The Nation Newspaper

Tag: looks

  • From inside, Burna Boy looks Outside

    Burna boy has been one of the most consistent and prominent artistes in recent times on the Nigerian cum African music scene. His third studio album titled OUTSIDEis an attestation to the above fact. Although personally, I’d rate the body of work 8/10, the diversity of sounds is impressive. I’m most impressed by the music production and it’s not surprising because Burna Boy has always been a connoisseur of picking great beats. Burna Boy’s lyrical prowess aren’t dimmed on this project either.

    This album sums up Burna Boy’s retrospect of his life back in Nigeria and how events over time has seen him loose friends on his rise to prominence. This is his reintroduction to the world as an artiste who is poised to go beyond the negativity of his background and prove that he is worth the hype.

    The first track off the album is “More Life”, one of the songs that Burna Boy submitted for Drake’s last album of same title. The song explores his desire to enjoy and get more out of life against all negativity. He then introduces the world to his birth place, the city of Port Harcourt, Rivers state in “City Vibrations” where he talks about the different activities that define the city like Bole (roasted plantain) and Fish. This song will definitely have the city vibrating. The tempo switches with the African percussions and lead riffs of “Koni Baje” a prophetic declaration that his ever blazing musical fire will never die out.

    The first feature off the compilation comes next and J-Husbrings his fervor to complement Burna boy on “Sekkle Down” a romantic dancehall joint that gets you in that party mood. Next up is “Where I’m From” a song that gives further insight on life in Nigeria. This is a pretty relatable song for most youths in Africa. The second featured artiste is Lilly Allen on “Heaven’s Gate”. This song is a blend of afro and what Nigerians call an “Indian vibe” and Lilly totally came through with her high pitched adlibs and verse. “Ye” sees Burna tap into his connection to the Afrobeats legendFela biting off “Sorrow, Tears and Blood”.

    Burna invites Chopstixx on the production of “Giddem” a bouncy dancehall rhythm. “Streets Of Africa” is an animated trap song that portrays the happiness that resonates in the spirit of Africa. Julz and Burna boy link up in style on “Rock Your Body” which was one of my favorite singles of 2017. The shakers and bassline will definitely have you rocking on the dance floor. “Devil In California” is pure R&B awesomeness. “Calm Down” sees J5 and Burna Boy create a minimalist dancehall masterpiece. “Outside” the title track features U.K. singer, Mabel on an EDM song which further exposes Burna Boy’s already undisputed versatility.

    OUTSIDE was release on the 26th of January under Atlantic Records and is available on every music platform.

    This album definitely a great update to my already buoyant Burna Boy playlist. I hope you enjoy this album as much as I did.

  • Your mood, shape and looks

    THIN or skinny models?  Yes, that has always been the image that comes to mind when you talk about looking good, fashion or models for the runway. Interestingly, this appears to be changing and we have a number of body positive people who are strutting the runway with unbelievable curves.

    Interestingly, some of the designers at the 2016 African Fashion Week Nigeria event would be making use of some of this plus size but curvy models One of such fashion brands is JP Couture which focuses on and tries to bring out the best no matter your size or shape in. “I am about showing the curvy plus size ladies. The collection is called Otiti and it’s over the top. I feel most curvy ladies are worried and they tend to go into their shells. We have created a number of wonderful things that would make them trendy and comfortable. Now, you are going to stand up and be proud of who you are. As we have said, we are going to slay.” She adds that “I think looking good is more than the content or the colours. It’s about different moods and life in its entirety. Let’s feel free to explore the fashion scene.”

    For the brand ambassadors of Peter and Paul brand, it is not just about the shape and size that need to be addressed. “Our idea is to replace the corporate clothing with Africa designs and has a true African identity. You can dress African to formal events; gone are the days when looking corporate was when you wore clothes that were imported. We already have the Bank of Industry wearing our clothes instead of suits. We need to showcase our stuff to the whole world and Africa in particular.”

    Apart from finding something exciting for every body type, it is important to make sure that your total outlook is taken care of. For Bimbo, one of the hairstylists for the 2016 African Fashion Week, “we are working on the total endowments of our models. Our job is to make sure that your collection goes in the right way; from the hair, make-up, clothes and shoes. It is important to make sure that the lights, effects and everything you are working with complement one another. Our emphasis therefore is about style and drama.”

    Sola Oyebade, the show’s creative director, goes on to talk about the reality TV show tagged Nigeria’s Top Designer. “This year, we will be having the finals during the African Fashion Week on July 3rd and there will be 21 designers participating. We will also have awards for four outstanding persons and Swarovski will be here to take us through the skills and variety of options available.”

  • Banke Meshida’s new looks

    Banke Meshida’s new looks

    The hand of the diligent maketh rich.” This Proverbs verse truly holds for Banke Meshida-Lawal. She understands that the expectations of life depend upon diligence, and that the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools. Without mincing words, Banke has paid her dues in the high society, and whatever good comes her way are dividends of the diligence she has put into work and life over these years. She has given her all to her goals and hasn’t slowed down in accomplishing them.

    The story of the blossoming make-up industry in Nigeria today cannot be complete and accurate if Banke’s name is not mentioned by its narrators. She, along with very few personalities, built the industry when it was very odd for anyone to own up to calling the art of make-up a profession. Banke added glamour, colour and prestige to the trade which has become a source of livelihood for millions of Nigerian youths, female and male alike.

    Her recently released video tape enjoyed a rave review in the new and traditional media. For a clientele that parades first ladies, top women who have shattered the glass ceilings in the corporate world, to rave-of-the-moment artistes, Banke, the Head and Chief Executive Officer of BMPro Make-Up Studio, has continued to take make-up arts to a global notch. Sighted at the Jonnie Walker event last week at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, she now looks very smart and trim. She is looking younger than her age.

  • Steal her looks

    MERCY Aigbe looks chic in this simple but great Salvatore Ferragamo’s number. Mercy is wearing a low v-neck black and white little dress. Though her ensemble is simple, it takes confidence to pull off two-colured trend, but Mercy has rocked the looks that showed off her fabulous fair skin tone perfectly, and banana-yellow heels.

    She favoured simple accessories, adding a pretty Chanel Lego clutch purse.  Meanwhile, her infectious smile provided the real wow factor.

    If you are convinced and think you have the courage, steal her looks.