It’s hard to watch the new season of Young, Famous & Africanand not get drawn into the will-they-won’t-they love triangle between Andile, his on-again-off-again boo, Sebabatso, and his baby mama/BFF, Rosette.
Rosette, Andile and Sebabatso
Rosette shows up in season two as this sleek, sophisticated chick who’s here to start some hot drama. While Andile can’t seem to figure out if she’s really flirting with him or joking, it’s clear that Rosette wants this man back even though he’s figuring out his relationship with Sebabatso.
Andile and Rosette from back in the day
Here are all the times Rosette stylishly (and sometimes, directly) shot her shot at Andile this season.
The time she reminded Andile that she’s a ten
Andile pulled up in episode six, trying to smoothen things between Rosette and Sebabatso, but our girl had other plans.
Ghen! Ghen!
She started the peace talks by giggling, batting her eyelashes and flirting with Andile. Who else tells their ex, “Can you see how good my makeup is? I look hot, but you don’t want me?” It might’ve sounded like a joke, but the good sis was reminding Andile she’s not just a catch but a catch that’s also available for him to snatch. Shooting shots takes finesse, and Rosette is clearly related to Pheelz because her joke was a smooth way of laying the groundwork for her arrow of hot romance.
The time she told Andile she’s very very single
Still on a mission to turn Andile’s truce meeting into a firing squad of romantic shots, Rosette quickly said, “No” when he asked if she was dating anyone. And like the expert markswoman she is, Rosette didn’t just stop there; she told him point blank that she was trying to win him back. See, once a girl clears her roster of toasters and decides to focus on you, bro, it’s about to go down.
Dear Andile, clean your glasses and read the signs; Rosette wants to eat you like hot agege bread.
The time she was shooting shots in the middle of Luis and Swanky’s drama
Right in the middle of the Luis, Swanky and Zari’s eggs drama, Rosette made it her mission to fire some light shots at Andile. We can’t help but stan a focused queen who can multitask — squashing beef while making moves on her ex-man.
After a brief meeting to intervene between Luis and Swanky, Andile kissed Rosette’s hands goodbye. Only for her to touch her lips, saying, “Let’s kiss here”. Wahala.
De-Nile is a river in Egypt!!
Andile’s house must be on denial street because how isn’t he seeing what this babe is doing?
The time Luis called her out for being messy, but she responded with more shots
Andile was still unsure whether or not Rosette was serious when Luis called her out that he knew what she was doing.
Pew! Pew! Pew!
To shoot effective shots, you need to be shameless, and our queen owns everything with her chest, telling everyone at the table she’s just trying to get back into Andile’s heart. Closed mouths don’t get fed, so if there’s one thing Rosette will do, it’s open her mouth and say what she wants with her full chest.
The time she asked him to get back together and forget everyone else
We’ve saved the best for last.
Bombastic side eye! Criminal-offensive side eye!
At the end of the drama-filled season, Andile visited Rosette in episode eight to ask how she’d feel if he got back together with Sebabatso. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost for our girl and she’d accepted defeat, she struck with another shot, asking Andile to get back with her to end all the drama between her and Sebabatso. Sis, how will getting back with you end the drama?
WAHALA
We have to give it to Rosette for being resilient and trying her luck even in the face of defeat.
While we wait for Netflix to confirm if we’re getting a new season of Young, Famous & African, we’ll be following all the hot drama on Andile, Rosette and Sebabatso’s social media pages. We’re always here for hot drama.
If there’s one thing that makes Nigerians (well, anybody) happy, it’s salary week.
If you know you’re getting ready to cash out over the next few days, this playlist is for you. Remember to enjoy this moment because SAPA is always around the corner, waiting to take your last card.
Chop My Money — P-Square
This is a great song to sing in the club when that salary hits. But also note that this is an invitation, so don’t be mad if someone does indeed chop your money in the end.
2 Sugar — Wizkid and Ayra Starr
2 Sugar off Wizkid’s More Love, Less Ego might hint at protecting your mental health. But the way Ayra sings, “Sho ri nonsense, ma gbe sun mo mi” makes it the perfect song to dedicate to all those people who wait until salary week to ask if they can borrow small cash for one problem or the other. Ogbeni, “I dey fight my own demons, don’t you see?”
Peace Be Unto You (PBUY) — Asake
Asake is the current, always-dropping music, reigning king of party music in Nigeria. Period. But if there’s one of his many hit songs that I’d gladly put on a salary week playlist, it’s Peace Be Unto You (PBUY). On this song, Asake recognises that hard work brings money into your account, so my dear, spend that cash because you earned it. However, the best part is when he sings, “Before them use me, I go use myself”, meaning spend your money before unnecessary wahala lands on your doorstep to snatch it from you.
Billionaire — Stanley Okorie
It doesn’t matter whether your salary is in billions, millions, hundreds of thousands or just small thousands; you’ll relate to Stanley Okorie’s Billionaire on salary day. But please and please, take that “no mercy for money” part with a pinch of salt. After all, the song’s title is still “Billionaire”, not ₦10k.
Unavailable — Davido and Musa Keys
This special number is dedicated to bills and people who like to bill. Yes, it’s salary week, but like Davido said, “If it’s not owo, I can’t talk”. So, forget I exist unless you plan on giving me more money. We’ll all be fine last last.
Holiday — Rema
It’s good to celebrate salary week, but it’s also good to remember all the times when bad belle people cast you away. Nothing screams “New money” like a good grass-to-grace story.
Who’s the big boss in the street right now? Yes, it’s you, bitch. Now that salary has come, best believe you’re about to be everybody’s guy. Just remember to divide the bill by everybody on the table because the money still has to last you until next month.
Asiwaju — Ruger
This song might be tied to someone who allegedly sold drugs — I said, “allegedly” here, and I didn’t mention names. But it doesn’t mean you can’t use it to celebrate your win as a fucking baller who’s ahead of people whose salary doesn’t come until the first week of a new month.
