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06. Editorial Focus – The Nigerian Music Industry: A success story 08. UnderG – Dynamyt 10. Exclusive interview session with 960 Music’s Geoffrey & Password 14. Dear Artiste – “Finding Art & Entertainment with Purpose” 17. Interview with DJ Lo 19. Celebrity Hub – Oye Akideinde 21. Music Fizzers – Exclusive Interview with Suka Sounds 23. TPL 31. Inheritance is Accidental – written by Phidelia Imieghia 35. LMK’s Diary – Music: The new occupation 37. Jason Porshe – Fashion & Style 39. Johnnie Walker Black Podium 40. Christiano Ronaldo – Football’s most famous superstar 42. Movie Review – Selma 43. NYSC 47. Spinlet Karaoke

4 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Issue 10 X

A note from the Editor... Interestingly, words cannot perfectly express the height of joy I felt when I picked up my pen to write my intro for Tush Magazine’s 10th issue. Looking EDITORIAL back through time at the many successes and improvements we have made straight up from our maiden issue until now, I cannot but give thanks to the TEAM Almighty God for the strength and grace he bestowed upon my team and I. Also, not forgetting the many wonderful personalities who have in one way or the other believed and supported our movement in becoming one of Editor-In-Chief ’s prime youth platforms. Anslem Jon Sub Editor This issue – our first for the year 2015 – is a continuation of our mission of Leonard Onwubuoya celebrating young Nigerians excelling in the entertainment industry. Due to insights, requests and suggestions from our consultants, the selection Editorial Consultant process for our cover page personalities would no longer be limited to the PEARL CANDY Joyce “LMK” Imiegha name or alphabet factor; We’d be giving opportunities for more people who Senior Editor are worthy of it to grace our cover pages subsequently. Alexander Thandi Ubani Our double cover for this issue focuses on and features one of Nigeria’s Art Director most reputable vocalists and singer who has overtime developed his Edesiri Ukiri [@edesiriuk] singing capabilities and has further unleashed his talent in a super-packed Proof Read double debut album likewise. Also stocked in this issue as well are exciting Elite Resources CS. and beautiful pages filled with glamorous pictures from events, educating Correspondents articles centered on relationships, sports, the entertainment industry and Rufai Ahutu so many more. Augustine Ogbonna Jeffrey Onomoasor I am also pleased to announce another great improvement on our digital platform, YES! We have developed another means to aligning with the ever Featured Writers fast growing digital world with the aim of serving you better by introducing Phidelia Imiegha the inception of the very first Tush Magazine Mobile App which is presently Winifred Ononikpo available to iOS and Android platforms only. Download to enjoy the best of Additional Graphics what Tush Magazine offers. [See page 44 for details.] Graphixed Nigeria Before I put an end to my intro, I will like to introduce and welcome the Production/Research latest addition to the Tush Magazine family – Alexander Thandi Ubani, who Tush Kingdom Media would be operating in the capacity of a Senior Editor. I’m guaranteed his experience and skills will furthermore bring favorable achievements to Tush Tush Magazine is a quarterly publication of Tush Magazine subsequently. Kingdom Media, a media outfit into magazine publishing, events organizing and event coverage. Tush Kingdom Media possesses rights As usual, I appeal you share this issue with a friend, colleague or family to all published articles, interviews and pictures. member. ENJOY! For comments, suggestions, criticisms or editorial submission, write us via: Sincerely, [email protected] OR [email protected] Anslem Jon Visit our website on: www.tushmagazine.com.ng @TheAJCompany.

5 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 THE NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY: A Success Story by Alexander Thandi Ubani

Unarguably, the Nigerian Music Industry is Africa’s largest depot of talented, industrious, creative, budding and evolving musicians who have taken Nigerian music to the world stage. Such names as the renowned Fela, Tu Face Idibia, , , , , , Dbanj, Psquare, Banky W, , Asa, M.I, , , et al are household names making waves in Africa and far beyond. The quality and style of music being dished out by upcoming and established acts can only be A-classed.

This new development is a thing of great joy. Everyone is living up to the challenge to be counted as the competition has resulted in better quality of audio, video and lyrics in demand. Even better, the music sphere is graced with international COLLABOS... collaborations, adding another milestone to the success story being recorded. Well known international acts like Rick Ross and T.I got featured by Psquare; Dbanj also saw music legend Akon feeling it in his “Feeling the N*” and a host of other international collaborations with Nigerian musicians which points to the growing popularity of the industry not just in Africa but the world.

Such banging hit songs as Olamide’s Eleda Mi; Davido’s Aye; Flavour’s Ada Ada; ’s Limpopo; ’s Girlie O; Tiwa Savage’s ; Psquare’s Collabo and a host of many EXPOSURE other banging hits showed the enormous growth the industry has recorded over the years. Interestingly, the increase in the & AWARDS... number of television channels showing Nigerian music is a great plus to the industry. Stations such asMTVAfrica , Channel O Africa, HipTV, Primetime Africa, SoundCity, TraceTv, AfroPop TV and many others play important roles in bringing many of the numerous talented artistes to the global stage. More so, the introduction of awards for best performing artistes and the rewards for hard work has propelled many to work even harder. Such ceremonies of distinction and recognition namely: Channel O Awards, Headies Awards, Afrimma Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) etc are milestone novelty gestures fertilizing the rapid development of the Nigerian Music Industry. Added to it, are the mouth- watery prizes for winners. It is no wonder then, that the artistes have sworn an oath of high performance to churn out high quality and top-notch audio, video and lyrics for their teeming fans. By this gesture, Nigerian artistes have indicated a high degree of seriousness in setting the pace for others in Africa to follow.

6 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 However, the success story is not starved of little hiccups; the profusion of the industry by fame-thirsty individuals has resulted in congestion and somewhat increased number of musicians singing for honors. We are not left out in the controversies, gossips and rancor as it adds spice and fun to BUTS... it all. Some of the celebrities fight it out with abusive words on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. On twitter, these fights become more demeaning as tantrums fly here and there, which adds to the whole fun after all. The Nigerian Music Industry is a bubbling platform offering many of our idle, yet very talented youths an escape route to stardom. It is pertinent that those who have benefited from the industry should emulate the good gestures of their international colleagues by providing enabling platforms to grow others who are of little means but well talented. This way, they would have given back to society and affect positively the lives of others.

Today’s reigning acts like Davido, Olamide, Flavour, Patoranking, , , Praiz, KCee, Eva et al all have the stage for grabs. It is interesting then to note that, this industry must be supported to grow all the more as it plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economy. The industry employs a GROWTH... sizeable amount of our numerous idle youths who go on to become responsible members of the society. The issue of royalties, piracy and theft of intellectual properties (songs) must be considered with utmost seriousness as musicians should be given what is theirs and what they have worked for. The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) must ensure that piracy is rooted out of the system and measures taken to punish people found wanting.

The Nigerian Music Industry is a wind that will blow without stop. The future of the industry is filled with promises. Many NEXT... more will come. Let us all join hands to make it a success!

7 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 UnderG ...set to blow Dynamyt

Popularly known as Dynamyt, Damilare Olabimtan was born on the 16th of October in 1989 to Mr. and Mrs. Olabimtan in Yaba, . Damilare attended Bright Star Nursery and Primary School and St. Gregory’s College, and later went to Yaba College of Technology. He started his early musical career in the church youth choir when he was six years old and went on to be the lead singer of the choir for over ten years. In 2007, he started a defunct gospel band, Divine O3, with a few of his childhood friends from the choir. They performed around churches in Nigeria for three years before the group disbanded. In 2010, he began to diversify into different genres of music like Pop, R&B, Hip-hop and Dance. He records mostly in Yoruba dialect his native tongue, as well as English. He got his stage name “DYNAMYT”, from friend and frequent musical collaborator, Tesan.

In early 2014, he released his first solo effort, “Hostel”, which was met with critical acclaims and had a huge underground following. The song earned him “The Most Promising Artist” in 2012 and 2013 in his alumnus, Yaba College of Technology. Quite luckily for him, he gained the attention of new Island-based record label, Wildlife Records, and two months later, he signed a recording contract with them.

He released his first official single under Wildlife titled, “I Remember” on 22nd of October 2014 and an accompanying promotional single “Jekomo” was released on the 14th of November in 2014 also. He recently released his debut video for “I Remember” and he is concluding plans to release two follow up singles by the beginning of on the second quarter of 2015.

8 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10

TUSH MAGAZINE INTERVIEW WITH GEOFFREY OJI By Alexander Thandi Ubani It was electrifying seeing the duo of Geoffrey Oji (Winner of West Africa 7.0, 2014) and the award winning talented singer, songwriter and producer Patrick Mathias (a.k.a Password − Winner of MTN Songstar Competition 2013). These handsome and talented men shared their touching life stories on how they passed through many odds to be at where they are now. It’s a story that will inspire many who are aspiring to reach the top. The ever impressive Alexander Thandi Ubani was on hand to follow them on this great journey. First stop is: Geoffrey Oji.

For the records, what is of my own and can go places. Poverty your full name? has a way of tampering with your mind and you forget most rights you have. My My name is Geoffrey Oji. experience has been good so far.

Kindly tell your fans a little Considering the fortune and fame that about yourself. came with winning Competition, how have you been My name is Geoffrey Oji able to handle the popularity? and I am the current winner of Project Fame West Africa I try my best possible to relate with my 7.0. I hail from Benue State fans and be me. I’m still the simple and in Nigeria and I’m Idoma by persistent guy. tribe; I grew up in State. Everything turned What genre of music do you make? sour for me when I lost my dad at an early age. I make `Soul and afro−pop music.

