William Benson has been acting for a while, but it’s his stellar performance in the much-loved cybercrime movie, To Kill A Monkey, that brought him to the limelight. To deliver an outstanding performance, Benson arrives at every movie set empty, presenting himself as a tool in the hands of a painter—the director—to tell whatever story they want to tell. He also believes that he has to enjoy what he is doing for the audience to be able to enjoy it as well. Regarding his role in To Kill A Monkey, he had been evangelising and so missed four calls from the film’s director, Kemi Adetiba. It wasn’t until someone called asking why he hadn’t picked up her calls that he checked his phone and saw her missed calls. Talk about fate. He called her back, and as they say, the rest is history.
Read William Benson’s fascinating story on pages 8 to 10 of this week’s issue. You’ll love it.
Tank tops are a versatile wardrobe staple that never goes out of style. They can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions; that’s the beauty of a tank top. This week, our fashion pages—pages 4 and 5— highlight different ways to style a tank top to look chic.
Our choice of movie review this week is The Naked Gun. If this sequel is anything like the old Leslie Nielsen movies, then we are in for a rib-cracking time at the cinema. I must admit, I found it hard to imagine Liam Neeson as a comedy actor, but the reviews have been good, so I might head to the cinema (if I’m not working) this weekend. You should, too.
Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.
AUSTYN OGANNAH PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Until next week, enjoy your read. www.thewilldowntown.com
Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa
Writer: Johnson Chukwueke
Design & Layout: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun
Consulting Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’
Dorcas Akintoye @mila_dfa_ - Contributing Writer
Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.
Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
6 WAYS TO STYLE
A TANK TOP
Tank tops are one of those wardrobe basics that never go out of style. They are simple, comfortable, and versatile. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping things casual, there’s always a way to make a tank top work for your outfit. The beauty of a tank top is that it can be styled in different ways to suit various occasions, whether it’s a brunch with the girls, date night, running errands, or even a relaxed day at home. If you’ve been wondering how to switch things up with your tank tops, we will show you six fun and stylish ways to wear them.
PAIR WITH HIGH- WAISTED PANTS
One of the easiest ways to style a tank top is with high-waisted pants. This look is simple yet stylish. High-waisted pants help define your waist and give your outfit a more put-together feel. Add a pair of sneakers or slides, and you’re good to go. To elevate the outfit, throw on some layered necklaces or hoop earrings, and you’ll look effortlessly cool without trying too hard.
LAYER IT UNDER A BLAZER
If you want to give your tank top a more polished and sophisticated vibe, layer it under a well-fitted blazer. This is perfect for semi-formal events, a lunch meeting, or even a casual office setting. Choose a neutral or solid-colored tank top and pair it with a blazer in a bold or complementary shade. You can wear this look with jeans, tailored pants, or a skirt, depending on the occasion. Finish off the look with heels or loafers and a sleek handbag.
TUCK IT INTO A MAXI SKIRT
Try tucking your tank top into a flowing maxi skirt. Choose a skirt with pretty prints or soft pastel colours to give the outfit a feminine vibe. The tank top keeps things simple on top, while the skirt brings the drama and movement. You can accessorise with a wide-brim hat, flat sandals, and a cute shoulder bag to complete the look.
LAYER WITH A BUTTON- DOWN SHIRT
Another trendy way to style a tank top is by wearing a button- down shirt over it. Leave the shirt unbuttoned to show off the tank and create a layered look. This style works great with denim shorts, cargo pants, or joggers. It gives off a laid-back, street-style vibe that feels young and fun.
WEAR WITH BIKER SHORTS
If you’re into athleisure or want something super comfy and stylish, pair your tank top with biker shorts. This outfit is sporty, functional, and cute. Add a pair of chunky sneakers, sunglasses, and a cap to complete the look.
FASHION
STYLE WITH A DENIM JACKET AND MINI SKIRT
For a playful and youthful look, wear your tank top with a mini skirt and throw a denim jacket over your shoulders. This combination is great for casual outings, concerts, or movie nights. The denim jacket adds an extra layer that balances the outfit, while the mini skirt keeps it flirty and fun. You can go with a fitted tank or a loose one, depending on the vibe you want. Sneakers, boots, or even strappy sandals all work well with this outfit.
Tank tops may appear basic, but with the proper styling, they can easily become one of the most fashionable pieces in your wardrobe. The key is in how you style them.
SALLY CHIWUZIE @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
Z IS FOR EVERY LAST WORD
Dear Reader, This is it.
The end of the alphabet.
The last stop on a journey we’ve walked twice now, hand in hand, letter by letter, week after week.