Who Born the Maga — Wande Coal and K-Switch
Having natural confidence is sweet. But you know what’s sweeter? Having natural confidence that’s also backed by funds. No one can tell you nonsense during salary week. No, like, who actually born the maga? Having money is the real BDE, trust me.
Bandana — Fireboy DML and Asake
This song works two ways. One, it’s a reminder to everyone that you’ve arrived now that the bag has been secured. But it could also serve as a warning from SAPA that you’ll never see him coming. So, tap into whichever anointing and spirit you feel when singing Asake’s chorus.
Party No Dey Stop — Adekunle Gold and Zinoleesky
Yes, this is an Adekunle Gold banger, but it’s also the motto for the first two weekends after salary drops. Why are you at home on a Friday night with all that money in your account? Better listen to AG and Zino and go pop some bottles — champagne or beer, a bottle is a bottle.
Loaded — Tiwa Savage and Asake
This song doesn’t need too much serenre because you get the gist when Asake starts singing, “I’m loaded”. It’s either you’re loaded, or you’re not. Loaded people, please, come to the front. The rest of you, go and listen to Tiwa’s Stamina until your money drops because that’s what you’ll need to withstand the SAPA.
Finesse — Pheelz and BNXN
No, but whose business is it that you’re broke? Sure, you’ll have to inconvenience your friends and family by borrowing money and begging for food later, but for now, enjoy Folake for the night.
Suffer Suffer — Lady Donli
Raise your hands if you didn’t come to this life to suffer. This Lady Donli anthem off her 2019 album, Enjoy Your Life, is a perfect reminder that we were put on earth to have a good time (another Lady Donli song). Suffering is not your portion, so wipe away that poverty mentality and enjoy some of the money you busted your butt making over the last month.
Godwin — Korede Bello
What God cannot do does not exist. It’s not easy being a salary earner.
Vin Diesel, the evil you have done with Fast and Furious is enough. Please, rest.
Source: Giphy
You have to be living under a rock if you haven’t heard about Fast and Furious at this point. Returning for its tenth installment, the car racing film turned action/heist/thriller franchise has become famous for two things: having Vin Diesel say ”family” at least 1000 times per film and its impossible stunt scenes that defy physics and every other scientific law.
Source: Giphy
With each installment of the franchise crazier than the last, we’re looking at some of the most unhinged and unrealistic stunts Dom (Vin Diesel) and his gang have pulled over the years and whether or not they’d work in Nigeria.
Source: Giphy
12. Driving a car into a yacht (2 Fast 2 Furious, 2003)
Looking at the ridiculous accidents in Abuja with cars ending up on statues, I think crashing a car into a yacht is child’s play. This is literally the easiest stunt they’ve pulled in the Fast and Furious franchise. All you need to do is find a yacht, not a flying boat.
11. Dom destroys the street with his feet (Furious 7, 2015)
Considering all the roads that spoil every week and the buildings that collapse every three market days, Dom causing an earthquake with his feet is very possible. You might have to stomp more than once, but remain resilient and watch the ground open and swallow your enemies.
10. Stretching Dom’s car with ropes (The Fate of the Furious, 2017)
Another easy stunt. It doesn’t take much to use ropes to drag someone’s car. The somersaulting is another story sha. But the rope thing? Very possible.
9. The final race on a train track (The Fast and the Furious, 2001)
This stunt is only dangerous when trains actually work. Most of the government trains in Nigeria are part-time workers doing remote work, so they’re on like twice a month. Just ensure you’re not pulling a Vin Diesel on the day they have trips to make. If not, you’re on your own.
8. Hobbs holding a helicopter with his bare hands (Hobbs and Shaw, 2018)
I know it looks impossible, but dear, have you seen the men and women at iFitness or Fitness Central? Those people are obviously on crack based on the weights they lift daily. How many kilograms does a helicopter weigh? I’m sure it’s lightweight for my Nigerian gym bros.
7. Dropping cars from planes (Furious 7, 2015 and Fast X, 2023)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTO2TDTz5E
Is it the same Nigeria where you have to pay thousands for extra luggage? Imagine paying to fly a car, only to tell the pilot to drop the car mid-flight with you in it. After asking if their village people sent you to them, there’s a high chance the pilot will swear for you and all your family members.
6. Remote controlling all the cars on the street (Furious 7, 2015)
Charlize Theron’s Cypher may have created the coolest device to control cars within a three mile radius. But I can bet it won’t work in Nigeria. Imagine trying to control all the cars on the third mainland bridge, and PHCN takes power? What will happen while you wait for them to turn on the gen? The wahala is not worth it.
5. Dragging a bank vault across the street (Fast Five, 2011)
This stunt is only possible in places with free roads, like Uyo or Kaduna. These days, even Abuja has traffic. How do you expect to speed away with a vault when facing bumper-to-bumper traffic almost every day?
4. Dom flying his cars between two skyscrapers (Furious 7, 2015)
This stunt “worked” because it was Dubai, and almost every building there is a skyscraper, so it was easy for Dom and his people to drive from one to the other. The distance wasn’t a lot. Skyscrapers are scarce in Nigeria, boo. You can fly out of a skyscraper and crash into a bungalow here. Please do this at your own risk because while cars might fly in Dubai, they obey the laws of gravity here.
3. The gang battling a tank and Dom catching Letty like Superman (Fast and Furious 6, 2013)
No, in what world is this even possible? I need Vin Diesel and his people to be for real. Unless your middle name is Kal-El or Thor, I’ll advise you to steer clear of this unhinged jump. Once again, who are we deceiving here, Vinny boy?
2. Driving and fighting beside a plane that’s on fire (Fast and Furious 6, 2013)
This stunt is only possible in the Fast and Furious multiverse of craze. There’s no way you believe this is actually possible.