At age 15, I started hustling What songs have you released since and looking for ways to winning Project fame West Africa reduce the load on my competition? mother; we even bought a house which later turned I did ‘Bursting my brain’ I still have a out to be a scam. Mom couple of songs I’m working on like had to return back to the ‘Every day is a chance’ and ‘Oh baby’. village because things were I have close to 12 songs that are there very hard for us. I visited but not out in the market. We are still my uncle in Lagos only to coming out with more. My fans should discover he wasn’t exactly expect more. doing well financially, Do you have a selling point? hence I slept outside in Lagos for a whole year and Since winning Project Fame West (Laughter) I will say my eyes. had nowhere to stay. Africa 7.0 competition, you have acquired a huge fan base not just in What challenges have you faced from What kept me alive and going was Nigeria but all over Africa. What has female fans? my dream and hopes of using my been your experience so far? talent someday; I kept pushing and (Laughter) Nothing out of the regular went to churches to hone my talent. I They have really been welcoming and challenges other male artistes face. Girls auditioned for the MTN Project Fame I know I I wouldn’t have been here if want to be associated with me and some West Africa seven (7) good times not for them. So far so good, I would of them even go to the extent of trying to before I got picked into the academy. say, the glory returns to God because I get my address to visit me. It was not easy at all. That’s the kind have really experienced a lot in life as a of persistence and determination one whole and the kind of hard things I have What is your most embarrassing needs in other to succeed. gone through in life. Now, I have a car moment?

10 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Ermm, I was singing somewhere in a show Everything o! I will change a whole lot of things. I will and I went off-key. It was so obvious and transform people’s character. I think I was surprised. I put the blame on the Where do you see yourself in the next that’s one of the hardest things in life keyboardist but I was the one that got it all five years? − to make people good. wrong. The second one was when I went for a show with my friends somewhere I see myself as a successful global artiste. Define your fashion sense/style? and I went to use the restroom, I came out and forgot to wear my trouser. It was When are you releasing an album? I’m just a simple guy. Anything that so embarrassing, I had to run back to get makes me look/feel good is okay by my trousers.(Laughs) Soon. I am working on two videos now. me. My album will be coming out soon. What is the craziest thing a fan has ever Do you like clubbing and partying? done for you? Which international artiste do you wish to collaborate with? I do that because of the responsibility For now I would say, was when someone attached to my music career. Naturally, put in about 500,000 naira (over $2,000) I love Beyoncé. She’s very talented. I’m not the type to go clubbing or to vote for me. partying. I love to stay at home and do Which Nigerian male and female artiste my thing. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever would you love to collaborate with? done for someone? Can you tell us about your I will love to do collaborations with Tu- educational background? I went to visit someone in a hospital; she baba, and . I’d love to was quite old and I learnt she loved it work with Seyi Shay and Good! I started my education at St. when people danced. I just had to dance. also. Saviour Primary and Nursery school, I was dancing every time just to make her Kaduna, I also attended St. Patricks What really inspires your kind of music? happy. Secondary School. Due to financial constraints, I couldn’t further my Nature inspires me. Also, my experience education because of my Dad’s death. Are you in a relationship? in life and all the things I have gone I later went to Yabatech for a Diploma through gives me inspiration. I’m not in a relationship now. This is Programme. I couldn’t finish though because I just started my career and I Who is your role model? before going to Ghana for further don’t want too many distractions. studies. I’m still on it now. That’s my pastor, Rev. Yinka Yusuf. Who is your ideal woman? You are a very gifted, talented and hardworking musician, what advise do you have for those aspiring to be like you?

I always tell people ‘Never fake it to make it, Be you’. Be true to what you are and just keep pushing. Don’t allow anybody give you a life that you don’t want, Don’t give up. If it doesn’t happen today, it will happen tomorrow. If it doesn’t happen this year, it will next year. Just be determined and persistent in all you do.

I love a woman who is God-fearing, Why did you go into music? What should your fans expect from respectful, hardworking and with you this year? prospects. I need someone who can take Honestly, the fact is that I love music. care of the home. Music found me. I thank God for giving All my fans should expect the best this me this gift and I will use it to affect year. I will be reeling out good videos, What do you find attractive in a woman? people positively. songs and collaborations.

Good character. I’m someone who What’s your official twitter and Thanks for honouring our invitation. observers a lot. I love a woman with a Instagram handle? Tush magazine wishes you the very good physique also. best in your music career. Geoffrey_Pfame. What features should your ideal woman possess? Do you like it big in the back or If you have the power, what will you front? change in the world? Photo Credits: Fegor for 960 Music

11 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Geoffrey is an amazing Have you had any artiste, singer and songwriter. controversy yet in your Working with Geoffrey has music career? been like a discovery channel Exclusive Interview for us. I like him because he’s Yeah, there is a major one humble and always ready to everybody knows I had with session with Patrick learn. He’s very talented too Davido. I’m sure you’ve heard and ready to be introduced by about it. those who have done it in the Mathias a.k.a industry so they can have the (sings) See gobe. Omo see gobe password at the same time. Password It was fun working with him Could you shed more light and importantly we have a on the Davido controversy? chemistry that works. I’m sure many of your fans would love to read directly You won MTN Songstar from you? Competition 2013 and took home two prized assets, how First, I have to say that were you able to achieve Davido is my home boy; we such feat? do business together once in a while. Before then, his Brother, I don’t think I’m producer Shizzi already was spectacular. Well, the x−factor my home boy back in the days. in me in the first place is God; his favour speaks for me. I went there to do my thing, Gobe was and bagged home 16 million naira while I was having one of my fun. One thing that kept me going was faith. Opportunity meets preparation. Always demos; be diligent, determined and hardworking. Someday, your Davido heard persistence will pay off. it and liked it. Which Nigerian artiste would you want to collaborate I guess the major problem with? we have in this industry is allocation of credits. (Laughter) I would love to Songwriters should be work with 2face any day, any recognized as it is done Password is your stage name, what is your real name? time. I love him. internationally. My name is Patrick Mathias.

You are a record producer, award winning singer and song writer. Can you tell your fans more about your music career so far?

Well, for me it’s like a cliché because every artiste and singer would say their music career started in the church; that’s where we all honed our skills. Thank God for the church and my background back in the days which had me playing different types of instruments. Personally, I had a fundamental background as far as music is concerned; I grew up in a music loving family. It was all fun because I had the passion and flair for it.

What inspires your music?

I don’t know if it is easy for everyone to digest but I am very eclectic. Ultimately, I will say God is my inspiration. My mood and life experiences are also a source of inspiration.

Can you talk about the collaboration between you and Geoffrey? Photo Credits: Fegor for 960 Music

12 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 So it wasn’t you who used bush, fry garri, hawk and do Sh** happens all the time. I the twitter handle to accuse everything normal guys go can’t really remember one Davido of intellectual through in life. now. property theft? What inspired the stage What problems do artistes No! No! It wasn’t me. Trust name Password? face in the industry that you me man, I don’t have an idea will love to be changed? where that was coming from. It was one guy that I respect so much. He used to be my Nigerian artistes are hard Did Davido pay for the song? number one fan. I know workers, but I think the aspect 960 MUSIC he’s still very passionate of royalties and creating Definitely, he paid. It was about the Password brand channels for revenues for us to business. There was no theft wherever he might be. He make more from our creative issue in this matter. I don’t called me one day and told works will surely improve the know who the troublemakers me that after meditating a industry. were. name just popped up to him and it was Password. I kept What do you make of the What’s your official twitter quiet for a while because I Nigerian music industry handle? felt like ‘this is it’. I felt the today? name came with a huge @iam_password responsibility. I accepted The Nigerian music industry it ‘cos I want to be the Who are your role models is getting better by the day. password to open different and mentors? The more opportunities we doors for people. get, the more artistes come That’s a difficult one. There into the industry and many What is your greatest are two people I like to talk talented people are taken achievement? about. Cobhams Asuquo. Is off the streets. The industry one of them; I love that man. is creating more jobs for the He’s my friend and brother. youths. One of the reasons why I say In 2013, I won so is because I am learning What do you think are the to see life through his eyes. the NMA reasons for the rapid growth? Tuface inspires me as well. Soundtrack I think it’s digital media, ICT age Are you in a relationship? and the recording equipment for better quality of music Right now, I like to say I am in of the year has helped in improving the a relationship and it’s with… 2013 in industry. With who? the movie What’s your fashion style? With my music.. (Laughter) I’m trying to be an “Iyanya” HoodRush. but I don’t know how to walk Can you talk more about your in chains. I love vintage. I go educational background? You know easy on all that stuff. I like to Well, I like to say I am keep it simple. educated. Music has taken I write What do you have to tell the center stage. I just your fans? acquired more skills. soundtracks Well I like to tell my fans, I Can you talk about your mean my friends out there, family? for movies life is not a bed of roses. In life, I come from a family of 6 too. It’s really you have to be very particular (six); three boys and three about what you want. I don’t girls and I am the last of one of my believe in luck ‘cos life is no them. I lost my Dad at age fluke. Sometimes I cry looking six and my mom had to strengths. at my life story and where I carter for us. It was so hard. am today. God has been so After my basic education, faithful. I believe in working I took the bull by the horn Have you ever been hard and putting God first in to create my own story it embarrassed by anyone all I do. Just have faith and wasn’t easy at all. I don clear before? work hard. Patrick Mathias

13 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 DearArtiste

On March 7th 2015, renowned OAP and inspirational mentor, Fola Folayan converged music industry personalities for her educating platform#DearArtiste . The platform over its period of inception has seen experienced industry personalities dole out advices for emerging artistes and managers alike teaching them about the importance of understanding the craft they practice. This edition tagged: “Finding Art & Entertainment with Purpose” had speakers like ID Cabasa, Alero Eghagha of Cool FM, Somto of Spinlet, Demilade and the convener herself, Fola. The interactive session was held at Yusuf Grillo Hall in YabaTech and had partners like: Spinlet, CoolFM, 360Nobs, Tush Magazine and Pulse.ng

Voucher code: DEARARTISTE Value: 1 month Spinlet Premium Subscription FREE SPINLET SUBSCRIPTION >> Validity of code/Expiry Date: June 30, 2015 Please note the voucher code cannot be used on Etisalat network and it also only works on Android and BB7 downwards. 14 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Our New Crush Goddess of Skillz

Beautiful Goddess of Skillz has proven to be a master in her selected choice of career; being a model, TV Presenter and Video vixen, she has immensely proven her worth and having her for your gig or appearing on your video is a huge plus. Plying her presenting skills with an urban TV channel, Goddess of Skillz has created a brand image for herself. Tush Magazine’s representative hooked up with her and here are some of the answers she offered in a quest to getting to know her better.