We have wandered through the raw and the radiant — the kind of truths you don’t just read, you feel. We began at A, each time, with that quiet curiosity of what would unfold. And here we are again, at Z. Not as the same people who began, but as those who have carried the weight and the wonder of these words into our own lives.
You have been with me through stories that asked you to stand taller — through faith and fate, through the battlefield of relationships and the discipline to keep going when it would be easier to stop. You have sat with me in nostalgia, where childhood memories met adult realities, and we learned that love is not about perfection but persistence.
breathe when the air felt thin. We have embraced transition, resilience, and the quirks that make life brighter. We have remembered to give grace — to ourselves and others — and to keep the will to live with intention, even when the world gave us every reason to retreat.
We have spoken of kintsugi — the beauty in broken things, the gold in our cracks, the way pain re-shapes us without erasing our worth. We have stood in our own zeniths and valleys, recognising that luck often needs a nudge, and that even the motivator needs motivation.
We have looked at perception — how the same story can be comedy, tragedy, or a cautionary tale depending on the eyes that see it. We have lingered in liminal spaces, holding our breath in the in-between, before stepping into new beginnings and manifesting what we dared to believe could be ours.
You have walked through ownership and openness, knowing the courage it takes to start again. You have felt the sting and the gift of vulnerability, and the quiet triumph of worthiness — that deep, #unshakable knowing that you deserve to be loved, celebrated, and seen exactly as you are.
We have found survival in unexpected places — in the quiet, in the routine, in the choice to
We have taken every letter, from the loud ones to the quiet ones, and stitched them into a fabric that is part mine, part yours.
And through it all, you have been here. Reading. Reflecting.
You have carried a little of each week forward in ways I’ll never fully see, but always hope for.
Z is for Every Last Word because this — right here — is the place where I tell you that the alphabet is done, but the truth is not. The series may end, but the living continues. The loving continues. The becoming continues.
Every last word I have written was for you — not to tell you who to be, but to remind you that you already are. You are the grace you give, the boundaries you keep, the resilience you show, the softness you protect, the joy you allow. You are the stories you choose to tell, and the ones you guard in silence. You are the peaks you climb and the valleys you survive. You are the quirks, the nostalgia, the ownership, the yearning. You are the love letter and the lesson.
And now, you are the voice that carries this forward — in the way you live, speak, forgive, dream, begin again.
Every last word has led us here. And now, I leave you with the most important truth of all: You are, and have always been, #Unshakable. With all my love,
Always, Sally
P.S. See you next week.
WILLIAM BENSON
Owning the Screen
When it comes to commanding presence, few actors in Nollywood do it quite like William Benson. With a mix of charm, grit, and raw talent, Benson has steadily built a reputation as one of the industry’s most compelling performers. His latest role in the much-loved film, To Kill A Monkey, pushes his craft to thrilling new heights, offering audiences a performance that is as layered as it is unforgettable. In the film, Benson dives deep into a complex character whose journey unravels themes of power, morality, and survival. It’s a role that demands emotional depth, sharp instincts, and a keen ability to keep viewers hooked from start to finish, all qualities Benson brings in abundance. Beyond the technical mastery, his performance is a reflection of the dedication and discipline he’s honed over the years in the industry. But there’s more to William Benson than just the man on screen. Off set, he exudes an easy charisma and warmth that resonates with fans and colleagues alike. Whether he’s sharing behind-the-scenes moments, engaging with his growing audience, or exploring new creative avenues, Benson proves he’s as dynamic off camera as he is in front of it.
In this conversation with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Johnson Chukwueke, William Benson talks about stepping into this career-defining role, the process behind bringing his character to life, and the personal passions that keep him grounded.
What first drew you to the role of Efemini in To Kill A Monkey?
