May 19, 2013

TINSEL:- The Journey to 1,000 Epsiodes

A splAsh ofMINT GREEN

FABULOUS AT EVERY

AGE

EDITORREMMY DIAGBARE

DEPUTY EDITORJEMI EKUNKUNBOR

ASST. EDITORYEMISI SULEIMAN

CONTRIBUTORSPRINCESS KATE EMIKO

BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINAJEROME CODJO-YAOVI

ONIPEDE

CONT. EDITORLATASHA NGWUBECOPY EDITORDD WILLIAM-WESTCORRESPONDENTSFATIMA GARBADAVINA AYODELELAYOUT / DESIGNGregory ObiPHOTOOSCAR OCHIOGU

Printed and published byVanguard Media Ltd

Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal;P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos.

For advertisement / enquiries,call Debbie: 08039675880, OGE: 08039777910

Office Auxiliary: EBERE OKOH

Inside

THIS

WEE

K

FEATURES

PEOPLE

M a y 1 9 - M a y 2 5

...When Tinsel, hit the screens in 2008, it was a breath of fresh air as far as TV soap is concerned for both viewers and casts. With Nigerian actors many of whom played lead roles, bringing their skills to match South African technology, the African continent was taken by storm with this soap produced by AfricaMagic / M-Net.Tinsel is not just viewed in over 40 countries in Africa but also in the UK, USA and most recently, France.

We must thank the Tinsel group for Tinsel. From the writer who conceptualized the idea to the producer, director and the talents they have nurtured to create what is arguably our own Coronation Street or East Enders. Just like these classics gripped the British audience, so also have we been drawn into the make-believe lives of Fred and Sheila Ade- Williams; such that week in week out, our stories are played out by these wonderful acts, giving us relief and a certain feeling of de javu as our circumstances are laid out. For who hasn’t experienced conflicts like Amaka, or love lost like Kwame?

This empathy, which is made so real by superb acting, has made Tinsel the most watched TV drama this side of the universe. We love Tinsel. As it celebrates its 1,000th episode, we join the revelry to mark excellent story line and even more believable acting. Jemi Ekunkunbor met with the lead acts. See pp. 7-11.

On our fashion pages, we play the style advocate, once more, with our focus on what looks fabulous for every age. In ‘Fabulous At Every Age’, Fatima Garba reveals the appropriate fashion for every age group. It pays to be age appropriate! That way, you will get more smiles than stares when you step out. Love it but don’t over-do it.

Mint green is our colour crush this week. We tell you how to put a combo together that is not too washed out or too verdant. See pp 6

Enjoy your week!

Remmy Diagbare

PHO

TOG

RAPH

Y M

ouss

a M

ouss

a. D

RESS

Hol

lies.

JEW

ELRY

Cep

has.

MAK

E-UP

Azu

ka M

ordi

13

15

“Acting is standing up naked and turning around very slowly”

“Stop explaining yourself. Shut up and act!”

“Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made”

“Acting is everybody’s favorite second job.”

Rosalind Russell George BurnsCraig MacDonald Jack Nicholson

R .

• Body Perfect - Facts and Figures of Weight Loss• The Polish Professional - Using the Polish Edge - part 2

e m a i l : a l l u r e f o r t h e w o r l d @ v a n g u a r d n g r . c o m

Mode Men Magazine Marks 7 in StyleCocktail Night with Diageo Reserve Brands

TEAM

FASHION

6

ON THE COVER

7 - 11

A Splash of Mint Green

4 - 5

COVER PHOTO: KELECHI AMADI-OBI | STYLING: VERONICA ODEKAHAIR & MAKE-UP: HAIR BY DEBOLA

Fabulous at Every Age

EDITORREMMY DIAGBARE

DEPUTY EDITORJEMI EKUNKUNBOR

ASST. EDITORYEMISI SULEIMAN

CONTRIBUTORSPRINCESS KATE EMIKO

BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINAJEROME CODJO-YAOVI

ONIPEDE

CONT. EDITORLATASHA NGWUBECOPY EDITORDD WILLIAM-WESTCORRESPONDENTSFATIMA GARBADAVINA AYODELELAYOUT / DESIGNGregory ObiPHOTOOSCAR OCHIOGU

Printed and published byVanguard Media Ltd

Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal;P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos.

For advertisement / enquiries,call Debbie: 08039675880, OGE: 08039777910

Office Auxiliary: EBERE OKOH

InsideTH

IS W

EEK

FEATURES

PEOPLE

M a y 1 9 - M a y 2 5

...When Tinsel, hit the screens in 2008, it was a breath of fresh air as far as TV soap is concerned for both viewers and casts. With Nigerian actors many of whom played lead roles, bringing their skills to match South African technology, the African continent was taken by storm with this soap produced by AfricaMagic / M-Net.Tinsel is not just viewed in over 40 countries in Africa but also in the UK, USA and most recently, France.

We must thank the Tinsel group for Tinsel. From the writer who conceptualized the idea to the producer, director and the talents they have nurtured to create what is arguably our own Coronation Street or East Enders. Just like these classics gripped the British audience, so also have we been drawn into the make-believe lives of Fred and Sheila Ade- Williams; such that week in week out, our stories are played out by these wonderful acts, giving us relief and a certain feeling of de javu as our circumstances are laid out. For who hasn’t experienced conflicts like Amaka, or love lost like Kwame?

This empathy, which is made so real by superb acting, has made Tinsel the most watched TV drama this side of the universe. We love Tinsel. As it celebrates its 1,000th episode, we join the revelry to mark excellent story line and even more believable acting. Jemi Ekunkunbor met with the lead acts. See pp. 7-11.

On our fashion pages, we play the style advocate, once more, with our focus on what looks fabulous for every age. In ‘Fabulous At Every Age’, Fatima Garba reveals the appropriate fashion for every age group. It pays to be age appropriate! That way, you will get more smiles than stares when you step out. Love it but don’t over-do it.

Mint green is our colour crush this week. We tell you how to put a combo together that is not too washed out or too verdant. See pp 6

Enjoy your week!

Remmy Diagbare

PHO

TOG

RAPH

Y M

ouss

a M

ouss

a. D

RESS

Hol

lies.

JEW

ELRY

Cep

has.

MAK

E-UP

Azu

ka M

ordi

13

15

“Acting is standing up naked and turning around very slowly”

“Stop explaining yourself. Shut up and act!”

“Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made”

“Acting is everybody’s favorite second job.”

Rosalind Russell George BurnsCraig MacDonald Jack Nicholson

R .

• Body Perfect - Facts and Figures of Weight Loss• The Polish Professional - Using the Polish Edge - part 2

e m a i l : a l l u r e f o r t h e w o r l d @ v a n g u a r d n g r . c o m

Mode Men Magazine Marks 7 in StyleCocktail Night with Diageo Reserve Brands

TEAM

FASHION

6

ON THE COVER

7 - 11

A Splash of Mint Green

4 - 5

COVER PHOTO: KELECHI AMADI-OBI | STYLING: VERONICA ODEKAHAIR & MAKE-UP: HAIR BY DEBOLA

Fabulous at Every Age

/ May 19, 20134

FASH ION FASH ION

May 19, 2013 / 5

Every AgeatFabulousby - Fatima Garba

From high contrast to bold patterns, revamp your look with the best trends for every age. Even the most fashionable women obsesses about fashion, and we have figured out the rules that work for every age as time goes by.

The 20s is a highly formative age for most women. This is the period in life—while you’re still learning who you are to experiment with and discover your personal style. A preppy sexy look is a staple of the early 20s, shorts, heels and a blazer. This is also your time to shine in a mini-dress or skinny jeans, but if you’re a little more conservative, you can still be just as fashion-forward yet more covered up in a retro look like a high-waisted sailor pant and vintage-inspired blouse.

20’sWomen in their 30s are often living very similar lives to those of their 20s contemporaries, but this is the decade to infuse touches of maturity and sophistication into your look. You also might be less inclined to suffer for fashion, so while women of every age look smashing in stilettos, you’re well within your rights to put a two-inch cap on heel height.

Being in your 40s doesn’t mean you need to trade in your little black dress for a matronly tracksuit. Women in their 40s nowadays are keeping it youthful in the latest denim styles, which pair with anything like a favorite tee Both styles are age-appropriate yet fashionable, but if you feel a little too exposed in that strapless sheath or camisoles, light weight jackets are a 40s woman’s best friend. A simple jacket lends a touch of maturity to almost any ensemble, and this season they come in such a diverse range of lengths, fits and styles that you can layer up without dialing down your style.

Now, let there be no sugar coating: once you hit 50, you officially are getting old. Yes, lots and lots of women in their 50s still look incredibly beautiful, but it’s not the same fresh and tantalizing beauty that youth offers. What you have cultivated throughout the years, however, are maturity, confidence and wisdom. These are in fact a lot more valuable than physical beauty. So it might be best to celebrate your 50s by embracing and exhibiting these qualities in your fashion style. Aim for mature elegance and a smart look. Plus, whatever you wear should represent you fully and genuinely. This is not the time to chase after fashion trends anymore.

Go with either dark or soft colors. Avoid something too bright and attention-seeking. If you happen to adore shocking pink or yellow, you may use these shades in your accessories but don’t make them the main colors of your outfit. Instead of depending on a daring color scheme, you should try to create a stylish look with complex cuts or sophisticated details, such as a ruffle-front blouse, a button-down shirt with a scarf tie, or a full skirt with an intricate lace trim.

VIxEN

TOOLz

MO ABUDU

DATAOKORODUDU

FLORENCEITA-GIWA

CAMEL COLORED DRESS, hErVE lEgEr

DENIM SHORTS, diESEl

STRAPPY HEELS, jiMMy choo

CHRISTIAN LOuBOuTIN HEELS

LANVIN ESPADRILLE wEdGEs

STuART WEIzMAN SHOES

KAREN MILLEN LACE DRESS

SWAROVSKI ACCESSORIES

HERMES SCARF

MONSOON DRESS

CHIFFON BLOuSE, AlExANdEr McqUEEN

40’s

50’s 60’s

30’s

/ May 19, 20134

FASH ION FASH ION

May 19, 2013 / 5

Every AgeatFabulousby - Fatima Garba

From high contrast to bold patterns, revamp your look with the best trends for every age. Even the most fashionable women obsesses about fashion, and we have figured out the rules that work for every age as time goes by.

The 20s is a highly formative age for most women. This is the period in life—while you’re still learning who you are to experiment with and discover your personal style. A preppy sexy look is a staple of the early 20s, shorts, heels and a blazer. This is also your time to shine in a mini-dress or skinny jeans, but if you’re a little more conservative, you can still be just as fashion-forward yet more covered up in a retro look like a high-waisted sailor pant and vintage-inspired blouse.

20’sWomen in their 30s are often living very similar lives to those of their 20s contemporaries, but this is the decade to infuse touches of maturity and sophistication into your look. You also might be less inclined to suffer for fashion, so while women of every age look smashing in stilettos, you’re well within your rights to put a two-inch cap on heel height.

