THEWILL DOWNTOWN AUGUST 31, 2025

N I G E R I A ’S

CULINARY STARS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Food is one of the most universal languages. It transcends borders, bridges cultures, and invites people to the table not just to eat, but to connect. In Nigeria, this language has found new speakers, creatives who are pushing the boundaries of flavour, presentation, and storytelling through cuisine. The culinary movement sweeping across the country is proof that food is no longer confined to recipes and traditions alone; it is evolving into a lifestyle, an art, and a career path that carries influence. Each new creation, whether a modern twist on a classic dish or a bold experiment with international flavours, tells a story about where Nigeria has been, where it is now, and where it is going.

Read all about the chefs making Nigeria proud on pages 8 to 10.

A minidress is flirty and versatile, but pairing it with the wrong shoes can throw your look off balance. Whatever the occasion, wearing the right pair of shoes will elevate your outfit, making you look stylish. Scroll to pages 4 and 5 to see the different types of shoes that will elevate your minidress.

As ladies, we generally want our makeup to be long-lasting and smudgeproof while we go about our daily tasks. Think waterproof makeup: that’s what page 12 is all about. We show you how to waterproof your makeup, so it stays locked in, no matter what your day throws your way.

We introduce a new columnist this week: Ada Obiajunwa. She will be writing about truths in ordinary moments. Her stories are captivating, so I urge you to read on page 11. This week, she writes about male friendships and how they can be quite different from female friendships. It makes for an interesting read. Let us know your thoughts.

@onahluciaa + 2348033239132

CONTENT

Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron Around the World in Three Glasses BON

6 Types of Shoes to Elevate Your Minidress

CONFIDENTIAL COVER Nigeria’s Culinary Stars

Sound Healing Music And Frequencies Soothing The Soul 5 Ways to Waterproof Your Makeup Untold Truths The Couple Who Crossed an Ocean

When Men Become Friends

Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm

- Contributing Writer

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

Writer: Johnson Chukwueke

Until next week, enjoy your read. www.thewilldowntown.com

Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

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 @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind

- Contributing 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.

Ada Obiajunwa @aaddaahh

- Contributing Writer

Ada Obiajunwa writes from Lagos about the big truths tucked inside ordinary moments — friendship, self-discovery, and the quiet revolutions of everyday life. She believes in the power of presence, good banter, and decoding the unsaid. Through her fragrance studio, WhiffWonders, she also crafts scents that weave memory and emotion into experiences that feel like home.

@madamestylistzw

6 TYPES OF SHOES TO ELEVATE YOUR MINIDRESS

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

hen it comes to styling a minidress, your choice of shoes can make or break your entire look. A minidress is fun, flirty, and versatile, but pairing it with the wrong footwear can throw everything off balance. The right shoes, on the other hand, can elevate your outfit, making you look effortlessly stylish and put together. Whether you’re heading for a casual day out, a night with friends, or even a special occasion, the right pair of shoes will not only complement your dress but also boost your confidence. In this article, we will explore six types of shoes that can instantly elevate your minidress.

STRAPPY HEELS SNEAKERS

If you want to look classy and chic in your minidress, strappy heels are a go-to option. The delicate straps add a touch of elegance, while the heels elongate your legs, making them appear slimmer and longer. They’re perfect for evening outings, weddings, or even date nights. Neutral colours, such as black, nude, or metallic shades, work well because they blend effortlessly with any minidress.

KNEE-LENGHT BOOTS

Ankle boots can transform your minidress from simple to stylish in seconds. They give off a bold and edgy vibe, especially when paired with a structured or fitted dress. Black or brown leather boots are versatile options, while suede boots add a softer touch. Pairing them with a jacket or blazer over your minidress can create a chic, fashion-forward look.

BALLET FLATS

Sometimes, less is more, and ballet flats are proof of that. They’re simple, feminine, and comfortable, yet they still add polish to your minidress.

Ballet flats are especially great if you’re not a fan of heels or if you’ll be on your feet for long hours. They’re ideal for daytime outings, brunches, or even casual office settings.

WEDGE SANDALS

Wedge sandals give you height and elegance without the discomfort of thin heels. They are stable, easy to walk in, and perfect for outdoor events like beach parties, garden weddings, or casual gatherings. Pairing wedges with your minidress creates a relaxed yet stylish vibe. They also balance out short hemlines by adding a little volume to your overall look, making them an excellent alternative for those who want both comfort and glamour.