I would start by saying I love what I do. I love my work, and it’s been a long time coming. I have been involved in theatre, film, radio, and various other genres of art, encompassing entertainment and drama. I have been honing my skills over time, I am never satisfied, and I learn every day. I come in empty and I present myself as a tool in the hands of the painter, who is the director to tell whatever story they want to tell, and it’s been like that with me for a long time, and I have applied this rule with every job. Whatever job I get, I apply what I call R.A.P., which stands for Research, Analysis, and Practice. Then, I come on stage to put it all together with my performance. I believe if I don’t enjoy what I am doing, the audience wouldn’t enjoy it, that’s why I immerse myself fully into every character I am given, once I understand the characters, where they are coming from, what is going on inside their head, what the character is also saying about themselves. My story in To Kill A Monkey started with God. I was in church on a Wednesday, we had an evangelism, I went to share fliers and talk about the crusade we were about to do. I wasn’t really satisfied with the evangelism I did, so I took more fliers and went to other areas we didn’t go to. I was done with that, came back hungry, and went into the church restaurant, and my pastor requested that I kneel down so he could say a prayer for me. The next day, I received a call from Kemi Adetiba. I had missed her calls four times, and by the time I pulled out my phone, it was my friend Tola Odunsi calling, asking why I hadn’t picked up Kemi’s call. I was actually surprised and told him that I would call him back cause I would need to check my phone. So I saw the missed calls, got on a call with Kemi eventually, and for almost two hours, I just listened to her telling her story, and by the time she was done, she told me I was needed on the set, and I agreed to it. The next day, Bucci called me after hearing that I was going to be part of the production. I knew Bucci all the way back when he was in Jimeji and I was playing the role of The General in Ajochie. Now, there’s a prayer I pray as a Catholic, it is “Lord, I am Yours I want to be, do with me what You will,” and this is exactly what I said to Kemi, I came in empty, just releasing myself onto her. She revealed how the whole thing came about as they were to use some other people, but it didn’t work out. However, Kemi, her husband, and her brother were taking a walk when my name suddenly came to her mind, and she remembered the clips of the Herbert Macaulay movie I did, and also reminded me that she had asked for a oneminute monologue from me, but I seemed to be acting uninterested and nonchalant. I told her honestly that I didn’t like filmed monologues as auditions. I prefer being brought into the environment where she wants me to audition, and I will be able to collaborate with whoever she pitches me with. I am a collaborative actor, and Kemi assisted me in getting into the place where the character should be. I was just a willing tool in the hands of a director who was ready to tell a story, just like a paintbrush in the hands of an artist. Kemi is a very patient person. She helps you, she gets you there. I looked
“Like
at her and told her that she is my number one director, as she is an actor’s director who knows how to get actors to where she wants them to be. What she wants, she gets, and I am willing to go the miles with her. Kemi drove me to the place, she psychologically took to where I wouldn’t have gone on my own if I were working with a director who wasn’t a visionary director and couldn’t stretch an actor beyond the normal. Kemi is not a half-measure director; she is all in, and she strives for perfection. She is not in a hurry to churn out a movie; there is a message to be passed, and she knows how to do just that. This movie was shot in 2023, and it’s coming out in 2025, and you can already see the buzz, the way people are receiving it like it were produced yesterday. She helped me immerse myself into the character, and it’s not just me, but everyone across board, that’s why in the series, it’s not just about cinematography, you are also looking at the content itself, the actors, the story, and you know, a good product will sell itself, and that’s what this movie has done. You can see the way everyone keeps analysing it, because it portrays real-life situations. We processed every scene, every word, every nuance, and all that. When I read my script as an actor, I don’t just cram the lines, I want to understand what I am saying, I want to understand what the character is all about, so once I’m done with reading the script, I willingly forget about everything I have done, and when I encounter the actor and we speak the first word out, the lines come through in real time like it’s happening. If you go back to Ajochie, you will see it’s the same thing, it’s my style, people say I am a method actor, I am not entirely sure what they mean, but I just am it when I get into my headspace, and I just want to enjoy being the character. Kemi was pivotal in helping me get to this headspace; she made everyone treat me like they hated me in order to get me feeling the actual emotions of someone being hated. When it came to the part where Efe became rich, she came to me and told me to ignore everyone, and to look at them like they amount to nothing. Kemi understands what she wants, and she is able to get it across the board.
“ When I read my script as an actor, I don’t just cram the lines, I want to understand what I am saying, I want to understand what the character is all about, so once I’m done with reading the script, I willingly forget about everything I have done, and when I encounter the actor and we speak the first word out, the lines come through in real time like it’s happening.”
the street, while the other comes from an educational background with his first-class degree, but of course, life happened and he couldn’t succeed. Every time he gets close to success, something just happens that tears him down and makes it seem like when he takes one step forward, he then takes 10 steps backwards. While Oboz is the street guy who is likeable by all, but very rude, nasty, gets easily drunk, and talks trash. However, in the long run, he knows how to get back to the good side of everyone with his apology. We were delivering our roles based on who we are, we were feeding off each other. People felt for Bucci, then felt for Efe at a point, then when he made the statement, “Brotherly, get behind me, I will protect you.” People saw it as him protecting his asset because Efe was his asset, Efe was making money for him in Dollars, in foreign currency. If Efe had stolen any of Oboz’s money, do you think he would have let me live? No one knows. So basically, we are just tools used to deliver a story. I am a lover of God. Every time I go on set, the first thing I say to myself is, “Holy Spirit, take full control, show me how to do it.” Sometimes I will be performing and don’t know how I do it, but when I go back and rewatch it, I begin to wonder how I even made those emotional choices to the point that even I wonder how I made it so real. So, releasing yourself to being the character helps you position yourself to where the character needs to go.
