrated from being single or from being a spinster.

I have never been married before or engaged, and I still play Beyoncé’s Single Ladies and dance “happily” along to the groovy beat (emphasis on happily). But don’t underestimate these tips I am about to state here. The Wedding phenomenon is becoming a rampant lifestyle amongst Nigerian ladies, So I am going to share with you the most outlandish things Nigerian ladies do and go through as ‘potential wives’:

Playing the Wife, Father, Sister and Mother role.

You know these women who play ‘super heroes’? The ones who cook, clean, bake, and fetch water for their boyfriends just because they want him to see how much of a multitasking wife they can be, hoping this will trigger his ‘Pop the question button’. Those women who are always ready to prepare just any meal whatsoever for their boyfriends; if he says he wants pounded yam, they will plant the yam, cultivate it, and pound it! If he wants palm-wine, they’ll climb the tree and tap the wine by themselves for him.

8 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig These types of women are miracle workers; they move their clothes to the man’s house hoping to paint a picture of what marriage to them might look like. These are the type of women that will have your family members on her BBM, Whatsapp, and Facebook, constantly going as far as calling them and changing their names to ‘in law’.

Even when it is clear that the man will NEVER pop the question they ignore all the signs and continue their ‘12 years a slave’ sojourn hoping for a miracle someday.

Lord of the Rings. 1, 2 and 3.

There are the men who believe in ring sharing. These women don’t get the memo at all; they spend all their time and energy selecting rings and collecting years. They can be in a relationship for 14 years without a wedding or marriage. They like to go through three (3) stages first;

* The friendship ring: This one is the debut stage, this ring means you two have been friends for a while and he likes you enough to think of you as a girlfriend or a potential girlfriend. This is not a promise of marriage or love, it simply means; “I have decided to pursue a foreseeable liaison with you... So wait for me... I am coming”

* The promise ring: The ring is one of semi-commitment; the man is already in love with you and wants you exclusively. He gives you the ring in the hope that in a couple years you two would be married or would be planning out a life together. It is a promise of marriage.

* The engagement ring: It is the final bus-stop of the ring-giving series; there are no durations or expiration dates. This is a get and wait ring; you get the ring finally, but you wait... And wait... And wait for a wedding date. Patience is pertinent here.

Baby mama Drama Supreme.

I have the most respect for single mothers; I believe they deserve the best of everything. I just have this mindset that single mothers are extraordinary beings.

Having said all that, most women believe that getting pregnant for men is the ultimate ticket to a fairytale wedding. Well most men want that, while some quite detest it! They see it as a ‘trap’ or a ‘set up’. They are not interested in being baby daddies or having baby mamas.

Furthermore, bringing a child into that kind of trap is not healthy at all. Before you go on a fully laid out plan to tie your man down with a pregnancy report, take a moment to rehash your long term future with a child and a cold husband.

Is all this worth it?

9 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig our new crush YuN’GREY’C

Name: Grace YUN’GREY’C Edoja. Discography: ‘CHUKWUMA’ (produced by DaPiano) Age: 21 ‘HOLLA AT ME’ State of Origin: Delta State, Nigeria. ‘GET DOWN’ (featuring Seyi Shay) Affiliations: Naija Ninjas, Sound Sultan. ‘CLOSER’ (featuring Vector)

10 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Familiar with football stories?? Then the name Jorge Mendes certainly must ring a bell, not often the year round because he is neither a footballer nor a coach. His name is always associated with transfer deals, a period where he is most active. His record of brokering deals in unprecedented manners makes him the real deal. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Jose Mourinho to James Rodriquez and many other fantastic players, his client list is one to be envied by other agents. Not just having a good client list, Jorge Mendes takes full advantage of his valuables and that has seen him broker the best of best deals in European football history.

Jorge Paulo Agostinho Mendes born 7th of January, 1966 in Lisbon, Portugal became a super-agent by chance. Hoping to become a footballer, Jorge Mendes displayed for a couple of Portuguese clubs but The he got rejected and instead he chose to work as a DJ and later went on to opening a bar and a night club in Portugal.

As fate would have it; Jorge met Nuno, a goalkeeper and started a “Jorge conversation with him; a conversation that began his career as a football agent. He brokered his move successfully from Vitoria to Deportivo La’ Coruna and from then onward he got attracted to more Portuguese Mendes” players seeking move to a better club. Jorge Mendes’ mean attitude reflects in his method of striking deals. It’s on report he physically fought Luis Figo’s agent publicly at an airport Factor in Lisbon. His reason for the attack being that the agent’s influence on Luis Figo against his own interest. He has been on the bad books of numerous associations whom alleges of his bad practices which involves third party ownership; one of his many methods in which he use to his advantage.

His super-agent abilities made him in 2009 seal a Euro record deal purchase of Ronaldo from Manchester United to Real Madrid for 80 million pounds which only has been beaten by Gareth Bale’s 85 million pounds.

In 2014, he brokered four out of the seven highest transfers in the world, a feat that made him earn 30 million pounds as reported. Wanting to expand his operation, in 2008 his company – Gestifute announced a partnership with Creative Artiste Agency in US to create global opportunities for current and future clients.

Like him or hate him for his guts, Jorge Mendes is amongst the best placed and most influential football agent in the world.

11 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig

The Aristokrat Nation

In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed the influx of new record labels either newly established or a break out from a previously existing one. It is quite interesting to know that not many of these record labels are successful – literally. A quick glance at the list would go to show that the distinctive different between the successful ones and the struggling ones is based on structure and hardwork; sadly not many record labels own such.

Amongst the successful ones is: ARISTORKAT RECORDS – a label capable of selling ice commercially even in winter. Founded in 2010, Aristokrat Records is a record label focused primarily on contemporary African music, operating as a part of The 960 Music Group, Nigeria’s premier diversified music and entertainment group. The Company is involved in the business of producing, recording music, marketing music recorded by musicians, branding of artiste, and public relations.

Although they saw the exit of Burna Boy, it currently has Kamar, Mojeed, Ozone and Pucado signed on as Recording Artiste; LeriQ as an In-house producer and DJ Consequence as In-house DJ.

Its executive team has: Kayode Anibaba [VP/ Head of A & R], Eneibimo Apulu [Executive Director, Services], Onochie Okoye [Exec Director, Marketing Communications], Eric Utere [Head of Production], Vincent Nwobodo [General Manager] and Piriye Isokrari [President/CEO].

Since its inception, Aristokrat records has successfully executed series of projects for its artistes which includes: Burna Boy - Burn Notice (Mixtape) - April 2011, Burna Boy - Burn Identity (Mixtape) - November 2011, Burna Boy - L.I.F.E. - August 2013, Pucado - Pukie The Great E.P. - April 2014, Kamar - The Audition E.P. - June 2014, Ozone - Superiority Complex - June 2014, Mojeed - Westernized West African - July 2014 and yet to be released LeriQ - T.L.S.

We have a very close relationship with our artists. Each executive personally manages a particular artist and oversees their projects. 960 Music group is an equity Partner in Aristokrat Records. It also provides marketing, PR, distribution and financial support for the label.

MOJEED Mojeed is a unique and talented hip-hop/alternative music artiste/writer. Born Mojeed Amushan, he grew up in both Lagos and New York before moving to London to further his education.