1. Driving into space. Yes, space (Fast 9, 2021)
Getting to drive your car from one state to another in Nigeria is a journey that requires the blood of Jesus and a couple of other spiritual reinforcements. So can you now imagine driving a car into space from Nigeria? Let’s forget that it’s not possible, even in America. But in Nigeria? Chelsea, come on now? Maybe you can try again in 2030, the year Nigeria has projected it’ll send someone into space.
Saint Obi was as iconic as they come. The late actor was the blueprint for most of the leading men Nollywood has today. With a filmography that covers a wide range of characters and films ranging from high-octane action projects to tear-jerking romance dramas; no one did it like him, and no one is now.
While Saint Obi might be gone, his work’s impact on the Nigerian entertainment scene will continue to live on. Here are some of the actor’s most iconic roles.
State of Emergency
James Bond, Jason Bourne and Jack Reacher have nothing on Saint Obi’s Detective Smith in State of Emergency. He was in his action star bag when this Teco Benson film was released in 2000. The action thriller follows Detective Smith on a mission to rescue politicians held hostage by his now evil colleague Charles (JT Tom West) at the National Arts Theatre. Yes, you read that right. Of all places for the president to hold a conference, the movie expected us to believe he chose the National Arts Theatre.
State of Emergency is complete with a weird CGI shootout, a bomb scare in a hospital and people getting shot in the head. It looks like camp now, but this film will always be iconic to us 1990 kids.
Festival of Fire
Festival of Fire was peak Old Nollywood with Saint Obi and Regina Askia playing twins who get separated at birth. Regina becomes a reverend sister; passionate about spreading the gospel, while Saint Obi chooses to become a hot babalawo who supports the killing of twins and other ritualistic extracurricular activities.
After a couple of back and forth about whose God is right, Saint Obi eventually realises that Regina is his twin sister after noticing a birthmark similar to his on her chest (Nollywood and birthmarks sha). Remorseful, he helps her escape when the village tries to unalive her, offering himself as the village’s sacrificial goat instead.
Take Me to Mama
This list will be incomplete without Saint Obi’s directorial debut, Take Me to Mama. The film finds Obi as director and lead character, playing a man who tries to escape a life of crime only to discover that it might be too late. Take Me to Mama was also the first Nollywood film I ever saw successfully pull off a non-cringey CGI car explosion.
Final Whistle
Are you really an iconic Nollywood actor if you haven’t played the role of a man who defies his parents for love? In Final Whistle, Saint Obi gives us his version of Romeo and Juliet, playing Richard, an IJGB who falls in love with one of his mother’s maids. In classic Nollywood rich mummy fashion, Mummy Richard (Bukky Ajayi) doesn’t stand for this poverty romance. But how can their love fail when they both take time to sing to each other by the beach like they’re in a Bollywood musical?
Love conquers all when you know how to lip sync for your life.
Sakobi the Snake Girl
In Sakobi the Snake Girl, Saint Obi plays Frank, a man who gets a short lifespan (but with plenty of money) for using his child for money rituals. He seems comfortable with his short life until he meets Sakobi (Susan Patrick), a femme fatal who fucks his life all the way up. Tony Umez makes an appearance in this film because, for some weird reason, I guess you can’t make a film about sacrificing children without him popping up.
Look at that iconic image and tell me you don’t feel the nostalgia? Directed by Chico Ejiro, Wanted Alive is a 2001 film that follows Saint Obi as the leader of an infamous armed robbery gang; who’s trying to turn his life around and away from crime. The film also features Old Nollywood bad guys like Hanks Anuku, Emeka Enyiocha and Jerry Amilo.
Deadly Proposal
Deadly Proposal is the perfect entry into the “men are scum” genre of old Nollywood movies. Co-starring Pete Edochie, Dolly Unachukwu and Alex Lopez (I’ve always wondered if this was her real name), Saint Obi plays Steven, a guy who makes his girlfriend (Obot Etuk) promise to wait for him, only to return from “obodoyinbo” with an Americana fiance. For context, this babe rejected other men, and stayed cooking and cleaning for his parents while he was away.
This film proves that the moment you say “My man will never” is the exact moment that man will start to never all the nevers he never nevered before. Word.
Outside of Stephanie Okereke’s love for leather and power bikes, this film has little to no similarities with the Aaliyah song and video of the same title. In More Than a Woman, Stephanie Okereke plays a beautiful young thief named Tricia, while Saint Obi plays the hot Inspector Daniel on a mission to stop her. And yes, they fall in love because small romance here and there is more important than crime fighting.
When the Going Gets Tough
I love how Old Nollywood was very pro “Love is more important than the bag” because, sis, it doesn’t fly in this day and age where a dollar is almost N1k. In When the Going Gets Tough, Saint Obi plays Dan, a millionaire who pretends to be poor to weed out fake friends and find true love. Dakore Egbuson-Akande plays the girl who dips as soon as the going actually got tough, while Chiege Alisigwe plays the girl attracted to poverty. The whole pretending to be a poor man thing is a bit dramatic sha.
The 2023 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) might’ve come and gone, but everyone is still talking about the fashion moments and awards that went to the wrong “African filmmakers”.
It’s important to note that the award is mostly fan-voted, so in the end, it’s a popularity contest. If people don’t vote for their fave, there’s a high chance they won’t win. That said, as someone who watched almost 80% of the films nominated and awarded, here’s my hot take.
Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series)
Source: Netflix
Who Won: Osas Ighodaro for Man of God
Who Should’ve Won: Bimbo Ademoye for Anikulapo or Ini Edo for Shanty Town
No award shocked the audience more than Osas Ighodaro’s Best Actress in a Drama win for Man of God. The actress picked up her second consecutive win in this category after winning in 2022 for Rattlesnake. While Osas has established herself as a movie star, this Best Actress win is a reach. Bimbo Ademoye’s arch as Queen Arolake in Anikulapo had more meat. I mean, this look alone has become an iconic meme:
Source: Netflix
Then there’s Ini Edo’s long-awaited return to form in Shanty Town, taking up dual roles and giving us one of her best performances in decades.