Being in your 40s doesn’t mean you need to trade in your little black dress for a matronly tracksuit. Women in their 40s nowadays are keeping it youthful in the latest denim styles, which pair with anything like a favorite tee Both styles are age-appropriate yet fashionable, but if you feel a little too exposed in that strapless sheath or camisoles, light weight jackets are a 40s woman’s best friend. A simple jacket lends a touch of maturity to almost any ensemble, and this season they come in such a diverse range of lengths, fits and styles that you can layer up without dialing down your style.

Now, let there be no sugar coating: once you hit 50, you officially are getting old. Yes, lots and lots of women in their 50s still look incredibly beautiful, but it’s not the same fresh and tantalizing beauty that youth offers. What you have cultivated throughout the years, however, are maturity, confidence and wisdom. These are in fact a lot more valuable than physical beauty. So it might be best to celebrate your 50s by embracing and exhibiting these qualities in your fashion style. Aim for mature elegance and a smart look. Plus, whatever you wear should represent you fully and genuinely. This is not the time to chase after fashion trends anymore.

Go with either dark or soft colors. Avoid something too bright and attention-seeking. If you happen to adore shocking pink or yellow, you may use these shades in your accessories but don’t make them the main colors of your outfit. Instead of depending on a daring color scheme, you should try to create a stylish look with complex cuts or sophisticated details, such as a ruffle-front blouse, a button-down shirt with a scarf tie, or a full skirt with an intricate lace trim.

VIxEN

TOOLz

MO ABUDU

DATAOKORODUDU

FLORENCEITA-GIWA

CAMEL COLORED DRESS, hErVE lEgEr

DENIM SHORTS, diESEl

STRAPPY HEELS, jiMMy choo

CHRISTIAN LOuBOuTIN HEELS

LANVIN ESPADRILLE wEdGEs

STuART WEIzMAN SHOES

KAREN MILLEN LACE DRESS

SWAROVSKI ACCESSORIES

HERMES SCARF

MONSOON DRESS

CHIFFON BLOuSE, AlExANdEr McqUEEN

40’s

50’s 60’s

30’s

Super mint green also known as mint and sea foam is refreshingly light and totally feminine, making it a must-add to your closet’s color palette this season.

For a chic minimalist take, try pairing pops of mint with an all-white outfit, or go all out and pile it on with other sweet shades such as lavender, light pink and creamlike orange.

Bright accessories can be paired with nearly anything, but they look especially sleek with a black-and-white ensemble.

Pink and green is a classic color combination, it looks totally pretty instead of preppy.

Fabulous

A Splash of Mint green

BLOW uP BLACK AND WHITE

PAIR WITH PINK TOP WITH FLORAL

FASH ION

by - Yemisi Suleiman

/ May 19, 20136

Flower-patterned jackets were all over the runway, and they’re a perfect pairing for a fancy dress in a matching color.

Mixed with a few bright pieces, your colorblocked look will be quite interesting and on trend.

If you are bored with your regular old coloured jeans, it’s time to retire those faded blues (for now), and swap them for pretty mint green pants

GIvE your bLuE jEAns A brEAkrock wIth brIGhts

PINK SKIRT, ViViENNE WESTWood

GrEEn JACKET

GrAphIc coLour BLOCK DRESS BLACK AND WHITE, KArEN MillEN

BriAN ATWood

MInt GrEEn SuNDRESS

ROPICAL FLOWER & LEAF JACKET

BIENNIAL TRICOLORE MEDIuM SATCHEL

MInt GrEEn JEANS

BODYCON STRETCH DRESS

MARLIE RED PLATFORM CROSSOVER HEELS

ETRA EArrInGs In TEAL MINT

PEPLuM TOP

Tinsel:When Tinsel, hit the screens in 2008, it was a breath of fresh air where a TV soap is

concerned for both viewers and cast. With Nigerian actors many of whom played lead roles, bringing their skills to match South African technology, the African continent was taken by storm with this soap produced by AfricaMagic/ M-Net.

Tinsel is not just viewed in over 40 countries in Africa but also in the UK, USA and most recently, France.

Come Thursday, May 23rd, Tinsel will hit the 1,000th episode and AfricaMagic/M-Net is rolling out the drums to celebrate this mile stone. Allure spoke with four lead characters, Victor Olaotan, Ireti Doyle, Gideon Okeke and Funmi Holder on the journey to the 1,000th episode.

The Journey to 1,000 EpisodesBy - Jemi Ekunkunbor

REPORTAGE

May 19, 2013 / 7

Super mint green also known as mint and sea foam is refreshingly light and totally feminine, making it a must-add to your closet’s color palette this season.

For a chic minimalist take, try pairing pops of mint with an all-white outfit, or go all out and pile it on with other sweet shades such as lavender, light pink and creamlike orange.

Bright accessories can be paired with nearly anything, but they look especially sleek with a black-and-white ensemble.

Pink and green is a classic color combination, it looks totally pretty instead of preppy.

Fabulous

A Splash of Mint green

BLOW uP BLACK AND WHITE

PAIR WITH PINK TOP WITH FLORAL

FASH ION

by - Yemisi Suleiman

/ May 19, 20136

Flower-patterned jackets were all over the runway, and they’re a perfect pairing for a fancy dress in a matching color.

Mixed with a few bright pieces, your colorblocked look will be quite interesting and on trend.

If you are bored with your regular old coloured jeans, it’s time to retire those faded blues (for now), and swap them for pretty mint green pants

GIvE your bLuE jEAns A brEAkrock wIth brIGhts

PINK SKIRT, ViViENNE WESTWood

GrEEn JACKET

GrAphIc coLour BLOCK DRESS BLACK AND WHITE, KArEN MillEN

BriAN ATWood

MInt GrEEn SuNDRESS

ROPICAL FLOWER & LEAF JACKET

BIENNIAL TRICOLORE MEDIuM SATCHEL

MInt GrEEn JEANS

BODYCON STRETCH DRESS

MARLIE RED PLATFORM CROSSOVER HEELS

ETRA EArrInGs In TEAL MINT

PEPLuM TOP

Tinsel:When Tinsel, hit the screens in 2008, it was a breath of fresh air where a TV soap is

concerned for both viewers and cast. With Nigerian actors many of whom played lead roles, bringing their skills to match South African technology, the African continent was taken by storm with this soap produced by AfricaMagic/ M-Net.

Tinsel is not just viewed in over 40 countries in Africa but also in the UK, USA and most recently, France.

Come Thursday, May 23rd, Tinsel will hit the 1,000th episode and AfricaMagic/M-Net is rolling out the drums to celebrate this mile stone. Allure spoke with four lead characters, Victor Olaotan, Ireti Doyle, Gideon Okeke and Funmi Holder on the journey to the 1,000th episode.

The Journey to 1,000 EpisodesBy - Jemi Ekunkunbor

REPORTAGE

May 19, 2013 / 7

REPORTAGE

he cuts the image of the quintessential, successful entrepreneur with his calm mien. Spotting a grey afro and well groomed goatee, you wouldn’t miss him in any production. A 1982 graduate of ratgers University, Mason gross School of Arts, New york, USA, Victor Olaotan cut his teeth in his chosen field at the University of ibadan where he obtained his first degree in Theatre Arts. His work experience spans over 40 years and he is one Nigerian who has featured on Broadway. he currently plays the role of Fred Ade-Williams in the popular soap, Tinsel.

How did you get on this show?A friend called me to say that M-net was

having an audition. I said I know M-net because I was on doctors’ Quarters. I went for the interview with my friend, Akin Lewis. A few months later, somebody gave me a call that I have been short-listed and that I should come to jaiye ojo’s office, called 341 Media. My wife started screaming and I asked what happened? She said, “You have not heard the news?” I said no. Then she told me that I have been picked to play the lead role.

That was how the journey started with pampering at the spa. We had manicure and pedicure. They had hair dressers, they had make-up artists. It was later that they introduced us to the studio and we eventually got together as a group where I got to meet new faces that are now old

faces to me. Some of them I already knew; like Akin Lewis and Bimbo Manuel. Ireti

joined us later. I didn’t know Amaka or kwame but later we became family.

How has the journey been like?Well, it kind of gave us as actors, some kind of

self esteem that professionalism is taking hold in Nigeria. I came from a hard knock theatre school,

university of Ibadan Theatre Arts Department under Dapo Adelugba, Bayo Oduneye, Wole Soyinka, Femi osofisan, so many of the great ones then, ola rotimi later in Ife. Coming into this from stage is a different kind of experience.

I had my first professional experience in 1969 on ola rotimi’s set as a crowd. Eventually, I went to do a six months course at the university of Ibadan and that jump-started my career as an actor. Now, coming through this kind of pedigree and background, I found that tinsel is finally giving actors that which they have been yearning for in

terms of professionalism. Financially, it’s not fantastic but the platform is fantastic. We never dreamt we could be transmitting to over 40 countries in Africa. That is really a big platform and we really appreciate that. It’s been wonderful.

Of all the characters that you have to interact with, which one of them brings out the best in you?

Most of the time, it used to be myself and my son phillip. Lately, it’s been me and my wife, sheila. Between these two people, the best comes out of me.

What are the challenges?Well, every now and then, we have to work

outside the country. You return and go straight to work. There was a time Ireti and I went to Sun City. On our way back, as we were landing on a

Tinsel brought back professionalism- Victor ‘Toye Olaotan

sunday, we got a text message to get into the studio by 6a.m. the next day and I was to do 21 scenes! the average I would expect to do as a professional, would be between 10-15 scenes a day. But somehow, there was a problem with scheduling and so many things had been put on hold because of our travelling. So, they had to bring everything together so that transmission can continue.

unfortunately, the lines I had to play were very long. Those are some of the challenges, especially now – with the studio situation, the schedule has become very tough. We start work at 6a.m. That means, you have to be up by 4.30a.m. Now, all members of my family wake up at 4.30am.

For soaps that last this long, after a while, some characters begin to leave. Do you think you’ll be there all the way?

I wouldn’t say. I hope so. It’s sad when people you started with start leaving one by one. Just like life, once in a while, some of them die. It’s something you have to deal with because it is inevitable. I believe for whatever reason, if tomorrow I have to go, I have to go. That is how this business works. But most of the time, for my role, I would expect that I would be there, if necessarily so. And, if I’m not, hey, so be it.

Having taken Africa with this huge platform, what is next for you?

Ironically, a lot of my friends in the uSA called me that they are watching some programme from South Africa and that there is somebody there who looks like me. They were arguing amongst themselves not sure if the person was me. so they called to find out and I said yes; that I work for M-Net and that the soap is called Tinsel. they couldn’t believe that it was coming out of nigeria. One of them said most of the home videos they watch, nothing comes close. I said yes, we do it from Nigeria but with South African technology. They really appreciate it but it’s not big in the usA because they have so many channels and programmes. Those who watch Tinsel, do so on satellite. In the uK, they watch it on Nollywood channel. They started France last year.