Q. Goddess of Skillz is a catchy stage television presenter, model and……. the A. It’s really complicated but I do my best name, what is your real name? list goes on. to balance it out, and luckily for me it’s all intertwined. One thing I make sure I always A. My real name is Oruwari Kaine Daala Q. Can you talk about your educational do is avoid getting too swamped with it all. background? I usually just take each day as it comes. Q. Can you tell your fans more about yourself? A. I attended Fountain Nursery and Primary Q. How will you rate the Nigerian school, Queens College for secondary Entertainment Industry today? A. Well, I’m not sure what exactly they school and the . would want to know but I’m from a family A. Over 10? I would give it an 8. The of five, with one older sister and one Q. How do you combine modeling, TV Nigerian Entertainment industry has younger brother, I’m a visual/fine artist presenting and Red carpet hosting to still come such a long way since as far back as as well as a graphic artist, makeup artist, deliver such stunning performances? I can remember it. If we were still stuck basketball player, rapper, singer, dancer, in that era, we wouldn’t be able to have

15 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 as many international recognition and my mind to do (except mathematics.) A. Not really, I try to stay out of trouble collaborations as we do now. as much as possible, but if I really have Q. What were the early days of your to mention one, it would be the one with Look at the likes of D’banj who got signed career like? Seyi Shay which I don’t believe was as to G.O.O.D music or Psquare who have big a deal as people made it out to be. worked with the likes of TI and Rick Ross, A. It was pretty cool back then. I got to take and these are just a few examples. There’s first hand notes from people like Denrele Q. Define GODDESS OF SKILLZ in one people like getting Edun and VJ Adams and watch them while sentence? featured on Time Magazine’s list of 100 they worked so it is quite safe to say, I got most influential people in the world in a pretty good start, and so many of the A. It’s pretty expressive; Goddess of Skillz is 2013 and Genevieve cinching international artistes like Iceprince, MI, Jesse Jagz and a strong female with an inhuman amount roles, it’s safe to say even in the movie others were so cool and made the job not to talents for one singular person. industry front we are doing great. so difficult. Q. Who are your role models? Q. As a TV and Public figure/personality, Q. What is your selling point? what challenges have you faced? A. My mom for one, she’s the most A. Selling point? I would say my dexterity hardworking and smartest woman A. Challenges? I don’t face challenges; I and versatility and ability to adapt to I know. Ryan Seacrest is another have experiences, because that is what almost any situation, but people say it’s person who I look to for inspiration. they are. A brick gets thrown at you, you my hair, or lack thereof, so yeah, my selling Q. Are you a fashionista? What goes for you?

A. Fashionista? Nah!! I wouldn’t say I am. I actually refer to my style as “Homeless fashion”. It’s kind of like how Johnny Depp dresses most times when he looks very not put together. I could wear my brother’s jeans, my dad’s shirt, mom’s jewelry, sister’s belt and my shoes and still look super cool.

Q. Name five Nigerian musicians you love their music?

A. OMG!! there are so many talented artistes in Nigeria, but of the top of my head, I would definitely pick Phyno (even though my Igbo is terrible and I have entirely no idea what he is saying half the time), MI Abaga (because of his word play and lyrical skills), Olamide (because again just like Phyno I have no idea what he is saying because my yoruba is bad, but his flow is insane), because watching her fiery performances on stage gives me so much life and everyone else.

Q. What is your greatest achievement so far?

A. My greatest achievements so far, would be getting to interview Jah Rule and Ashanti, meeting Amber Rose, Akon and attending the 57th Annual Grammy awards in 2015. pick it up, next time a brick comes flying, point is my head. you will find that you are in a better place Q. Where do you see yourself in the coming years? to deal with it because you start getting Q. Are you in a relationship? used to dealing with challenges. A. I see myself working in one of the biggest A. Nobody has sent me flowers Television stations in the world and possibly Q. If given the power, what will you or brought me flowers in a while being a cinematographer/ film maker. change in the industry? so I guess I’m not in any *laughs*

Q. What will you tell many women out A. Looking at the ratio of successful male to Q. What are the qualities you want in their aspiring to be like you? female artistes in the industry, one thing I your ideal man? would change if I had the power is the fact A. Just be yourself, do what you that female artistes aren’t recognized and A. Excessively rich so I can retire before do because you love what you not find it very hard to get into the industry. I’m 30, [Loool] just kidding (but I really because you are trying to make other wouldn’t mind). My Ideal man would have people happy, because happiness Q. Do you have other talents? to be God fearing, Understanding, Athletic, comes from within. Continue being Brilliant, Loyal, Sensitive and the usual. a #StrongBlackAfricanWoman (or a A. I’ve already given a list of them above, light skinned one) and if you are a but to add to that I’m a great cook Q. Have you had any controversy in the #baldblackbeauty like myself, then ROCK and I’m pretty good at anything I set industry yet? ON!!!

16 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 TUSH MAGAZINE INTERVIEW WITH FEMALE ^DJ SENSATION^, DJ Lo

By Alexander Thandi Ubani

Tell us about Dj Lo. It must be a bit challenging to be a My name is Cleopatra Amartey, I am a female DJ in the industry? DJ and I go by the stage name DJ Lo. I am in my twenties, Ghanaian and grew In the world we live in, it is challenging up in Lagos. As a DJ, have you played in any show as a female to survive in a male yet? dominated field. I’m working to make What was your childhood like? a difference. That’s why I focus on Yes. For the greater part of 2014, originality and sticking true to what It was fun like every childhood. I played at Blak Lounge/Sand Bar I believe in. For me, that is enough to Elegushi on a regular basis. I also played boost my excellence. You are one of the very few female at the last TPL. I also recently played at Disk Jockeys (DJ) in the industry? the Afro POP Party. Who is your favorite Nigerian Artiste?

Sure. EDM is my specialty. But, I play To be a DJ is serious business, how My all time favorite, now and forever a lot of AfroHouse/Afrobeat/Dance as have you coped in the industry? would be Fela Anikulapo Kuti. well. Learning everyday helped me and is still Who is your role model? Can you talk about your educational helping me cope. More so, being new to background? the industry, it all about understanding My role models because they are how the particular industry operates in definitely more than one. I have I attended Queens College, Yaba Lagos a given country. Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Louie and later went to School of Zamperini. Nursing and Midwifrey. I am a nurse by What challenges do DJs face? profession. What is your twitter and Instagram We face different challenges such as late handle? How did you become a DJ? bookings to impromptu cancellation of shows and many others. @sensei_lo Well, music has always been a fundamental part of me. I used to think Why did you choose this particular What would you consider as your I was going to become a rapper till I calling? greatest achievement? realized that path isn’t for everyone. Then this passion was discovered. Now, I would say this calling chose me. It has My greatest achievement is to have it is a more creative way to express the been a part of me. So it’s hard to think gotten to this stage I am in as a female music I love. of it as me choosing this calling. with lots of restriction around me. To have been able to successfully combine What have you done to grow more in What projects are you working on? two opposing careers and master them the art so to say? both, that to me is great. Well, there are lots of projects I am always open to learning new presently on ground. But for the Define your fashion style? things. There is no such thing as too purpose of privacy, I cannot disclose much knowledge. So I try to learn new their particular names. But, I can assure My fashion sense is basically me just techniques through various online you that they would be explosive pieces being original and retro when possible platforms and from some mentors. coming very soon. i.e. being an 80’s kid. Just real like that.

17 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Do you like clubbing and partying?

Lol. Clubbing and Partying? Cleo is quiet shy and reserved. But Lo is more the open type. So I’d say a little in between the two. DJ Lo Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Ok. In five years, God willing, I see myself being the best DJ to come out of Africa.

18 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Celebrity HUB Oye Akideinde

Oyebowale Babatunde Akideinde, popularly known as Oye A.K.D. was born in the late 70s in Lagos to a lovely family of six [parents inclusive] as the last child and third son of the family.