Who Should’ve Won: Blossom Chukwujekwu for The Trade or Chidi Mokeme for Shanty Town
Tobi Bakre’s performance in Brotherhood is a masterclass in carrying a film on your back and making it your own. Breaking out of the “They just cast BBNaija housemates for clout” mould, Tobi proved to audiences that he’s not just a bankable name slapped across a movie for marketing. Knowing all this, I was actually stressed because I knew two other actors who deserved the award for giving the best performances Nollywood has seen in a long time.
Source: Netflix
No one can talk about TV shows this year without mentioning Chidi Mokeme’s terrifying turn as Scar in Shanty Town. Reminding us that no one does it better than the foundational members of Nollywood, Chidi completely morphed into his character, commanding every scene and frame he appeared in. Like Sola Sobowale’s Eniola Badmus, he didn’t just make us hate the villain he created; he made us curious to know more and understand how someone could get to that point of no return. Scar will go down in history as one of Nollywood’s most iconic villains.
Source: Prime Video
Like Chidi Mokeme, Blossom Chukwujekwu completely shocked audiences with his performance in Jade Osiberu’s The Trade. Another well-crafted villain, Blossom leaves everything on the screen, scaring and making us laugh at the same time. While the heavy Igbo accent might’ve sounded forced from some of his co-stars, with Blossom it sounded natural, like it’s the only way he’s spoken since birth. As an actor who’d shown great potential but was never offered a role he could sink his teeth into, this felt like Blossom’s moment.
Source: Netflix
By the way, why wasn’t Kunle Remi on the nomination list?
Who Won: Elozonam and KieKie for Back From the Future
Who Should’ve Won: Bimbo Ademoye for Iya Barakat Teropi Secxxion
In a different world, Bimbo Ademoye should’ve been cradling multiple AMVCA statues at Saturday’s ceremony. Her online alter ego, Iya Barakat, was first introduced to audiences as one of the many characters created to market her many endorsements. However, Iya Barakat quickly won over an audience of loyal followers with each video, making way for the smash hit, Iya Barakat Teropi Secxxion. The series is hilarious AF, with everyone from Falz to Jemima Osunde making cameos.
Source: YouTube
Although Elozonam created an exciting project with Back from the Future, neither the show nor the episode with KieKie carries the same level of humour or genuine heart as Iya Barakat Teropi Secxxion. Iya Barakat is the Ted Lasso to Bimbo Ademoye’s Jason Sudeikis, and it totally deserved this award.
Best Costume Designer
Source: Zikoko Memes
Who Won: Adeola Art Alade for The Real Housewives of Lagos Reunion
Who Should’ve Won: Toyin Ogundeji for Anikulapo
As a Real Housewives of Lagos die-hard stan, it’s killing me to say this, but “What?!” How did RHOL win over Anikulapo in the costume department? I know my girls served during that reunion, but it pales in comparison to the research and intentionality behind the looks in Anikulapo. The intricate detailing of the aso-ofis had me gagging. Anikulapo served cunt in iro and bubas.
Best Writer
Source: Netflix
Who Won: Sola Dada for Anikulapo
Who Should’ve Won: Sodi Kurubo, Stephanie Dadet and Victor Aghahowa – Diiche (Episode 5)
Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo was a major moment for Nollywood. The sheer ambition and scale of the epic made it a subject of conversation months after it was released. However, the fifth episode of Diiche is by far one of the greatest episodes of Nigerian TV ever. Like, no contest.
Source: Showmax
Providing an interesting backstory that solves a puzzle even the audience wasn’t fully aware of, the Ifeoma Chukwuogo-directed episode takes a simple story that’s been told over and over again in Nollywood, and makes it more impactful for a new generation. If for no other reason, Diiche should’ve taken the award for being a more cohesive story than Anikulapo.
Best Director
Source: Prime Video
Who Won: Loukman Ali for Brotherhood
Who Should’ve Won: Jade Osiberu for The Trade
Source: Prime Video
Jay-Z once said, “Nobody wins when the family feuds,” and honestly, I get it. This category was hard for me as a fan of both movies and their directors. However, remove the showy stunts, explosions and shootouts on bridges from Brotherhood, and we’ll all agree The Trade had more meat. The pacing, Jade Osiberu’s script, Blossom Chukwujekwu’s acting and the project’s ability to make us root for a serial kidnapper/killer? Chelsea, come on now. The Trade deserved more love at the AMVCAs, and Jade deserved a Best Director trophy, especially considering that this film was shot back in 2019.
My Bro is a biweekly Zikoko series that interrogates and celebrates male friendships of different forms.
Michael and Faith’s friendship started with a not-so-random DM on Facebook in 2016. With over five years in this friendship thing, they talk to #ZikokoMyBro about surviving health challenges together, maintaining transparency when helping each other financially, and how they deal with Michael’s tendency to disappear without telling his friend.
Let’s start from the very beginning. How did you guys meet?
Michael: I met Faith on Facebook in 2016 when the app was still popping. We both wrote poems and were part of the same writing community. Our interactions were limited to the comment section until Faith DM’ed me one day.
Faith: Ah, I remember. I’d been reading your work and sent a DM saying, “Baba, you dey write gan.”
Michael: I’m reading that message now and cringing because I replied, “Good evening, sir.” You asked me how to publish your poem somewhere, and I kept adding “sir” to all my messages. I don’t even know why I was being so extra.
What was your first impression of the other person?
Faith: I thought he was very intelligent. I’d read this thought-provoking essay he wrote about LAUTECH being on strike and how no one was doing anything about it. He had his way with words that allowed him to express even the most complex thoughts with a sense of clarity. I also liked that one minute, he could be writing something like that, and the next, he’s writing something about all power belongs to your bumbum with the same passion.
Michael: What do you mean by that? I thought you were noisy. You were everywhere, and your comments were on everybody’s posts. Let’s not even get into your Facebook name; “Emmanuel GodHonoursMe Faith”. Bro, are you the only one God is honouring? LOL.