Are you looking at Hollywood, for example? My dream was Hollywood. In fact, it was the reason

why I went to the usA in the first place. I went to ratgers university, Mason Gross school of Arts. the dean of Faculty was director on broadway. I’ve been lucky to be one of the few actors either in Africa or America that performed on broadway. It’s not easy to perform on Broadway but I have by destiny. I represented Nigeria some time in 1980. I see that as one of the milestones of my career. I am praying that before time comes, I’ll get a deal like that from hollywood by the grace of God. And that is my ultimate dream.

Your hair and beard have become a signature style for you. Is it also your selling point?Growing up, I used to wear an afro because I was a footballer, a centre-back defender. So, I use to leave my afro so that I can use it to head the ball. Later in life, I had to cut it down. When Tinsel came, I was looking for an identity, something that will make this character unique. The hair stylist and I decided to let my hair grow and see what happens. Later, we saw that the producers loved it because I started Tinsel with a short cut. Every now and then, we cut it down. Then, we let it come up again. Maybe after this 1,000th episode, we might cut it down again. But it has become my signature and I think it is also my selling point; also because I get a lot of stereotypical roles from here and there.

Is that good for you as an actor?It’s good to have a selling point. the only snag is that

you become a stereotype.

A good casting director looks at an actor and says I want him different from what everybody knows him for. And that is the challenge. we don’t have many of those in Nigeria.

Would you like to try Nollywood sometime soon?I think there is politics to nollywood and I don’t really

understand the politics because I was never part of the set up until people started seeing my face in some soaps and then Tinsel. usually, I see Nollywood as one for mostly Igbo actors. I don’t know if they have crossed that boundary. I’ve been approached by some nollywood directors every now and then but I believe that whatever is going on there, I am worth it and more. So, if somebody calls me from Owerri and says, I want to pay you n200,000 or n500,000, I’ll say no. whatever you know is my worth is what I’ll take. Anything less than that, I won’t work for you. so, I have no limit as to where I can be. If nollywood calls me and the fee is right, I’ll do it.

What would you say you are taking out of Tinsel?Professionalism, platform, a lot of prestige and

integrity. Tinsel has become my life; even in everything I do, it reflects.

Are you affected by Fred Ade Willaims?As an actor, if you play a role so good it becomes

you. I don’t even know the difference between Fred and myself; sometimes, apart from the money that Fred has. I think we are very similar in a lot of ways except that Victor Olaotan will not take any crap from any woman. That is the only difference. Fred takes a lot of crap. Victor Olaotan will not. Once in a while, Victor comes into Fred to say: hey it’s enough.

Being on Tinsel has beenan awesome ride

Beautiful ireti doyle plays Sheila Ade-Williams on the cast of Tinsel. Although she came on the set with over 16 years experience, the soft spoken and articulate wife of Patrick doyle says, coming to Tinsel was a whole new ball game. She shares her experience.

How has the journey been for you? My journey in tinsel has been wonderful. It’s been a fairy tale. From not being auditioned when it first started to being invited for audition two years into the show and from being given what I am told was supposed to be a small role to one of the lead roles in about a year. It’s been a fairy tale. This is what dreams are made of. I have absolutely no regrets. Forget the long hours, they can be maddening; waking up at about 5.30a.m. and being glamorous for 7.00a.m. Somehow, the team manages to do it. So, every day is an adventure on set. You know you are going to be this character but you also have an amazing team who also brings their own magic to everyday life.

So what happened that you missed the audition at the beginning?

I was refused because they said they were looking for fresh faces. I didn’t think it was fair. My management later got me an audition date. We got there on that day but there was nobody there. so, it couldn’t have been for

- Ireti Doyle

lack of trying. I thought maybe this isn’t for me and I went away. I didn’t understand that the God I serve was arranging things for me.

Coming into Tinsel, what was different and challenging?

I will never forget my first day on set. I came to this set with 16 years of experience on stage and being in front of the camera but I must say that I was intimidated by the fact that it was a different world entirely. Most people who work steadily in Nollywood, know that Nollywood is famous for its haphazard way and that is not their fault. It is because of the challenges that we face in our industry. In my entire 18-year career, I have done 23 movies and I have had my taste of Hollywood; even the present day nollywood and it’s still haphazard on most sets. on Tinsel, there is discipline. You are there by 6a.m. and you are in make-up by 6.30a.m. If you want to have breakfast, it is done by 7a.m. and by 8a.m., you are ready. Even the process of recording is different. It is studio-based so, you have to learn anew. You drop all those things you thought you knew and you wire your brain to these new things. The challenge is, do you have the humility to go through that learning process?

Fortunately for me, every set, every movie, every opportunity to play a different character or work with a different set of people in a different environment, is an opportunity to learn. so, it’s been an awesome, amazing adventure.

Of all the characters you had to interact with, which one of them would you say brings out the best in you?

It would have to be my step-son, phillip (Gideon okeke). I think Gideon and I have an amazing chemistry on tv. The guy is so on point as an actor! He gives off amazing energy so you can’t help but respond. the other person I have a nice, comfortable and symbiotic rhythm with would have to be my husband Fred Ade-williams. he’s been there longer than me. His character is formed. So, it was basically up to me to find a way to weave my character around him such that we complement each other without losing sense of who I am but that person who gives the spark is Gideon.

Africa Magic gave you a platform to be seen across the continent, how has the ride been?tinsel is today, knocks and all, considered as Africa’s

REPORTAGE

May 19, 2013 / 9

• Ireti• Victor

REPORTAGE

he cuts the image of the quintessential, successful entrepreneur with his calm mien. Spotting a grey afro and well groomed goatee, you wouldn’t miss him in any production. A 1982 graduate of ratgers University, Mason gross School of Arts, New york, USA, Victor Olaotan cut his teeth in his chosen field at the University of ibadan where he obtained his first degree in Theatre Arts. His work experience spans over 40 years and he is one Nigerian who has featured on Broadway. he currently plays the role of Fred Ade-Williams in the popular soap, Tinsel.

How did you get on this show?A friend called me to say that M-net was

having an audition. I said I know M-net because I was on doctors’ Quarters. I went for the interview with my friend, Akin Lewis. A few months later, somebody gave me a call that I have been short-listed and that I should come to jaiye ojo’s office, called 341 Media. My wife started screaming and I asked what happened? She said, “You have not heard the news?” I said no. Then she told me that I have been picked to play the lead role.

That was how the journey started with pampering at the spa. We had manicure and pedicure. They had hair dressers, they had make-up artists. It was later that they introduced us to the studio and we eventually got together as a group where I got to meet new faces that are now old

faces to me. Some of them I already knew; like Akin Lewis and Bimbo Manuel. Ireti

joined us later. I didn’t know Amaka or kwame but later we became family.

How has the journey been like?Well, it kind of gave us as actors, some kind of

self esteem that professionalism is taking hold in Nigeria. I came from a hard knock theatre school,

university of Ibadan Theatre Arts Department under Dapo Adelugba, Bayo Oduneye, Wole Soyinka, Femi osofisan, so many of the great ones then, ola rotimi later in Ife. Coming into this from stage is a different kind of experience.

I had my first professional experience in 1969 on ola rotimi’s set as a crowd. Eventually, I went to do a six months course at the university of Ibadan and that jump-started my career as an actor. Now, coming through this kind of pedigree and background, I found that tinsel is finally giving actors that which they have been yearning for in

terms of professionalism. Financially, it’s not fantastic but the platform is fantastic. We never dreamt we could be transmitting to over 40 countries in Africa. That is really a big platform and we really appreciate that. It’s been wonderful.

Of all the characters that you have to interact with, which one of them brings out the best in you?

Most of the time, it used to be myself and my son phillip. Lately, it’s been me and my wife, sheila. Between these two people, the best comes out of me.

What are the challenges?Well, every now and then, we have to work

outside the country. You return and go straight to work. There was a time Ireti and I went to Sun City. On our way back, as we were landing on a

Tinsel brought back professionalism- Victor ‘Toye Olaotan

sunday, we got a text message to get into the studio by 6a.m. the next day and I was to do 21 scenes! the average I would expect to do as a professional, would be between 10-15 scenes a day. But somehow, there was a problem with scheduling and so many things had been put on hold because of our travelling. So, they had to bring everything together so that transmission can continue.

unfortunately, the lines I had to play were very long. Those are some of the challenges, especially now – with the studio situation, the schedule has become very tough. We start work at 6a.m. That means, you have to be up by 4.30a.m. Now, all members of my family wake up at 4.30am.

For soaps that last this long, after a while, some characters begin to leave. Do you think you’ll be there all the way?

I wouldn’t say. I hope so. It’s sad when people you started with start leaving one by one. Just like life, once in a while, some of them die. It’s something you have to deal with because it is inevitable. I believe for whatever reason, if tomorrow I have to go, I have to go. That is how this business works. But most of the time, for my role, I would expect that I would be there, if necessarily so. And, if I’m not, hey, so be it.

Having taken Africa with this huge platform, what is next for you?

Ironically, a lot of my friends in the uSA called me that they are watching some programme from South Africa and that there is somebody there who looks like me. They were arguing amongst themselves not sure if the person was me. so they called to find out and I said yes; that I work for M-Net and that the soap is called Tinsel. they couldn’t believe that it was coming out of nigeria. One of them said most of the home videos they watch, nothing comes close. I said yes, we do it from Nigeria but with South African technology. They really appreciate it but it’s not big in the usA because they have so many channels and programmes. Those who watch Tinsel, do so on satellite. In the uK, they watch it on Nollywood channel. They started France last year.

Are you looking at Hollywood, for example? My dream was Hollywood. In fact, it was the reason

why I went to the usA in the first place. I went to ratgers university, Mason Gross school of Arts. the dean of Faculty was director on broadway. I’ve been lucky to be one of the few actors either in Africa or America that performed on broadway. It’s not easy to perform on Broadway but I have by destiny. I represented Nigeria some time in 1980. I see that as one of the milestones of my career. I am praying that before time comes, I’ll get a deal like that from hollywood by the grace of God. And that is my ultimate dream.

Your hair and beard have become a signature style for you. Is it also your selling point?Growing up, I used to wear an afro because I was a footballer, a centre-back defender. So, I use to leave my afro so that I can use it to head the ball. Later in life, I had to cut it down. When Tinsel came, I was looking for an identity, something that will make this character unique. The hair stylist and I decided to let my hair grow and see what happens. Later, we saw that the producers loved it because I started Tinsel with a short cut. Every now and then, we cut it down. Then, we let it come up again. Maybe after this 1,000th episode, we might cut it down again. But it has become my signature and I think it is also my selling point; also because I get a lot of stereotypical roles from here and there.

Is that good for you as an actor?It’s good to have a selling point. the only snag is that

you become a stereotype.

A good casting director looks at an actor and says I want him different from what everybody knows him for. And that is the challenge. we don’t have many of those in Nigeria.