Although his parents are from Ogun State, Oye was born in Lagos and also had his childhood in Lagos – Surulere to be precise where he had his nursery and primary education at Sunnyfield Schools, then later attended Federal Government College, Odogbolu for his secondary education. He studied in Odogbolu for a year and then transferred to Lagos State Model College where he completed his secondary education. He got into the University of Lagos to study After working for four Computer Science, and after graduation, he got years with UAC, Oye posted to for his youth service. From moved to FCMB as Abia state, he redeployed back to Lagos state and the Head of Debit & got posted to a newspaper company called Comet Prepaid cards where he Newspaper in Ijora, Lagos. At Comet was where worked for two years he first got his taste of working with websites as and also successfully he was required to update and post content on implemented several their website daily. He then joined an Internet projects such as Verve, Service Provider - Prodigy International as a MasterCard & Visa Web Developer where he nurtured his skills to Credit card projects perfection. amongst others. After working for 2 years, Oye went to the UK for his Masters’ Degree and while in the UK, he tried his hands on music as a rapper seeing that he All along, Oye had always severally got applauded on for his rapping skills back in secondary school been [and still is] a music bluff but he had to stop to focus on his primary assignment there. Done with and when MI Abaga came into his studies, Oye moved back to Nigeria in 2004 and joined the queue of the music industry with his graduates seeking jobs. Luckily for him, at a point where he was already Talk About It album in 2009, getting frustrated by the situation, Oye got a job with UACN Plc as a Project Oye deemed it fit and wrote & Web Manager making him the one of the youngest managers to achieve an album review on it which such a feat albeit it being a new position in the group. He would hold several received many applauds other positions and one of his proud achievements during his stay at UACN from his friends and even got Plc was the Corporate Rebranding project he project managed. published in the newspapers.

19 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 While at FCMB, one of his friends – Noble Igwe reached out to him to help HUB advise on developing a website which Celebrity was meant to be an entertainment platform. Oye Akideinde On near completion of continued from Pg. 19 the website, Noble asked Oye to come on board as a music editor for the website but during one of their many meets, Noble invited a mutual friend in the person of Anthonia Soares [presently the editor of Complete Fashion Magazine] and during the discussion, the idea of three of them becoming directors sprung up and was immediately adopted. Still working at the bank, Oye’s ‘workaholic’ energy arose; he was working 9-9 for the bank and the rest of the evening on the website.

With their combined efforts, they managed the website so well that its traffic began to increase on a monthly basis. Five years on, the website – www.360nobs.com has grown to become one of most visited sites in Nigeria with millions of views monthly. him in on the vision of Spinlet. Sharing the same Oye left FCMB for a CIO digital vision, Oye joined Spinlet and is currently role at CCM Limited the Head, of Business Development globally; a and then eventually left position that interestingly doesn’t clash with his to focus on 360nobs commitments at 360nobs. One way he ensures that, fully for nine months is doubling the efforts into his duties at Spinlet. to put in structures and Oye’s 15 years+ big picture doesn’t end with all this as he has a few upcoming projects which should affect quite a large number of individual’s lifestyle in processes. SPINLET then Nigeria. came calling. Before Oye In his words “I tell people life is one step at a time, Keep up with your took up the offer, he had competitors and always have a plan.” several discussions with Happily married, Oye is the proud father of his beautiful Oluwadarasimi and the founder who did let she is one of the main reasons that make him work harder.

20 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Tush Magazine Exclusive Interview with Suka Sounds

The quality of music being released recently in Nigeria has increased greatly when compared to the past. Asides the improvements in the production of beats, we now enjoy clearer, melodious and soothing music. Most of these improvements in the quality of music are being made possible by sound engineers who mix and master songs. In Nigeria, we have quite a few talented ones and amongst them is a young chap who has lately, successfully created a niche for himself in the world of mixing and mastering or better put - sound engineering. Out of a possible 10 released songs today, 7 of them are possibly mastered by Suka Sounds; largely because of the creativity he inputs into songs to make them perfect. Tush Magazine hooked up with the amazing Suka Sounds in his studio for an exclusive interview. Find below excerpts of the interview session. Fizzers

Q. Glad to meet you, Suka Sounds. Is that to manage and be the in-house producer. I your real name? also went to School of Audio Engineering to enhance my career before being called Actually, my name is Suka Andrews. upon by E.M.E to be the in-house producer and sound Engineer. That’s where I am Q. Tell us a little about yourself? now. Suka Andrew is from Jos, Plateau State Q. How long have you been in the Nigerian Nigeria. I am a Sound Engineer and a Music scene? lover of music. Professionally, I have been in the industry I am from a family of five. for 8 years. Q. Can you talk more on your educational background? Q. What actually is your specialty? Music I attended Amazing Grace Private School For me, it is music production. I am a for Primary Education before going to general Music Producer but people know Science Day Private Secondary School. I me more as a Sound Engineer. also went to a music Institute in Jos to add Q. Can you mention some artistes you’ve more value to my trade. I had wanted to worked with in the music Industry. be an architect but eventually fell in love with music. I later went to Studio One I have worked with the likes of Brymo, for 2 years as a sound Engineer. It wasn’t Shady, Banky W, D’banj and Davido. long before I was called upon by another Basically, I’ve worked with almost all the major studio for another 2 and half years artistes in the industry.

21 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Q. Can you mention some notable Q. What projects are you working Q. What inspires you? songs you’ve worked on? on now? I’m inspired by good music. I did Brymo’s ‘Ara’; Davido’s I’m working on a whole lot of ‘Owonikoko’; Wizkid’s Album; projects. Many of the artistes are Q. What is your greatest Banky W’s Album and 6 tracks on working hard to drop quality songs achievement so far? Dbanj’s recent album; DJ Jimmy and I am working to make their I will say my brand Suka Sounds. Jatts’ ‘Eto be’ and so many others. dreams come true. That’s the mother achievement of all Q. What challenges have you faced Q. How will you rate the Nigerian I have achieved now. in the industry? Music Industry? Q. Could you elucidate the Some challenges I faced then was Yeah. We are definitely growing. importance of Sound Engineers to having clients complain about my Just that we are having a little the Nigerian Music industry? ability to mix and master sounds. congestion. It’s more like we Sound Engineers enhance sounds It was really challenging but those are forcing the world to hear us from its raw state to a more moments of rejection made me and they are listening. We have acceptable top quality. We are like better. The growing phase was also knowledgeable professionals in the interior designers of a house. very challenging. Thank God I have the industry; back then, everyone passed through that and now, I have wanted to do things themselves, but Q. In 5 years, where do you see been established. we have outgrown that now, We are yourself in the industry? really growing. Another challenge we face in the I see myself owning a record label industry is recognition; Sound Q. Do you have an official website? called Suka Sounds if God wills it. Engineers are not given much credit for the work they do. We are not www.sukasounds.com Q. What more are we expecting recognized in the industry especially from you? It’s a site to let you know what I do in the areas of awards. A category should be created to recognize the generally. I also build studios. You Expect more music, more good important role Sound Engineers play know, I built Wizkid’s studio, the music. You guys should watch out in the industry. It is important. very first Davido’s studio and many for more Suka Sounds on your other studios. The site will also show radios and TVs. Q. Why did you choose this line of you some of the works we’ve done duty? for people. You know I’m a general Q. What are your twitter and sound Designer and Engineer, so I Facebook handles? Well, the truth is that I love do almost everything. There is a Twitter: @Sukaonpoint creativity; It is real fun for me ‘cos provision for uploading of songs too. it’s like putting puzzles together. I Instagram: @SukaSounds love the technicalities, frequencies Q. Who are your mentors? to cut, some calculations to do to Thank you for your time and the I love Christy Jones, he’s one great get it right. I’m just in love with enlightenment! engineering and music. Engineer.

22 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 From what we have already, it is a possible outcome.

What’s the idea behind this project?

The idea is to give people the opportunity to meet and express themselves, have fun and not just talk about Interview with soccer but also participate and play football. Why is it called Twitter Premier League and what role Oluwafemi Adebule does twitter play in this regard? We chose that because it started on twitter. I and Efe (my of the TWITTER co-director) thought out the name because it also had a nice acronym, so we took it up. Everybody has a twitter handle; it’s the easiest way to get word out to the general PREMIER LEAGUE public. By Alexander Thandi Ubani. How and who can participate in this game show?

In this exclusive interview with Oluwafemi Adebule, Managing Right now, we have 6 male teams and 2 female teams. Director of Twitter Premier League, he explains more on the We usually make a call out for new participants and get fascinating concept, aims and objectives behind the Twitter proposals as to what they can offer to TPL. The easiest way Premier League. to participate is to join a team; it’s open to everybody but there is a selection process. You can check out the teams and know if you can fit in. You can choose to own you own team and assemble your players or walk up to any of the captains to join their teams.

What does TPL aim to achieve?

The predominant aim of TPL at this point in time is to be the number football tournament in Lagos for people between the ages of 20−40. We aim at making the TPL bigger, better and more expansive.

What are the processes for participation?

All participants must have twitter accounts and we don’t accept people that play football every day for a living. We don’t take professional footballers.

How did you fair in the last three editions? Can you explain what TPL stands for? TPL 1 didn’t have so much publicity and we had 350 It’s the Twitter Premier League. We gave it the name since people who turned up for the event in Lekki. Inspiration everybody likes tweeting about the team they support especially FM gave us audience too and that went well. TPL 2 was in the English Premier League, so we created an avenue for very massive as we had about 700 people who turned people to come, meet and play football together. up for the event. Although the publicity was backboned on twitter, the turnout was impressive and the total What do you do at Twitter Premier League? experience was exhilarating for everyone present. We took TPL 3 to ELTV, radio and TV stations, about 1,200 people We organize football tournaments. We plan to develop leagues came to watch at Lekki. So far, the planning and execution for private schools, under 12’s and we have a lot of charity works of the TPL has been challenging but very successful. we do. Every year, we give money to states to send children to school. We also do the Christmas on the street – where we go and What actually is the main attraction of the league/event? feed people on Christmas day on the streets. So, the TPL is fun and simple; there are also a serious set of people behind it. It’s a If I am to be honest, most of us on twitter are like a family. brand that speaks for itself. Many of us have been tweeting together for years and with time, find ourselves become close. It’s often hard to Does TPL involve growing football talents also? organize a meeting and meet up. So, TPL is one avenue

23 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 [ ...Continued ] to meet everyone and have fun. It’s a lot of fun, football and finding sponsors are no longer hard. friends. All of that! I know some people dating that met at TPL1. It’s a plus for all of us. By partnering with ELTV which was aired on DSTV, it gives TPL more credibility, how do you plan to make this more interesting for many Nigerians out there who will be interested to participate?