Did you find any parts of Efe’s story personally relatable?
a knife, if a killer picks it up, it is dangerous, but if a woman who peels oranges picks it up, then it is just for peeling oranges. The AI system is there to better yourself as a person and help your country in general, but if you turn it around and use it for different vices, then it becomes useless to everybody. ”
Efe is such a layered character—how did you prepare mentally and emotionally to play him? Once I get on set, I become it, emotionally. I understood the script, I understood who I was going to be facing, Oboz. A very, very flimsy, loud, and generally eclectic character, and Efe is not the same thing. People would review these two characters and say Oboz is a stronger actor, and Efe is very good, and all. But when you look at these two characters as a good critic, you will realise these two characters are very different in nature and behavioural pattern. One comes from
Not really, almost, but not really. We were young when my dad died, he passed at the age of 107, but we know he was older than that cause the oldest man in my village is 109 and he says my father was older than him. If I tell you my years and you take it out, then you will know how old my father was when he gave birth to me, and I am the 6th child of 8 siblings, so with that put together, he used to be one of the directors at Lagos States Waste Disposal Board, he retired in 1987, and things became a bit rough because they were being owed, and my mum held the family at that point because she was business minded, she had several shops at Alaba, and she was also a transporter at Tin-Can Iron. So, she took care of us, which is one of the things that resonated with me in trying to survive my family, because I saw my mother survive us. My father loved education, as long as it was education, he was all in for you. When he lost his job, the trajectory changed, and my mum stepped in. So, having to hear Nosa’s mum insulting me, while Nosa encourages me, now Nosa’s mother reminds me when my father gets hard on us at times, while my mum is the soft gel that massages our pain. At the end of the day, I made sure I positioned myself to enjoy affluence. At the end of the day, money gotten through illegal means never ends well. That part of my family experience resonated a little, but the rest was me understanding who Efe was by my experiences in society, and my experiences with people and friends who have been in such places. I do get DMs from people saying that Efe told the story of their life, that his experiences are what they are going through, and all that.
The series explores themes like desperation, morality, and loss. What message do you think Efe’s journey sends to viewers?
The message in Efe’s journey is that no matter how you suffer in life, and a glimmer of hope shows up, if you are going to take it, be very willing to also pull away from it, no matter the cost, because if you can do the crime, you can do the time. The lesson with Efe is, don’t engage in crime, no matter what goes around, it must come back around. Another lesson is that you should learn to love yourself before you decide to love someone else. Don’t get lost in the maze of love, trying to satisfy people. Even the Bible tells you to love thy neighbour as thyself, which means you have to love yourself enough before you have love for your neighbour; you can’t give what you don’t have. When push comes to shove and chaos comes in, everybody will abandon you. Two people on the road can be fighting, and the people around are adding more fire to the fight, telling them to beat each other, and when something happens and one person kills the other, the same people will turn around to condemn you after the deed has been done. People say Efe betrayed Oboz by selling him to Teacher. If you are in a situation where your daughter was placed in a freezer, and within that same tie frame, Oboz almost choked you out with a bag on a boat, then you come to find out that he is shagging your daughter too, then you find out that he also knows the person who put your daughter in the freezer. Even despite Efe saying he will bring out 15% to settle Teacher, Oboz still insisted on bringing out nothing from his end. At the end of the day, Teacher calls Efe and tells him to turn in Oboz in exchange for
his family, and Efe isn’t from a whole life of street violence.
How did the director’s vision and the script influence your performance?
The script was already written, the story is already told, it’s a beautiful thing to have a director who wrote the script to also tell the story through visualisation as well. She sees the story, and she started putting it together beautifully, like an artist painting on a canvas, and the magic she has created with her storytelling is what people have watched, and more people will watch and keep talking about.
What did you learn about yourself as an actor while filming this project?
Learn what you haven’t known in the past, but also learn to empty yourself and keep it out of the way to take in new things that you may not have.
How was your experience working with the rest of the cast and crew on set?
It was fun, we were collaborative, like I said earlier, I am a collaborative actor. Everyone came hungry, everyone came to prove a point, everyone came with a mindset of getting into the same headspace with Kemi in order to tell this story we all know she has. Bucci is an excellent collaborator, same thing with Nosa, Amanda Sparkles was awesome, Inspector Ogunlesi was beautiful, Tracy George, Ireti Doyle, everyone was on point, the cast and crew were just amazing. Everyone brought their A-game, and no one came to show off, but they came to empty themselves for the purpose of the movie. I wore just two outfits for the whole of four weeks before I switched from being a poor man to being a rich man, and everyone was awesome. If you see our collaboration, you will understand why it resonates with everyone who has seen the movie.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your portrayal of Efe?