LOAFERS OR MULES

Loafers and mules are the perfect mix of comfort and sophistication. They bring a modern, stylish twist to your minidress, making your outfit look smart and chic without trying too hard. Loafers work well for semi-formal or looks,office-inspired while backless mules are great for casual chic outings. Neutral shades like beige, black, or brown will always be versatile, but don’t be afraid to go bold with patterns or metallic finishes for a statement look.

The beauty of a minidress lies in its versatility; it can be styled up or down depending on your shoe choice. Whichever option you go for, remember that confidence is the best accessory. With the right shoes, your minidress can go from simple to stunning in seconds.

SALLY CHIWUZIE @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind

UNTOLD TRUTHS

THE COUPLE WHO CROSSED AN OCEAN

They began as a love story.

Two young doctors in Ghana, both intelligent, both ambitious, both convinced that love would be enough to carry them through anything. Their marriage was a partnership of promise. They laughed easily, dreamed together, whispered plans of children and careers beneath mosquito nets and starlit skies.

When the opportunity came to migrate to Canada, it felt like destiny. She got the documents first. It was agreed: she would go ahead, establish herself, and file for him as her husband. He followed months later, welcomed by her arms and the crisp Canadian air.

was recognised as one of the brightest in her field, her name whispered with admiration in hospital corridors. He, however, struggled. His credentials required revalidation. His placements came slower. His progress was steady but not spectacular.

And here lies one of the quiet cruelties of gender.

For centuries, women have battled the assumption that they belong in the shadows, second to men. But when the roles reverse, when the woman rises faster, higher, brighter — it is often the man who is cast into the shadow, and society is no kinder to him than it has been to us. The natural order, people say, is that the man should lead, provide, and dominate. And when he does not, respect shifts.

She did not mean for hers to vanish, but it did. Slowly at first, then all at once. She began to see him not as the man she had married, but as the man she was carrying.

At first, it was exhilarating. Together, they navigated the foreign cold, the strange accents, the mountain of bureaucracy that comes with building a new life. She soared. Within a few years, she

Resentment crept in like mould in a forgotten corner.

And then, recklessly, she went frolicking.

It began with his best friend — also a doctor, also Ghanaian, also navigating this new Canadian world. He laughed at her jokes, admired her brilliance, praised her beauty in ways her husband no longer did. One stolen glance became an affair, a reckless spark that turned into fire.

Had the roles been reversed, had he been the one caught with another woman, would the scandal have been as brutal? Would he have been dragged through the mud with the same intensity? She doubted it. Men betray, and society shrugs. Women betray, and society prepares the stake.

The marriage did not survive. Too many wounds, too many whispers, too much shame. He carried the scars of betrayal and humiliation. She carried the scars of judgment and regret.

But if you asked her, she would tell you this: the affair was not born of lust alone. It was born of imbalance. Of the crushing expectation that a man must always be more, that a woman must always be less, and the chaos that erupts when those roles flip.

Yes, she made choices. Yes, she broke vows. But her untold truth was this: she wanted to be loved for who she had become, not punished for it. She wanted a marriage where success was not a competition but a shared triumph. She wanted passion that matched her brilliance, companionship that celebrated her fire, not one that shrank in its glow. Instead, she found herself branded. Not just as an adulteress, but as a cautionary tale.

The exposure was cinematic. At a party, of all places — music thumping, wine flowing, laughter swirling. Whispers travelled like wildfire. “Did you hear?” “Her? With him?” Faces turned, eyes narrowed. The scandal ripped through their community, leaving her bare and humiliated. And yet — here is the #unshakable irony.

Their story is not unique. Immigration reshapes not only borders but marriages. Love is tested against the weight of culture, ego, and survival. Sometimes, the cracks widen into fault lines. Sometimes, the ocean you cross together is not the one that drowns you — it is the one that shows you who you really are.

So here lies the question: was she a villain, or a woman who refused to live smaller so her husband could seem bigger? Was he a victim, or a man crushed by the weight of society’s expectations of masculinity? Perhaps they were both — lovers, victims, villains — all at once. What remains are scars. His, hers, and the truth of a marriage that could not outlive the pressure of oceans crossed and roles reversed.

And perhaps this is the #Unshakable lesson here: inequality cuts both ways. It diminishes women when it says we cannot rise, and it diminishes men when it insists they must never fall. Real partnership begins when we allow each other to simply be human — fragile, flawed, and enough. ‘See’ you next week.