Would you like to try Nollywood sometime soon?I think there is politics to nollywood and I don’t really

understand the politics because I was never part of the set up until people started seeing my face in some soaps and then Tinsel. usually, I see Nollywood as one for mostly Igbo actors. I don’t know if they have crossed that boundary. I’ve been approached by some nollywood directors every now and then but I believe that whatever is going on there, I am worth it and more. So, if somebody calls me from Owerri and says, I want to pay you n200,000 or n500,000, I’ll say no. whatever you know is my worth is what I’ll take. Anything less than that, I won’t work for you. so, I have no limit as to where I can be. If nollywood calls me and the fee is right, I’ll do it.

What would you say you are taking out of Tinsel?Professionalism, platform, a lot of prestige and

integrity. Tinsel has become my life; even in everything I do, it reflects.

Are you affected by Fred Ade Willaims?As an actor, if you play a role so good it becomes

you. I don’t even know the difference between Fred and myself; sometimes, apart from the money that Fred has. I think we are very similar in a lot of ways except that Victor Olaotan will not take any crap from any woman. That is the only difference. Fred takes a lot of crap. Victor Olaotan will not. Once in a while, Victor comes into Fred to say: hey it’s enough.

Being on Tinsel has beenan awesome ride

Beautiful ireti doyle plays Sheila Ade-Williams on the cast of Tinsel. Although she came on the set with over 16 years experience, the soft spoken and articulate wife of Patrick doyle says, coming to Tinsel was a whole new ball game. She shares her experience.

How has the journey been for you? My journey in tinsel has been wonderful. It’s been a fairy tale. From not being auditioned when it first started to being invited for audition two years into the show and from being given what I am told was supposed to be a small role to one of the lead roles in about a year. It’s been a fairy tale. This is what dreams are made of. I have absolutely no regrets. Forget the long hours, they can be maddening; waking up at about 5.30a.m. and being glamorous for 7.00a.m. Somehow, the team manages to do it. So, every day is an adventure on set. You know you are going to be this character but you also have an amazing team who also brings their own magic to everyday life.

So what happened that you missed the audition at the beginning?

I was refused because they said they were looking for fresh faces. I didn’t think it was fair. My management later got me an audition date. We got there on that day but there was nobody there. so, it couldn’t have been for

- Ireti Doyle

lack of trying. I thought maybe this isn’t for me and I went away. I didn’t understand that the God I serve was arranging things for me.

Coming into Tinsel, what was different and challenging?

I will never forget my first day on set. I came to this set with 16 years of experience on stage and being in front of the camera but I must say that I was intimidated by the fact that it was a different world entirely. Most people who work steadily in Nollywood, know that Nollywood is famous for its haphazard way and that is not their fault. It is because of the challenges that we face in our industry. In my entire 18-year career, I have done 23 movies and I have had my taste of Hollywood; even the present day nollywood and it’s still haphazard on most sets. on Tinsel, there is discipline. You are there by 6a.m. and you are in make-up by 6.30a.m. If you want to have breakfast, it is done by 7a.m. and by 8a.m., you are ready. Even the process of recording is different. It is studio-based so, you have to learn anew. You drop all those things you thought you knew and you wire your brain to these new things. The challenge is, do you have the humility to go through that learning process?

Fortunately for me, every set, every movie, every opportunity to play a different character or work with a different set of people in a different environment, is an opportunity to learn. so, it’s been an awesome, amazing adventure.

Of all the characters you had to interact with, which one of them would you say brings out the best in you?

It would have to be my step-son, phillip (Gideon okeke). I think Gideon and I have an amazing chemistry on tv. The guy is so on point as an actor! He gives off amazing energy so you can’t help but respond. the other person I have a nice, comfortable and symbiotic rhythm with would have to be my husband Fred Ade-williams. he’s been there longer than me. His character is formed. So, it was basically up to me to find a way to weave my character around him such that we complement each other without losing sense of who I am but that person who gives the spark is Gideon.

Africa Magic gave you a platform to be seen across the continent, how has the ride been?tinsel is today, knocks and all, considered as Africa’s

REPORTAGE

May 19, 2013 / 9

• Ireti• Victor

What has the journey been like for you?Shooting 1,000 episodes has been an experience for me. It’s been awesome! I said the first word and, on the 1,000th edition, I said the last word. It’s emotional for me particularly because, when we started, we never thought it would grow this big or come this far. People had doubts and people had fears because most of us were not trained actors at the time. We were fresh from the street.

But you had a face that was already known coming from Big Brother Africa? Yes. But that didn’t give me the role though it was certainly an added effect.

What was it like moving from Big Brother, one continental show to Tinsel another big show?Not to sound cocky, the truth is that I’ve always wanted to be on TV because I’ve been acting since I was six years old. I love to perform so when I came into my own, I always thought to make it a platform, a credible platform that I would give myself. At the time, Nollywood was still trying to do any thing. I wanted to act but I didn’t want that platform. Then Big Brother came. For me, I saw it as a performance avenue. Big Brother was reality TV but for me, it was a ticket out. I saw it differently. Then the transition came. For about a year, I had no job and nothing to do and everybody was up talking about Gideon of Big Brother. It was like a name tag that I didn’t want to carry around because it really didn’t make me feel good about myself. Then, I got a text message to go for an audition for an MNET production. I auditioned and I got a call the same day to come back the next day and that’s how the story became a reality.

So, work in Tinsel is like living your dream?It is living my dream. When people say I stumbled on it, I don’t answer them. I just chuckle and say within me, you don’t know the story. I knew what I wanted. Everything I am today, I actually asked for it from the Lord. This is not a mistake. Your character is so believable.

How do you get into your role?It’s not an easy job to have over six years mastered the art of being angry! It’s a tough job. But we were thought in drama school that the body of the actor is the landlord and the character is the tenant. The landlord has accepted the tenant in, so the tenant has to respect the space he is occupying. So, that is the relationship that I give to every character I play. To answer your question, there are certain parts of me that I do not admire, I give it to Phillip. And certain parts of Phillip that I admire, I take it in and that’s the relationship that an actor and a character should have.

He shot into limelight when he participated in the reality TV show, Big Brother Africa. Thereafter, it seemed his career soared. Appearing on the cast of Tinsel was a giant stride for this Applied Biochemistry graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. To horn his skill, in 1982, he trained at the Lee Strasberg, Theartre arts Institute in New York.The 2010 Best Actor in a TV series by Nigeria Entertainment Awards, says although it was tough mastering his role as Phllip, in Tinsel, he revealed that Phillip’s good side has rubbed off on him.

There are things in you that are stronger in a character, you borrow. When you and the character give and take, then you become believable. The character becomes a walking, breathing person plus the fact that M-Net started us off right with series of acting coaches whilst we were on the job. Their investment in that direction inspired me to go get training because when people start patting me on the back, then it’s time to go get training! So, what I do not like I give it to him and what I like, I take from him. Look at me now, I dress well now because of Phillip. I never used to be stylish. I could wear shorts all day and even to meetings. Style for me is freedom. But Phillip has helped me change all that.

Of all the characters you had to interact with on set, which one of them brings out the best in you? I am in close proximity with Victor Olaotan who plays my dad. You would expect that proximity to up the energy a bit but he is a safe zone. But Ireti is awesome. She is a generous actress. She brings my juices out regardless. It’s like a love scene when we are fighting. It sounds like a love scene and it feels that way too. She is an awesome, generous actress who does not want to upstage anyone. You want to share energy equally and everybody shares the screen. That is what I get from Ireti Doyle. Bimbo Manuel I’ve always watched from when I was a kid and now we share the same changing room and stuff like that. These are people I’ve looked up to; Bimbo Manual and Ireti Doyle but Fred is a safe zone because we are in close proximity.

If you had the opportunity to change a thing or two about Tinsel, what would it be?I think the team has done a great job to keep the profile going. Nothing I might input may mean much. I trust the guys because they work anti-clockwise to keep the show going. What would I change? More money, perhaps. I keep saying that. We could do with more money.

What do you look forward to having done Big Brother Africa?

The good thing that Big Brother has done for me is that it was my ticket out. It exposed me and Tinsel has shown my prowess; that has gathered me audience. Those customers, I call them customers, I hope that when I start doing serious films, they will transit with me and fill out the theatres. So, this is a call out there to say, I am available. I am not as busy as you think I am. We can talk. I am not as pricey as they say I am and I am also dispassionate about passionate projects; meaning, I won’t work for free. I am available. I want to test my skills in a lot of forms. I have been trained and I haven’t used it. The format we work on Tinsel is TV. TV has its limitations. There are certain rules you can’t break. So that kind of puts you in a box with your performance. But like I said, I’ve been trained and like a lion, I need to roar. I want to be Africa’s leading man.

Don’t you want to try out Hollywood?I believe that it feeds a certain demography of Nigerians who understand that kind of picture. Everybody watches James Bond. We love it too and we also find time to watch our local films. But there is also what I call New Nigeria Cinema which is picture from 2010. Hollywood will remain because it will feed Asaba, Onitsha, Enugu, Lokoja, Aba, Ebimpeju Lane etc. I’m not in that zone. I’m sorry. But this platform with Tinsel that you’ve had may be what Hollywood needs to effect change? When you acquire knowledge, your spirit gets aggravated. When people acquire education and are willing to learn, then things will change.

What is your style; this thing that Phillip has done for you?My style means freedom to me. Whatever takes away my freedom has killed me. There was a time when I used to buy clothes every weekend. I have a full closet of free clothes. There was a time when I used to buy clothes every weekend. Not anymore. Before, I had a few clothes. Now Phillip has made everything change. I have more colours. I try to stay fashion forward. I check out GQ once in a while.

What are you taking out of Tinsel?It’s a start of a legacy. I owe a lot to M-Net. I respect their vision and foresight.

Would you do Tinsel again?I will not only do it, my son will do it too.

number one soap. For an actor, you can’t buy this kind of show-glass. I like to call it show-glass. Do you know how many eyes are watching all across Africa, some parts of Europe and some parts of America, every night five days a week? Money can’t buy that! You have to appreciate it. That is why even when you get tired or it becomes monotonous, you have to put things in perspective and hold on. It’s been an awesome ride.

What do you look forward to after this?More great work. Africa is a huge continent and M-Net

My car broke down going for Tinsel audition

- Funmi Holder

can’t do it all. Let others borrow a leaf and replicate what is being done here so that we can tell the African story our way. We can control the media and how the rest of the world sees us.

For soaps that run for such a long time, after a while, things begin to happen to the characters. Do you think you may want to leave at some point to do other things? Yes, I may have loose plans but the key ingredient for my success in the industry, so far, has been my ability

to focus hundred and ten percent on what I am doing now and give it my all. Right now, this is what I am doing. I don’t know where the Lord will post me because the truth is, my Oga at the top arranges these things for me. Right now, this is what I am doing and this is what I focus all my attention on.

