Kunle Ologunro, Author at Zikoko!

How does it feel to be a finalist in a keenly-contested competition? In this interview, the finalists of the MTN Y’ello Star competition talk to us about their experience: the lessons, the fears, the joys, and the journey ahead.

FayFay

Right now, I feel excited. This has been a very enlightening experience. I have come to understand that music is more than just singing. There is the business aspect, and it is very detailed too. I didn’t know anything about this before.

I believe these lessons will affect my music greatly. I am currently relearning, and gathering new ideas. My dreams have grown significantly bigger. Before, I was confused about how to combine fashion with music. But now, with the lessons I have picked up from the classes, I am learning how to manage both and make the best out of it. I am eager to put these things into use when I am out of the house. Overall, I’ll rate my experience here as a 9.

Ceaser

It has been God all the way. That’s the honest truth. Only God. I could not have done this on my own. The learning process has been so enlightening. And from the first time till now, I think my performance has improved. I have gotten better, and I am also catching up with the essential things I used to leave out of my previous performances. My performance of “Many Rivers To Cross” was a great way to learn.

Right now, I am looking forward to being a better musician than I was before coming here. I have a lot to offer, and I cannot wait for the whole world to experience it.

Storm

The greatest lesson for me is uniqueness. Everyone here is unique in their own ways. We all have the different and unique approach we bring to singing and performances. And one thing I am looking forward to is how I can make my own uniqueness work for me.

I’m grateful to the judges and the teachers. Their corrections and lessons teach me the best way to stretch myself and give my best.

Dotti

The experience so far has been mind-blowing. Being in the house has renewed my love for music. I can’t imagine myself not singing. I think I have been given a great gift that the world needs to experience.

Freeborn

This has been a myriad of lessons. Right from music, to business, to my own personal self. It’s been a session of growth and development. The greatest discovery for me is that there’s more to music. Music is spiritual, it is professional. It is many more. I didn’t know all these before. I didn’t even know that there were some courses you could take to help your development. This has been a complete 10. It is my first and it has surpassed all my expectations.

Gideon

I feel excited to be part of the finalists. The tension has reduced a bit, but there is still tension because the race is not over yet. I have learned that music is a business that transcends just singing. As a performer, the vibes you carry matters. And if there’s any greater lesson I have picked up, it is that you can kill two birds with one stone.

I like to think that I have found my sound vocally. Before coming into the house, I wasn’t sure about a lot of things. I wasn’t as precise too. But now, there’s a visible level of precision, a sense that I know where I am going with this.

Did you miss the recap? Catch it here:

Who Will Win The MTN Y’ello Star Competition?
Nobody turns their noses up at a little extra cash, especially in the time of Covid.

But how do you get your hands on some extra money without leaving the house, engaging with a bunch of other people, and possibly harming those around you?

With our world increasingly connected via technology, generating other sources of revenue during the time of Covid is simple. It’ll still require some hard work and time spent hustling but the process can be as simple as you want it to be.

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Working hard or hardly working

Tons of people work multiple jobs whether part-time or full-time and for many Covid-19 brought a new wave of issues as they were summarily sent home without the added income of multiple jobs. Luckily, through technology and connectivity, there are lots of ways to generate more revenue, even from home, in the time of Covid.

Start social

There are currently millions of viewers on streaming sites like Twitch and YouTube in dozens of niches. Everyone has a passion and sharing yours with the world can be a great way to make some extra cash. Places like Twitch and YouTube will pay you for streaming if you get to a certain number of viewers. You can also get sponsors who would help you generate more cash and more viewers.

Streaming can be a hard niche to crack into if you don’t have a base, to begin with. But if you have an entertaining outlook, a unique take or product to show, and you’re willing to continue working toward your goal, you can build followers and start bringing in revenue.

Along with streaming sites, you can also monetize your page on Instagram or TikTok. Instagram has any number of areas that are always looking for rising talent and to engage and work with their followers. Once you build your profile on either site or start getting likes and shares, the companies will begin to pay.