Mojeed started rapping in the latter days of Secondary School after hooking up with other artistes like Lynxxx, Blink and other members of the Syndik8 camp. They released an unofficial Mixtape together in 2007. In 2009, Mojeed met Ola and GC and together they formed a group called OMG (Ola, Mojeed, and GC). The group released an E.P titled “Fingerprint Experience” but split in 2012 when Mojeed moved to the United Kingdom to further his education. Mojeed won the Eastern ‘Coors Light’ Hip-Hop music competition in the U.S.A. He beat 99 other contestants to grace the stage with the likes of Pharell of N.E.R.D, Pac Div and Pusha-T.

Back to Nigeria, he signed with Aristokrat Records in April 2013 and released his first single under Aristokrat Records titled “Bosibi” on the 31st of August 2013. He recently featured on Leriq’s single ‘Comment Tu’tappelle’ alongside Burna Boy, Dammy Krane and Ozone and “Carpe Diem” with label mates Ozone, Pucado and Kamar. Mojeed released his mixtape titled “Westernized West African” in July 2014. His musical style is influenced by Jay Z, Kanye West, N.E.R.D, 2Face, the late Biggie, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley. MOJEED

13 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Arist

LERIQ Born Eric Isaac Utere, Leriq is a gifted 26 year old producer and sound engineer from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Leriq started producing at age 13; his love for art and undoubted creativity in his home also brought about his love for musical sounds.

His dad is a renowned stage designer and artist while his brothers are players in the entertainment industry with one being a video director and the other a singer/dancer. Leriq on the other hand decided his calling was making music. Signed to 960 Music Group/Aristokrat Record, he has produced all the works released on the label till date. His preference for introducing alternative sounds stands him out from the crowd. His signatory punchline: “It’s Leriq, call the paramedic” has become a household catchphrase for sure hits.

KAMAR Kamar is a multi-talented singer, guitarist, drummer and keyboardist. He is the second of three boys and hails from LERIQ Kaduna State in Nigeria. Fluent is Hausa, English and Kagoro languages, his influences range from international stars such as Neyo, Michael Jackson, Boyz 2 Men, 112, Joe, Usher, Donell Jones to Nigeria stars such as Asa, Jeremiah Gyang and 2Face Idibia.

Kamar was a top ten finalist at the West African Talent show, Project Fame. He officially signed to Aristokrat Records after he left the show and kicked off his solo career as a solo artiste in August 2013.

A hearty R&B artiste, Kamar released his E.P titled THE AUDITION, in June 2014. Kamar is a featured singer on singles, albums and mixtapes by an impressive list of artistes.

Mechanical Engineering.

It was in Covenant University that he became known for his hard spitting rhymes and musical ability. Prior to his signing to Aristokrat Records, Ozone released three songs independently namely: “All I know”, “Ashawo” and “Bad Ass” which made him win The Beat FM’s “Night of the Living Dj’s” competition.

His first official single under Aristokrat was released in September 2013 titled “All Night”. His musical influence includes The Fugees, 2pac, Asa, Nate Dogg, Bob Marley and 50 cent. Titled “Superiority Complex”, Ozone released his mixtape in 2014 under the Aristokrat imprint.

KAMAR

14 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig okrat

OZONE Osayi Uzamere, born December 12, 1988 popularly known as Ozone is a gifted musician, rapper and hip-hop artiste. Born and raised in Port Harcourt although he is from Edo state, Ozone is the last child of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Uzamere. He attended Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Borokiri in Port Harcourt before heding to Covenant University where he got degree in Mechanical Engineering.

OZONE

PUCADO Paul Orisakwe better known by his stage name Pucado is a Nigerian indigenous hip-hop artiste, song writer and actor. He began his career as a battle rapper while pursuing his undergraduate degree at Imo State University. After graduating, he moved to Port Harcourt where he signed with Aristokrat Records. He officially kicked off his career as a solo artiste in 2012 with the release of Naija Soca. Pucado is noted as a proficient lyricist and storyteller. He is considered as one of the top indigenous rappers in Nigeria.

DJ CONSEQUENCE Latest signee onto Aristokrat Records, DJ Consequence is a well spoken, articulate and professional DJ with a clear voice, excellent communication skills and a good sense of timing and co-ordination.

Akeredolu Precious Pelumi born May 7th, 1991 is from Ondo State in Nigeria. A graduate of English Language from University of Lagos, DJ Consequence started his professional DJ career as a club DJ in The Place, Ikeja GRA and he has gone on to play at different clubs within Lagos.

He is presently the resident DJ of Club Quilox and Club Rumours both in Lagos State. He signed with Aristokrat Records in 2014 as an In-House DJ. PUCADO

15 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig LoudNProudLive: Dollars & NYra Edition IN PICTURES

...with Emma Nyra, Selebobo, Slyde, Moses (Nigerian Idols 3) & OD Woods 25th November, Buddah Lounge.

16 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig 17 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig CelebrityHUB Ngozi Omambala by Joyce Imiegha

She is the Founder/CEO of NMO Management & PR and creator of the ‘LoudNProudLive Series’ and ‘ONE NITE LIVE & UNPLUGGED’ premium solo artist platform - both collectively promote Nigerian/African artists and have become a live music platform & showcase for the Nigerian entertainment industry.

The Beginning: She is a seasoned promoter, having begun in UK as a club promoter and entertainment Editor of Pride Magazine before relocating to Lagos and establishing NMO Management- an artist & event management/PR company with a diverse client rosta (international & local) from music artists, actors, OAP’s - with artists such as Hakeem Kae Kazim (Hotel Rwanda/ Pirates of Caribbean/24/Last Flight to Abuja), Madam Onyeka Onwenu (Musician/actress), Vimbai Mutinhiri (TV presenter).

The LoudNProud series started when she was based in the UK as a club promoter and entertainment editor for Pride Magazine and Aspire Magazine. LoudNProud was a marketing concept to promote to readers and a platform for artistes to attend. Artistes were mainly international including the likes of Alicia Keys, OutKast, Usher, Whitney Houston & Brian Mcknight. These events also saw the likes of VIP guests such as Basketball Legend Michael Jordan, Rio Ferdinand & Spice Girls to name a few. She also worked with Record labels: Sony BMG/ Motown to promote their artistes.

Moving back to Nigeria: Ngozi Omambala moved to Lagos in 2007 after working in the music industry in London. According to her, the energy and openness of the Nigerian music scene drew her home after years in London.

Soon after landing in Nigeria, Ngozi was headhunted for the position of Nigeria marketing representative for MTV Base Africa - overseeing the first ever MTV MAMA Awards 2008 (Abuja, Nigeria).

Her finance background as a qualified Chartered accountant combined with her experience in Radio/TV and Entertainment haven worked as a Record Label General Manager & also at radio station KISS FM London – have so far made her skills relevant to a developing entertainment sector in a fast emerging African Market.

LoudNProud Live series: She initially introduced the LoudNProud Live series in Nigeria in 2012 to give female musicians a platform, although the series has evolved to accommodate both male and female musicians.

Her intention was to address the lack of female artistes in the industry and also give them a platform for live performances. It developed as a female platform with a difference – live music (live bands only). The concept has expanded since with talented male and female artists, however, the female focus remains intact. With the goal of elevating female artists to the platform, she started in 2012 with artists such as Tiwa Savage, Omawumi, Waje, Efya (Ghana), Eva Alordiah – all hard working and determined artistes who are now household names in the industry and are all receiving deserved recognitions.