NIGERIA’S CULINARY STARS

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

There was a time when Nigeria’s culinary world was tucked neatly behind the kitchen doors, chefs existed in the shadows of fine dining restaurants, their art appreciated but rarely celebrated. Today, that picture has transformed dramatically. The culinary scene is no longer just about food; it is about identity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and even pop culture. In Lagos, Abuja, and beyond, chefs are stepping into the limelight, wielding whisks and ladles with the same star power that musicians hold with microphones. Food has become a performance, and the chefs are the headliners.

Now, this transformation is more evident than ever in the rise of culinary personalities who have turned their craft into powerful brands. From a record-breaking chef whose Guinness World Record cook-a-thon not only placed

Chef Chi (Chioma Adeleke)

Nigerian cuisine on a global stage but also created a social media frenzy that rivaled the buzz of an Afrobeats album drop, to a chef who curates dining experiences and culinary flair fusing tradition with innovation, transforming meals into moments to a pioneer in modern Nigerian fine dining, who has spent years redefining how we think about food, blending international techniques with local flavours to carve a space that feels unapologetically Nigerian yet universally appealing.

These chefs aren’t just cooking; they are curating lifestyles, commanding influence, and shaping culture. They are proof that food, in today’s world, extends far beyond the plate. It’s a business, a performance, and a platform, where taste meets storytelling,

When it comes to redefining the Nigerian dining scene, Chef Chioma Adeleke has mastered the art of turning food into an experience. With her signature flair for blending creativity and culture, she has risen to become one of the country’s most admired culinary personalities. Known simply as Chef Chioma, her name has become synonymous with sophistication in the kitchen and innovation on the plate. Her style is a delicate dance between tradition and modernity. She takes the comforting flavours of Nigerian classics, like smoky jollof rice or rich pepper soup, and reimagines them with contemporary techniques and striking presentations. It’s not just food; it’s storytelling through flavour, texture, and design. Every dish she serves feels like a celebration of heritage wrapped in a modern twist.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Chioma has built a brand that positions her as a curator of lifestyle and culture. From private dining experiences to exclusive events, she creates moments that linger long after the last bite. Her entrepreneurial spirit and attention to detail have made her a sought-after chef, not only for her culinary expertise but for the way she transforms meals into memories.

An inspiration for many young Nigerians, especially women, Chef Chioma embodies what it means to turn passion into purpose. She is proof that food is more than sustenance: it’s a medium of expression, a form of art, and a bridge between tradition and innovation.

Chef Fregz (Gbubemi Fregene)

Few names ring as loud in Nigeria’s culinary world as that of Chef Gbubemi Fregene, popularly known as Chef Fregz. With a personality as vibrant as his dishes, he has carved a niche as one of the country’s most dynamic and experimental chefs. To many, Chef Fregz represents more than a culinary expert; he is a visionary reshaping the way Nigerians experience food.

Trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Chef Fregz blends classical French techniques with the bold, unapologetic flavours of Nigerian cuisine. From suya-inspired beef fillets to reinvented small chops that taste like gourmet art, his dishes are both familiar and surprising. His ability to push boundaries while keeping food

and recipes transform into movements.

As Nigeria’s culinary stars embrace television, endorsements, fashion collaborations, and social media virality, one thing is clear: the kitchen is no longer the final destination. It is the launchpad to fame, fortune, and cultural relevance.

In this edition of THEWILL DOWNTOWN, we turn the spotlight on some of Nigeria’s most influential culinary personalities, those who have not only elevated their craft but also placed Nigerian cuisine firmly on the global map. Their journeys, challenges, and triumphs remind us that food is more than a necessity; it is an experience, a legacy, and above all, a story worth telling.

relatable has made him a household name and a darling of the event scene.

But Chef Fregz isn’t just about the food; he’s about the culture. His popular Chef Fregz Special pop-ups were a game-changer in Lagos’s dining scene, creating a platform where food lovers gathered to eat, laugh, and immerse themselves in culinary creativity. His knack for fusing fun, flair, and flavour turned meals into social experiences that went far beyond the plate. At the heart of his brand is a simple philosophy: food should be joyful. Whether he’s cooking for high-profile clients, hosting intimate gatherings, or sharing his culinary journey on social media, Chef Fregz embodies the spirit of passion meeting purpose. In him, Nigeria has not just a chef, but a culinary icon who continues to inspire a new generation.