For the first time, we are introducing lots of entertainment like popular Nigerian artists performing, dance shows, plans for kids and the likes. We have a whole lot of entertainment and fun for people that will come.

What plans do you have for the future?

We want to ensure that the brand continues to grow, remain fresh and provide entertainment and fun for everybody out What challenges have you faced in setting up such a massive there. event? MEDIA LINKS: The major one is funds; we need more sponsors for this great programme. We also have issues with organization as most of Youtube: thetpltv the directors are top bankers, IT gurus, Government workers Twitter:@thetpl etc. Well, it’s hard but all of us prioritize to make it happen. Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetpl Thankfully, we have reached a stage where raising funds and

Face of Amber The memory of this event still lingers in the mind of guests that attended the well organized and star studded event. Held at the prestigious Hotel Constantial in and hosted by Melvin Oduah of BBA, the event saw 18 years old BOLARINDE DAMILOLA emerged as the new Face of Amber. Face of Amber is powered and organized by CYNOSURE MAGAZINE.

24 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Praiz

www.tushmagazine.com.ng Tush Magazine Interview with Praiz

When MI dropped his sophomore album in 2011, he had a huge audience anticipating the release largely because of the tactics his team used in dropping the album. Amongst the songs included in the album was Epic, where he featured Praiz and we were all made to wonder who the talented singer was. Then in 2012, Bez got him featured on his ‘Stupid Song’ and yet again, we all marveled at the serenity at which this talented individual sang.

Moving on, Praiz released his first official single titledRich “ and Famous” - a song that importantly stamped his spotlight glee. Interestingly, this once MTN Project Fame finalist had his story.

Praise Ugbede Adejo was born in Lagos but had his upbringing in Kaduna. At age 2, his family moved to Kaduna when his father got transferred there. An Igalla by tribe, Praiz is from Kogi State and is the second child of his parents’ five children. He attended Kaduna State Polytechnic where he studied Computer Science. Here are excerpts from the interview we had with him.

26 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Photo credit: Dele Lawal Make up: Blessings

Tush Mag: You recently dropped your Tush Mag: Putting together Praiz: It was actually fantastic. After debut album, how would you rate it in the albums, you worked with recording, I played it to a couple of your own expectations? other artistes, how would you friends and family members and they explain the experience? all gave me positive feedback, so I kept recording and recording to perfect my Praiz: It was awesome, I vocal strength. I went as far as putting had a super packed album out two singles back then and it grew to working with the likes of becoming number 1 and 3 respectively Wizkid, , Patoranking, in a local radio station in . I was Shaydee, Seyi Shay, Chidinma, in Kaduna State Polytechnic while Sammy, Sound Sultan and a still pushing, then a friend advised I couple of others and basically participate in some of the reality shows for me, it was huge working being organized which I did; Infact I with these talented acts. participated in virtually every reality show back then but I couldn’t make Tush Mag: Let’s talk a little on any headline till 2008 when I entered how music started for you for MTN Project Fame West Africa. Praiz: For me, music started in Tush Mag: From participating in MTN the church. I could remember as a little kid, I played the Project Fame till now, how would you drums quite well in church and describe your progress? after secondary school there Praiz: Personally for me, the Rich was this studio I visit where I & Famous album is one of the best occasionally play live drums albums out of the country and I’m for recording when they need proud of them both. Although it took it. Although I haven’t played me a while to put them out, I’m proud the drums in a while, the skills to have released two albums as my are still in the blood [Chuckles] debut. Frequenting the studio during Tush Mag: What is the idea behind the that period actually influenced double albums? my abilities as an artiste; I learnt how to produce beats, Praiz: The idea behind my double engineer songs and record albums is to showcase my versality. there, I also had my first The Rich album is the RnB album while recording there – just to hear the Famous album is the Afrobeat how I would sound basically. album. Both albums came on the number 1 spot on the iTunes chart and Tush Mag: How was the Praiz: [smiles] From Project Fame till quite honestly for me that was huge feeling and what followed now has been one word – progress. I and I’m proud to have achieved that. next for you? have moved from being underground

27 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Photo courtesy: Maureen Adepitan X3M for Music

to participating in reality TV shows to premiere on BET 106 & but when it comes to a Nigerian, to getting featured by a great rapper, Park, after that I released my many speculations and criticisms getting signed on a label and releasing own single which was received fly around. For me, being an artiste my own albums; there is no other positively from everyone. doesn’t limit my capabilities; Yes! way to describe it apart from one Each move has always being a I’m RnB and I forever would be, progress to another one. milestone for me. I try to always but then again as an artiste, there make my next move greater is a responsibility where you need Tush Mag: Between participating in than the last and I’m grateful for to satisfy your fans and not all the Project Fame and getting featured his mercies. time are they in for RnB, so doing on MI’s Epic track, which would you a different genre of music for them choose as the milestone that broke Tush Mag: Trying not to come at only shows your versatility. you out? you but what is the reason for you switching your style now? Tush Mag: You are one of the brand Praiz: Like I earlier said, my musical ambassadors for MTN, how is it career has been one progress to Praiz: I am usually surprised being such? another. Participating in Project Fame when people ask me why I sort of shot me into the spotlight changed my style of singing. Praiz: Being a brand ambassador and then MI came through as well. Nobody questions R.Kelly to the biggest telco firm in Africa It didn’t end there for me; I worked when he does a party jam or one of those factors that keeps me on Bez’s “Stupid Song” which ended a gospel song and then goes working hard and I’m grateful for up becoming the first Africa song back to his normal RnB pattern being one of their ambassadors.

28 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 A graduate of Geography and Regional Planning from the prestigious University of Lagos, Pearl Hart or Pearl Candy as she is often called in not your average presenter. Her ever smiling and ever bubbling personality has a captivating prowess with which she succeeds in holding her viewers spell bound.

Born Pearl Hart in the 80’s, Pearl is a Rivers State indigene but had her upbringing in Surulere – a place she visits every weekends as a point of duty except for weekends when she is out of the country or engaged on official assignments; her family house is in Surulere.

Although the last child of her parents, Pearl had learnt to be contented and independent at an early stage in her life prompting her to Screen Kings: engage in activities that could earn her extra cash. At age 15, Pearl featured Pearl in a couple of Nigerian movies using her acting skills; she decided to concentrate on modeling when she got into the university.

While in her sophomore year in the university, she attended an audition organized by SoundCity and was amongst the few selected; she went on to becoming one of their presenters. Presenting became a new hobby for Pearl coupled with her dramatic nature and interesting personality, she excelled quite well and hosted some major events even as a newbie.

Continues on the next page.

29 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Combining presenting and studies became quite a huge responsibility on her shoulders so she opted for the latter; she paused her TV career to complete her education and when she was done quite surprisingly, SoundCity still opened the door to let her in – apparently because of her talents. and Rap Attack Coming back to SoundCity further expanded her creativeTop Ten Countabilities Down, as she City has Divas been able to successfully host a couple of TV talk shows amongst which are which all shows her versality as each programme is totally different from one another.

Pearl’s fashion sense is also imbedded into her TV shows which habitually have her dressing according to the context of the programme. While she is flexible in her dressings, she also likes to be comfortable and wont cross the fashion line to impress others without being comfortable herself.

Screen Kings: Pearl

30 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Inheritance is accidental Written by Imiegha Phidelia [@ThePhidelia_]

“Ovbiemwen, Lahor, bring the children to see me, the end is near.”

Those were the contents of the text message Ivie received a week ago from her mother that forced her to take her children to Ologbo, Edo state, to visit their estranged grandmother. Ivie had bluntly refused to stay at her mother’s place, she chose instead to lodge at a hotel a comfortable distance from the house. She had a premonition that staying at that familiar, old house would awaken the demons she had left behind. The hotel had poor service, poor food, no hot water and rude attendants, but she didn’t care.

Surprisingly, little had changed in the last 10 years since she left Ologbo. The red sand which was everywhere still had the same bright and fierce color she remembered, the families that lived in her street when she was a child still lived there, and the street tap, although now rusted from lack of use or repair, still stood at a strategic point in the middle of the street. Ivie’s mother’s 3 bedroom bungalow remained unpainted and ungated, the same old furniture lying around the living room; a tattered couch and three arm chairs arranged in a semi-circle; even the tiny black and white TV which had gone bad a few months before she left home remained on a small stool at the front of the room, unrepaired. The pots and pans and plates in the dark, warm kitchen, had not been changed. The familiar smell that had enveloped the house all those years ago still lingered, carrying a lot of memories with it. Ivie found herself wondering how ten years could go by with so little changing.

Ivie had spent 3 days in Edo State, taking the children every day to visit her mother but never actually talking to her. She would sit in a corner, allowing her mother and the children talk and play until she decided it was time to go. It annoyed Ivie that her mum still insisted on calling her ‘ovbiemwen’ meaning ‘my child’, a name she had always called her as a child.