Success stories of LoudNProud Live series: The LoudNProud Live series celebrated its two year anniversary in January 2014 and it saw the likes of Ice Prince Zamani and Sound Sultan headlining the event with powerful live band performances.

So far so good, the LoudNProud Live series and ‘One Nite Live & Unplugged’ have both become monthly affairs and a solace for live band entertainments that music lovers and artistes always look forward to. They have hosted and celebrated established and emerging acts from all genres of music in the industry including the likes of Patoranking, Vector, Mode 9, Jesse Jagz, Praiz, Skales, Naeto C, Dammy Krane, Waje, Nneka & a host of others.

Ngozi Omambala is one of the few women who have enhanced and brought positive changes to the Nigerian entertainment industry; hence she must be reckoned with.

18 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig How to become a Celebrity Stylist

Step 1: Take Fashion Styling Classes

Celebrity fashion stylists are responsible for outfitting and accessorizing celebrities, often in conjunction with makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers and other creative professionals. Although employers may not require these professionals to hold a certificate or degree, completing some post-secondary education could provide stylists with specific career skills, such as forecasting trends, identifying designers, and understanding clothing design and textiles. Several colleges and universities offer fashion styling certificate programs. Courses in these programs typically cover topics such as creating looks for specific types of media 1 and prepping merchandise. Other topics might include fashion forecasting, clothing and accessory design, color theory and fashion business practices.

Individuals also might consider pursuing an undergraduate degree in an area such as fashion design or fashion merchandising. Courses in these fields could include history of fashion, trend forecasting, fashion show production, computer-aided fashion design, textiles and fashion promotion. These courses can teach celebrity stylists important career skills, such as researching design styles, blending fashions, selecting fabrics and marketing new looks.

Step 2: Gain Industry Experience

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that most professionals in the fashion design industry learn about the business through internships or entry-level positions (www. bls.gov). Fashion styling certificate programs and undergraduate degree programs often 2 require students to complete work experiences or internships with professional stylists, designers or fashion retailers. Entry-level positions can provide real-world training in communicating with celebrities, designing new styles, coordinating with other industry professionals and running a celebrity stylist business.

According to BLS statistics, the field of fashion design is not a growing field, with a 3% decline in jobs for fashion designers expected during the 2012-2022 decade. In May 2012, the BLS reported that fashion designers, including those who offered personalized design services, earned a median annual salary of $62,860.

Step 3: Build a Portfolio

Information from the BLS shows that workers in the fashion design industry generally use portfolios as a way to impress and attract potential clients. Celebrity stylist portfolios might include pictures of past clients. In certificate and undergraduate degree programs, students 3 may learn about standards and practices for creating a portfolio.

Step 4: Keep Up With Style Trends

The celebrity fashion industry is highly influenced by changes in the economy, politics and technology, and celebrity stylists must stay on top of these changing trends to dress clients in the latest styles. To keep up with changes, professionals may have to conduct continual research, which could include reading fashion-related articles, examining celebrity photos, 4 attending fashion shows and watching entertainment awards shows. Culled from: www.education-portal.com

19 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig MUSIC FIZZERS TOSYN BUCKNOR

Olutosyn Yetunde Bucknor popularly called Tosyn Bucknor or Area Mama is a talented Nigeria female OAP, Writer, Singer and Event orga- nizer. Her morning live show on Top Radio 90.9 every morning has so much listeners that you would think she charmed them with voodoo, well she did with her captivating and unique voice.

Tosyn didnt just start from nowhere, she has has so many radio shows to her credit some of which are: Nigerian Idol Season 2 & 3 Morning After show, Etisalat in Your Area, Tonyes Diary and many much more.

Her creative abilities has also earned her to be a judge on some talent shows including Glo Naija Sings Season 1, MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 5, Locozade Boost Freestyle Reality Show Season 2 amongst others. Tosyn is also a fabulous writer with her writings being used in different platforms, she is a columnist on with Guardian Newspaper where she writes on “Strictly for the Young” as well as on NET (Tosyn;s ten 10s) being published weekly.

Tosyn exhibits her singing talent as an artiste under the name: CON.tra.diction and she specializes in Pop, Rock and Soul Music; she has performed on numerous events including her own organized bi-monthly One Mic Naija event.

20 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig by Joyce Imiegha

Meet Cinematographer, Presenter and former host for Maltina Dance All, Ms. KEMI ADETIBA Kemi Adetiba; A woman who is an undeniable icon in our entertainment industry today.

Background: Kemi Adetiba was born on the 8th of January 1980 to media guru Father Dele Adetiba and her mother, a civil engineer who happens to be the first female president of the Association of Civil Engineers of Nigeria.

Kemi studied Law at the University of Lagos even though she knew she was going to end up in the entertainment industry. Being born of a father who ran an advertising agency and also haven had her first TV commercial for detergent brand, OMO when she was just in Primary 5. I should say she was born, prepared and destined for the entertainment. Soundcity (Lifestyle, Celebrity Profiles, production company, K-Alpha, produced Chat Room, various red-carpet specials), for DVD The 2009 ThisDay Music Festival Insatiable love for Music and Videography: and the nationally syndicated reality featuring headline act R.Kelly. According to her, she had always been show, Maltina Dance All for some years. interested in music. And if she wasn’t Music videos Accomplishments: doing what she was doing now, she said Personal Accomplishments: She has seen tremendous success as a she probably would be a music producer Thanks to her fun, affable personality, music video director. Her first, for the or even a singer. The visual aspect of Kemi was tapped to host numerous events song “Ekundayo” by singer/songwriter her love for music grew out of her artistic including Silverbird Entertainment’s 25th TY Bello, was named Best Female Video need to tell stories, visual or otherwise. Anniversary Gala, the Dance Theatre at the 2009 SoundCity Music Awards. of Harlem’s Year-End Celebration show Omawumi’s “Today Na Today” video She tends to remind people that she is (alongside DTH founder, the great Arthur won Best Female Video at the Nigerian not a music video director but a visual Michelle), the launch of HAUTE fashion Entertainment Awards in New York and artiste, a filmmaker as she makes films, magazine in New York, the 2008 Future was nominated for Best Music Video at commercials, documentaries, and TV Nigeria Awards (with Nollywood actor Raz the 2010 SoundCity Awards. Her work on content, anything that revolves around Adoti), the 2009 Hip-Hop World Awards, Banky W’s “Lagos Party” also earned Best telling stories with visuals. No limitations and MADE Magazine’s “Celebrities on the Editing and Best Male Video nominations whatsoever! Runway” show. at that year’s SoundCity Awards. Kemi’s work on “More You” by singer/songwriter Her transmission: In 2007, after years of success in front of Bez won her international critical acclaim, Starting out as a radio personality with the camera, her love of storytelling drew with the most touching tribute coming in Rhythm 93.7FM, Kemi soon became the her to enrol in the New York Film Academy. the form of a write-up by her alma-mater, voice behind two nationally syndicated Today, Kemi is an award-winning director, the New York Film Academy. hit shows: Soul’d Out and her signature, producer and cinematographer. Her Sunday at the Seaside, also frequently body of work includes music videos, Kemi Adetiba has carved a name for helming other shows on the station. commercials, television content and films. herself in the entertainment industry Slowly, she began to transition from her haven directed and shot award winning first love, radio, to focus on a budding Shortly after its release, her short film and beautiful Music videos for ace television career. Today, she is one of ‘Across a Bloodied Ocean’ was screened artistes, commercials, short films and Nigeria’s top television personalities and at the Pan African Film Festival in Los documentaries, and she’s definitely not producers, haven hosted hit shows on Angeles and the National Black Arts ready to back-down. MNet (Studio 53, Temptation Nigeria), Festival in Atlanta. That same year, her