The overhead costs for making videos, Instagram posts, or streaming can be extremely low. But they take time, passion, and a dash of talent to make into a revenue stream. Building your brand on social media takes effort and while it seems effortless when compared to working a 9-5 job, this is a source of revenue that might take you a while to see come to fruition.

Online games

With more time on your hands due to the lockdown, maybe you’ve found yourself lost in the world of online games and frankly, you’ve gotten really good.

This can be another low overhead revenue stream. For many online gamers, you can jump into tournaments from your home gaming set-up and compete for cash. The catch here is: there’s a high chance that you won’t win. So your start-up costs will be low but the chances of earning much are slim.

You can also jump into other types of online games like online slots, betting on soccer in SA, or other types of pay to play games. These have a much higher start-up cost but you do have a chance to win and win big as you play.

Within the realm of online games, you can also generate a consistent stream of revenue by signing up to test new games. Find a site that is reputable and has a history of paying their employees for the work done. Then you can spend your time testing the games that are soon to come out on the market and get paid for it too. They won’t always be as great as Angry Birds but if you’re passionate about games, it’s a great source of revenue that you can do from home.

Flip and sell

The old-to-new trend is here to stay! Searching through online thrift pages, in-person discount stores, and garage sales can turn up some great finds that can be flipped and resold.

If you’re crafty and you have a passion to see things brought back to life, this is a great way to make some extra dough. Start-up costs can grow if you don’t watch what you’re buying for supplies but if you buy your pieces at a low cost and utilize what you’ve got in your inventory, you can turn out pieces quickly and sell them for a profit

Furniture is one of the best ways to utilize the flip and sell method but you can also do a little savvy shopping and make cash. There are tons of luxury items that are sold in thrift stores, garage sales, and online that can be resold for cash. Niche items like depression glass can be found at estate sales for pennies and be resold on eBay.

This requires a lot more time than other sources of revenue and volume is what counts when it comes to flip and sell sources of revenue. Hunting for a great deal can be a lot of fun and can even be done from home if you watch online sales and auctions!

Takeaway

Creating new sources of revenue in the time of Covid is a great way to supplement or replace your current income. Matching your new source of revenue with your hobbies and passion helps you earn and keeps you entertained.

Monetizing your social media account or streaming account can be a great way to get creative and earn cash. While it seems simple, investing in your social media account takes lots of time and may only bring out a small amount of revenue.

Online games can be a pay to play option or a tournament style. The pay to play games have a higher rate of return but the overhead cost can be steep. Tournament style online games have a low opening cost but the odds of winning can be much lower.

Flip and sell sources of revenue give you the option to be creative and thrifty. You can find any number of creative options for furniture, clothes, or knick-knacks that sell well and help you earn.

Your passion or hobby can be turned into your next revenue stream in no time. Within the time of Covid, it’s good to have an additional revenue stream that you can work at and monetize as much as possible. Choose something you’re passionate about and make it work for you!
Fuji music is one of the best musical products in this country. There’s no genre that comes close to capturing our essence as Nigerians: our energy, our love for partying and good life, our call for seriousness when things are not going the way they should.

Here are some of the things we love about Fuji music.

1. The beats.

The beats of Fuji music are undeniably catchy. No matter your taste in music, you’re likely to find yourself tapping your feet and shaking your body to the melody. And when the catchy lyrics now enter the mix, it’s a full-blown party.

2. The tales being told.

We have to give them due credit: Fuji musicians tell the best stories! A music track will serenade you with stories about travels to Dublin, Ireland, America, and even Dubai where they ate chicken, partied hard and left their tracks. Good times!

3. The costumes.

Costumes in Fuji music videos are usually the bomb! Right from the back-up dancers to the lead singer. They were alte before alte became cool.