31 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Delia | Inheritance is Accidental

On the evening of the 3rd day, Ivie visited her mother with her two children to say goodbye. Approaching the house, she heard a soft, familiar song playing loudly from one of the houses in the street; an old bini song by a local artiste whose name she tried to recall but failed. The song instantly made her feel nostalgic; it was one of her late sister’s favourites back in the day. She felt a lump form in her throat as she held back a sob. As Ivie watched her mother tell her children ancient Edo tales and sing songs she had sung to her as a child, the memories of her childhood which she had tried so hard to forget for years came flooding back & she felt an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, again. She felt her eyes brimming with tears and quickly excused herself to the veranda. It was almost 6pm and dusk was already beginning to set in; the chickens that moved out in groups at dawn to search for food in the streets and in dustbins had already returned to roost. Ivie hugged herself tightly, only just noticing that the cold breeze had caused goose bumps to form on her skin. The familiar sound of men laughing and talking loudly at a nearby beer parlour and of women loudly conversing in their backyards while cooking dinner transported her decades back. She had lived in this compound for twenty years; more than half of her life. This was where she had grown up and shared a life with her younger sister, and suddenly, the reality of her sister’s death hit her harder than it had in years. Unable to help it anymore, she burst into silent tears.

Ivie was raised by her mother, along with her late sister, Amenze, in abject poverty in this house. Their father, now dead, was a prominent titled chief, who married dozens of wives, who in turn bore him scores of children. When Ivie was barely 3 years old, shortly after Amenze was born, their mother left their father’s compound and brought them here to stay in the house she had inherited from her grandmother, so there was very little she could remember of her life in her father’s house. She only saw her father on the local TV channels, ITV and EBS when he either hosted or attended events. The only time she had seen him physically was when, against her mother’s warning, herself and Amenze attended his lavish birthday party in Benin. She struggled through the crowd to get close to his seat, expecting some kind of recognition, willing him to look at them and say, “Oh! There you are my daughters; I’ve been looking for you.” But Chief Imade had looked right through her, and when she and Amenze tried to go further, his huge bodyguards warded her off. They both returned home in disappointment, the kind of disappointment that numbed the pain of her mother’s lashes as she flogged her later that night for disobeying her orders.

Their mother was an abusive mother — she liked to call herself a disciplinarian but she was really just taking out her frustrations on her children. Whenever she had a bad day at the market where she sold second hand clothes, she would verbally abuse them and curse their father. She never told them why she had left their father’s compound or why she hated him so much. She would call him all sorts of names and blame him for everything that went wrong in their lives. When she didn’t have money to buy food or to pay bills, she would lament and curse the day she met him. Sometimes, she would tell Ivie and Amenze that giving birth to them was the biggest mistake of her life.

Amenze was the only solace Ivie had known. They would stay up at night for hours and talk about all the faraway places they would travel to, to escape their mother’s bitterness. They had inside jokes and nicknames; they shared everything and did everything together. People often asked if they were twin sisters. They both went everywhere together, and when Ivie got admitted into the University of Benin, Amenze studied very hard to ensure she also got in two years later. They both had plans of becoming successful women and proving to both their parents that they weren’t useless after all.

32 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Delia | Inheritance is Accidental

When Ivie was in her final year at Uniben, Amenze fell sick. The doctor said her heart was packing up and she needed a transplant. Ivie couldn’t understand how a heart could suddenly pack up. The surgery could not be done in Nigeria and when Ivie heard the amount needed to fly Amenze out for surgery, she almost wet her pants. She went on the internet and searched for heart foundations and NGOs for people needing heart transplants. It would take months for Amenze to get to the top of the waiting lists and according to the doctors, she barely had weeks. After thinking very hard for a solution, Ivie finally came up with a seemingly brilliant plan and happily went to share it with her mother who was at Amenze’s side at the hospital. She told her mother that she would go to her father for help and her mother screamed that it would be over her dead body. Shocked, Ivie asked why and her mother became silent. Ivie tried to get her mother on board with the plan but she blatantly refused and kept insisting that ‘God would provide’.

A week later, with Amenze’s condition worsening, Ivie decided to go to her father on her own. She wasn’t even let into his compound; who would give a strange girl claiming to be the estranged daughter of a rich chief any audience anyway. She returned to the hospital in dejection, lost as to how to save her only sister’s life. The hospital ejected Amenze 3 days later due to lack of funds. Apart from the small deposit made by her mother’s brother, they had not paid a dime. Ivie cried and begged her mother to reach out to her father for help but she refused, and chose instead to borrow from her friends. After borrowing all she could, the money wasn’t even enough for the flight ticket.

The day Amenze passed away was a peculiar day, was shining and rain was falling at the same time; it made Ivie think of elephants in labour in faraway lands. The house was very silent, apart from Amenze’s loud breaths and her (Ivie) own silent sobs. Ivie was massaging Amenze’s head with a wet cloth to bring down her fever when suddenly she had a seizure. Not knowing what to do, Ivie held Amenze, screaming, crying and praying it would stop. It did eventually, but so did Amenze’s breathing.

Ivie blamed her mother for Amenze’s death back then and she still blamed her. She hardly spoke to her after her sister died; talking to her only when necessary, in mono syllables and when her mother, frustrated, finally screamed at her about her attitude, she screamed back at her and said a lot of hurtful things. About a year later, to her utmost relief, she got posted to Lagos for her NYSC. She never returned until now.

A nearby sound awakened Ivie from her reverie. She looked at the watch — 6:45pm — they had to get to the hotel before it became too dark. She got up from the bench she had been sitting on and headed into the dark living room.

“Iye, ma kian kpa. We have to go, it’s getting late.” She said to her mother.

Her mother, reluctant to part with the children replied, “Ovbiemwen! I don’t know why you won’t stay here, ehn. There’s a lot of room for the three of you.”

When Ivie remained silent, she continued, “You will come tomorrow abi?”,

She looked very hopeful and for once, Ivie felt sad for her. She truly was old and alone. Still Ivie replied curtly,

33 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Delia | Inheritance is Accidental

“Eho, no, we have to leave very early tomorrow. We won’t be stopping by.”

As her mother averted her face quickly to hide the tears that had just now formed in her eyes, Ivie felt a pang of guilt.

Her mother walked her and the children to the front of the house where the taxi she had called was waiting. After she and the children had hugged and said their goodbyes, her mother tapped her as if to say something.

She looked at her pleadingly and said, “Ovbiemwen, my child, I know you may still be angry at me over what happened to our dear Amenze. But you can’t desert me like this, you are all I have”

Ivie winced a bit when she mentioned Amenze. They both had avoided the topic during her short and forced phone conversations over the years; the ones where she informed her of her marriage and then the birth of her children, more to fulfil obligations than from the need to share her life’s details with her mother.

Now holding her palms together, as if she was begging, her mother continued, “Tohan mwen, please forgive me. I wronged you and I failed as a mother but I want to be a grandmother to these children. They are my children. Ivie, ghė gui.”

Ivie stared at her mother for a few seconds, wondering how a mother would rather watch her child die than swallow her pride. Ivie muttered weakly, “I’ve heard you. The children are tired. Goodnight ma.”

As Ivie made to open the car door, her mother made one last attempt to change her mind.

“I did not kill Amenze, I didn’t kill my child.”, She said weakly.

“You didn’t kill her, but you let her die”, Ivie replied accusingly.

“Stop running away from your mother, Ivie”, she said, finally letting the tears fall.

“You chased me away”, Ivie replied quietly after a brief pause. She then got into the car and it sped off into the night leaving her weeping mother in a cloud of dust.

7 months later, Ivie received the news of her mother’s death and it affected her in ways she didn’t expect. It opened up fresh wounds and she regretted not forgiving her mother when she still had the chance. It dawned on her that she had become exactly like her mother – stubborn, cold and unforgiving.

34 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 LMK’s Diary MUSIC: The New Occupation.

It sickens me when I hear people tag and blame the womanizing would get them far enough to be popular. government and lack of job opportunities on why the M.I.. this amazing rapper made people “discover” entertainment industry, especially music industry is their careers in rap music; I am a witness to the oh-so crowded today. fact that majority of them are still stuck somewhere between giving up or just trying one more time. Don’t But come on, let’s be realistic; which job doesn’t get me wrong, I don’t blame the artistes; I blame the require you to leave the comfort of your home unless psychological effect it’s having on us. you got interviews, appearances, shoots or recordings to attend to? I mean which job gives you the leverage The list is endless and our youths are hypnotized with to party all day and night with the finest and wildest the notion that the life of a superstar is probably all girls out there? How many jobs out there actually that there is to success. They believe that the life of offer you over N500,000.00 for a sitting? Which job a professional party dog is the easy way out of reality. guarantees you an endorsement deal in the long run These and many are the reasons why we have endless of your career? While your 9-5 mates are stuck in strings of upcoming artistes who aren’t exactly traffic after a long day at work, who entertains them “breaking” into the industry. on the stereo? We just have a bunch of okay singers and rappers These and many more are the reasons why over who do not exactly have budgets hence you see them 50% of our youths today want to try out a career begging producers, graphic designers, promoters and in music probably regardless of an actual talent in finally, begging their BBM and Whatsapp contacts making music and yeah our artistes up there aren’t to kindly listen and download their songs. How many exactly making it less worse. They putting out posts times does the struggle actually surmount to a on instagram, twitter, facebook and snapchat (we performance slot at the Industry Nite, talk less of a can’t blame them) that psychologically frustrates and paid event?? motivates emerging artistes on a daily basis. The struggle out there isn’t easier I know, but it’s way While Davido is making these kids believe that money better than the money I’ve seen some artistes waste is the way forward (well, why not?), Wizkid kinda gives on production and promotion before falling out of sync. them the optimistic impression that singing about I imagine investing some of this money sometimes. girls and the way they “whine and roll it” would get In my 4-year experience as a media consultant and their songs on every body’s lips. Yemi Alade got the a publicity strategist, I have encountered people who girls believing that if they sing about men’s incessant wasted ill-gotten millions trying to be like Davido and

35 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 his cohorts. Some of them also have it all figured something that may turn out to be very profiting or out that if you collaborate with A-lists on your songs, find a job then maybe you can consider hitting the you’re likely to blow. I know a lot that didn’t. Why? they studio. I’m a music lover, but I admire a youth who is lacked promotional and marketing strategies. Some an entrepreneur much more than my favorite rapper of them couldn’t even lace good songs after paying and singer. No lie. hundreds of thousands for collaborations and top- notch productions. Until you, your record label or managers are able to comfortably afford the demands of the industry, I’d I have patted the backs of many who finally confided advise you to just remain a fan of the industry, no hard in me about giving up and finding something much feelings. The industry is spinning faster than it ever more feasible to try out. It is heart breaking. We has, everybody’s demanding from you and very few know hundreds of artistes who showed up on our people are actually helping you. Radio and TV rotations favorite blogs and we were totally digging them and are no joke. Online publicity and social media brand asking them for Mixtapes, EPs or Albums and all of an publicity is becoming more and more expensive on a inevitable sudden, they disappeared from the music monthly basis. The industry is a whirlpool of swindlers, scene. Many of whom we know have settled for being bluffers, and ballers who would hardly even believe in Twitter and Instagram celebrities today (Uhm hmm). you.