21 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig up next VICTORIA KIMANI

Photo by Riri Belle Makeup: Pradah Stylist: Glam Official Outfit: Melissa Black Boutique 22 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig victoria kimani Photo by Riri Belle Makeup: Pradah Easily a recognised queen Stylist: Glam Official Outfit: Melissa Black Boutique

Chocolate City is inarguably one of Nigeria’s most successful record labels and indeed Africa’s so far. Headed by Audu Maikori, a seasoned lawyer and entrepreneur, the label is home to top Nigerian artistes namely: MI, Iceprince, Pryse, DJ Caise, Victoria Kimani, Nosa and their most recently signed act - Dice Ailes. The label also housed the likes of Jesse Jagz and Brymo for some years.

In 2013, Chocolate City expanded operations to Kenya by years old, they moved to Benin city, Nigeria where her father launching “Chocolate City Kenya” and signed talented and ministered for 2 years before leaving for Kenya. beautiful Victoria Kimani to floats its name in Kenya. Vikky as she is fondly called is ready to unleash the talents in her Schooling in different regions made Victoria exceptionally in a few months to come. advanced and when they got back to the US, she was instantly given a High school Diploma certificate. GROWING UP Born in the late 80’s Victoria Kimani was born to Kenyan MUSIC FAMILY parents based in the US as the last child and only daughter Aside being born into a Christian home, Victoria was also of her parents’ three children. Having both parents as born into a music family. Her father was very good at playing pastors, Victoria and her elder brothers were brought up musical instruments such as the keyboard and guitar. He also in a very strict Christian setting. Her family also moved a lot performed in local bars and clubs in Kenya. Her elder brothers due to her parents’ missionary works and when she was 14 are veteran hip-hop lords in Kenya who are doing quite well

23 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig in the Kenyan music industry. Surrounded by musicians, Victoria sang in the choir and was a back-up singer for a popular Kenyan artiste.

CHOCOLATE CITY’S MEET Victoria Kimani got introduced to Chocolate City after recording a remix to Iceprince’s “Oleku”. Not quite familiar with the Nigeria music industry back then, a friend got her to listen to “Oleku” by Iceprince, “Don’t Dull” by Wizkid and “E no Easy” by Psquare. Amongst the three songs, she preferred “Oleku” and even decided to do a cover on it – the cover that got her noticed by Chocolate City. She reached out to DJ Ecool, a DJ friend of hers who gave her the instrumentals and also helped her in sharing the song with other DJs and bloggers.

This got Chocolate City’s attention and with their visionary plans of expanding to other African regions, Victoria Kimani became a bridge to cutting across the entire Eastern Africa region; Victoria Kimani got signed to Chocolate City officially in 2013.

VICTORIA KIMANI’S PROJECT Victoria Kimani dropped her first official single titled “OYA” featuring MI and she has gone on to release a couple other songs with her latest being – PROKOTO where she featured Diamondz and Ommy Dimpoz both from Tanzania. Victoria claims to be the first and only artiste to successfully put Diamondz and Ommy Dimpoz on a track together, bearing in mind the disgust they both have for each other. The song got her more buzz and showed her singing and dancing abilities.

Victoria Kimani was amongst the African delegates that visited the White House for the US Summit. She also participated in the ONE. ORG campaign song with the likes of Dbanj, Omawumni, Cohbams and others.

With more releases to come, Victoria Kimani is working on her debut album which would be released under Chocolate City Kenya and would have featured artistes like Wizkid, Emma Nyra, MI, Iceprince and other great acts.

24 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig up Next CYNTHIA Morgan

Signature typography © Edesiri Ukiri

25 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Cynthia morgan speaks about her musical career and relationship Intro: Anslem Hon Interview: Osayo Edokpayi

Beautiful and light-skinned Cynthia Morgan can be rated as one of the most consistent and hardworking female artistes in Nigeria. After her introduction to the music scene through her prowess which she exhibited on Jyhbo’s “Ejo Lo Fe Ro” way back in 2010, Cynthia Morgan hasn’t relented in proving critics that she is no gimmick. Bent on proving her worth and taking her career to the next level, she signed a management deal with JTown Productions headed by Joy Tongo and in 2013, Northside Inc also deemed it fit to float her aboard its imprint; That move craved a path for Cynthia Morgan as she got shot into limelight, although she had been there for a while.

With singles like ‘Don’t Break My Heart’, ‘Lead Me On’ and ‘Taken’, which topped charts upon their releases respectively, Cynthia Morgan indeed is a voice to reckon with in this present day generation. Read below questions she answered from our correspondent.

T.M: Who is Cynthia Morgan and how she is different from every other artiste in the Nigerian music industry?

C.M: Cynthia Morgan is a multi- talented artist, who cannot be placed in a box. I am different from other artistes because I have created a genre of music for myself. I call it good music with distinction, fusing reggae / dancehall, rap and Afro pop.

Photo by Riri Belle Makeup: Pradah Stylist: Glam Official Signature illustration © Edesiri Ukiri Outfit: Melissa Black Boutique

26 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig T.M: How did it all begin for you; did you always want to go into music or you stumbled into it

C.M: I come from a musical background. My mom is a top gospel artist in Benin City, Edo State. She has a band called: Gorgeous band. I started singing from my mom’s womb and I was her backup singer, playing the talking drum and writer at the age of 13

T.M: You’ve had a massive 2014 so far, officially now in the mainstream. Of course, Jude Okoye has been behind that for the most part. How did you meet him?

C.M: I met Jude Okoye in Atlanta, USA January 2013 through my manager Joy Tongo

T.M: What is it like working with him?

C.M: It has been a great journey. I call him big Daddy. Coming from such great music mind, I am always on my music grind to do greater things. He inspires me a lot.

T.M: Your name is on the lips of most Nigerians and your last 3 singles are still getting massive airplay on radio and TV. How have you been coping?

C.M: I still got lots of more work to put in; to me I am just getting started. Thanks to God, my great team and of course my fans they make my work a lot much easier

T.M: Do you think there’s added pressure now for you to keep pushing Photo by Riri Belle out hits? Makeup: Pradah Stylist: Glam Official C.M: Everyday is a new day to me. Outfit: Melissa Black Boutique I always want to be better than my previous work/hits, as such I keep style. Basically brand in general. As taken? Let’s hear from you Cynthia. working. I don’t call it pressure because such, I stand out a lot! I love what I do. C.M: I AM TAKEN by the industry T.M: Who are you currently feeling in T.M: Some people say the industry is the industry and would like to work T.M: Lay it on us. What project are you saturated, mostly because there are with? working on? Album/mixtape? What lots of people doing similar stuff. Do does the future hold? you think it’s hard to stand out in the C.M: I am feeling Davido and would like industry? to work with him C.M: Right now I am working on singles with videos. Album would be out next C.M: This really does not apply to me. I T.M: So the rumours in the blogs about year. The future is here, now and all and am distinct in all I do. Vocally, lyrically, you and Dammy Krane. Are you really it is very bright.