Hilda Baci (Hilda Bassey)

When Hilda Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, stepped into the global spotlight with her Guinness World Record-breaking cook-a-thon in 2023, she didn’t just make history; she redefined what it means to be a chef in Nigeria. Bold, ambitious, and fiercely determined, Hilda has become the face of culinary excellence fused with resilience and showmanship. Her marathon cooking feat wasn’t just about stamina; it was a celebration of Nigerian food on a world stage. For 93 straight hours, she prepared meals that highlighted the depth, versatility, and richness of the country’s cuisine, giving dishes like jollof rice, pepper soup, and asun a global audience. But beyond the applause, it was Hilda’s sheer willpower and charisma that inspired millions, turning her into a household name and a cultural icon.

Yet, Hilda Baci’s journey extends far beyond the record. A trained chef, food entrepreneur, and media personality, she has built a brand that thrives at the intersection of food, lifestyle, and entertainment. Through her restaurant My Food by Hilda and her online presence, she consistently champions Nigerian cuisine while making it accessible to new audiences.

What makes Hilda truly remarkable is her ability to merge passion with purpose. She embodies the spirit of young Nigerians, ambitious, innovative, and unafraid to dream big. By turning a personal goal into a national triumph, Hilda has not only elevated her brand but also positioned Nigerian cuisine on the global culinary map. She recently announced that she will be attempting to cook the world’s biggest pot of jollof rice.

Chef Annie (Annie Uzoka)

Chef Uche Annie Uzoka, fondly known as Chef Annie, is one of Nigeria’s most exciting culinary entrepreneurs. With a background in biochemistry from the University of Lagos, her journey into food wasn’t a straight path, but passion has a way of carving its own road. After honing her skills at Red Dish Culinary School and gaining valuable industry experience at Renaissance Hotel (now Marriott), she has built something uniquely hers—Gourmet Twist.

Launched in 2017, Gourmet Twist started as an Afro-infused food service, but it was during the 2020 lockdown that Chef Annie’s brilliance truly shone. Pivoting to banana bread—simple, adaptable, and widely loved—she transformed a kitchen experiment into a booming business. Today, Gourmet Twist is renowned for its playful takes on banana bread and pastries, offering customers flavours that surprise as much as they delight.

Chef Annie’s success is not just about great food; it’s about innovation and connection. From leveraging WhatsApp Business to streamline orders and customer engagement, to collaborating with brands like Peak, Baileys, and Nestlé, she has built a brand that thrives at the intersection of creativity and business savvy. Her influence extends beyond business. At the GTCO Food & Drink Festival, she led a children’s masterclass, teaching over 300 kids the joy of baking. This passion for mentorship and community is what makes her more than a chef—she’s a trailblazer shaping the future of Nigeria’s culinary scene.

Chef Stone (Abiola Akanji)

Few chefs embody the phrase “culinary visionary” quite like Abiola “Chef Stone” Akanji. With training from the prestigious French Culinary Institute in New York and years spent sharpening his skills in the UK, Chef Stone returned to Nigeria with a mission: to elevate the country’s culinary standards and inspire a new generation of chefs. That vision came to life with the founding of Red Dish Chronicles, one of Nigeria’s leading culinary schools, with branches in Lagos and Abuja. Through this platform, Chef Stone has mentored aspiring chefs, offering them not just technical skills but also the confidence to compete on global stages. His impact extends far beyond the classroom, many of his students have gone on to launch successful food businesses of their own, a testament to his philosophy of knowledge-sharing and empowerment. But Chef Stone’s creativity doesn’t stop there. He also founded The Burgundy by Chef Stone, an upscale fine-dining restaurant in Abuja, and introduced Nigeria’s first wine barrel food truck, a fusion of culinary artistry and wine culture that showcases his knack for innovation.

engaged food communities. Through her page, Chef T redefined what it means to be a culinary influencer. Her brand combines visual appeal, easy-tofollow recipes, and meal plans tailored for everyday Nigerians, such as her popular “9-to-5 Worker Meal Plan.” Her content resonates not just because it’s practical, but because it feels personal, like having a friend guiding you in the kitchen. This authenticity has earned her partnerships with major brands like Morning Fresh, Knorr, and Malta Guinness, further cementing her influence in the food and lifestyle space.

Beyond social media, Chef T has expanded into education through her Kook & Beyond classes, where she equips home cooks with both technical skills and creative confidence. In 2023, she took on a new role as a judge on Street Foodz Naija, adding mentorship and cultural relevance to her resume.

For millions of fans, Chef T is proof that you don’t need a restaurant empire to make a culinary mark; you only need passion, innovation, and the courage to share your journey.

Sisi Yemmie (Yemisi Odusanya)

An author of multiple cookbooks, philanthropist through the Reddish Foundation, and collaborator with global brands like The Balvenie, Chef Stone has positioned himself as more than just a chef; he’s a cultural ambassador for Nigeria’s food industry. With every dish, every book, and every student he inspires, Chef Stone continues to redefine what Nigerian cuisine can be: refined, innovative, and world-class.