Unless probably given an opportunity by a record label Okpolor eye, no be open eye. Be wise, and above all, I who is also trying out, accompanied with a trashy wish you success in your musical careers! contract most times to try out your luck, you really should save the money you have and invest it into One.

Flash 3000 and a slave. Fiction by Phidelia.

I’m lying on my bed hoping and praying that tonight my owner will fail to visit. He has never missed a night, but somehow, I still manage to harbour this strong hope every single night, that he would fail to come. I listen to the silent ticking of the clock above my head, counting the seconds, and then the minutes, still hoping. But at exactly 3a.m, as with every night since I came to be his slave when I was 14, I hear my owner’s light footsteps approaching my room. I count his footsteps, it takes him 14 steps to get to my room and I count 14. I am precise, I count everything. It’s all I can do. Just as he begins to knock softly on my door, I make the decision I’ve been afraid to make for years, the decision which will free me as much as it will destroy me. It ends tonight; I feel under my pillow to make sure the knife is still there, it is, right where it has been for 3 years. And then he knocks, 3 sharp knocks, the sound I dread, ‘ko ko ko’. I swiftly get up from my bed and open the door to find the fat bastard grinning as he sees me naked. He immediately reaches for my breasts and squeezes them while he shoves me roughly to the bed. I lie on my back, while he mounts me and starts pounding with reckless abandon. His eyes are closed; he is lost in ecstasy so he doesn’t see me reach for my knife. He doesn’t see me hesitate for just the slightest moment, before I aim the knife at his chest. He feels the cold steel of the knife touch his chest and his eyes immediately widen. He sees what is about to happen, he sees his imminent end and opens his mouth to scream but I am faster. I plunge the knife deep into his heart and silence him forever. His body goes limp as blood sputters all over my body from his bloodied chest. I struggle to push his heavy body off of me and eventually succeed. There is blood everywhere; my hair, my clothes, my bed, the floor. But today it doesn’t irritate me; today it feels me with an overwhelming joy. I may escape, I may get arrested, I may get the death sentence, I may even be tortured first, but right now, I don’t care. For 8 years, 2 months and 18 days, exactly 3000 days, I have been a slave, and every day I counted down to this moment, in this moment, I am free.

36 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Jason Porshe

Nigerian luxury bespoke fashion design label “Jason Porshe” is a brand which solely focuses on bespoke tailoring, with Design aesthetic of redefining classic masculinity and feminity. Established in 2012, the Jason Porshe Brand is owned by 21 year old award winning menswear architect Jason Samuel. Jason Samuel has unveiled series of collections, But is known for his collection “Elusive Invasion” which made its Debut at the Native and vogue international week and “SkyFall” which Featured Celebrity models and actors Alex Ekubo, Ik Ogbonna, Bryan Okwara & more.

The Creative Director of the Jason Porshe Brand has been able to raise a celebrity clientele with the likes of Korede Bello, Yemi Alade, Praiz, Eva Alordiah, Uti Nwachukwu, Gbenro Ajibade, Denrele Edun & a lot more.

37 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Jason Porshe

Jason Samuel - Creative director

38 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Abuja Takes a Step Up To The Black Podium

The Johnnie Walker Black Podium brought bold, unforgettable performances to Abuja

From top artists to double-jointed contortionists, the Johnnie Walker Black Podium set the new benchmark for entertainment at XO in Abuja with a unique blend of performances, ushering in an entirely new entertainment experience for the capital city.

Along with reggae-dancehall maestro, and hit maker, Kiss Daniel, the bold and diverse line-up included DJs Nani and The Mouth DJ, contortionist act Dflex, saxophonist Doyin Sax and dancers. The evening was hosted by charismatic radio personality Sensei Uche.

“The night was a blend of top-class performances, sometimes unreal and definitely unseen before in Abuja! The event underscored the Johnnie Walker Black Podium’s reputation for bringing masterful acts to the country’s stages and raising the caliber of Nigerian nightlife,” says Liz Ashdown, Head of marketing, spirits and RTD at Diageo Brands Nigeria.

Among the numerous memorable moments of the night was the phenomenal performance by Burna Boy, who alongside a never seen before contortionist act, brought to life the kind of performance that sets the Black Podium apart from any other event in Nigeria.

Over the months to-date, guests to Black Podium events have experienced everything from mind-bending contortionist acts to magicians, star-studded artists and top class DJs, as this event series continues to bring bold and unexpected entertainment to Nigeria.

For those who missed this magnificent installation of the Johnnie Walker Black Podium, more events are on the way, and more information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ johnniewalkernigeria.

39 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Cristiano Ronaldo: Football’s most famous Superstar.

He is handsome, athletic, rich, famous, and classy. Cristiano Ronaldo is a famous surgery was performed and the area of his football star whose name reverberates on the lips of every soccer fan and even heart cauterized to stop the condition. The beyond. A superstar brewing with talent and dazzling footwork, Ronaldo is a surgery was successful as he returned to dribbling ace and soccer genius shining more brilliantly amongst his mates. His training just a few days later. If that was not physique, charming face, stylish hairstyle, amazing celebration and enchanting detected early, it would have put a dent to smile gives him away any time. A woman’s dream man, Cristiano Ronaldo is a his career. story of fame, determination, hard work and trials. Today, Cristiano Ronaldo is a celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos is a Portuguese professional footballer plying his world class star, model and an inspiration for trade with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Ronaldo is the first Portuguese player to the many youths who want to be like him. win three FIFA Ballons D’or awards in 2008, 2013 and 2014 respectively. He also He is a success story of sheer hard work won the 2013/14 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award and has scored over 400 and belief in determination. A class on his senior career goals for his club and country. own, he has broken records after records and set records for many to challenge. He He is one of the best soccer stars to grace planet earth; he’s built with amazing is football’s most prolific scorer of goals and speed, pace, strength and outstanding skills and immense talent. C. Ronaldo has the first footballer to score against every been classified and described as a notorious goal-poacher, ace free-kick taker team in a single season in La Liga. and a goal-scoring machine. He is Portugal’s best player of all time and has won three Premier league competitions, one FA Cup, two Football League Cups, one He is poles apart from many of his FA Community Shield and Champions League trophy with Manchester United. contemporaries and is classed as the one He also has won one La Liga, two Copas del Rey, one Supercopas de España, one of the best football player ever. Apart from UEFA Champions League Trophy, one UEFA Super Cup and two FIFA Club World the World Cup, Ronaldo has won every of Cups trophies with Real Madrid. He is the only second Portuguese player to win the globally recognized football trophies on three European Golden Shoe awards. Ronaldo holds the record as the first player planet earth. In December 2014, Ronaldo in England to win all four main PFA and FWA awards. In 2008, he won 3 of the 4 became the fastest player to score 200 goals main PFA and FWA trophies and was named the FIFA World Player of the Year, in La Liga when, in his 178th La Liga game, FIFPro Player of the Year, World Soccer Player of the Year, and the Onze d’Or. he scored a hat-trick against Celta Vigo; his CR723rd hat-trick was also a La Liga record. He He is the world’s most expensive player bought from Manchester United to Real has amassed individual records and awards Madrid in 2009 for a staggering sum of $132 million dollars. He is ranked as the too numerous to mention. best player in the world for his numerous contributions to the world of sports.

His rise to fame is soiled in many troubles as early life was not kind to him. Cristiano This amazing talented superstar football Ronaldo was born into a family of four; his father was a municipal gardener while maestro who scaled all odds to climb the his mother was a cook who lived in the neighborhood of Funchal Maderia. Things pinnacle of success through sheer hard work were not that very easy with his family because they were not rich, he had to and telling brilliance deserves nothing but cope with his brother and sisters in their little cubicle. The youngest of the lot, he great recommendation. He is an enigma, was a controversial figure during his early days in school that once resulted in his dynamo, a paragon of raw ego, an achiever expulsion from school after he threw a chair at his teacher. Life was really difficult and a shining star. Ronaldo is a true assurance and knowing that education wasn’t his greatest strength, the young Ronaldo who that obstacles cannot hinder the success got his name from the former United states President - Ronald Reagan, pursued of those who have made it a case to be a career in soccer. successful. Through odds and intimidating challenges of early hard times, he fought He was good with his legs, very fast and had many footy tricks in his boot. At 14, his way to world fame by harnessing his Ronaldo decided to give football all the attention it needed. Football was his life and even at a tender age, he had begun winning laurels when in 1995, he won potentials fully. We give it up to this amazing the title with Nacional. C. Ronaldo was diagnosed with a racing heart - a heart human, son, brother, father, star and hero disorder that causes it to beat faster than normal, forcing the heart to pump - Cristiano Ronaldo. He is football’s most less efficiently and provides less blood flow for the rest of the body, hence a famous Superstar.