Whenever I do something beautiful, no matter what, no work of art is complete. I press forward, forgetting what is behind, because what is done is done, and I have no regrets.
The film touches on cybercrime in a very grounded way—did it change your perspective on Nigeria’s digital space? It only opened me up to the Nigerian digital space and what’s
available in regards to AI today, and what it can be used for. There are people who use it for crime, and those who use it for good, so it depends on whose hands it is in. Like a knife, if a killer picks it up, it is dangerous, but if a woman who peels oranges picks it up, then it is just for peeling oranges. The AI system is there to better yourself as a person and help your country in general, but if you turn it around and use it for different vices, then it becomes useless to everybody. So it showcases what we have in the system, giving where we are coming from to where we are at, from the analogue age to the digital age, to the supercomputer age, to the super technology age, and now AI, where AI can even make a movie within minutes.
What’s one hobby or interest people would be surprised to learn you have?
I love cooking, I love swimming, I love reading, and I love playing table tennis; it’s my favourite sport.
How does your family or upbringing influence the kind of roles you choose today?
The roles I play aren’t influenced by anyone, I just don’t want to be type-cast, I don’t like stereotypical roles. I like directors pushing me beyond my boundaries, any role is possible. I won’t rule out a new role, if the makeup artist can make me look like a 25-year-old, I would bring the energy of a 25-year-old to the role. I am playful, I am very jovial, just not the kind that people will say is too serious. I play with every strata or humans, it doesn’t matter the age. Age is a number; we grow younger in our personality, just have respect and know where to draw the line. I just don’t want to be seen in just one role alone.
If you weren’t acting, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Aside from acting, there’s no area in art that I don’t delve into. I write plays, I direct stage plays, I create music, I love cooking as well, and I cook for business. I make perfumes; my perfumes are quite pricy, effective, and long-lasting. When I am not doing any of that, I am on my laptop reading or writing.
THE RIGHT WAYS
TO EFFECTIVELY CLEANSE YOUR SKIN
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Cleansing your skin is the foundation of every good skincare routine. It doesn’t matter whether you wear makeup or not, or if you have oily or dry skin, cleansing helps remove dirt, oil, sweat, bacteria, and other impurities that build up on your skin throughout the day. When you don’t cleanse properly, your skin becomes dull, prone to breakouts, and ages faster. To truly cleanse your skin the right way, you need to follow the right steps and use the right products. In this article, we’ll break down five simple but effective ways to properly cleanse your skin.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLEANSER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
Not every cleanser works for every skin type. What works for your friend may not work for you. The first step to cleansing right is using a cleanser that suits your skin type. If your skin is oily, go for gel or foam cleansers that can remove excess oil without stripping your skin dry. If you have dry skin, look for creambased or hydrating cleansers that clean without making your skin feel tight. If you have sensitive skin, opt for gentle, fragrancefree cleansers that won’t irritate your skin.
WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR FACE
Our hands carry a lot of germs and bacteria from everything we touch. So, if you don’t wash your hands before cleansing your face, you’re basically rubbing all those germs onto your skin. That can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and infections. Always wash your hands with soap and water before starting your skincare routine.
MASSAGE THE CLEANSER INTO YOUR SKIN
Many people make the mistake of applying the cleanser to their face quickly and then rinsing it off. That’s not enough. For a proper cleanse, you need to take your time. Apply your cleanser using your fingertips, and massage it into your skin in small, gentle circular motions for about 30 to 60 seconds. Focus on areas where oil and dirt build up the most, like your forehead, nose, and chin. Massaging helps to boost blood flow, unclog pores, and effectively remove dirt from your skin.
CLEANSE TWICE DAILY (MORNING AND NIGHT) USE LUKEWARM WATER
Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it dry, irritated, and even itchy. On the other hand, cold water may not properly dissolve dirt and oil. Lukewarm water is perfect; it helps open your pores gently, allowing your cleanser to do its job without harming your skin. Always splash your face with lukewarm water before and after using your cleanser.
Cleansing is not a one-time thing. You need to do it twice a day, in the morning and at night. Skipping your night cleanse is like going to bed with all the dirt of the day still sitting on your face. That can cause pimples, blackheads, and even dull skin.
Cleansing may seem basic, but doing it the right way can make a big difference in your skin. It’s not just about removing dirt; it’s about keeping your skin healthy, fresh, and glowing.