Another thing that stuck out to me was the way you used words. You used to blow big grammar like Wole Soyinka in the most random conversations. I thought that was really cool.
When did your relationship move from admiring each other’s writing to an actual friendship?
Michael: We met for the first time and started getting close when I got admission to his university. Faith was in his second year, and I was in my first. We attended the same campus fellowship, and over time I started hanging out in his room since I had 20 roommates. Plus, he used to cook a lot. We became close during the period I was eating free food and hanging out in his room.
So basically, you were like an Abuja man hanging out for food and shelter?
Michael: You know what? That’s understandable. I started hanging out with him for basic human needs. LOL
Faith: No, let me defend you small. I made food for almost everyone because I was a fellowship big bro. Remember you used to call me “Sir”?
My turning point in our relationship was when I fell sick that day in school. I never fall sick, but my village people caught me this time, and I broke down. Michael was the first person on my mind to call. He came over, took me to the health centre and stayed with me through everything. He also checked up on me and cooked during that whole period. He took care of me. That ordeal unlocked something for me, and I knew this guy had become my friend.
Michael: So I’ve saved you from untimely death? I’ve tried for you, sha.
Michael, outside of food, can you remember when Faith really came through for you?
Michael: When I first moved to Lagos after university, me and being broke were like five and six. Faith was more shocked when I didn’t come to borrow money than when I showed up to beg. But the money wasn’t really the moment for me. My favourite come-through moment was when I fell sick.
You too?
Michael: Yes, o! In 2021 I was really sick and needed to undergo a severe procedure. It was a terrifying moment in my life when I was like, “Maybe I’ll see God in a few seconds”, and Faith was right there by my side. I fall sick often, so I’m used to hospitals. On the other hand, Faith rarely falls sick, so hospitals make him very uncomfortable. He didn’t want to be in a hospital but was there for me. I was sick, but I was pitying him. Lol
Faith: I followed you to the hospital because I know you, and you have a habit of just putting your phone on do not disturb while everyone else is worried about you. I’m always concerned about you, so I felt it’d be better to go with you and be updated in real-time. Nothing prepared me for all the medical equipment and terms I heard during that period sha. Plus, I was the only one your mum could reach. It was worth it when you got better.
Regarding coming through for me, I’m grateful to Michael for always telling me the truth. I’ve gotten to a point where I feel like I’m doing well and I’m one of the baddest when it comes to what I do, so it’s important to have someone who can pull me aside and keep me in check. Michael will explain a situation to me, and I’ll realise I was the one that messed up. He’ll still call me out today even if I sent him money yesterday.
I also feel comfortable talking to Michael about everything. Most people don’t have that in their friendship.
Money has come up a couple of times now, and how as to how it might affect your friendship?
Michael: First of all, Faith has a lot more money than me, so money can’t even be a problem for us. LOL. But seriously, it all boils down to transparency and being honest with one another. Faith knows how much I make, and I know how much he makes. I can’t ask him for anything that’ll inconvenience him, and he also knows when I’ll be able to pay back based on how much I make. We’ve refused to allow money to become a big deal in our friendship.
Faith: The transparency part is important. If Michael asks me for money twice a month, I’ll know there’s a serious problem and follow up before he tells me, “Oh, he had to send money home” or something like that. But another thing is knowing our financial capacities because we only make big financial decisions with the other person knowing. Michael keeps me in check when it comes to spending. This guy once spent N5k from Monday to Friday. I don’t know how he did it.
Michael: I’m not even trying to be frugal. I don’t know what I’m spending money on if I have food and water at home. You’re always going out, while I’m usually in my house, so it makes sense that you spend more money than me.
Outside of knowing each other’s finances down to the last penny, what’s another unconventional part of your friendship?
Faith: We’re very open about how much we love each other and unafraid to say it anywhere from the middle of Ikeja City Mall (ICM) to bus parks and emails.
Michael: Not you listing some of the places I’ve told you “I love you.”
Faith: The one at ICM is funny because you said it loudly in a restaurant after I bought you rice. Everyone was staring at us. It was embarrassing but beautiful.
Another unconventional thing about our friendship is that we write to each other a lot. Not texting, but writing via email to catch up and share how much we mean to each other. This guy can ghost everyone for a long time, but every time I write, he responds.
Ghosting in friendship again? Michael, please explain
Michael: I’ve ruined a lot of potential friendships because I suck at responding to messages and social media. Instant messaging doesn’t make sense because I can’t keep up with talking to multiple people at once about different things. Many people don’t get it and assume I just don’t rate them. That whole thing on Twitter about “People make time for people they care about”. It’s not about time; messaging is just not my thing.
What I love about my relationship with Faith is that he gets it. We don’t always text, but we talk via long emails. I can send a mail on Monday and not get a response until the following Monday, but that’s totally fine. I know he’s still there for me. Constantly talking doesn’t validate our friendship.
Faith, how did you get comfortable with this communication style since it’s not the most conventional in friendships?
Faith: It was a bit challenging initially, but I had to learn that not everyone will be like me. Not everyone has the energy to fill up a room or talk on the phone for 30 minutes straight. It doesn’t make them any less amazing.
I know Michael trusts and feels safe with me, so he’ll come around on his own terms. Just because he’s nowhere to be found doesn’t mean he’s not thinking of me. He’s disappeared so many times only to send a bottle of wine or the hardcover of a book he thinks I’d like. People are different.
Michael: I’m a great friend if you manage your communication expectations. Faith gets it, and that’s why we work well.
Faith: We’re on the same wavelength. He can disappear today, but when he returns, he can take up six hours of my time.
Six hours, doing what?
Faith: We’ve watched a TV show virtually before, episode by episode. We also read together virtually at the same time. I’ll ask what page he’s on, and we’ll read together. If we poured this energy into dating, we wouldn’t be single. LOL.
Would you consider changing something about your friendship or the other person?