Chef T (Tolani Tayo-Osikoya)

Tolani Tayo-Osikoya, popularly known as Chef T or Diary of a Kitchen Lover, represents the power of storytelling in the kitchen. Unlike many chefs who trained in culinary schools, Chef T’s journey began at home, fueled by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for food. With a background in accounting from Babcock University, her career path took a surprising turn in 2018 when she launched her now-famous food page. What started as casual recipe sharing quickly blossomed into one of Nigeria’s largest and most

They say comfort food is the language of love, if that’s true, then Sisi Yemmie is its eloquent poet. Yemisi Sophie Odusanya, fondly known as Sisi Yemmie, is more than a food influencer; she’s the homecooked hug in digital form. With her contagious warmth, she’s nurtured a vibrant community across YouTube, Instagram, and her lifestyle blog, growing her brand into a trusted voice in Nigerian kitchens.

Her platform, SisiYemmieTV, has charm in every frame: over a million subscribers now tune in to watch her share not just recipes but real-life stories, parenting, lifestyle tips, and the kind of kitchen wisdom that feels like a conversation with an aunt who also happens to be a culinary mentor.

Her cookbooks, There Is Food at Home, A Time To Eat, Little Big Bite, reflect her extensive approach to food: nourishing not just bodies but hearts and everyday family life. Yet, the journey wasn’t just about recipes.

Recognised by CNN Africa as one of the women who “struck social media gold,” and earning accolades like Female YouTuber of the Year (ELOY Awards), Sisi Yemmie has elevated everyday Nigerian cooking into a lifestyle worth celebrating. Through her relatable authenticity, she’s redefined culinary influence, proving that food’s most powerful ingredient is connection.

Chef Loola (Toluwalase Omitowoju)

Chef Loola is rewriting the narrative of Nigerian cooking, one healthy, vibrant plate at a time. A trained psychologist who turned personal tragedy into culinary purpose, Toluwalase Omitowoju brings both heart and expertise to the kitchen. Her mission? To transform how people perceive well-being through food.

Armed with certifications in Cuisine and Patisserie from Reddish Chronicles Culinary School, plus specialised training in vegetarian and plant-based cooking from Dubai and the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, she’s built a culinary backbone infused with global insight.

In her Healthy Cooking Masterclass, Chef Loola has empowered students across continents—Nigeria, Ghana, Canada, the U.S., the UK, and beyond, turning kitchens into classrooms for health and healing. She’s also partnered with NGOs and foundations, like Be the Help, SCL, and MasterCard Foundation, to train

organic farmers and community members in nutrition-led cooking techniques.

Her global impact even reached public schools in New York through the Doing Healthily program, where she helped introduce wellness-based meals and cooking culture to young students.

Chef Loola doesn’t just cook, she champions health through food. By blending culinary skill with empathetic storytelling and educational outreach, she’s blazing a trail for wellness-driven chefs and proving that nourishment truly can transform lives.

Matse Cooks (Matse Uwatse)

Mathilda’ Matse’ Uwatse is far more than a familiar voice from Nigerian radio; she’s the creative force behind MatseCooks, a food platform that blends nostalgia, innovation, and culinary culture.

After making her mark as a popular OAP on stations like Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info, Matse pivoted toward food blogging in 2014, transforming her life with a camera, phone, and a passion for African flavours.

What began in her home kitchen has blossomed into a thriving brand. Matse embraced visually stunning recipe photography, professional video creation, and storytelling that turned everyday meals into cultural experiences. Her blog became a trusted go-to for traditional flavours served with flair, and an inspiration for food lovers nationwide.

But Matse didn’t stop there. She launched MatseCooks Seasonings, a premium spice line beloved for its authentic takes on Party Jollof, Suya, Pepper Soup, and more, available across Nigeria and beyond. Her work earned her recognition as one of YNaija’s “100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria” and placement among the top 121 food bloggers globally by Social Animal.

With expertise in food, media, and entrepreneurship, Matse Uwatse stands as a symbol of creative reinvention. She proves that meals and brands are built with resilience, passion, and a willingness to reimagine what food can be.

Chef Dee (Ladipo Ayodeji)

Ladipo Ayodeji, professionally known as Chef Dee, is a testament to transformative passion and reinvention. Initially pursuing a life in football, an unfortunate injury in 2009 became the turning point that redirected his path toward the culinary world. Guided by creativity and resilience, he immersed himself in culinary studies, first in South Africa and later at Freesia Foodies in Lagos, to hone his craft.