©Copyright 2015 Alexander Thandi Ubani

40 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Mo vie Re view

SELMA

CAST

David Oyelowo – Martin Luther King Jr.

Carmen Ejogo – Coretta Scott King

Oprah Winfrey – Annie Lee Cooper

Tom Wilkinson – President Lydon B. Johnson

Common – James Bevel

Wendell Pierce – Rev. Hosea Williams

Giovanni Ribisi – Lee White

Director: Ava DuVernay

Duration: 128 Minutes

Release Date: 06-02-2015

Genre – Drama

Selma is a small town in lower west Alabama, hand is the black vote – legally guaranteed by where the eyes of America turned nervously in the the Constitution, but practically stymied by all spring of 1965, sensing a revolution. It was hardly the literacy tests and intentionally obstructive a hotbed of racial unrest. It wasn’t Harlem. It was registration rules local government had managed the strategic site of a battle, a historic march for to pile up in its path. In the early Sixties, more than voting rights, and a bitter but long-awaited victory half of Selma’s citizens were black, but only 1% for Martin Luther King in his ongoing fight for were registered to vote. democratic parity. Oprah Winfrey (Annie Lee Cooper) is turned away What he’s up against isn’t just the hard-dying at the film’s start for failing to name Alabama legacy of racism in the South, but an administration County’s 67 judges. And because registration was a fobbing him off with “not now”. The issue at requirement to serve on juries, black people had no

41 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 Mo vie Re view SELMA

[ ...Continued ]

say in their own trials, and brutality against them Ava DuVernay, previously went unavenged by the justice system time and again. responsible for the little-seen features I Will Follow (2011) and King explains all this in the Oval the Oyelowo-starring Middle of Office to Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Nowhere (2012), makes a thrilling Wilkinson), but it’s no good: surge into the front ranks of the latter is busily embroiled in American filmmakers here. She’s Vietnam, and extends a welcoming likely to be the first black woman arm across King’s back which ever nominated for the Best tells us exactly how he plans to Director Oscar. patronize and humour him. Working again with consistently inspired Wilkinson’s Jowly Avuncularity can jar in some cinematographer Bradford Young (Ain’t Them American films, but this is the best use of him Bodies Saints) and Editor Spencer Averick, in years. By the end, after the flare-ups in Selma she reconstructs Selma’s whole tug of war – have made it impossible to table the voting issue bludgeoning outside the courthouse, the two any longer, we get the irony of LBJ’s March 1965 marches across Edmund Pettus Bridge, and the address, whose final three words come straight terrifying rampages of mounted police, glimpsed from King’s phrasebook: “We Shall Overcome”. through a fog of tear gas – with a righteous visceral authority. Young’s camera inscribes people’s fury, When King comforts the grieving grandfather of pain and bewilderment: when Winfrey is knocked slain protestor Jimmie Lee Jackson, whom police to the ground, it goes down with her. DuVernay’s chased into a café behind Selma’s church, and film goes down with the lot of them, drags itself shot, unarmed, at point-blank range, it’s a scene back up, and never lets that summit out of sight. that’s desperately moving for all it’s holding in, and holding back. You see King as an almost intimidating inspiration – a leader commanding so much respect that grief has to compose itself. Culled from, the Telegraph. But you also see him as a man, especially in close quarters with his wife Coretta (a forceful Carmen Ejogo), who elicits a subtle confession of his extra- marital affairs.

42 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 N.Y.S.C. OR …? Written by Winifred @TheWinifred][

I cannot begin to recount the numerous tales I heard about the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) before it was finally my turn to serve. All overwhelming if I must say, But before I delve into the crux of this write up, a few “fun facts” about NYSC.

The N.Y.S.C. was established on May 22, 1973 by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, after the Nigerian Civil War (July 6 1967- January 15 1970) with the primary aim of integrating and uniting the whole of Nigeria. It comprises of 4 cardinal programmes; 3 weeks Orientation Camp, the Primary Assignment, the Secondary Assignment also known as Community Development Service (CDS) and then Passing Out.

When any Nigerian graduate is through with his/her tertiary education, he/she is expected to serve Nigeria under the auspice of the NYSC. Unfortunately, the purpose for which NYSC was established has been relegated to the background. Blame it on the moral decadence which is rampant among the youth who are the Someone core participants in this programme. described First of all, integration is not achieved in the highest capacity because people “work” their posting to favorable places as against being randomly mobilized to camp as “three places different from the individual’s state of origin or residence. Take the situation in 2014 Batch C for example – everyone wanted to serve in Lagos and the over weeks of gross population of intending corpers in the state led to a split into two streams; this has never happened before. This indicates there are many lagosians and residents of indiscipline”. Lagos State serving in Lagos. That is Secondly, based on popular opinion, the best part of NYSC is the Orientation course simply known as “camp”. Camp is supposed to be a time where intending corp decadence members are drilled and lectured on what is expected of them during service year. This in no doubt, takes place in full capacity but the free time given to corpers to against unity interact is where the trouble comes in. Now, there is this mentality where people through service. believe camp is the time to explore all their sexuality; basically, take advantage of “fresh fish” from other institutions they will be meeting for the first time and probably never see again. Once, I wouldn’t succumb to this guy’s whims and he said “why are you behaving like this, is this not camp?” indicating I was supposed

43 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 to throw caution to the wind and act carelessly. Someone described camp as “three weeks of gross indiscipline”. That is decadence against unity through service.

I made effort to ask a couple of corp members, both past and present what NYSC experience was like, especially camp; and I got practically the same response – high rate of depravity. There are cases of people engaging in intense make out sessions, performing oral sex, actually having sex, married/engaged ladies taking off their rings and hiding them just to take part in the fun. Once, there was a case of a married woman caught making out with a fellow corper. She was decamped and her husband was the one who came to pick her up. Imagine what would have transpired between them in the car on their way home and what would have become of that marriage all because of NYSC. In one of the camps in 2014, there was a rumor about an orgy involving a married woman. In another, used condoms littered about the parade ground every other morning. Well, if it is any consolation, at least they practiced safe sex. Haven heard these stories and with everyone saying “I’d cave and go with the crowd”, I made up my mind to prove them wrong. Not everyone who goes into camp has to mingle and partake in the things that are not pretty. I’m not reprimanding or appraising anyone; I believe everyone has what drives them or keeps them going. But best believe, leaving camp with your dignity intact comes with a really good feeling.

It is also good to know there are upsides to camp. People have met their spouses there and are happily married, people have established and maintained life long friendships with people they met in camp, there is the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme on the platform of NYSC where people have become successful entrepreneurs and employers of labour, to say a few. Different interpretations have been given to the abbreviation NYSC – Now Your Success Comes, Now Your Suffering Continues, National Year for Sex and Cuddling etc. At the end of the day, it is really what works for you, what you want to be remembered for and how you’ll like to feel about yourself after spending one calendar year serving your beloved Nigeria.

44 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 One Nite Unplugged with M.I

LoudNProudLive celebrated First up new recruit ‘Milli’ set a high standard with a sterling set receiving rapturous its February Editions in style applause from a upbeat audience. with a Loopy music ‘All Stars’ showcase & ‘The Chairman’ MI Dj Lambo, host for the night did the honors of introducing another Loopy Music who headlined the popular ‘ONE ‘Family’ member RUBY. In sensational vocal form, she belted out a succession hits NITE: LIVE & UNPLUGGED with including ladies anthem ‘Good Man’ followed by a super music segment of African MI’ premium solo artist platform. ‘genre themed’ medlies which showcased her awesomeness & the ‘One Sound’ band.

On SATURDAY 28th FEBRUARY at ‘Pastor’ LOOSE KAYNON’ brought a touch of humor to his set with a series of tracks QUILOX, NMO Management & PR including the hilarious hit song ‘Halellujah’. Loopy Music ‘All Stars’ & fierce skillz on Ltd presented: the decks by DJ Lambo correctly set the scene, for the Main act of the night.

LoudNProudLive Series: hosted The Chairman’s full live band performance was highly anticipated- MI flowed like the Loopy Music ‘All Stars’ + One lyrical wizard he is & African No1 Rapper crown he owns, just as the audience flowed Nite: Live & Unplugged with MI’ back in full verse to ‘Safe’ like a church Choir in song. The atmosphere charged, venue full & cameras jostling for space as MI ABAGA played keyboards with his band. He effortlessly displayed a diverse & versatile side to his music repertoire performing hits, The Loopy Music ‘All Stars’ including the smash ‘Bad Belle’..... Mr INCREDIBLE we Salute you! were on fire on stage on LoudNProudlive stage as they One Nite: live & Unplugged - every last Saturday of the month – a LoudNProudlive joined their CEO Mi as headline production host at ‘One Nite Live & Unplugged’ LoudNProudLive.....Keeping REAL music ALIVE

45 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 One Nite Unplugged with M.I

46 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 SPINLET KARAOKE

The March edition of the monthly Spinlet Karaoke featured one of Nigeria’s talented music producer - LERIQ. Spinlet Karaoke is a monthly gig being held at Shaunz Bar in highbrow Victoria Island holding every last Wednesday of each month and it is a musical platform in which a selected artiste/producer is made the headliner; guests also get to participate and the best singer gets either a bottle of champagne or #20,000 cash. Since it inception in late 2014,Spinlet Karaoke has featured , Blackmagic, Oritsefemi, DJ Jimmy Jatt and it is fast becoming one of Nigeria’s anticipated musical event.

47 | TUSH MAGAZINE | #10 @TushMagazineNig