27 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig CYBER B U L LY I N G: An Observer’s Perspective By Winifred Ononikpo @TheWinifred

The keyword here is “deliberate”; the perpetrator’s Image Courtesy Chris Kasurak actions are Any form of innovation always comes with its pros and cons. Overtime, we have witnessed or read about the evolution of the media from the traditional (newspaper, radio and television) to the more sophisticated means (magazine, billboard, film, carefully thought fliers and posters) and the most recent of all, the new media popularly known as the internet. out in advance and The internet is multimedia. It incorporates attributes of the other means of communication – text, picture, music and video. In as much as the internet has meted out through proved to be very useful in pedagogy, its downsides have not gone unnoticed. The internet hosts many sites among which are social networking sites such as YouTube, Flickr, Instagram, and the two most popular, Facebook and Twitter. Social media was slander, mean developed for keeping up with friends and family as well as share multimedia files with the general public. But nowadays, people get cyber bullied on these platforms. words, insults, or

Cyber bulling is the use of information technology (the internet) to repeatedly harm or harass other people in a deliberate manner. The keyword here is deliberate; the they are just plain perpetrator’s actions are carefully thought out in advance and meted out through slander, mean words, insults, or they are just plain rude. rude.

28 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig ...continued from previous page

Cyber bullying has no positive side.

It is bad enough It is a more understandable situation is if people with erratic egos lash out at each other. But when people who have this aura of superiority lord it over their counterparts, it that people get becomes a problem; it’s a classic example of cyber bullying. People carelessly throw words such as ugly and fat around. Recently, I witnessed a girl get called out because she said she will not like to get married to a full time engineer. Someone posted a harassed physically picture of her and captioned it “Just look at the thing that doesn’t want to marry an engineer. Like her body doesn’t need major repairs”. I mean, this is wrong on every for whatever level; no one should be made to feel less than who they are.

People who are cyber bullied often end up with low self esteem or become bullies reason, but taking themselves because there is the need to make others feel their torture. In more serious cases, it may even lead to suicide. The more pitiable situations are the ones it to the web where relationships go south and one partner goes as far as posting their significant other’s nude pictures on social media while calling them names. where you mess These days, people cannot even be plus sized in peace. They are called names such as GP Tanks, planets and all manner of ridiculous stuff. It beats me because these are up a person’s people who signed up to have just as much fun on social media as other users turned cyber bullies. I’m particularly appalled by the lot struggling to be tagged “demon” or “devil” because apparently, mean is perceived as the new cool. People discover other psychology is much people’s weaknesses and strike them where it hurts the most. more damaging. Cyber bullying has no positive side. It is clear abuse of the purpose for which the internet or even social media was created. It is bad enough that people get harassed physically for whatever reason but taking it to the web where you mess up a person’s psychology is much more damaging. A person is not within your physical radius but can hurt you just as much or even worse than a person who is.

Cyber bullying Cyber bullying in any ramification should be discouraged and those fueling the egos of these cyber bullies are just as guilty and are part contributors to whatever becomes the fate of cyber bully victims. Cyber bullying should be discouraged by either cautioning should be the perpetrators or better still ignoring them so when they see they are not getting any LOLs or LMAOs or RTs, they stop. By curbing cyber bullying, you may be protecting discouraged! someone’s life in the process.

29 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Linda Ikeji written by Joyce Imiegha

Meet Linda Ikeji, ex-model, Entrepreneur, Motivational speaker, popular blogger and owner of one of the most visited blogs in Nigeria is one woman to reckon with in the column.

Background: intensive and time-consuming magazine publishing was, only She was born on September 19, 1980, a native of Nkwerre two more editions made it to print. LGA, Imo State, Nigeria. It should be noted that this blogger turned millionaire was born into a struggling family, the Blogging career: second of seven children. At a tender age of 10, Linda started writing as a hobby. Unlike many teenagers her age, Linda The blogging bug bit her in 2006. Blogging had all the charm: loved watching newscasters and interviews and by the time it was free except for the cost of internet connections, easy to the opportunity presented to attend university in Lagos, her handle and it gave you access to millions of readers instantly. course choice was decided: Mass Communication. Linda Ikeji started blogging officially in 2007 with the intention of Education: sharing information that she was interested in with her readers. Fast forward seven years later, www.lindaikeji.blogspot.com has She was admitted to study English Language in the university grown to be one of the most visited sites in the country which to her disappointment, but she decided to make the best of serves as a regular source for news, entertainment, celebrity it. To support herself and her family through school, Linda gossips and what not! Her blog continues to attract thousands began working at the age of 17, doing everything from being of visitors on a daily basis. a waitress and ushering to modelling and bar-tending; she did mention that she worked in a hotel just so she could She recalls getting 200 visits a day and for her then, it was a big survive. According to her, she’d leave lectures, go to a hotel deal. Now it’s estimated that she gets over 200,000 page views and sell beer from 1 pm till 10 pm. None of which paid a lot in a day from up to 180 countries. the late 90’s. She started modelling in 1998 and quit in 2005. Blogger turned Millionaire: Modelling career: She’s the proud owner of a 2014 Range Rover Sport rumoured She began her advent into entertainment as a striving model to cost a whopping sum of N24m [$153,000], a 2011 Infiniti FX while in UNILAG. She modelled for several brands, including 35 [N8m] and a 2008 Toyota Camry. She also bought a multi- the ‘Rose of Sharon’ label owned by former President of million 5-bedroom duplex in Surulere for her parents. I can say the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) and that her she has changed the lives of her family. Nigerian billionaire and oil tycoon, Folorunsho Alakija. She took to modelling at the age of 17 featuring in some of the At a point, Linda averaged about 1 million unique visitors each most glamorous fashion shows in the country. month to her blog. And with that came the much-needed recognition and substantial earnings. In August 2012, Forbes Becoming a graduate: Africa described her as a success and a case study for the In 2004 after she completed her university education, she business of blogging. worked hard to break into the journalism trade, launching her media company - Black dove Communications, a modelling Linda’s blog reportedly rakes in an average of N5m per month agency and events management outfit. from adverts from various brands and online ad networks, which makes her the highest earning blogger in Nigeria. Black dove communications was an agency that specialized Blogging has brought her the fame, power and comfortability in recruiting models, training models and getting jobs for she could have wished for. models. Now sitting comfortably in the millionaires’ lounge, she is one She also started what she describes in her first ever blog post of the youngest millionaires in Nigeria. Her Grass to Grace Story as her “true passion”, her magazine called, FM & B. The first is an inspiration to many people aspiring to make something issue was released in 2006 and after discovering how capital- out of nothing.

30 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig July 24th 2014, 960 Music Group and MTV BASE threw an official launch party for 2Face’s sixth studio album - “The Ascension”. The party also marked the official launch of 960 Music Group.

Questions have been asked on what 960 Music Group is all about, what they do and who they are; notably having its logo appear on musical videos especially from Aristokrat and Hypertek’s artistes.