Within just two years of officially launching his brand in 2017, Chef Dee earned a coveted nomination for Chef of the Year at the 2018 Pyne Awards. That recognition marked his emergence as a rising talent in Nigeria’s culinary scene, bringing not just flavour, but flair to every plate.

Chef Dee’s education didn’t stop in the classroom. In 2017, he founded Dee Culinary Institute (DCI), a culinary school that began in a modest three-bedroom kitchen and now trains hundreds of aspiring chefs with a robust curriculum in cuisine, pastry, and molecular gastronomy. Today, Chef Dee is more than a chef; he’s a mentor, educator, and innovator. He has consulted for select restaurants internationally, including locations in Abuja, Dallas, the Republic of Benin, and Dubai. With a social-media following nearing 430,000 and a reputation for “Afrofusion and creative artistry,” Chef Dee continues to inspire, pushing Nigerian culinary arts into new, elevated territory.

Chef Yeide Kuti (Yetunde Kuti)

Cooking has always been in Yetunde Kuti’s DNA. Growing up under the culinary tutelage of her grandmother, who ran a popular eatery, she was introduced to the art of flavour at home before stepping onto larger stages. Initially a theatre arts graduate, Yetunde, known in foodie circles as Chef Yeide, made a bold transition into the culinary world, driven by creativity and nostalgic inspiration. Her passion led her to enroll at the Yetkem Institute of Catering and Hotel Management in 2010. But her culinary ambition wasn’t confined to Nigeria. Not long after, she moved to Paris, sharpening her skills by working with French and Senegalese cuisine traditions. Returning to Lagos with global polish and local heart, she took the helm as Executive Chef at Barrel Lounge and Restaurant before launching her own fine-dining haven, Kuti’s Bistro.

Much more than just a restaurant, Kuti’s Bistro is a canvas where West African and continental flavours meet contemporary presentation. Signature dishes like the seafood ofada, the “SK” fish special, and her vibrant multi-coloured sauce creations ooze elegance and evoke bold flavour stories. For Chef Yeide, cooking is an intimate act of connection and expression. Whether she’s crafting avocado-based meals— homages to her grandmother’s favourite ingredient—or curating a menu that bridges comfort with innovation, she reminds us that flavour carries memory. Her journey celebrates how tradition and artistic reinvention belong at the table— making every visit to her bistro a flavourful story.

Chef Cupid (Nelson Michael)

They call him Mr. Love on a Plate for a reason: Chef Cupid, born Nelson Michael, is a self-taught pastry magician whose journey from humble beginnings to culinary fame reads like a modern-day fairy tale. Inspired by his mother, who worked as a caterer, he taught himself the language of flavour and design early on, honing his skills in pastry, food styling, and photography. The result? Desserts that don’t just taste amazing, they feel deeply personal.

His big break came in 2018 when he partnered with actress Bisola Aiyeola as TeamCubis in the celebrity showdown Baileys Bakefest 2. With creativity and flair, they swept the competition, winning the grand prize, thus securing his spot as a rising baking star. Beyond the stage, Chef Cupid built a reputation as an instructor at Red Dish Chronicles, sharing his passion for French pastry and enabling hundreds of aspiring bakers to find their sweet spot in the kitchen.

His Instagram presence, boasting 300,000 followers, blends flawless plating with charm, and yes, a subtle romantic undertone that keeps his audience swooning over every post. Chef Cupid isn’t just crafting desserts; he’s curating feelings. His sweet creations and warm presence make us believe that food, in the right hands, can be the greatest love letter of all.

ADA OBIAJUNWA @aaddaahh

WHEN MEN BECOME FRIENDS

Why male honesty is refreshing — and why “I dey come” is never just what it sounds like.

Nobody told me that in my forties, I’d end up with more male friends than I ever had in my twenties — and that they’d be the easiest, most quietly profound relationships of my life.

Back then, male friendships carried suspicion. A raised eyebrow here, a whisper about “something more” there, or the occasional slide into situationship territory. I had internalised the idea that male attention always had an agenda. It took years to unlearn the script that said emotional safety had to come wrapped in softness — and that men couldn’t offer it without romance. But somewhere along the way, that narrative flipped.

Now? I have men in my circle who are just that: friends. No fine print. And the experience has been both refreshing and, frankly, a little mind-blowing.

And loyalty is their quiet superpower. No speeches, no disclaimers. If you’re their friend, they’ve got your back. Full stop.