Michael: I wish we saw each other more, but that’s on me. Faith is always available while I’m usually in my house, hiding or working. Then, for Faith, I’d like you to please calm down more often because it’s not everything or everyone that deserves the amount of emotional strength you put into them. Don’t you like peace, joy and happiness? These are things you could imbibe. Your gragra is too much.
Faith: I totally agree with the second one. My emotions are always all over the place. For our friendship, I’d like us to have more money so Michael can spoil me with trips to Abuja—
Michael: Abuja? That’s your holiday destination? I need to unfriend you after this.
Faith: Oya, let’s do Venice or Bali. Regarding what I’d like to change about you, I’ll say it’s the ghosting thing, but not for me, for our other friends. I’m already used to you disappearing, but most of our mutual friends don’t get it, so they become worried, and I have to reassure them that you’re good. Drop a message for them that says, “Hi guys. I’ll be disappearing for three days. Cheers.”
Michael: I don’t plan it. But I’m trying to be better.
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What’s something you’ve always wanted to tell the other person?
Michael: I want us to write more. Our emails are some of my most treasured possessions in the world. I love how we write each other those long emails, and I want more of that.
Faith: I’m so proud of how you’ve hacked capitalism. You used to hate it, but now you’re killing it. I love seeing that growth. I’m so so proud of you.
Michael: That’s so sweet. Look at you being a sweet person.
Nothing says glitz and glamour (with a sprinkle of chaos) like the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) red carpet.
With the 2023 edition set to take place on May 20, we look back at some of the fashion moments that’ve taken our breath away since the award show first premiered in March 2013.
Genevieve Nnaji (2013)
This Bridget Awosika piece caused quite a scandal when Genevieve wore it to the maiden edition of the AMVCAs back in 2013. But making a massive statement on the red carpet that night, your favourite actress’s favourite actress looked every bit like the movie star she is. This was a major fashion moment in Nollywood at the time.
Somkele Iyamah (2017)
Somkele Iyamah was and still is a fashion girly. No one wears her sister, Andrea Iyamah’s eponymous line like Somkele does. The colour, the cut, her hair, everything works out with this look. Somkele not only won the trailblazer award that night, but she also won on the red carpet.
Denola Grey (2022)
Denola Grey walked away as the best-dressed male star in 2022 and absolutely deserved it.
Do you know who also deserved an award for serving cunt in a way that pleases the Lord, while wearing a suit that looks like it’s falling apart?
Yes, Denola again, for this look from 2020.
Nana Akua Addo (2020)
We can’t talk about iconic AMVCA fashion moments without talking about Nana Akua Addo in Gaurav Gupta back in 2020. We can argue about Ghanaian and Nigerian jollof from now till tomorrow, but no one can argue about this look. Nana represented the Gold Coast and left everyone gagging.
Erica Nlewedim (2022)
How many yards did Erica’s designer use to make this dress? This is Erica’s best AMVCA look yet, and one of our favourite AMVCA looks of all time.
Toni Tones (2018)
Toni has always been a badass, and this dramatic, high-slit take on a fairytale ball gown is exactly what we’d expect a badass to wear to the AMVCAs.
Nancy Isime (2022)
As the kids on Twitter say, this look is “urethral”. Nancy Isime served so hard at the AMVCA in 2022, we didn’t even have to eat physical food to be satisfied.
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (2018)
Whether he’s trying to upstage a groom in a burgundy agbada or cosplaying as Angel Gabriel in all white, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu will always be a man after our hearts. This look might look simple and boring, but not every man can pull off an all-white suit with the level of finesse Ebuka displayed in 2018.
Adesua Etomi (2022)
It’s giving a phoenix rising from the ashes. It’s giving Katniss Everdeen promo tour. It’s giving fashion it-girl. Adesua Etomi, the woman that you are?
Eku Edewor (2013)
The first edition had more misses than hits on the red carpet. However, one star has owned it since day one. Eku Edewor is on every fashion girl’s mood board because she understands timeless fashion. I mean, this Clan dress and bob from 2013 looks like it was worn yesterday.
Bonang, ma pi now. This look was simply divine, and we’re blessed to have witnessed it.
Sola Sobowale (2020)
I hope we all know purple is the colour of royalty. A fitting look for the king of boys.
Tope Tedela (2022)
A Nigerian man who’s not a designer or influencer taking fashion risks? Inject it, please. The shade of green and fabric choice all work well to earn the actor a spot on this list of our all-time faves.
Look at the material. How can you not want to crown Osas best in fashion? This is a look that had everyone shook in 2022.
Rita Dominic (2018)
She is an icon. She is a legend. And she’ll always be the moment with this royal blue look. What would the AMVCA red carpet be without Rita Dominic? Boring.
Idia Aisien (2020)
Something about this outfit on Idia Aisien reminds us of Kim Kardashian, and that’s a good thing in our book. Face is a ten. Body is a ten. Outfit is a ten. What else do you want? Like Beyoncé once said, “Ten. Ten. Ten. Across the board.”
Sika Osei (2022)
The detailing on this dress made me fall to my knees in the middle of the road screaming, “What?” The corset and sheer illusion are so intricate it looks like art. Come on, Picasso.
KieKie (2022)
This orange on her skin, the dramatic sleeves, and don’t get us started on the “show me your stomach” cutout. KieKie ate and left no crumbs.
Adebayo Oke-Lawal
Classic man in mustard? We love to see it.
Ini Dima-Okojie (2020)
I love this Mazelle dress, but I’m here for the Tower of Babel hair. Why bother winning an award when you have one on your head?
Uti Nwachukwu (2022)
The days of men doing the bare minimum on the red carpet are over. Ditch the overplayed black tux, or overly velvet suits that look like rugs, and give me something colourful and bold like Uti Nwachukwu.
With a Grammy (and multiple nominations), two top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, groundbreaking collaborations and a signature sound that’s captured the hearts and waistlines of fans worldwide, Wizkid is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in afrobeats today. But how did Ojuelegba’s Ayodeji Balogun become the biggest Nigerian export since crude oil? It all started with his highly contagious debut single, Holla At Your Boy.