5-MINUTE MINDFULNESS TRICKS THAT ACTUALLY WORK
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Let’s be honest—modern life can feel like a constant race you didn’t sign up for. One minute, you’re replying to emails, the next you’re doom-scrolling, juggling relationships, deadlines, bills, and somehow also expected to drink eight glasses of water a day. It’s exhausting. But before you book a week-long retreat in the mountains or throw your phone out the window, take a breath. Literally.
Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting crosslegged in silence for hours. It’s not reserved for monks or meditation gurus. It can be quick, accessible, and surprisingly effective—even in the middle of your busiest day. In fact, just five minutes can shift your mindset, lower your stress, and help you feel more in control. All it takes is knowing how to tune in and reset.
Whether you’re at your desk, in traffic, or hiding in the bathroom for peace and quiet, we have all been there, so here are five mindfulness tricks that actually work, no incense required.
Box Breathing (a.k.a. Instant Calm)
Navy Seals and therapists alike use this technique to ground the nervous system. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. Repeat for four to five rounds. It’s a simple square rhythm that signals your body to chill, perfect before a meeting or when anxiety hits.
Gratitude Flash List
In the middle of chaos, pause to list three things you’re grateful for—your favourite song, a friend who checks in, even your lunch. Gratitude shifts the focus from lack to abundance, instantly improving your mood and reducing emotional stress.
One-Minute Body Scan
Close your eyes (or don’t, if you’re in public). Mentally scan your body from head to toe, noticing areas of tension and releasing them. Unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders, loosen your hands. You’ll be surprised how much tension your body holds without you even realising it.
The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Method
When your thoughts are spiralling or you feel overwhelmed, try anchoring yourself through your senses. Silently name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one thing you can taste or feel. It’s an easy way to pull yourself out of your head and into the present moment.
Mindful Sips or Bites
Turn your coffee break into a ritual. Take a sip, close your eyes, and really taste it. Feel the warmth, notice the flavour. Even just sixty seconds of intentional enjoyment can rewire your brain to be more present throughout the day.
You don’t need to escape to Bali or download ten new wellness apps to feel better. Peace is in the pause. These five-minute mindfulness practices are tiny but mighty tools to reclaim your breath, your space, and your sanity. The best part? You can do them anywhere, anytime. So next time life feels overwhelming, pause. Breathe. Reset. And carry on like the grounded king or queen that you are.
BON APPÉTIT
SNACKING OPTIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Food is more than just for sustenance; it is also a way to experience different cultures and taste unique flavours from around the globe. Snacks, in particular, give us a delicious glimpse into the culinary tastes of other cultures. They serve as a gateway to explore local ingredients and cooking techniques. Whether you’re drawn to sweet treats, savoury bites, or both, every country has its own popular snacks that locals and visitors enjoy. This week, we’ll explore five of the most mouthwatering snacks that capture the essence of their home countries.
Crepes (France)
France’s beloved crepes are a versatile snack with a rich history. These thin, delicate pancakes can be enjoyed in countless ways, making them a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Sweet crepes are often filled with delicious ingredients like Nutella, strawberries, or whipped cream, while savoury varieties might be loaded with cheese, ham, or spinach. Served from cosy Parisian cafes to street vendors, crepes offer a satisfying blend of simplicity and elegance that has made them a timeless French classic.
Churros (Spain)
Churros, a crispy, fried-dough snack dusted with cinnamon and sugar, are a Spanish delight that has gained fans worldwide. These sweet treats are often served with a side of thick, rich chocolate for dipping, making them an irresistible snack for those with a sweet tooth. Traditionally enjoyed in Spain and across Latin America, churros bring warmth and comfort, especially in colder months, and are a highlight of Spanish culinary culture.
Samosa (India)
India’s samosas are a flavourful, triangular pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. Deep-fried until golden brown, these snacks are crispy on the outside with a soft, savoury filling. Popular across South Asia and the Middle East, samosas are enjoyed at any time of day and are often paired with tamarind or mint chutney for an extra kick. The balance of spices within each bite makes samosas a flavourful experience that’s both filling and satisfying.
Takoyaki (Japan)
Japan’s popular street snack, takoyaki, is a crispy, round ball made from batter and filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, green onions, and pickled ginger. Cooked in a special pan that gives them their distinctive shape, takoyaki is often topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes. Found at street food festivals and markets, especially in Osaka, takoyaki captures Japan’s innovative approach to flavour and texture, offering a deliciously savoury and slightly sweet treat.
Poutine (Canada)
Hailing from Quebec, poutine is a deliciously indulgent Canadian snack made with French fries and cheese curds, and smothered in hot gravy. It’s a comforting snack, especially popular in colder months, and has become a beloved part of Canadian cuisine. With its savoury, gooey layers, poutine combines the crispy texture of fries with the richness of melted cheese curds and gravy, making it a treat for any time of day.
Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who enjoys trying new things, these snacks offer a delicious way to explore the world through food.
cassy’s chronicles ONE LAST TIME
Ishould have known from the way he always said the right thing at the right time. For some reason, I just knew he was too good to be true. His name was Femi. Tall, darkskinned, clean, soft-spoken. The kind of man who could make you forget your name. And for a while, he made me feel like I was the only woman in his world.
Until I found out I wasn’t.
It was a random Saturday afternoon when my friend, Zainab, came over. We got talking when she mentioned that she had been seeing a guy for over four months now. I was so happy, and then I asked to see his picture. She pulled out her phone and showed me a photo of her man. My heart stopped. It was Femi. My Femi.
At first, I thought it was a mistake. But as she continued talking, describing his voice, his jokes, even the way he liked his rice, I knew it was my Femi. My blood ran hot. I was furious. Betrayed. Not just for myself, but for both of us. “Zainab, this is my Femi”, I said. Immediately, I saw the smile on her face change to a confused one.
Zainab blinked. “Wait… what?”
“We’ve been dating for 6 months now, and I am as confused as you are. This shouldn’t be happening,” I replied.
We sat in silence. Two women, one man, one big mess.
I expected a fight. That’s how it usually goes, right? But I surprised myself.
“Zee,” I said softly, “this isn’t your fault. Or mine. Femi played us both.”
Her face relaxed. She was confused. Angry. But not at me anymore.
“So what do we do now?” she asked.
I looked her straight in the eyes. “We ruin him.”
That night, after Zainab left, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. I hated him. I did. But my body didn’t. I thought about the way he touched me. The way his lips traced my skin like he was trying to memorise me. The way he looked into my eyes when he was deep inside me, like I was his whole world.
Even though I knew it was all a lie, I still craved that feeling. I wanted one last time. Not for him. For me. And I wasn’t going to tell Zainab. The next day, I wore the black lingerie he once said made me look like sin. Over it, I wore a
simple gown.
I texted him, “Hey, babe! You home? I need to see you.”
Of course, he was eager.
His door opened before I knocked twice. He smiled like he hadn’t wrecked two hearts.
“Babe,” he said, pulling me in. “I’ve missed you.” I didn’t speak. I kissed him hard, desperate, hungry. He responded like a man possessed. His hands roamed my body, pulling off my gown, moaning at the sight of lace. My body melted under his touch. I hated how much I still wanted him.
We didn’t make love. We had sex; intense, wild, raw. His tongue knew where to go. His fingers knew what to press. And when he finally slid into me, I gasped, legs wrapped around him like I didn’t want to let go.
And for a moment, I forgot why I was there. Afterwards, he lay next to me, chest rising and falling. I turned to look at him.
“You’re wicked,” I whispered.
He laughed. “Why?”
But I didn’t answer. I just smiled. He had no idea what was coming.
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
The Naked Gun
The Naked Gun is an unadulterated good time, absolutely brimming with sight gags, one-liners and goofy humour. Only the most joyless would be opposed to its existence.
Sure, it’s a sequel, the fourth movie in a big-screen franchise that was spun-off a failed 1982 TV show, but when it comes to belly laughs comedy, The Naked Gun is all guns blazing. It’s also been 31 years since The Naked Gun 33 1/3, so that’s enough time.
But it’s a double standard, because of course it is. If The Naked Gun had been bad, we’d all be jumping up and down about the lack of originality left in Hollywood, but because it was great, no one minds.
It’s also very aware that it’s following a legacy, and not just because it references itself. You have to appreciate that The Naked Gun wanted to embrace why the Leslie Nielsen movies were great, and not try to “elevate” something that should be simple.
The original films were known for being unapologetically silly, and this sequel did not scrimp on that. It’s dumb but brilliantly dumb and in a crowded cinema, hearing all those laughs in symphony is a beautiful sound, and it’s what makes going to the movies such a delight.
Times are tough, don’t you want to properly switch off for 85 minutes (yes, it’s only 85 minutes, god bless), and chuckle through the repetition of a simple coffee cup gag? Don’t you want to have your inner child tickled pink?
Frank Drebin Jr (Liam Neeson) is the son of Nielsen’s Drebin (don’t do the maths, it doesn’t work out), and his partner is Ed Hocken Jr (Paul Walter Hauser). Frank can be a loose cannon, like disguising himself as a little schoolgirl to foil a group of bank robbers.
He’s not one for following orders, and his chief (CCH Pounder) takes him off the bank heist case, assigning him to collisions instead. The first case they catch seems to be the suicide of a man who drove his smart car off a cliff.