Mark Redguard, CEO 960 Music Group explains “960 Music Group is a master label to other subsidiary labels in which we provide funds, promotion, distribution and consultation in return for equity”

Read more excerpts from the interview our Editor had with CEO of 960 Music Group [Mark Redguard] in our next issue. ONE NITE: LIVE & UNPLUGGED WITH OMAWUMI Her performance was nothing short of epic Multi-award winning artist, Omawumi, thrilled & performing all her hits including a rap rendition on lauryn hill’s ‘(doo wop) that thing’...fantastic!!! conquered at her live & unplugged edition. Waje also present took to the stage for a dance Venue: Avenue Suites V.I. off with Omawumi. The live band was on point Date: Saturday 1st November performing back to back hits...

Omawumi proved effortlessly she is the African queen of live music, interacting with the audience, exchanging jokes and inviting guests to the dance for a group dance - off.

Amazing show... awesome artist. Omawumi was on top of her music game as always.

32 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Our first... date? By Phidelia ImIegha

I was twenty-one, single, and not even searching when I met my husband. It was the year when I was serving my country. One Friday in April, I had a lazy We texted the morning, and therefore decided to skip work. I worked at a government school where my presence was barely registered, and my absence made just as difference. It was the period of the social media craze and so I had me a BlackBerry, complete whole day with BBM, Whatsapp, and Twitter. As I lay in bed that morning, generally fiddling around with my phone, I got a Whatsapp message from an unknown number. I would usually ignore such texts and block the number, but I decided to indulge and by the the texter this day, as I was rather bored. He introduced himself as David. He claimed he’d found my name and number on his phone and had no idea how they got there and so decided to find out who I was. Obviously, his story annoyed next morning me a bit, and I didn’t for one moment buy it; but he was good-looking and so we kept chatting. And he turned out to be quite interesting. he requested We texted the whole day and by the next morning he requested to meet with me, seeing as we were in the same town. I was nervous and excited at the idea of meeting a strange guy less than twenty-four hours after first talking to him. to meet with Being rather conservative, I initially considered declining. But I called my friend, Boma, whose birthday happened to be that same day, and she convinced me it would be fun to do something that was adventurous and slightly dangerous for me, seeing once. Therefore, I reluctantly invited David to Boma’s party. Boma’s party began at about 2, and David called at 2:15 to tell me he was on as we were his way. About an hour later, he still hadn’t shown up. I was already beginning to doubt he’d show, when my phone started ringing. It was a strange number. Guessing it was him, I grabbed it off the table immediately, but waited a moment in the same before answering, to avoid seeming desperate. It was him, calling with his friend’s number. His phone had died, so he’d lost the directions—I’d given him earlier— to the venue. I gave the directions once more, and he confirmed he was on track. town.

33 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig ...continued from previous page Our first... date? By Phidelia Imeghia

David finally showed up at 4 with a friend tailing along. I took them to a free table where he introduced his friend as Ayo. Boma came along to say hi and David gave her a package he’d got for her. I was impressed. As I sat opposite them, I studied their features. While David was chubby, light-skinned and very attractive, Ayo was tall, dark-skinned and had really dark eyes. He was handsome but more in an artsy way than in a showoff-y way. Ayo looked like he deserved to be studied in a school of arts.

We all shared drinks and joked and talked about abstract things. About an hour in, David excused himself to talk to a friend he’d spotted. I sat there in silence with Ayo for five full minutes, feeling very self-conscious. He had such sharply chiseled features, and those dark mysterious eyes looked like you could drown in them and never get to the bottom. I caught myself sipping my drink nervously.

“You have beautiful eyes.”

Even though I heard him clearly and I knew he was talking to me, I replied,

“Sorry, what?”

He smiled and repeated himself clearly.

“You have such beautiful eyes, Nina.”

I smiled back and replied, “Thank you, yours are … interesting.”

“Interesting? How so?”

He was staring at me intently.

My mouth felt dry as I struggled for words to describe eyes that threatened to swallow me.

“Uhm … They’re … they’re dark. Like your irises are really big and so dark. Like an abyss. Does that make sense?”

He silently swirled his drink around in his cup for a moment, staring down at it as if deep in thought. I was beginning to wonder if he took offence when he replied,

“Well, that’s the most poetic description my eyes have ever got. I like it.”

I smiled, he smiled back at me and asked all the while looking right into my eyes,

“Do you like poetry?”

“Why, yes, I love poetry. I breathe poetry.”

“You write?”

“Occasionally.”

“Me too. I would love to read your work.”

“I’d love that too.”

There was an awkward silence so I said the next thing that came to mind.

34 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Our first... date? By Phidelia Imeghia

“Do you have any of your work here?”

Smiling he replied,

“No, Nina, I write in a notebook. I’m somewhat old fashioned.”

“Oh … I type on my laptop.”

I shrugged weirdly, feeling inferior to him.

The atmosphere around us suddenly felt so charged, I had to excuse myself. I went outside to get some air. By the time I returned, David was back, with another girl who was sat between David and Ayo and was obviously into Ayo.

David tried to indulge me in a conversation but I could The first one hardly concentrate; in-between stealing glances at Ayo and the girl who were having what seemed to be a lively read, chat, and berating myself for the sting of jealousy I was feeling. “I still It was evening already, the party was ending and the crowd had thinned out so David offered to drop me off at home. I hugged Boma and a few other friends and walked out with Ayo, David and the other girl whose name I never bothered think you to learn. The ride home was awkward. Ayo cracked jokes and asked me random questions while David drove in silence. I was at the back with the other girl who was strangely quiet as well, although she laughed a few times. We got to my have the most place and David came down, walked me to my flat and hugged me. He said something about seeing again sometime and I just nodded. beautiful I stepped in, locked the door behind me, and just sank to the floor right there. My throat felt dry and lumpy. I had an admittedly huge crush on Ayo and I felt terribly guilty because this was supposed to be a date with his friend. A first date. eyes I’ve ever How could David do that to me? How could he just bring seen.” along the most appealing man I’ve ever seen, and then act like nothing would happen?

I wanted so badly to see him—Ayo—again but I didn’t want to seem pushy so I deleted his number from my call logs to avoid calling him.

I woke up the next day to two text messages.

The first one read,

“I still think you have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.”

35 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig ...continued from previous page Our first... date? By Phidelia Imeghia

I smiled, knowing who the texter was already. The second read,

“Text me back. Please?”

I laughed, amused at his politeness. I typed into the reply box,

“I think your eyes are a work of art.”

I lay there for a moment, rethinking it, trying to talk myself out of this silly nonsense. Heh. I just closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and hit send.

Less than a minute later he replied,

“You are a work of art.”

I blushed so hard!

Throughout the next week, Ayo and I texted and called each other endlessly. We talked about any and everything. We asked questions, told stories, made jokes, and read poems to each other.

Our first real date was a couple weeks later. It involved proper lunch at some expensive restaurant, after which we drove to the beach and took a long walk in the sand. We shared our first kiss right there under a beautiful sunset, and two months later we started dating exclusively.

When we got married a year later, David was our best man.

Written by Phidelia Imeghia. Follow on twitter via @delia_maraj

36 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Winner of MTN Project Fame Season 6, Olawale Ojo, released his debut album on September 26th, 2014.

The gifted musician teamed up with established and fast rising producers as well as artistes to create a unique fusion of R&B, Fuji and Pop Music, which we got accustomed to from his performances on the show and since the release of his first single “Is Nothin”.