For her brilliant performance on Tinsel, Funmi Holder has continued to receive praises. She holds a degree in Botany from the University of Ibadan. The only girl amongst four siblings, she plays Amaka on the MNET soap, Tinsel.How did the journey to Tinsel begin?My journey to Tinsel is quite an interesting one and also a testimony to God’s works in my life. It all started when I got a phone call from Mr. Rogers Ofime on a certain Wednesday morning asking me to come in for a reading immediately. I was to arrive the studio at Ojota by 10a.m. So, I quickly got dressed and started heading over. Then, my car broke down on Third Mainland Bridge. By the time I got to the studio, it was already 1p.m. The audition was over! I pleaded with Mr. Rogers to plead with the audition team and they agreed. I was already destabilized by the stress of getting to the studio but I managed to give a performance I felt was just okay. Two weeks later, I got another call that I had been short-listed to play the role of Amaka and that I was to come in for the final reading. So, I went and, this time, I was prepared. I read with Gideon Okeke and I was asked to go. I got the last phone call just as I was stepping into my house that I had gotten the role. It was a terrific moment! Unforgettable!

You have done 1,000 episodes so far. How has the journey been?It’s been an awesome journey. I came on board when Tinsel was about 282 episodes. I took over the role of Amaka Okoh from someone else who had played it for the first season and half of the second season. It was tough in the beginning because, I was new to the style of shoot, which is studio-based and all the discipline and hard work. Having to wake up at 5 a.m. every morning was all new to me. The fact that I also had someone else’s shoes to fill didn’t help. I felt constantly pressured. I got a lot of criticisms. Some felt my approach to the role was too different from the original actor. But I had to be strong and here I am today. We have had our ups and downs. We have managed to pull through all the obstacles; the fire that engulfed our studio etc. I would also like to give a thumbs-up to Mr. Rogers Ofime who is a worthy leader.

What are the challenges?Well, just like every other job, being on Tinsel has its own challenges. You have to be on your toes at all times. You have to wake up early to be at work at 6a.m. The fire brought us a lot of challenges because we had to resort to using locations, which isn’t easy especially

considering Lagos traffic and general logistics. But we have passion for what we do and, as they say, if there’s a will, there’s a way.

Which one character in Tinsel brings out the best in you?I would not say a particular character in Tinsel brings out the best in me because I think God is the one that is responsible for what I am able to do on and off screen but as a whole, we all encourage each other. We are like one big, happy family. That helps.

In terms of production, what do you like about Tinsel?Tinsel is an MNET production and, isn’t MNET where Magic lives? What we do on Tinsel is international

standard. It’s an honour to be on such platform. I feel blessed actually. The standard of production is top quality; the best you can get in Nigeria right now.

What do you plan to do with the platform that Tinsel offers?I hope that I am able to partake in a huge production outside the shores of Nigeria someday soon because, I know that Tinsel is watched globally. So, it’s a great platform to showcase one’s talent.

Apart from TV, are you on other platforms like stage or film?I have projects I am involved in but I would like to keep those under wraps for now until they are done.

What major lesson are you taking away from Tinsel?I have learnt to be more committed. I have learnt to be more disciplined. I have learnt to be a better actor. I am definitely not the same person who walked in about 4 years ago. I have grown. And I will be eternally grateful for this great opportunity.

If you’ve done other things before, in what way is Tinsel

different?I have done a lot of movies in the past. But Tinsel is different in so many ways; shooting style is studio-based and even when we do locations, the quality is still top notch. Professionalism is unparalleled.

If you can turn back the hands of the clock, would you do Tinsel again?Absolutely! I would do Tinsel over and over again! No doubt about that.

Any awards yet?No. I have not received any awards yet but I know that one day, I will receive a prestigious award that I will be very proud of.

Playing Phillip has made me become stylish- Gideon Okeke

May 19, 2013 / 11

REPORTAGEREPORTAGE

/ May 19, 201310

• Funmi

• Gideon

What has the journey been like for you?Shooting 1,000 episodes has been an experience for me. It’s been awesome! I said the first word and, on the 1,000th edition, I said the last word. It’s emotional for me particularly because, when we started, we never thought it would grow this big or come this far. People had doubts and people had fears because most of us were not trained actors at the time. We were fresh from the street.

But you had a face that was already known coming from Big Brother Africa? Yes. But that didn’t give me the role though it was certainly an added effect.

What was it like moving from Big Brother, one continental show to Tinsel another big show?Not to sound cocky, the truth is that I’ve always wanted to be on TV because I’ve been acting since I was six years old. I love to perform so when I came into my own, I always thought to make it a platform, a credible platform that I would give myself. At the time, Nollywood was still trying to do any thing. I wanted to act but I didn’t want that platform. Then Big Brother came. For me, I saw it as a performance avenue. Big Brother was reality TV but for me, it was a ticket out. I saw it differently. Then the transition came. For about a year, I had no job and nothing to do and everybody was up talking about Gideon of Big Brother. It was like a name tag that I didn’t want to carry around because it really didn’t make me feel good about myself. Then, I got a text message to go for an audition for an MNET production. I auditioned and I got a call the same day to come back the next day and that’s how the story became a reality.

So, work in Tinsel is like living your dream?It is living my dream. When people say I stumbled on it, I don’t answer them. I just chuckle and say within me, you don’t know the story. I knew what I wanted. Everything I am today, I actually asked for it from the Lord. This is not a mistake. Your character is so believable.

How do you get into your role?It’s not an easy job to have over six years mastered the art of being angry! It’s a tough job. But we were thought in drama school that the body of the actor is the landlord and the character is the tenant. The landlord has accepted the tenant in, so the tenant has to respect the space he is occupying. So, that is the relationship that I give to every character I play. To answer your question, there are certain parts of me that I do not admire, I give it to Phillip. And certain parts of Phillip that I admire, I take it in and that’s the relationship that an actor and a character should have.

He shot into limelight when he participated in the reality TV show, Big Brother Africa. Thereafter, it seemed his career soared. Appearing on the cast of Tinsel was a giant stride for this Applied Biochemistry graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. To horn his skill, in 1982, he trained at the Lee Strasberg, Theartre arts Institute in New York.The 2010 Best Actor in a TV series by Nigeria Entertainment Awards, says although it was tough mastering his role as Phllip, in Tinsel, he revealed that Phillip’s good side has rubbed off on him.

There are things in you that are stronger in a character, you borrow. When you and the character give and take, then you become believable. The character becomes a walking, breathing person plus the fact that M-Net started us off right with series of acting coaches whilst we were on the job. Their investment in that direction inspired me to go get training because when people start patting me on the back, then it’s time to go get training! So, what I do not like I give it to him and what I like, I take from him. Look at me now, I dress well now because of Phillip. I never used to be stylish. I could wear shorts all day and even to meetings. Style for me is freedom. But Phillip has helped me change all that.

Of all the characters you had to interact with on set, which one of them brings out the best in you? I am in close proximity with Victor Olaotan who plays my dad. You would expect that proximity to up the energy a bit but he is a safe zone. But Ireti is awesome. She is a generous actress. She brings my juices out regardless. It’s like a love scene when we are fighting. It sounds like a love scene and it feels that way too. She is an awesome, generous actress who does not want to upstage anyone. You want to share energy equally and everybody shares the screen. That is what I get from Ireti Doyle. Bimbo Manuel I’ve always watched from when I was a kid and now we share the same changing room and stuff like that. These are people I’ve looked up to; Bimbo Manual and Ireti Doyle but Fred is a safe zone because we are in close proximity.

If you had the opportunity to change a thing or two about Tinsel, what would it be?I think the team has done a great job to keep the profile going. Nothing I might input may mean much. I trust the guys because they work anti-clockwise to keep the show going. What would I change? More money, perhaps. I keep saying that. We could do with more money.

What do you look forward to having done Big Brother Africa?

The good thing that Big Brother has done for me is that it was my ticket out. It exposed me and Tinsel has shown my prowess; that has gathered me audience. Those customers, I call them customers, I hope that when I start doing serious films, they will transit with me and fill out the theatres. So, this is a call out there to say, I am available. I am not as busy as you think I am. We can talk. I am not as pricey as they say I am and I am also dispassionate about passionate projects; meaning, I won’t work for free. I am available. I want to test my skills in a lot of forms. I have been trained and I haven’t used it. The format we work on Tinsel is TV. TV has its limitations. There are certain rules you can’t break. So that kind of puts you in a box with your performance. But like I said, I’ve been trained and like a lion, I need to roar. I want to be Africa’s leading man.

Don’t you want to try out Hollywood?I believe that it feeds a certain demography of Nigerians who understand that kind of picture. Everybody watches James Bond. We love it too and we also find time to watch our local films. But there is also what I call New Nigeria Cinema which is picture from 2010. Hollywood will remain because it will feed Asaba, Onitsha, Enugu, Lokoja, Aba, Ebimpeju Lane etc. I’m not in that zone. I’m sorry. But this platform with Tinsel that you’ve had may be what Hollywood needs to effect change? When you acquire knowledge, your spirit gets aggravated. When people acquire education and are willing to learn, then things will change.

What is your style; this thing that Phillip has done for you?My style means freedom to me. Whatever takes away my freedom has killed me. There was a time when I used to buy clothes every weekend. I have a full closet of free clothes. There was a time when I used to buy clothes every weekend. Not anymore. Before, I had a few clothes. Now Phillip has made everything change. I have more colours. I try to stay fashion forward. I check out GQ once in a while.

What are you taking out of Tinsel?It’s a start of a legacy. I owe a lot to M-Net. I respect their vision and foresight.

Would you do Tinsel again?I will not only do it, my son will do it too.

number one soap. For an actor, you can’t buy this kind of show-glass. I like to call it show-glass. Do you know how many eyes are watching all across Africa, some parts of Europe and some parts of America, every night five days a week? Money can’t buy that! You have to appreciate it. That is why even when you get tired or it becomes monotonous, you have to put things in perspective and hold on. It’s been an awesome ride.

What do you look forward to after this?More great work. Africa is a huge continent and M-Net

My car broke down going for Tinsel audition

- Funmi Holder

can’t do it all. Let others borrow a leaf and replicate what is being done here so that we can tell the African story our way. We can control the media and how the rest of the world sees us.

For soaps that run for such a long time, after a while, things begin to happen to the characters. Do you think you may want to leave at some point to do other things? Yes, I may have loose plans but the key ingredient for my success in the industry, so far, has been my ability

to focus hundred and ten percent on what I am doing now and give it my all. Right now, this is what I am doing. I don’t know where the Lord will post me because the truth is, my Oga at the top arranges these things for me. Right now, this is what I am doing and this is what I focus all my attention on.

For her brilliant performance on Tinsel, Funmi Holder has continued to receive praises. She holds a degree in Botany from the University of Ibadan. The only girl amongst four siblings, she plays Amaka on the MNET soap, Tinsel.How did the journey to Tinsel begin?My journey to Tinsel is quite an interesting one and also a testimony to God’s works in my life. It all started when I got a phone call from Mr. Rogers Ofime on a certain Wednesday morning asking me to come in for a reading immediately. I was to arrive the studio at Ojota by 10a.m. So, I quickly got dressed and started heading over. Then, my car broke down on Third Mainland Bridge. By the time I got to the studio, it was already 1p.m. The audition was over! I pleaded with Mr. Rogers to plead with the audition team and they agreed. I was already destabilized by the stress of getting to the studio but I managed to give a performance I felt was just okay. Two weeks later, I got another call that I had been short-listed to play the role of Amaka and that I was to come in for the final reading. So, I went and, this time, I was prepared. I read with Gideon Okeke and I was asked to go. I got the last phone call just as I was stepping into my house that I had gotten the role. It was a terrific moment! Unforgettable!