What I once mistook for emotional reticence is really a different fluency: not declarations, but presence. It’s a kind of emotional fabric — not silk, not lace, but linen. Breathable, durable, and often overlooked.

My female friendships thrive on emotional excavation — the marathon conversations, the layered check-ins. With my male friends, the care is quieter. Fewer words, same depth.

Here’s the kicker: neither is better. They’re just different dialects of the same language — connection.

Sometimes, though, their honesty comes wrapped in a sub-language women like me can’t immediately decode.

Men, in their natural state, are startlingly straightforward. They speak plainly — no sugar-coating, no hidden subtext. They show up, they support, they banter — then they move on.

But simplicity doesn’t mean shallow. Spend enough time around them and you’ll see: men do talk. They talk about marriages, financial stress, business moves, and even their mistakes, not as gossip, but as unburdening. It’s therapy disguised as banter — a safe space where loyalty runs deep.

Case in point: one evening at a birthday, a male friend stood up to leave. When I asked if he was heading home, he replied, “I dey come.”

To me, that meant he’d return. To my other male friend sitting beside me, it meant the exact opposite.

I laughed. “He literally just said he’s coming back.” He shook his head. “Ada, from the way he said it? He’s gone.”

Two hours later, “I dey come” had officially become “I dey go.”

Weeks later, I asked how he knew. His answer was disarmingly simple: “The inflexion in his voice.” Every other man I asked confirmed it instantly. Meanwhile, I was still out here believing words instead of codes.

That’s the thing about male friendship: it comes with an instruction manual no one gives you.

When women say, “We need to talk,” it usually means brace yourself for an emotional MRI.

When men say, “We need to talk,” it’s about football scores, who’s buying suya, or how Arsenal has broken their heart again. Same phrase. Entirely different stakes.

And don’t get me started on texts. A woman’s “K” means start drafting your apology speech. A man’s “K”? It’s literally just the letter K.

What I value most about these friendships is their lack of expectation. No hidden scorecards, no silent demands. Just presence.

Somewhere in my forties, I stopped boxing people in by gender and started valuing them by how they make life feel. These friendships have taught me to listen differently, argue less, and appreciate straightforward kindness — even if I still need subtitles for “I dey come.”

Because in the end, male friendships remind me that honesty isn’t only in what is said, but in how it is said.

And maybe that’s the real luxury silk of friendship — the texture you only notice when you slow down enough to feel it. Or perhaps it’s linen: breathable, durable, overlooked. It doesn’t shimmer, but it holds. And in a world obsessed with sparkle, that quiet strength feels like grace.

WATERPROOF YOUR MAKEUP 5 WAYS TO

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

We all love to look our best, whether we’re heading out for a long day, attending a party, or simply running errands under the hot sun or pouring rain. But what happens when sweat, humidity, or water threatens to melt away our makeup? That’s where waterproof makeup techniques come in. Waterproofing your makeup doesn’t mean you need an entirely new makeup kit. With the right tips and products, you can lock in your glam and keep it in place, no matter what the weather or your schedule throws your way.

USE LONG-WEAR OR WATERPROOF FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER

START WITH A GOOD PRIMER

A primer is like the base coat that helps everything stay in place. It preps your skin by creating a smooth surface and helps your makeup grip better. However, not just any primer will do. If you want your makeup to be waterproof, opt for a mattifying or waterresistant primer. These primers control oil, reduce shine, and prevent your makeup from sliding off when you sweat or get wet. Apply a small amount after your moisturiser and let it sit for a minute before moving to foundation. It might seem like an extra step, but it’s a game-changer for long-lasting makeup.

SWITCH TO WATERPROOF EYE PRODUCTS

Your foundation and concealer do most of the heavy lifting in your makeup routine. If they break down, the whole look follows. That’s why it’s important to choose products labelled “long-wear,” “waterproof,” or “sweatresistant.” These formulas are made to stay on the skin longer and resist breaking down when exposed to heat, moisture, or movement.

SET EVERYTHING WITH A LOOSE OR TRANSLUCENT POWDER

After applying your base products (foundation and concealer), it’s crucial to set them with powder. This step absorbs any excess oil and locks in your makeup, reducing the chances of it smudging or melting off. Use a translucent setting powder or a finely milled loose powder and gently press it onto your face, especially on areas where you tend to sweat more, like your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Don’t overdo it; too much powder can make your makeup look cakey. The goal is to set, not bake.