Titled “Almost Famous”, Olawale’s first album is comprised of great songs and amazing collaborations with multi-talented artistes like: Lil Kesh, Skales and the queen herself, Tiwa Savage.

“I’m really excited about my debut album because it shows all of me right now. It tells my story in music – from Is Nothin to Almost Famous, the album. I hope everyone enjoys it. I am back in the studio working on a new project already. The plan is to keep going until I’m famous and I am giving it my heart and all” - Olawale says.

Ever since he won the sixth season of Project Fame, Olawale Ayodeji Ojo has caught the attention of many with the release of singles – Is Nothin, Jupa and Follow My Lead.

Olawale collaborates with producers such as Master Kraft, Spellz, DJ Klem, Sagzy, Kenny Wonder, DJ Coublon, Philkeyz and Que Beats to create a fresh sound on the Almost Famous Album.

TRACKLIST 1. Agogo ( Prod. by Philkeyz and Kenny Wonder) 2. Is Nothin (Prod. by DJ Klem) 3. Get It ft. Skales (Prod. by Master Kraft) 4. Bamijo (Prod. by DJ Klem) 5. Follow My Lead ft. Lil Kesh (Prod. by DJ Coublon) 6. Jupa (Prod. by Spellz) 7. Love Me ft. Tiwa Savage (Prod. by Spellz) 8. Gra Gra ( Prod. by Que Beats) 9. Take Home (Prod. by Sagzy) 10. Celebrate (Prod. by Kenny Wonder)

37 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig lmk’s diary

Commitments: The Quiet Leeches of Life.

Commitments Affect Every Aspect of Life.

Commitments take more than your time though; they quietly invade your conscious mind.

Commitments don’t just deal with people however. The worst kinds of commitments are those that you aren’t even aware of actually being commitments. These can come as small promises you make to yourself, such as improving in a certain area of life.

Almost always, they become a weight on your conscious mind saying that something has been left unresolved. These every day commitments also begin to affect your emotions. Remember the times when you promised to yourself that you’d achieve a lot, and you didn’t? Your self-worth instantly lowered a notch.

The thing is, our minds never find solace from their to-do lists. They always need to be resolved and if not, it’s as though we’re carrying a dark mass of tension around with us that we always know is there. There’s an emotional commitment on some level that we’re not fully dealing with.

You can never truly become aware of how much mental and emotional space a commitment takes up in your mind until it’s not there anymore. Just think of the relief you feel when you finish a dry book you found extremely hard to read. I realized this a few years ago when I continued to write for a blog that I no longer had any passion for. The day I decided to stop, my mind lightened, feeling free from the painful dutiful mental leech I was carrying.

38 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Be a Quitter!

Quitting commitments is getting the maximum quality of life, without wasting energy on promises you can’t keep. It forced me to re-evaluate every commitment I have in life, and to choose whether I’m completely willing to deal with them or want to be completely free from them.

Society has taught us that “quitting” is wrong; that only losers quit. But the problem with this concept is that not all quitting is the same. You can quit things that matter, and quit things that don’t. We assume that all commitments are: A) Of equal value and, B) that we never outgrow them. If I had persisted with all the commitments of my childhood right now I’d be the White Power Ranger working as the bouncer of the Playboy Mansion.

Less Is More.

The more commitments on your to-do list, the more paralyzed and afraid you are of attempting to fulfill any one of them. Without apology or explanation make a decision to be done with them. The leech won’t stop sucking on your conscious until you burn it.

As I mentioned in a previous article multi-tasking and commitments only results in many half-hearted attempts of living life. The neglect of these commitments can take a toll on your self-confidence as well. But with a bit more patience and a lot more selectivity, you can dedicate yourself to more rewarding and meaningful pursuits.

That’s why I’m not your social type. I don’t like to lukewarmly bond with a person over similar interests and common ground, in order to have a relationship of stimulation. If I put my commitment to use I make it my concern to explore the depths and roots of a person, not just the shallow leaves of stimulation that are so temporary with season.

True relationships for the solitary person take undivided commitment, and in a sense, these relationships are a lot more profound and long-lasting.

39 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig M.I.A. FIVE NOLLYWOOD ACTORS/ACTRESSES WHO HAVE BEEN MISSING IN ACTION - Oghomwen Toni-Osagie

It is hard to be known as a Jack/Jane of one trade. Let me rephrase that, it is hard to be African and be known for just one trade (occupation). In this country where being in the limelight is very profitable in respect of diverse job opportunities, our celebrities find it hard sticking to one trade. Various offers are always being thrown at them, probably because their fans see them as mini ‘gods’ and believe they have the power to delve into many fields. Examples are artistes delving into Nollywood, Fashion designers moving into the music industry, and the list goes on...

This might stunt consistency in their given career path, It might make them take a break from the acting scene or whatever career path they are on. Take for example Uche Jombo, known actress has for the past 11 years been producing movies. Other notable actors have had little ‘MIAs’ in their known professions. Tonto Dike who was recently announced as a new signee to D’banj’s record label is another example. The fans are not complaining, so long as they churn out the right kind of works.

I want to draw our attentions to a list of Nollywood actors that have been missing on our TV screens for a while now, not because they are lacking job offers, but because they have been busy with other projects. They are still relevant, but they have not graced our screens in a long while.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde.

With over 300 movies to her name and a beautiful family unit, one can inarguably say Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is living a dream life. She is probably the most loved Nollywood actress, with fans as loyal to her. Omotola was M.I.A. the first African celebrity to have over 1 million page likes on Facebook.

When she is not busy gracing our Television screens with her beguiling acting skills, she is touring countries receiving numerous high profile awards, or amassing ambassadorial deals like: “Face of Diaper Brand, Pampers (P&G), “Ambassador for Amnesty International”, “Ambassador Ghandour Cosmetics (Ghana)”. She recently signed an advertising deal with one of the leading online retail stores in Lagos, konga.com

With her overly impressive off-the-screen accomplishments, it is vividly clear to her fans why she has been missing in action in their cinema houses.

40 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Jim Iyke.

Asides from his high profile romance with his ‘on and off’ girlfriend Nadia Buari, Jim Iyke keeps busy and news worthy. With over 150 movies to his belt and a successful movie production company, ‘Untamed’ and a record label to this effect called, ‘Untamed Records’, We can say he is a very hard working and enterprising actor/ businessman. Jim Iyke also makes a record of being one of the first Nollywood actors to launch his own reality series, titled, ‘Unscripted’. M.I.A. This show has fans tongue wagging, doubting the authentic value of the said ‘script’. From an engagement to his girlfriend, to his luxurious lifestyle and high class travels. It is indeed a viewer’s pleaser.

Jim Iyke is also a philanthropist, with a foundation for kids with special disabilities; it is clear to many why he has been away from our screens as an actor. His constant reappearance on the news is also worthy of perusal. With his recent contact with Liberia and the deadly Ebola virus, Jim Iyke is always on the tip of our tongues.

Kate Henshaw.

This is one forever young lady. She is an ideal ‘21st century Mum’. With her YouTube videos on the ‘Skelewu’ and ‘Azonto’ dances going viral on the internet. She is M.I.A. arguably a teenager.

Apparently she also makes cameo appearances in videos, leaving her mark in whatever field she sets on. But we haven’t seen Kate Henshaw a lot on our movie screens in a while, and she has been greatly missed.