4. The legendary rivalries.

Lowkey, this was one of the best parts of Fuji music. The rivalry about who was King of Fuji music, crown prince of Fuji music, etc. The singers get into a heated and prolonged rivalry, and each ‘fighter’ drops a diss track. Ah, the fans were on the enjoying end. Rivalry meant more hit music, and those releases were fire.

5. The sharp social and political commentary.

Fuji musicians gave eargasms with their melodious beats. But then they also gave earfuls to the government and public institutions that failed to do their part in making life better for the citizens.

Fuji music came complete.

If you miss this era of Fuji music just as much as we do, we have something for you!

From the 14th – 19th of December, 3101 Media will present FUJI: A OPERA. The multi-dimensional platform will explore the past of the Fuji genre and re-imagine it for a new generation of music and culture lovers. There will also be a Fuji exhibition and a live music showcase featuring Fuji legends King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall and Saheed Osupa.

Don’t miss it. Click here to register.
Today on Ranked, I’m taking on Fish to discover the best fish to ever do it. Do you agree with this list or not? And most importantly, how many of the fish listed here have you tasted before?

9. Panla

I’m not exactly sure what to make of Panla fish. Yes, it is affordable, but the enjoyment is limited. The fish is lean, and it doesn’t offer much, be it smoked or fried. I feel it should be a waka-pass fish, added as an extra garnishing, not the main thing. Sorry to those who swear by Panla.

8. Tilapia

Tilapia is the kind of fish you brag about because of the name. But in terms of taste, girl bye. It’s bony, and needs the cook to be very skilled. And it only bangs in some kinds of soup, not all. Best as an aquarium fish. Let it just be entertaining your visitors.

7. Hake (Panla, but with Master’s)

This is another variant of Panla fish. And compared to the skinnier Panla, this one tastes far better. It also works wonders in soup for swallows. For vegetables and other kinds of soup, not sure. Perhaps stew it separately, rather than cooking it together.

6. Catfish

In terms of popularity, Miss Mamas here will win. But taste and versatility? I’ll need her to take several seats backward. You’ll come for me, I know, but you can’t deny that the only appeal catfish has is peppersoup. What happens when that is taken away? Even when smoked, it’s still meh. So what are we saying?

5. Kote

This tastes divine, but a lot of times, you are likely to jam the one that tastes like cassava. You know, hard, bland, despite all the seasoning you put in it. And that’s my struggle with it. If you are going to cost so much, you might as well taste good all the time. As a plus, it tastes really good when fried.

4. Ojuyobo (Argentina)

Goodness, this fish is delicious! The name is because of the large eyes, but that doesn’t take anything away from the sweetness. It is like a mix of Titus and Shawa together, but there is more to it. It bangs in stew, soup, okro. It’s a complete package.

3. Croaker.

This one is seen as a rich people’s fish and rightly so. But whenever it lands on your plate, kneel down and say a prayer because you are about to experience a taste that is completely elite. Grilled or fried, this fish works. Stew or soups, e still dey.

2. Shawa

Yes, Shawa is awfully bony and should be discredited. But then, it makes up for it in taste. Shawa goes well in stew, soups, and any other thing you need it for. Even when fried, it still bangs with garri. If it’s just the bones, I can overlook that.

1. Titus

There is no other fish deserving of this spot. Titus has and will always be supreme. Taste? Check. Versatility? Check! This fish blends well with everything and brings out a unique flavour. Fry it, smoke it, cook it fresh, different flavour each time. Titus dear, na you dey reign.

Here’s last week’s ranking:

Ranked: Chocolate, Red Velvet Or Vanilla Cake?
The MTN Y’ello Star competition has been an amazing ride so far. The contestants have entertained and dazzled the audience with their amazing voices, but more importantly, they have demonstrated a considerable level of professional and musical growth since the time they stepped into the house and now.

What then comes next?

A LOT!

But first, who among the bottom 5 will be saved, and who will leave?