About six days before Justin Bieber took over the world with the Ludacris-assisted hit, Baby, miles away, Nigerians got introduced to our version of a teen popstar heartthrob when Holla At Your Boy dropped on January 2, 2010.
Decked head-to-toe in all the 2010s fashion trends: skinny jeans, Supra sneakers, shambalas, a non-religious rosary, graphic tees, Ray Ban glasses and a mohawk, because why not? The sound and visual appeal of the then 19-year-old singer were so well-crafted that he seamlessly caused a shift in the music industry, offering a glimpse into a new phase of afrobeats that would eventually usher in other young stars like Davido, Dammy Krane, Mo’Cheddah and Olamide.
Source: Youtube
Produced by DJ Klem and Vebee, Holla At Your Boysampled Girls by Korean singer Se7en, with Wizkid’s vocals and palpable energy carrying the song across the finish line. Unlike the relaxed, no-stress Big W we know today, who’s confident enough to make an album calledMore Love, Less Ego, baby Wizkid had no ego — all he wanted to do was prove himself and make a statement in a game dominated by legends who’d been running things for almost a decade at the time. Wiz was hungry for success, and he poured every ounce of that drive into what would later form part of his debut album, Super Star.
But before there was Holla At Your Boy, Wizkid was Lil Prinz, an upcoming singer in a group called the Glorious Five, with his friends from church. The transformation from Lil Prinz to Wizkid reached completion when he got signed to Banky W and Tunde Demuren’s record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), in 2009.
Following his signing to EME, Wizkid caught our attention when his vocals provided the hook for Fast Money Fast Cars, off MI’s critically acclaimed 2009 debut album, Talk About It. Making an indelible impression opposite “Nigeria’s own Kanye West from the West” was no easy feat, but Wizkid pulled it off. That same year, Wizkid made a cameo in Banky W’s star-studded Lagos Party music video, doing a cute one-two step alongside his label head.
After Holla At Your Boy, Wizkid became a household name. While the song had teenagers and adults singing along to the playful “If you see me drive by, holla at your boy/ I got more swag, holla at your boy”, the Patrick Ellis-directed video was a pop culture moment in its own right, with cameos from Banky W, Ice Prince and Skales, as well as future entertainment juggernauts like Asa Asika, Uche Odoh and Sophie Alakija.
Source: Youtube
At a time when streaming wasn’t even a thing, Wizkid charmed his audience with an infectious bop, setting the stage for a career that’s broken records and pushed afrobeats to the forefront of the global music conversation. While we’re grateful for the Wizkid that gave us Ojuelegba, Jaiye Jaiye and Essence, we’ll never forget the 19-year-old dreamer who doggy-ed in his skinny jeans on a basketball court with his friends. That was the moment when we fell in love with Ayodeji Balogun.
Ghanaian music has evolved a lot over the years. We had the VIP era, with Ahomka Wo Mu and Two Women (with Tony Tetuila), in the early 2000s. The mid-2000s introduced us to R2Bees, with Kiss Your Hand, and the azonto dance craze, thanks to bangers from Sarkodie and Fuse ODG.
With artistes like Amaarae, Black Sherif, King Promise and Kwesi Arthur building up massive fan bases across the world, we’ve decided to look at some of the new school artistes putting their stamp on the scene and continuing the legacy of the icons who came before them.
Yaw Tog
What do you get when you take a cup of black coffee with two scoops of pre-workout and half a can of your favourite energy drink? Chaotic adrenaline, for sure — which is more or less what you get listening to Yaw Tog’s music. At just 19, the Kumasi-born rapper has helped introduce Ghana’s version of drill music — asakaa — to the world. Delivering bars in his native language of Twi, you don’t have to understand Yaw Tog’s music to feel gingered to take on the world.
You should listen to: His 2020 breakout single, Y33gye, when hitting the gym or looking for extra energy to fight capitalism.
Moliy
Moliy is no stranger to Nigerians who love good music. Getting her big break on Amaarae’s global chart-topper, Sad Girlz Luv Money, Moliy has since collaborated with everyone from BOJ to Ogranya and producer, P.Priime. Features aside, Moliy holds her own on solo projects, proving that she’s more than just a chorus girly.
You should listen to: Her 2022 EP, Honey Doom.
SuperJazzClub
Nothing beats live music, and as someone who’s seen and felt the energy SuperJazzClub brings to the stage, I can confidently say they’re the real deal. With nine members, a number that rivals some famous K-pop groups (BTS only has seven members), SuperJazzClub is bursting at the seams with talent across vocals and production. The creative mix is evident in the music they’ve put out since their 2020 debut EP, For All the Good Times. Their rave-like performances have built a cult following outside Ghana, with fans worldwide (including me) ready to shout “Flash”, as soon as their 2021 smash hit, Cameras, comes on.
You should listen to:Paradise off their 2023 compilation, ACT 3.
Baaba J
There’s no denying that Baaba J is one of the most exciting voices out of Ghana right now. Making a major entry into the scene with her 2020 debut EP, Lumumba St, Baaba J introduced herself as an artiste who’s comfortable knowing she doesn’t fit in. “I have no exes. I have no dresses. I’m a geek,” she declares on Tomboy, a standout track from the EP, before reminding everyone that, tomboy or not, she’s still the girl who can easily “pull both sexes”.
Listening to Fameye is like having a spiritual experience. Leaving his early rap days behind for a more high-life-leaning sound, Fameye has established himself as one of the most versatile artistes in Ghana, who’s not afraid to explore new territories.
You should listen to: His 2021 hit, Praise, and let his music minister to the deepest part of your soul.