You have done 1,000 episodes so far. How has the journey been?It’s been an awesome journey. I came on board when Tinsel was about 282 episodes. I took over the role of Amaka Okoh from someone else who had played it for the first season and half of the second season. It was tough in the beginning because, I was new to the style of shoot, which is studio-based and all the discipline and hard work. Having to wake up at 5 a.m. every morning was all new to me. The fact that I also had someone else’s shoes to fill didn’t help. I felt constantly pressured. I got a lot of criticisms. Some felt my approach to the role was too different from the original actor. But I had to be strong and here I am today. We have had our ups and downs. We have managed to pull through all the obstacles; the fire that engulfed our studio etc. I would also like to give a thumbs-up to Mr. Rogers Ofime who is a worthy leader.

What are the challenges?Well, just like every other job, being on Tinsel has its own challenges. You have to be on your toes at all times. You have to wake up early to be at work at 6a.m. The fire brought us a lot of challenges because we had to resort to using locations, which isn’t easy especially

considering Lagos traffic and general logistics. But we have passion for what we do and, as they say, if there’s a will, there’s a way.

Which one character in Tinsel brings out the best in you?I would not say a particular character in Tinsel brings out the best in me because I think God is the one that is responsible for what I am able to do on and off screen but as a whole, we all encourage each other. We are like one big, happy family. That helps.

In terms of production, what do you like about Tinsel?Tinsel is an MNET production and, isn’t MNET where Magic lives? What we do on Tinsel is international

standard. It’s an honour to be on such platform. I feel blessed actually. The standard of production is top quality; the best you can get in Nigeria right now.

What do you plan to do with the platform that Tinsel offers?I hope that I am able to partake in a huge production outside the shores of Nigeria someday soon because, I know that Tinsel is watched globally. So, it’s a great platform to showcase one’s talent.

Apart from TV, are you on other platforms like stage or film?I have projects I am involved in but I would like to keep those under wraps for now until they are done.

What major lesson are you taking away from Tinsel?I have learnt to be more committed. I have learnt to be more disciplined. I have learnt to be a better actor. I am definitely not the same person who walked in about 4 years ago. I have grown. And I will be eternally grateful for this great opportunity.

If you’ve done other things before, in what way is Tinsel

different?I have done a lot of movies in the past. But Tinsel is different in so many ways; shooting style is studio-based and even when we do locations, the quality is still top notch. Professionalism is unparalleled.

If you can turn back the hands of the clock, would you do Tinsel again?Absolutely! I would do Tinsel over and over again! No doubt about that.

Any awards yet?No. I have not received any awards yet but I know that one day, I will receive a prestigious award that I will be very proud of.

Playing Phillip has made me become stylish- Gideon Okeke

May 19, 2013 / 11

REPORTAGEREPORTAGE

/ May 19, 201310

• Funmi

• Gideon

011HEALTHY LIVING

My dear readers trust you had a good week. Today we are delving into the world of Detox. The idea of a good detox diet is to eat pure and natural foods that will aid the functi on of the lymph, kidneys, and liver. Yours truly has done all the hard research so you don’t have to.

WHAT IS A DETOX DIET?Detoxification (detox for short) is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, detoxing is based on the concept that your body needs help getting rid of unwanted toxins from contaminants in processed foods and the environment. In theory, once free of toxins, your body functions better and your metabolism soars so you can shed those extra pounds.There are a variety of different detox diets. Most follow a pattern of very low calorie fasting with the addition of small amounts of fruits, vegetables, water, and assorted supplements. Some diets recommend herbs, pills, powders, enemas, and other forms of intestinal and colon cleansing. Methods vary, I have put together my very own simple detox plan and would feature next week so keep reading.

DETOX: THE TRUTHOftentimes people don’t realize that the body has its own extraordinary internal detoxification system. The three critical organs involved are:• The Liver: Your first line of defense against toxins is your liver, which acts like a filter in preventing toxic substances contained in foods from passing into your blood stream.• The Colon: This organ has bacteria that produce both healthy and unhealthy chemicals. You want to keep your colon flowing regularly since its main role is to flush out toxic chemicals before they can do you any harm. • The Kidneys: Like clockwork, the kidneys are constantly filtering your blood and getting rid of toxins in the form of urine.It’s very important to note that - for a detox diet to truly work, you need to maintain these three key

by - Teri Mendes

For comments and questions please email terimendes@gmail.com, @terimendes. I would love to hear from you, till next week. - it’s ta ta for now! XOXO

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DETOX

TERI SpeaksHi Teri,

I am a regular reader of your column. Nice work as they’ve been very enlightening although feminine. Please how does one address an oily face? I am a male north of 50.

Good day, Thank you for writing in. Your mail couldnt be more timely. Next week’s edition focuses on how to have a shine free face for the New Year celebrations.Stay tuned! Best wishes, Teri M.

organs by nourishing your body with the right nutrients.

FOODS TO AVOID DURING YOUR DETOX

• Red meat, chicken, turkey and any meat products like sausages, burgers, and pate.

• Milk, cheese, eggs, cream • Butter and margarine • Any food that contains wheat including bread, croissants, cereals, cakes, biscuits, pies, pastry, quiche, battered or bread crumbed foods, etc • Crisps and savoury snacks including salted nuts

Quoteof the week

- IRISH PROVERB

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.

• Chocolate, sweets, jam and sugar • Processed foods, ready meals, ready-made sauces and takeaways • Alcohol • Coffee and tea • Sauces, pickles, shop bought salad dressing, mayonnaise.• Salt

•Fizzy drinks and squashes, including diet versions.

That’s it for today my readers! Hope you enjoyed this piece! Next week’s edition will be on my simple detox plan with breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack menus so stay tuned promises to be REAL GOOD!

USING THE POLISH EDGE - part 2

by - Chioma Okoye

olishProfessionalTHE

In an organisation, polish provides the critical 10 percent edge of success. In other words, most people may know their product or service, but the edge you have over them is your personal savvy, your social skills and etiquette.

If a thriving organisation should choose between employing a potential staff who is resident within their area of location and not worry about extra expenses aside the monthly salary but who generally lacks polish and another who has to relocate to join them but who would attract relocation and settlement

benefits etc. but is polished, who do you think they would choose?

If you were to be given a choice to do business with a small organisation that is renowned by their recognition of strength in diversity which has cut them a niche in the business world through courtesy and another choice to do same with an organisation that does not care about other people’s values and background (including that of their clients), your choice is as good as apparent.

In both scenarios given above, ‘Candidate A’ and ‘Organisation B’

Chioma E. Okoye is a Corporate Etiquette expert; she is the Principal of the Diamond School of International protocol & Etiquette. She studied International Protocol & Etiquette at the Institut Villa Pierrefeu Switzerland and is Professional Etiquette Certified (PEC) by Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette Incorporated, United States of America. She worked as a Managing Partner at Lean Sigma Concept for several years (a Management/ Consulting Firm), and was a Managing Partner at Lyndon Cooper (an event consulting firm) before founding Diamond School of International Protocol & Etiquette. She is also a founding team member of John Maxwell group and a certified leadership Coach.

PerfectBodynot just slimming but fitnessKATHY EMIKO

HEALTH101News

Follow these food substitution steps if you are trying to lose weight:

1. Instead of ice cream, eat non-fat yoghourt.2. Instead of diet sodas, drink water during the

day and add a bottle of Body Perfect Cocktail Drink.

3. Change from eating no fruit to eating an apple a day.

4. Instead of eating lots of beef, eat lots of chicken and some fish.

5. Instead of fried foods, eat baked foods.

FACTS AND FIGURES OF WEIGHT LOSS

Remember that weight loss and maintenance requires you to eat less and exercise more.WHAT DOES BEING OVER-WEIGHT MEAN?

Part of the difficulty in discussing the over-weight problem lies in its definition. The word ‘over-weight’ has a euphemistic ring but it is essentially nothing more than a delicate phrase for being ‘fat’. Over-weight is certainly more than ‘a little plump’ or ‘well-covered’. A person is over-weight if he is significantly heavier than he should be compared with the ideal weight for his height and frame.

Simply stated, over-weight means an excessive accumulation of body fat. Some fat, of course, is essential as a reserve of food for the body which can be utilized at any time when the output of energy exceeds the intake of energy. It acts as a reservoir when there is a demand for calories during periods of great activity. This fat, which lies beneath the skin and around the body’s internal organs, constitutes about fifteen percent of the healthy male body and a little under twenty percent of the healthy female body. But when these percentages are significantly higher, there is reason for concern.

The prime cause of being over-weight is over-Princess Kathy is a certified nutrition and fitness consultant.Email: bodyperfectng@aol.com | BB: 28356028

would lose because of lack of social skills which would enhance the opportunities that a business needs to be successful. Therefore, polish is

more about creating a truly peaceful environment than about knowing which cutlery piece to use.Be Polished!

TO BE CONTINUED...

eating – taking in more energy than you require. Even if you were to lie in bed all day you would use energy to breathe, digest your food, keep your heart pumping and your blood circulating. Any additional effort requires more energy, and this output you replace

by eating and drinking. If you continually take in more sources of energy in food and drink than you need, your body will, in an attempt to overcome the loading of the blood stream with the products of digestion, try to excrete the excess. Eventually, however, some of the by-products will be turned into fat and stored, and if this is not used through some sort of exertion, the store becomes larger – and you become fatter. This fat acts as a reserve of energy.

A person of normal weight who went on a total fast would have enough fat stored to live off on for several weeks. Very fat people have enough for several months.

The ‘fat’ in the body is not solid but liquid and it is stored in individual cells, each surrounded by a cell wall. Together these cells make up adipose tissue (fat), which is found between the muscles and the skin and around the internal organs. When more food is taken in without the equivalent expenditure of energy, these fat cells begin to inflate. And the more food is taken in, the more they inflate

HIGHER INCIDENCE OF DISEASEResearch during the last few decades has

increasingly demonstrated the link between disease and obesity. A man who is ten percent over-weight, for example, has about a one-third higher risk of dying early than a man of desirable weight. The risks for a woman are not as great, but the figures are still disturbing. Over-weight people are also more prone to diseases of the cardio-vascular systems (the heart and blood vessels), including coronary trouble, kidney diseases, cirrhosis of the liver and, particularly, diabetes. Because over-weight people tend to be clumsier and slower, they are also more prone to accidents.

Life, in general, is less comfortable for the over-weight person. Although the bulk increases, the bones do not become larger or the joints stronger and the body works under great strain with no additional help.