You all voted, and the doors will tell us who gets to stay and who leaves. Purple means NO, and Yellow means YES.

David Garland – Purple (NO)

Jesse – Purple (NO)

G Isaac – Purple (NO)

Storm – Yellow (YES)

Oiza and Meyi – Purple (NO)

It was so emotional to see these special talents go, but the votes sealed their fates. Even the judges admitted this, and wished them the very best because, according to them, the contestants were special stars and would certainly go on to do great things.

We’re rooting for them too.

The remaining contestants performed again. This time, they’re giving everything they can to finish strong. The final race matters a lot.

So, what did our Y’ello Stars sing?

Ceaser performed Symphony by Clean Bandits and Zara.

Freeborn performed Khona by Uhuru and Mafikizhona, which she improvised with lyrics from Omawunmi’s Bottom Belle.

Gideon performed Mama Eh by Sean Tizzle.

FayFay performed This Is What You Came For by Rihanna and Calvin Harris

Dotti performed The Money by Olamide and Davido.

Storm performed Get Up by DJ Tunes, Flash and Sarz.

Whew, chile, it was the best experience ever.

At this point, anyone of the contestants could walk home with the prize. They’ve all given their all.

Let’s not forget:

The winners and the runners-up of the MTN Y’ello Star competition will go home with a lot of prizes.

An apartment with an in-built house studio, a Honda hrv, N5million cash and a recording contract. There is also the opportunity to record and produce songs in Berklee world-class studio in New York.

And now, the question remains:

WHO WILL BE THE ULTIMATE Y’ELLO STAR?
The year is ending, and a lot of you are probably wondering, “How are Zikoko writers doing right now?” You may not even be wondering, but in the generosity of our hearts, we have volunteered to reveal our mental and physical state to you.

Send help, please.

The whole team when you look at us externally (read: from outside):

A “conglomeration” of happening babes, innit?

But let’s zoom in on the individual characters:

1. Daniel.

Reports reaching us is that he is experiencing distress and agitation in his comfortable flat. Apparently, the rich also cry.

2. Hassan.

Interviews and edits, red biro everywhere. He doesn’t even know what he does not know anymore. But he knows Able God will shower blessings.

3. Femi.

He’s trying to air the team, but will the team air him? NO. A wise man does not leave his burning house to go pursue the suya hawker.

4. Eris.

Homegirl didn’t sign up for this sh*t.

5. Astor.

Dead inside but maintaining beauty before the decay begins.

6. Kunle.

God, look at your child.

7. Itohan.

Somebody needs to get Annalise Keating on the line before Lady Itohan murders her editor.

8. David.

He can’t believe he returned from NYSC Camp to face this ghetto.

9. Ope.

“Chile, let me keep a cool front before these people see that I’m tired of everything.”

10. Doyin.

The only thing he’s thinking about is the double difficulty: Nigeria is hard, writing Citizen posts about Nigeria is hard. Who did he offend?

11. Malakai.

One thing is for sure: they’re never doing this again. Not in this life or the next.

12. Ibukun.

The matter is about to enter the spiritual realm.

13. Toheeb.

Nothing is working anymore. NOTHING.

14. Ruka.

With everything that is currently going on, she cannot believe that some people have the audacity to disregard commas in their documents. HR must hear this.

PS: Shoutout to her for this great idea ~~She will kill me if I don’t say it.~~

The whole Zikoko team begging 2020 to end:

Did you enjoy this? Then you should check out our Meme Site! We’re live at memes.zikoko.com. Believe us, it’s the coolest thing ever!
Working is the absolute ghetto. But bills have to be paid, so the cycle has to continue. If you are one of the many Nigerians who want to quit their jobs to live the baby boy/girl life, this one is for you. A subtle reminder that we cannot get what we want.

1. You, when you wake up and realise it’s Monday again.

Toh.

2. You, begging your work not to stress you more than it should.

Abeg oh

3. You, every time someone says you’re enjoying at your job.

Mind your speech!