Essilfie
If you’re looking for a lush and sultry mix of pop/R&B with a sprinkle of amapiano, then Essilfie is your girl. With a voice that would fit seamlessly into the 1990s era of Jill Scotts and Erykah Badus, Essilfie makes music for the baddies who know their worth and refuse to take shit from anybody. Her music is unapologetic and right in your face. Whether you get it or not, Essilfie is that girl.
You should listen to:KroKro Me from her 2022 EP, Tori’s Lounge.
Marince Omario
If you’re into no skips trap artistes like Pyscho YP and Don Toliver, then Marince Omario is the Ghanaian rapper you need to have on your playlist. Famous for creating his own genre of music , Marince combines trap, R&B and what sounds like nostalgic high-life, to make the distinct style he describes as “Fu”. With Manrice, you don’t know if you’ll get a club banger or a song to play in the background while you journal. But one thing’s for sure: you’ll have a good time.
You should listen to:Ramblers off his 2020 EP, Oblitey, while pre-gaming before a dirty Friday night on the streets.
Larruso
If Larruso was a Nigerian artiste, he’d be on the radio daily, with earworms you couldn’t possibly avoid even if you wanted to. Blending dancehall with afropop and a certain swagger that’s clearly innate as opposed to acquired, Larruso’s music holds your attention from start to finish. With a tested and trusted discography since his 2019 debut, he’s the captain of his musical ship and wants you to join him on his journey.
You should listen to: His 2022 EP, Sounds from the Slums,for the full Larruso experience.
You have to be living under a rock to not have heard of Hilda Baci, the 27-year-old chef who set out to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual (86 hours and 45 minutes). And after a long weekend of back-to-back stirring and sprinkling, she finally did it on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Hilda Baci has united Nigerians like never before. But as the folks at Guinness get their ink ready to add her name to their list, here’s a brief history lesson on some of the other Guinness world record-breaking Nigerians you need to know.
Everyone knows Big W has a Grammy and one of the best Nigerian albums of all time with Made in Lagos, but did you know Ayo from Surulere is also in the Guinness Book of World Records? Wizkid made history as the first Afrobeats artiste to enter the book when One Dance, his collaboration with Drake and Kyla, became the first song ever to reach one billion streams on Spotify in 2018.
Chidera Anemege
Source: Getty Images
He is a Nigerian rapper based in the United States of America who set the record for the longest rap freestyle by an individual during the MTV O Music Awards in 2011. He rapped for nine hours straight.
DJ Obi
Source: The Guardian
DJ Obi might be famous for Obi’s House now, but in 2016, he set a record for the longest-ever DJ set, with 240 hours of nonstop music at Sao Cafe in Lagos.
Femi Kuti
Source: Global Citizen
Femi Kuti is an icon and the Guinness world record holder for holding a single note on a saxophone for 51 minutes and 35 seconds. He did this at a concert in the Fela Shrine in 2017.
Sandra Ikeji
Source: Instagram/Sandra Ikeji
The CEO of Black Dove Models and sister to our fave chaotic Real Housewife, Laura Ikeji, secured a spot in the Guinness Book of Records for the most bridesmaids any bride has ever had on her train, with 200 bridesmaids at her 2020 wedding. We can only imagine how interesting their WhatsApp group must be.
Rema
Source: Billboard
Rema is genuinely divine because there’s literally nothing he can’t do at this point. The Mavin/Jonzing singer entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2023 as the first artiste to top the MENA Charts with his single Calm Down. The MENA Charts is the inaugural Middle Eastern and North African chart that tracks the biggest songs in those regions.
Gbenga Ezekiel
Source: Radio Nigeria
Skipping can be stressful, but Gbenga Ezekiel can’t relate, especially after setting the record for the most skips on one leg when he skipped 265 times in 2022. There are levels to this thing.
The former Nigerian Super Eagles player and coach entered the Guinness Book of World Records when he became the youngest person to win the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and coach. He first won the cup as a player and captain of the team in 1994 at 32, and then, as the team’s coach in 2013 when he was 51. He passed away in 2016.
Pinki Debbie
Source: Bella Naija
Pinki Debbie is a Nigerian dancer and fitness enthusiast who’s famous for gaining entry into the Guinness Book of Records after dancing for 150 hours (seven days) straight in 2017. This record was previously held by Kaffy who led a dance party that lasted for 52 hours and three minutes back in 2006.
Harrison Chinedu
Source: The Sun
Harrison Chinedu is a Nigerian footballer who entered the Guinness World Records after travelling 48.04 km for six hours and 15 minutes with a ball on his head. He set this record in 2016.
Haruna Abdulhazeez
Source: OloriSuperGal
Haruna Abdulhazeez is a Nigerian tennis player who set the record for the most hits of a tennis ball with a tennis racket in one minute. He did this in 2018 when he recorded 187 hits in just one minute.
Adetunwase Adenle
Source: OloriSuperGal
Adetunwase Adenle is a teacher and artiste with not one but four entries in the Guinness Book of World Records. He set his first record in 2010 when he brought 350 Nigerian children together to create the biggest painting by a large number of people — 63.5m x 49.3m. His second and third record came in 2011 when he organised an event with the most children (4,222) reading in one place, to encourage reading culture, and another with the highest number of children (37,809) washing their hands at the same time. Finally, in 2016, he set a new record for the world’s biggest post office stamp ( 2.448 m2).
Tuedon Morgan
Source: Wikipedia
Tuedon Morgan is a two-time Guinness world record holder with the quickest half marathon on each continent (female) at ten days, 23 hours, and 37 minutes, and the quickest half marathon on each continent and the North Pole (female), with a record of 62 days, 12 hours, 58 minutes and 49 seconds.
Olawumi Treasure Bayode
Source: The Nation
Bayo Treasure Olawunmi is the Guinness World Record holder for the longest reading marathon, after reading aloud for 120 hours (five days) nonstop in 2018.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo
Source: Premium Times
Folashade Oluwafemiayo not only set a new record for the heaviest power lift by a female paralympic athlete with 155 kg at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, but she also broke her own record from 2020. Talk about iconic.