May 19, 2013 / 13

• COFFEE

• DETOX DIAGRAM

• FIZZY DRINK

/ May 19, 201312

011HEALTHY LIVING

My dear readers trust you had a good week. Today we are delving into the world of Detox. The idea of a good detox diet is to eat pure and natural foods that will aid the functi on of the lymph, kidneys, and liver. Yours truly has done all the hard research so you don’t have to.

WHAT IS A DETOX DIET?Detoxification (detox for short) is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, detoxing is based on the concept that your body needs help getting rid of unwanted toxins from contaminants in processed foods and the environment. In theory, once free of toxins, your body functions better and your metabolism soars so you can shed those extra pounds.There are a variety of different detox diets. Most follow a pattern of very low calorie fasting with the addition of small amounts of fruits, vegetables, water, and assorted supplements. Some diets recommend herbs, pills, powders, enemas, and other forms of intestinal and colon cleansing. Methods vary, I have put together my very own simple detox plan and would feature next week so keep reading.

DETOX: THE TRUTHOftentimes people don’t realize that the body has its own extraordinary internal detoxification system. The three critical organs involved are:• The Liver: Your first line of defense against toxins is your liver, which acts like a filter in preventing toxic substances contained in foods from passing into your blood stream.• The Colon: This organ has bacteria that produce both healthy and unhealthy chemicals. You want to keep your colon flowing regularly since its main role is to flush out toxic chemicals before they can do you any harm. • The Kidneys: Like clockwork, the kidneys are constantly filtering your blood and getting rid of toxins in the form of urine.It’s very important to note that - for a detox diet to truly work, you need to maintain these three key

by - Teri Mendes

For comments and questions please email terimendes@gmail.com, @terimendes. I would love to hear from you, till next week. - it’s ta ta for now! XOXO

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DETOX

TERI SpeaksHi Teri,

I am a regular reader of your column. Nice work as they’ve been very enlightening although feminine. Please how does one address an oily face? I am a male north of 50.

Good day, Thank you for writing in. Your mail couldnt be more timely. Next week’s edition focuses on how to have a shine free face for the New Year celebrations.Stay tuned! Best wishes, Teri M.

organs by nourishing your body with the right nutrients.

FOODS TO AVOID DURING YOUR DETOX

• Red meat, chicken, turkey and any meat products like sausages, burgers, and pate.

• Milk, cheese, eggs, cream • Butter and margarine • Any food that contains wheat including bread, croissants, cereals, cakes, biscuits, pies, pastry, quiche, battered or bread crumbed foods, etc • Crisps and savoury snacks including salted nuts

Quoteof the week

- IRISH PROVERB

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.

• Chocolate, sweets, jam and sugar • Processed foods, ready meals, ready-made sauces and takeaways • Alcohol • Coffee and tea • Sauces, pickles, shop bought salad dressing, mayonnaise.• Salt

•Fizzy drinks and squashes, including diet versions.

That’s it for today my readers! Hope you enjoyed this piece! Next week’s edition will be on my simple detox plan with breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack menus so stay tuned promises to be REAL GOOD!

USING THE POLISH EDGE - part 2

by - Chioma Okoye

olishProfessionalTHE

In an organisation, polish provides the critical 10 percent edge of success. In other words, most people may know their product or service, but the edge you have over them is your personal savvy, your social skills and etiquette.

If a thriving organisation should choose between employing a potential staff who is resident within their area of location and not worry about extra expenses aside the monthly salary but who generally lacks polish and another who has to relocate to join them but who would attract relocation and settlement

benefits etc. but is polished, who do you think they would choose?

If you were to be given a choice to do business with a small organisation that is renowned by their recognition of strength in diversity which has cut them a niche in the business world through courtesy and another choice to do same with an organisation that does not care about other people’s values and background (including that of their clients), your choice is as good as apparent.

In both scenarios given above, ‘Candidate A’ and ‘Organisation B’

Chioma E. Okoye is a Corporate Etiquette expert; she is the Principal of the Diamond School of International protocol & Etiquette. She studied International Protocol & Etiquette at the Institut Villa Pierrefeu Switzerland and is Professional Etiquette Certified (PEC) by Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette Incorporated, United States of America. She worked as a Managing Partner at Lean Sigma Concept for several years (a Management/ Consulting Firm), and was a Managing Partner at Lyndon Cooper (an event consulting firm) before founding Diamond School of International Protocol & Etiquette. She is also a founding team member of John Maxwell group and a certified leadership Coach.

PerfectBodynot just slimming but fitnessKATHY EMIKO

HEALTH101News

Follow these food substitution steps if you are trying to lose weight:

1. Instead of ice cream, eat non-fat yoghourt.2. Instead of diet sodas, drink water during the

day and add a bottle of Body Perfect Cocktail Drink.

3. Change from eating no fruit to eating an apple a day.

4. Instead of eating lots of beef, eat lots of chicken and some fish.

5. Instead of fried foods, eat baked foods.

FACTS AND FIGURES OF WEIGHT LOSS

Remember that weight loss and maintenance requires you to eat less and exercise more.WHAT DOES BEING OVER-WEIGHT MEAN?

Part of the difficulty in discussing the over-weight problem lies in its definition. The word ‘over-weight’ has a euphemistic ring but it is essentially nothing more than a delicate phrase for being ‘fat’. Over-weight is certainly more than ‘a little plump’ or ‘well-covered’. A person is over-weight if he is significantly heavier than he should be compared with the ideal weight for his height and frame.

Simply stated, over-weight means an excessive accumulation of body fat. Some fat, of course, is essential as a reserve of food for the body which can be utilized at any time when the output of energy exceeds the intake of energy. It acts as a reservoir when there is a demand for calories during periods of great activity. This fat, which lies beneath the skin and around the body’s internal organs, constitutes about fifteen percent of the healthy male body and a little under twenty percent of the healthy female body. But when these percentages are significantly higher, there is reason for concern.

The prime cause of being over-weight is over-Princess Kathy is a certified nutrition and fitness consultant.Email: bodyperfectng@aol.com | BB: 28356028

would lose because of lack of social skills which would enhance the opportunities that a business needs to be successful. Therefore, polish is

more about creating a truly peaceful environment than about knowing which cutlery piece to use.Be Polished!

TO BE CONTINUED...

eating – taking in more energy than you require. Even if you were to lie in bed all day you would use energy to breathe, digest your food, keep your heart pumping and your blood circulating. Any additional effort requires more energy, and this output you replace

by eating and drinking. If you continually take in more sources of energy in food and drink than you need, your body will, in an attempt to overcome the loading of the blood stream with the products of digestion, try to excrete the excess. Eventually, however, some of the by-products will be turned into fat and stored, and if this is not used through some sort of exertion, the store becomes larger – and you become fatter. This fat acts as a reserve of energy.

A person of normal weight who went on a total fast would have enough fat stored to live off on for several weeks. Very fat people have enough for several months.

The ‘fat’ in the body is not solid but liquid and it is stored in individual cells, each surrounded by a cell wall. Together these cells make up adipose tissue (fat), which is found between the muscles and the skin and around the internal organs. When more food is taken in without the equivalent expenditure of energy, these fat cells begin to inflate. And the more food is taken in, the more they inflate

HIGHER INCIDENCE OF DISEASEResearch during the last few decades has

increasingly demonstrated the link between disease and obesity. A man who is ten percent over-weight, for example, has about a one-third higher risk of dying early than a man of desirable weight. The risks for a woman are not as great, but the figures are still disturbing. Over-weight people are also more prone to diseases of the cardio-vascular systems (the heart and blood vessels), including coronary trouble, kidney diseases, cirrhosis of the liver and, particularly, diabetes. Because over-weight people tend to be clumsier and slower, they are also more prone to accidents.

Life, in general, is less comfortable for the over-weight person. Although the bulk increases, the bones do not become larger or the joints stronger and the body works under great strain with no additional help.

May 19, 2013 / 13

• COFFEE

• DETOX DIAGRAM

• FIZZY DRINK

/ May 19, 201312

24TwEnTy FOURin hrs

voices and say this is what I have done. That is what the hundred voices campaign is all about, our ability to promote their stories.

What do you hope to achieve with this?We want the reps to feel that they are

special to us and that we recognize the role they play in our business. We want to celebrate them; we want to help them to inspire people. We want them to use one platform to spread their stories around the world such that it inspires other people, at the end of the day it is still good business doing well.

When you wake up in the morning what is the first thing you do and how is your typical day like?

When I wake up in the morning, I wakeup really early, like three am everyday, and I think through all the things that I have done the day before. Then I plan for the day and at

Tara Fela Durotoye...

What is the hundred voices campaign all about?

We want to take those stories, bring it out to the world, we want the world to hear their stories and be inspired by it. We want the stories to change the perception of Nigeria to a point where people no longer see Nigeria as only that place where young girls go to Italy for prostitution but there are actually young girls who are enterprising, industrious and courageous. Because we have beauty reps who are trading in Bornu state, Kano and Kaduna State and Jos. We have a rep since 2007 that has been in that city, today she is a distributor. So we know that there are challenges in Nigeria, people who in spite of the challenges are still doing something.

For many years now my story has been celebrated because Tara is doing a business that didn’t exist before, that is inspiring, that is great. Tara has built her business from just doing makeup to having her beauty products line, having chains of training school around that story should be told, I know, but guess what I started 16 years ago. Some people will look at it and say she started a long time ago, by now she should be making it. But there are some people who started with N15000 and N7500 was borrowed from a friend, and the other N7500 from another friend, pulled the money together, another one they gave money to buy phone that decided to invest the money in starting up her business, these stories need to be told. That is what we want to do we want to inspire them and celebrate them. We want the world to hear their stories, hear their

the same time I spend time in meditation. At about 5am, I go back to bed for another hour, till about six when my children wake up to get ready for school. Sometimes I take them to school at other times I don’t. I go to the gym everyday for about thirty to forty minutes before taking my children to school, in the event that my children need to get to school earlier or I didn’t wake up early, I take them to school first and then come back to the gym. And there are some days I don’t take them, like today. My PA knows that when we travel, the first thing she has to do when booking a hotel is to check if the hotel has a gym. When I don’t go to the gym I actually feel sick. I go to work after that, I deal with some suppliers and my employees and then by two thirty to three, I close and go and get my children from school, then we go home, depending on after school activities that they have maybe

somebody have football, sometimes lesson to prepare for or common entrance, somebody has French lessons, depending on the activity that they have that will determine my afternoon will turn out, There are times when I feel I have traveled a lot and I have been out for a long while when I resume I stay till seven o’clock, but that doesn’t happen all the time that happens from time to time.

I use a cleanser day and night, because I have very oily skin, I use a cleanser and I use maltifier. I have a facial once every two months because obviously with the amount of dirt in the air, from time to time your dead skin cells become more pronounced. By doing a facial I am able to remove the dead skin cells that are basically it. I use facial gloss as well to exfoliate my skin. And also twice a week I use facial towel from time to time to open up my pores, that is really my facial beauty routine.