Sadly, by her most recent declaration of an 8-year- stint into politics. It is now clear to her fans that she’s going to be away for a very long time.

With her ever smiling face on billboards across the country, with her ‘Onga’ deal and her middle chair as a judge in ‘Nigeria’s Got Talent’ we’re hoping these appearances will satisfy her fans as she purses her political aspirations.

41 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Dakore Akande.

The pretty and uncontroversial Dakore left our screens a little after she married her lover Olumide Akande. The beautiful couple is so in love, with absence of scandals M.I.A. front lining their name; all we are given are pictures of her attending A-list events or on holidays at some exotic places.

With over 50 movies to her credit, Dakore left us on the edge of our seats. We are still yearning for more of her eloquence and grace on our screens, but it seems she is on a long hiatus.

Keep in mind, she remains quite relevant, with various ambassadorial titles, from; “Amstel Malta, Pampers, Amnesty International and Oxfam of America” amongst others. This lady knows how to remain relevant and loved; she keeps it 100% professional. It is all business for Dakore.

Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD)

The ladies love him, guys envy his ageless swag and grace and his fans can’t get enough of movies. With reruns of his past movies still in many Nigerians archives, RMD is greatly missed, and it is obvious that he would not be M.I.A. returning to our screens as an actor (sadly), at least not any time soon.

With his deep involvement in politics and his society, RMD as fans love to call him is the Commissioner for culture and tourism in Delta State, Nigeria. Any little hope of seeing him on the screen is pretty futile for the foreseeable future.

42 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig MOVIE REVIEW

TITLE: A PLACE IN THE STARS This happens to be one of the very few movie screening/premieres I’ve had to attend, mainly because I’m not a huge fan of movies. Initially after receiving the invitation, I MAIN CHARACTERS: intended sending someone to represent me but on a second thought, I decided to Segun Arinze honour it myself; a decision I didn’t regret! Gideon Okeke Yemi Blaq Clearly, Nigerian movie producers have improved greatly in the quality of movies Matilda Obaseki being churned out compared to the ones released in the past. This has gone to show Dejumo Lewis. how open-minded they are to the opinions of many Nigerians.

PRODUCER: STEVE GUKAS. “A Place in the Stars” is one of such movies that can be termed a perfect piece. From the clarity of the picture to the choice of sound tracks being used, “A Place in the Stars” is a movie that beats all characteristics of average.

SYNOPSIS

Kim Dakim (Gideon Okeke), a young lawyer gets a client with a case that leaves him conflicted. He has information that can save many lives if he passes it on, but he also stands to make millions if he doesn’t. In a very corrupt country where everyone loves money and no one cares how you make it, Kim sees this as his chance to make it big.

Problem is, Diokpa Okonkwo (Segun Arinze) the kingpin of the counterfeit medical drug trade who his case is against, doesn’t play nice. He kills at will to protect his multi-million dollar trade and is not pulling punches against Kim and his client. He has Kim’s client in jail and assassins out to silence Kim.

Suddenly Kim is at war on two fronts; one to stay alive and the other against his conscience and everything he has been raised to believe is right.

43 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig GRUMI : JOINING THE DIGITAL HEMISPHERE.

“Grooming upcoming talent in the coolest colony of musicians and fans, through sharing of music and views within our social interaction platform”

www.grumi.com.ng

44 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig In December 13th, 2013 we witnessed another additional platform to the Nigeria digital world. Being a tricky zone with much potential, lots of brands are taking bold steps in launching their respective platforms. One of such platform is grumi.com.ng, a web based entertainment platform that focuses on music.

As described by one its founders, Dapo Salami, “The ultimate aim is to offer a previously deficient avenue for musicians, especially the independent/unsigned upcoming artistes to share their music with fans at very little cost and extreme ease, a discussion platform for users to interact with each other and also a free stream internet radio.

We will be introducing extra features to that which currently exists on the platform as well as many other premium features for those who wish to monetize their accounts and their music.

Our target audiences are the upcoming talents who need a platform to freely share their music with their soon-to- be fans, the youth and young at heart who yearn for seamless access to new/old music and their desire to meet and interact with people daily.

We at GRUMI expect to grow along with our users. All these and many more are expected to be rolled out within a few months with the launch of our mobile application.”

DAPO SALAMI

Oladapo Salami, also known as QD Salami is a social media practitioner with a little over 5 years experience in the new media scene. As a lover of the arts and music, he doubles as a photographer and a new media consultant.

Having worked with the likes of Gidilounge, 360nobs, he set up Grumi alongside longtime business partner Kofoworola Bhadmus in 2013, with the aim of building a platform which makes Nigerian music easily distributed and creating a level playing field for both established and upcoming artistes.

KOFOWOROLA BHADMUS

Born August 2nd, 1991, Kofoworola Bhadmus is a young extrovert and free mind whose imaginations and creativity have no limits. His love for music led him to the art of entertainment. Starting off as a “Facebook guy” for SKUKI/ Daphella Entertainment in 2010 before joining Siren Entertainment in 2011 and Grumi in 2013.

With brief stints in PR as well as several aspects of the entertainment business A&R, artist management and Kazebleek as he known is enjoying the experiences

45 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig Get familiar Nike Fagbule Nike Fagbule, publicist, writer and music business consultant presently heads the PR team at Zebra Stripes Networks. In her role, Fagbule is responsible for running the company’s day to day activities and manages all account officers assigned to each clients. In 2010, Nike Fagbule was nominated in the creative professional of the year category at The Future Awards.

These days, she is responsible for the strategic direction of Zebra Stripes Networks an emerging Public Relations company.

Championing Nigerian music and movies are close to Nike’s heart, when she’s not giving music business consultation, she is busy listening, critiquing and saluting music and movies from this part of the world.

She has also worked in Black House Media as the Senior Manager: Strategy and Execution, A.Y.E.NI Entertainment as a PR Assistant and as a content provider for HipTV.

www.tushmagazine.com.ng Club Novonia: set to re-ignite nite life in Benin to a new level.

Club Novonia is an ultra-modern lounge located in the heart of Benin City, Edo State.

Since it official opening in December 2013, the clubbing experience in Benin has been on a different level. The only club who successfully open with coverage from Soundcity, Club Novonia has been home to the luxurious lifestyled and classy gentlemen & beautiful ladies.

C L U B

H O U S E O F F A M E

Redefining, Club Novonia shut down operations in August for an upgrade and rebranding. Collins Ibadin, MD of Club Novonia says “We are on a different level now, we have no competitions anymore so we are upgrading our services to appreciate our loyal customers and also keep off riff-raffs from coming to disturb; we are launching a new policy - A guest list - which is first of its kind in Benin”.

Club Novonia has hosted the elites of the social circle in Benin & has also hosted big events like Remy Martins’ Club Tour with DJ Jimmy Jatt, Startrek after party with Davido and others. Other notable personalities who have visited Club Novonia include: Denrele, Timaya, Oritsefemi, Bank W, WizKid, KCEE, Bred, Sheyman, Runtown and many others.

Visiting Benin City and need to catch the best of fun? Club Novonia serves you the best option with it centralized location in GRA with close proximity to standard hotels, your safety is guaranteed.

Visit them on www.clubnovonia.com, twitter @clubnovonia, IG: ClubNovonia

47 • TUSH • @TushMagazineNig ISSN 2384-5635 00

9 772384 563006