4. You, every time a new assignment lands on your desk

What is it?

5. You, rehearsing how to change it for everyone behind their back.

Streets are hot, anybody can catch these hands.

6. You, when you read stories of people earning more than you.

Read this so you’ll see what we mean: The Secure #NairaLife Of An Engineer In Oil And Gas

7. You, when you realise that there’s no break from this.

Unless you want poverty to finish you.
Nigerian churches organise a lot of church programs. But half the time, a lot of these programs are often targeted at women who end up praying for things that men ought to be praying for too. It’s time to revise that. Nigerian churches need to start organising these programs for men.

1. Prayers against barrenness.

Barrenness is not always a woman’s problem, so how come a lot of programs are targeted at them while the men are simply flexing? Let both of them go to a fertility clinic, and if there’s to be a church program, let the man and woman attend.

2. Prayers against marital delay.

Somebody needs to tell Nigerian churches that men also experience delay in getting married. It’s not every time you see a 30+ woman that you must drag her to your church. You see that your neighbour that is 30+? Drag him too. Our God answers prayers.

Read: 7 Ways Nigerian Men Can Remain Virgins

3. Prayers against the strange man that wants to destroy their marriage.

Yes oh. MenDem are outside looking for marriages to destroy and people’s wives to seduce. Men need to start praying against these evil forces. A suggested prayer point: “My father my father, any strange man that wants to collect my wife from me, destroy him by fire.”

4. Deliverance from marine spirit, papawater spirit, and the spirit of seduction.

Why are fair-skinned men left to roam about without being delivered? If fair-skinned women can be accused of possessing seductive spirits, belonging to the marine kingdom and mamiwater coven, surely men too should be delivered from the same spirits. Abi them tell una say male witch no dey?

Them tell una say men no dey seduce person?

5. Seminars and conferences on how to be a good husband and father.

Here, they will teach them how to bake, how to decorate the altar, how to arrange the house and read the ‘male version’ of Proverbs 31 to them.

Or, they will teach them how to keep their bodies firm for their wives, how to secure their marriage using sexy apparels that are holy and edifying, as well as how to enter the War Room when they sense the devil’s machinations in their marriage.

Let us stand up and share the grace.

You should read this if you haven’t:

7 Things A Married Woman Must Do After Cheating On Her Husband
A neighbour that wants to be stingy this Christmas will have to content with a neighbour that does not give up. So that your neighbours will not move mad and decide to not offer you Christmas food, here’s what to do:

1. Start greeting them.

They need to know you’re a polite person. We both know you’re not, but the stomach needs what it needs.

2. When they spread their clothes, help them pack it in.

That way, you have initiated contact. They will have to knock on your door. And once they’re used to doing it, they will have no problem knocking on your door on Christmas day with food.

3. Offer to help them dispose of their trash.

This is how to know if they’re worthy neighbours, otherwise just stop wasting your time. If their dustbin has traces of expensive food like empty tins of corned beef, packages from Shoprite and stuff, then you know they are well to do and will give you food on Christmas day. But if they have only bones and black nylon, nne biko, abort mission.

4. Ask if they need a helping hand with the child.

Another way to know. If they feed their child good things, then it’s time to camp with them. But if it’s only brown pap and noodles without pepper, let your leg touch the back of your head as you’re fleeing their house. Jehovah dismantle poverty,

5. Tell them you’re available for a threesome.

Of course you’re not. It’s just to show that you’re completely willing to do anything for them. And yeah, if they do take you up on the offer of a threesome, then collect your knacks and dust your body.

6. Always complain about not having food to eat.

In other words, “Don’t you people dare try to bypass me on Christmas day.”

7. As soon as you wake up on Christmas day, go to their house, and sit.

There’s no way they can ignore you then.

And in case your neighbours are moving to you this December, here’s a list of things you can serve them.