Renowned, Make-up and beauty brand House of TARA is giving back to her beauty representatives with a new project- 100 Voices. The 100 voices according to Tara Durotoye CEO of House of Tara, is a CSR arm of House of Tara and it is focused on celebrating young women of enterprise who have shared their stories with Tara’s Brand in the past and whose stories have inspired them. Tara speaks more on the project as she takes us on her daily routine.

by - Yemisi Suleiman

PEOPLE“ONE PARTY AT A TIME!”

MODE MEn MAGAZInE MARKS 7 In STyLE

MODE MEN magazine celebrated its 7th Anniversary in style at the Radisson Blu on Sunday the 28th of April. It was a small gathering of sixty of the magazine’s close friends and supporters who came to celebrate with the brand at a lavish dinner with plenty of champagne and great entertainment. But it was not all about wining and dining as the dinner raised close N1.5million naira for the ‘Down Syndrome Foundation’ during an auction which saw artworks by Ighodalo Geroge and Ayodele Ukana, Bespoke suits by Tayor Gabriel, a watch all up for grabs. The event was supported by New York fragrance company Bond9 unveiled their fragrance collection in Nigeria for the first time through Essenza. Guest were treated to an experience of wide range of exotic fragrance at the reception area of the dinner. Legendary songstress Yinka Davis closed the night with some uplifting spiritual songs, while new artist ADB rocked earlier with his upcoming song ‘Party Tonight’, he also rendered a special track titled ‘Black Night’ specially composed for the evening. Music sensation Seyi Shay belted out an accapella of her hit track to show her support for the

COCKTAIL nIGHT wITH DIAGEO RESERVE BRAnDS

Recently at the Cafe Vanessa Victoria Island, the Diageo Reserve Brands brought together guests for an exclusive Cocktail Night with the premium Diageo brands of Ciroc, Johnnie Walker Blue, Tanqueray, Ron Zacapa among others.

The evening hosted by the Diageo Africa Reserve Brand Ambassador, Tim Etherington-Judge showcased different great tasting cocktails prepared and served by the award winning mixologist to the delight of the enthusiastic guests.

It was indeed a night to be remembered as guests also had an opportunity of trying out their own skills of mixing their cocktail from these quality brands. As the guests were enjoined to drink responsibly, Marketing Manager, Diageo Brands Nigeria Mr. Sola Oke, promised their numerous consumers more exciting times with the Diageo Reserve Brands.

By - Fatima Garba

May 19, 2013 / 15

‘Down Syndrome foundation’ after giving a heartwarming speech asking more people to support charities. All the guest went away with well packed goodie bags which included hardback MODE notebooks, miniatures of Bond9 fragrances, Toilet bags for the gents and purses for the ladies. All bags also contained one motivational book ranging from ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ to ‘Think like a Man, Act like a Girl’ for the single ladies and ‘The Lady, her Lover and her Lord’ as well as a copy of the magazine’s 7th Anniversary Issue dedicated to God.

Friends and guests included past covers Seyi Shay, Okey Bakassi and Ene-Maya Lawani. Uti Nwachukwu, Frank Edoho, Amaechi Okobi of Diageo, Bukky & Abiye Karibi-Whyte (Bobby Taylor),Uche Nnaji (OUCH), Tayor Gabriel (TG Bespoke), Mr & Mrs George (Healthplus/Casabella), Mr.Kayode Kasumu (CEO Essenza), Alex Ekubo and the legendry Yinka Davis also lent their support. The event was hosted by DSTV’s Aisha Shabba and the Editor in-Chief Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa himself which was a breath of fresh air.

uTI nWAcHuKWu

OKEY BAKASSI

AlEx EKuBO KAYODE KASuMu

DOnAlD OBASEKI

EnE lAWAnI

ABuBAKArTAFAWA-BAlEWA

AMAKA OBIDI & IFEAnYI

SOlA AnD OBI FIjABI

TAYOr GABrIEl & FrAnK EDOHO

/ May 19, 201314

By - Fatima Garba

uFuOMA

DIAGEO AFrIcA rESErVE BrAnD AMBASSADOr: TIM ETHErInGTOn-juDGE SOlA OKE

nEnE MBADIWE

AuSTIn uFOMBA HElMA EKIYOr

AMAEcHI OKOBI& KAYlAH

KElEcHI &A FrIEnD rEnATO AWAnI DIAGEO cOcKTAIl GIrlS GuESTS

24TwEnTy FOURin hrs

voices and say this is what I have done. That is what the hundred voices campaign is all about, our ability to promote their stories.

What do you hope to achieve with this?We want the reps to feel that they are

special to us and that we recognize the role they play in our business. We want to celebrate them; we want to help them to inspire people. We want them to use one platform to spread their stories around the world such that it inspires other people, at the end of the day it is still good business doing well.

When you wake up in the morning what is the first thing you do and how is your typical day like?

When I wake up in the morning, I wakeup really early, like three am everyday, and I think through all the things that I have done the day before. Then I plan for the day and at

Tara Fela Durotoye...

What is the hundred voices campaign all about?

We want to take those stories, bring it out to the world, we want the world to hear their stories and be inspired by it. We want the stories to change the perception of Nigeria to a point where people no longer see Nigeria as only that place where young girls go to Italy for prostitution but there are actually young girls who are enterprising, industrious and courageous. Because we have beauty reps who are trading in Bornu state, Kano and Kaduna State and Jos. We have a rep since 2007 that has been in that city, today she is a distributor. So we know that there are challenges in Nigeria, people who in spite of the challenges are still doing something.

For many years now my story has been celebrated because Tara is doing a business that didn’t exist before, that is inspiring, that is great. Tara has built her business from just doing makeup to having her beauty products line, having chains of training school around that story should be told, I know, but guess what I started 16 years ago. Some people will look at it and say she started a long time ago, by now she should be making it. But there are some people who started with N15000 and N7500 was borrowed from a friend, and the other N7500 from another friend, pulled the money together, another one they gave money to buy phone that decided to invest the money in starting up her business, these stories need to be told. That is what we want to do we want to inspire them and celebrate them. We want the world to hear their stories, hear their

the same time I spend time in meditation. At about 5am, I go back to bed for another hour, till about six when my children wake up to get ready for school. Sometimes I take them to school at other times I don’t. I go to the gym everyday for about thirty to forty minutes before taking my children to school, in the event that my children need to get to school earlier or I didn’t wake up early, I take them to school first and then come back to the gym. And there are some days I don’t take them, like today. My PA knows that when we travel, the first thing she has to do when booking a hotel is to check if the hotel has a gym. When I don’t go to the gym I actually feel sick. I go to work after that, I deal with some suppliers and my employees and then by two thirty to three, I close and go and get my children from school, then we go home, depending on after school activities that they have maybe

somebody have football, sometimes lesson to prepare for or common entrance, somebody has French lessons, depending on the activity that they have that will determine my afternoon will turn out, There are times when I feel I have traveled a lot and I have been out for a long while when I resume I stay till seven o’clock, but that doesn’t happen all the time that happens from time to time.

I use a cleanser day and night, because I have very oily skin, I use a cleanser and I use maltifier. I have a facial once every two months because obviously with the amount of dirt in the air, from time to time your dead skin cells become more pronounced. By doing a facial I am able to remove the dead skin cells that are basically it. I use facial gloss as well to exfoliate my skin. And also twice a week I use facial towel from time to time to open up my pores, that is really my facial beauty routine.

Renowned, Make-up and beauty brand House of TARA is giving back to her beauty representatives with a new project- 100 Voices. The 100 voices according to Tara Durotoye CEO of House of Tara, is a CSR arm of House of Tara and it is focused on celebrating young women of enterprise who have shared their stories with Tara’s Brand in the past and whose stories have inspired them. Tara speaks more on the project as she takes us on her daily routine.

by - Yemisi Suleiman

PEOPLE“ONE PARTY AT A TIME!”

MODE MEn MAGAZInE MARKS 7 In STyLE

MODE MEN magazine celebrated its 7th Anniversary in style at the Radisson Blu on Sunday the 28th of April. It was a small gathering of sixty of the magazine’s close friends and supporters who came to celebrate with the brand at a lavish dinner with plenty of champagne and great entertainment. But it was not all about wining and dining as the dinner raised close N1.5million naira for the ‘Down Syndrome Foundation’ during an auction which saw artworks by Ighodalo Geroge and Ayodele Ukana, Bespoke suits by Tayor Gabriel, a watch all up for grabs. The event was supported by New York fragrance company Bond9 unveiled their fragrance collection in Nigeria for the first time through Essenza. Guest were treated to an experience of wide range of exotic fragrance at the reception area of the dinner. Legendary songstress Yinka Davis closed the night with some uplifting spiritual songs, while new artist ADB rocked earlier with his upcoming song ‘Party Tonight’, he also rendered a special track titled ‘Black Night’ specially composed for the evening. Music sensation Seyi Shay belted out an accapella of her hit track to show her support for the

COCKTAIL nIGHT wITH DIAGEO RESERVE BRAnDS

Recently at the Cafe Vanessa Victoria Island, the Diageo Reserve Brands brought together guests for an exclusive Cocktail Night with the premium Diageo brands of Ciroc, Johnnie Walker Blue, Tanqueray, Ron Zacapa among others.

The evening hosted by the Diageo Africa Reserve Brand Ambassador, Tim Etherington-Judge showcased different great tasting cocktails prepared and served by the award winning mixologist to the delight of the enthusiastic guests.

It was indeed a night to be remembered as guests also had an opportunity of trying out their own skills of mixing their cocktail from these quality brands. As the guests were enjoined to drink responsibly, Marketing Manager, Diageo Brands Nigeria Mr. Sola Oke, promised their numerous consumers more exciting times with the Diageo Reserve Brands.

By - Fatima Garba

May 19, 2013 / 15

‘Down Syndrome foundation’ after giving a heartwarming speech asking more people to support charities. All the guest went away with well packed goodie bags which included hardback MODE notebooks, miniatures of Bond9 fragrances, Toilet bags for the gents and purses for the ladies. All bags also contained one motivational book ranging from ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ to ‘Think like a Man, Act like a Girl’ for the single ladies and ‘The Lady, her Lover and her Lord’ as well as a copy of the magazine’s 7th Anniversary Issue dedicated to God.

Friends and guests included past covers Seyi Shay, Okey Bakassi and Ene-Maya Lawani. Uti Nwachukwu, Frank Edoho, Amaechi Okobi of Diageo, Bukky & Abiye Karibi-Whyte (Bobby Taylor),Uche Nnaji (OUCH), Tayor Gabriel (TG Bespoke), Mr & Mrs George (Healthplus/Casabella), Mr.Kayode Kasumu (CEO Essenza), Alex Ekubo and the legendry Yinka Davis also lent their support. The event was hosted by DSTV’s Aisha Shabba and the Editor in-Chief Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa himself which was a breath of fresh air.

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/ May 19, 201314

By - Fatima Garba

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