Not so, obviously. It’s the start of a story involving a literal P.L.O.T. (Primordial Law of Toughness) Device, a tech billionaire villain (Danny Huston) and the victim’s sister, Beth Davenport (Pamela Anderson), culminating in a showdown at the Ponzischeme.com Arena (a jab at the actual Crypto.com Arena).
The howls will keep getting louder and more frequent because for all its goofiness, The Naked Gun is actually playing a smart game. You might not realise because you’re having such a grand old time, but The Naked Gun is expertly paced, it ramps up that joke-ratio and the elaborateness of its set-ups in line with knowing how audiences react over its runtime.
It’s not so rapid-fire as to be exhausting, but it never leaves you waiting, and it will save the pants-down gag for later in the movie, when you’re already buttered up.
It riffs on classic noir tropes (the voiceover, shadows of window blinds cast on the wall, a potential femme fatale) while casting a wide net on reference points. Highlights include Anderson’s intentionally terrible scatting and a vignette inspired by cheesy 1980s music videos.
Neeson is also perfect casting because he’s not a comedic actor, and the role is only funny with someone not trying to be. He plays each beat and each line of dialogue straight, as if everything were totally serious, working synchronously with all the contrasting elements around him.
Neeson and Schaffer know that you don’t need Frank to sell the joke, and use the set-up to be super literal.
He and Anderson have a really fun chemistry, and it’s hard not to be enamoured with the real-life plot twist of their off-screen romance.
In the past decade, broad comedies have had a tough time as a cinema proposition as audiences increasingly devalue the genre as something you can watch at home on streaming.
Just as with horror, it’s the collective experience that makes a comedy one of the best things to watch with lots of other people. Laughter is infectious, and it’s more visceral when you’re surrounded by others who appreciate a pratfall as much as you.
Do yourself a favour, don’t wait for this one. You’ll still be chuckling days later.
Rating: 8.5/10
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Apparently, even Wednesday Addams can grow up. If only a little.
It’s been three years since we last saw Jenna Ortega’s macabre take on the classic Addams Family character in Netflix’s Wednesday, and that seems to be the amount of time the wildly popular show needed for a glow-up. Yes, the first season was Netflix’s most-watched English-language series ever and spawned countless TikToks of its viral dance number, a thousand Halloween costumes and a lot of puns using the word “woe,” but it also at times felt incomplete and shallow. It was the first draft of something, with greatness peeking in around the edges.
Season 2, however, finds its footing. There are marked improvements over the first season, from the expanded roles for characters like Morticia Addams (the always wonderful Catherine Zeta-Jones) and a deemphasis on teen romance, but also a general confidence and watchability that was lacking in Season 1. It’s as if producers Al Gough and Miles Millar and director Tim Burton woke up and found the soul of the series locked in a cupboard, preferably an antique black one with bars and rust.
Season 2 brings viewers back to Nevermore Academy, the gothic high school for supernatural scamps that Wednesday enrolled in last time around, and subsequently helped save from Season 1 villains Tyler (Hunter Doohan) and Marilyn Thornhill (Christina Ricci, a onetime Wednesday herself). Now she’s back, more popular than ever for her resting ghoul face and faced with a new, elusive enemy threatening the campus and her bubbly roommate Enid (Emma Myers). But Wednesday is also at her weakest as her psychic powers become unreliable and she wilts under the steely gaze of her mother, Morticia, an indefinite guest at the boarding school.
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The story this time is far more streamlined and, quite honestly, interesting. Wednesday is drawn into the mystery because she has real skin in the game, not because she just happens to be there. Her personal stakes make a huge difference in developing sympathy and affection for the character, and more importantly, making the audience care about the mystery she’s trying to solve.
The characters around her become more developed as well, particularly teens Enid and Bianca (Joy Sunday), who were so vaguely sketched in Season 1 they resembled vibes more than people. New characters played by Billie Piper (Doctor Who), Heather Matarazzo (The Princess Diaries), Thandiwe Newton and Steve Buscemi are adding something substantial to the tale, not just cameos for the sake of one more famous name in the credits.
There’s an urgency and verve to the series that wasn’t there in the almost lackadaisically paced first season, which seemed to be going for a paintby-numbers approach to plotting and stakes. Everything has been tightened
and sharpened this time around, and the series is so much the better for it.
There was a perfect pleasantness and bland likability to the first season of Wednesday that perhaps led to its immense popularity, but likely would have deeply offended the character for which the show is named. It was fun and slight, but nothing special. Season 2 drops that air of placidity and adds spice, genuine horror and feeling to the proceedings.
It’s enough to almost crack a smile on Wednesday Addams’ skeletal face.