7 Foods You Can Serve Your Neighbours This Christmas
Christmas is coming, and bank accounts are still emaciated. How can we now do Detty December if every source of finance is as clean as a plate licked by a dog?

That’s why we came up with these 5 ways to make quick money in December. May the odds be in your favour.

1. Offer yourself as Father Christmas

This is December. Schools, churches and amusement parks will soon be in search of people that will wear Santa outfits and dance zanku to entertain the children. Nobody has to know it is you. After all, you will be in a costume. They will pay well, and if you act right, they can even give you small Jollof rice inside black nylon.

2. Start selling bangers

This one will expand into December 31st for those who want to celebrate crossover with a bang. If you want to make extra, add toys, plastic sunglasses and Santa masks to your package. Do it and see how the children in your street will swarm around you.

3. Start a wig rental business

Look at all the wigs you have. You cannot possibly wear all of them during Christmas, can you? Why not rent them out for a token. Better money will enter your pockets, walahi.

4. Rent yourself out as a Christmas boyfriend or girlfriend.

This is the holidays. Families will ask to see their children’s partners. And we both know that a lot of people are probably still searching or not ready for marriage yet. Why not offer to fill that vacuum? For a decent price, you go home with them, dazzle the parents and get your money. And if everything works out well, you might even find true love.

5. Start selling Christmas caps

This one is a sure source of income. Especially if you’re lucky enough to find a small shop in a busy area. Hot Agege bread no go sell reach you.

Read:

7 Things We Miss About Being Children During Christmas Time

FayFay

Ceaser

Storm

Dotti

Freeborn

Gideon

Who Will Win The MTN Y’ello Star Competition?

Working hard or hardly working

Start social

Online games

Flip and sell

Takeaway

1. The beats.

2. The tales being told.

3. The costumes.

4. The legendary rivalries.

5. The sharp social and political commentary.

9. Panla

8. Tilapia

7. Hake (Panla, but with Master’s)

6. Catfish

5. Kote

4. Ojuyobo (Argentina)

3. Croaker.

2. Shawa

1. Titus

Ranked: Chocolate, Red Velvet Or Vanilla Cake?

What then comes next?

WHO WILL BE THE ULTIMATE Y’ELLO STAR?

The whole team when you look at us externally (read: from outside):

1. Daniel.

2. Hassan.

3. Femi.

4. Eris.

5. Astor.

6. Kunle.

7. Itohan.

8. David.

9. Ope.

10. Doyin.

11. Malakai.

12. Ibukun.

13. Toheeb.

14. Ruka.

1. You, when you wake up and realise it’s Monday again.

2. You, begging your work not to stress you more than it should.

3. You, every time someone says you’re enjoying at your job.

4. You, every time a new assignment lands on your desk

5. You, rehearsing how to change it for everyone behind their back.

6. You, when you read stories of people earning more than you.

7. You, when you realise that there’s no break from this.

1. Prayers against barrenness.

2. Prayers against marital delay.

Read: 7 Ways Nigerian Men Can Remain Virgins

3. Prayers against the strange man that wants to destroy their marriage.

4. Deliverance from marine spirit, papawater spirit, and the spirit of seduction.

5. Seminars and conferences on how to be a good husband and father.

7 Things A Married Woman Must Do After Cheating On Her Husband

1. Start greeting them.

2. When they spread their clothes, help them pack it in.

3. Offer to help them dispose of their trash.

4. Ask if they need a helping hand with the child.

5. Tell them you’re available for a threesome.

6. Always complain about not having food to eat.

7. As soon as you wake up on Christmas day, go to their house, and sit.

7 Foods You Can Serve Your Neighbours This Christmas

1. Offer yourself as Father Christmas

2. Start selling bangers

3. Start a wig rental business

4. Rent yourself out as a Christmas boyfriend or girlfriend.

5. Start selling Christmas caps

7 Things We Miss About Being Children During Christmas Time