Your eyes are one of the first areas where makeup tends to smudge or run, especially if you’re sweating, crying, or caught in the rain. To keep your eye makeup looking sharp, use waterproof eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara. Waterproof mascara will keep your lashes lifted without smudging, and waterproof eyeliner won’t budge or smear throughout the day. For eyeshadow, opt for cream-based or long-wear formulas, and don’t forget to prime your lids beforehand for better hold. These simple changes can keep your eye game strong all day long.

SEAL YOUR MAKEUP WITH A SETTING SPRAY

The final and most crucial step to waterproof your makeup is to lock it all in with a setting spray. Think of it like a topcoat for your face; it holds everything together and forms a barrier against moisture, heat, and sweat. Choose a longlasting, waterproof, or sweat-proof setting spray and mist it evenly all over your face once you’re done applying your makeup. You can even spray a little on your beauty sponge and gently press it into your skin for extra hold. A good setting spray not only helps your makeup last longer but also gives a fresh, natural finish.

Waterproofing your makeup doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few smart swaps and techniques, you can make your look last all day, rain or shine. From using the right primer to sealing everything with a setting spray, each step plays a role in keeping your glam locked in.

SOUND HEALING MUSIC AND FREQUENCIES SOOTHING THE SOUL

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

When words fail, music speaks. But what if music could do more than just entertain us— what if it could actually heal us? That’s the promise of sound healing, an ancient practice that’s making a powerful comeback in modern wellness spaces. From crystal singing bowls to soothing frequency playlists on Spotify, sound healing is becoming one of the most talkedabout therapies for stress relief, emotional balance, and even physical well-being. Sound healing uses vibrations produced by instruments, frequencies, or even the human voice, to restore harmony in the body and mind. The idea is simple: just like a musical instrument can go out of tune, so can our bodies when weighed down by stress, anxiety, or illness. Sound healing aims to “retune” us, helping restore balance and calm.

The Science of Vibration

Everything in the universe vibrates at a certain frequency, including our bodies. Sound healing leverages this fact by using specific tones to stimulate relaxation and healing. Studies suggest that frequencies can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and ease muscle tension. Think of it as giving your body a massage—only with sound waves instead of hands.

The Power of Instruments

Different instruments are used in sound healing, each producing unique effects. Crystal singing bowls are said to target energy centres in the body (chakras), while gongs create deep, resonant tones that promote deep relaxation. Drums, chimes, and even tuning forks are also common tools. Each sound reaches different parts of the body, stirring something deep within.

Emotional Release And Mental Clarity

Have you ever cried during a powerful song or felt goosebumps listening to a choir? That’s sound’s emotional impact at work. Sound healing taps into this power, helping participants release bottled-up emotions and clear mental clutter. Many people describe feeling “lighter” or more centred after a session, almost as if sound swept away layers of stress.

Sound Healing in Everyday Life

The beauty of sound healing is that you don’t need to book an expensive session to benefit. Simply curating calming playlists, meditating with binaural beats (two slightly different tones played in each ear), or playing gentle instrumental music during bedtime can work wonders. Even humming or chanting can create vibrations that help soothe your nervous system.

Is It for Everyone?

While sound healing isn’t a cure-all, it’s a powerful complementary practice. From busy professionals battling burnout to mothers looking for calm amidst chaos, anyone can benefit from its relaxing effects. It’s non-invasive, safe, and can be adapted for different needs—whether you want to deepen meditation, aid sleep, or simply recharge after a long day.

So, can music and frequencies really soothe the soul? The growing body of evidence—and the millions of people embracing sound therapy—suggests the answer is yes. In a noisy, chaotic world, sound healing reminds us that the right vibrations can do more than fill our ears—they can help us find harmony within ourselves.

AROUND THE WORLD IN THREE GLASSES

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

Nigeria’s Chapman

A Nigerian party classic, Chapman is the ultimate non-alcoholic cocktail, beloved for its fruity sweetness and bright red hue. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works just as well for family gatherings as it does for upscale events.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Fanta

• 1 cup Sprite

• 1 cup blackcurrant juice (e.g., Ribena)

• ½ cucumber (sliced into thin rounds)

• ½ orange (sliced)

• 1 lemon (sliced)

• A dash of grenadine syrup

• Ice cubes

Method

• Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.

• Pour in the Fanta, Sprite, and blackcurrant juice in equal parts.

• Add a dash of grenadine syrup for colour and depth.

• Stir gently and garnish with slices of cucumber, orange, and lemon.

Spain’s Sangria

A staple of Spanish summers, Sangria is a wine-based punch packed with fruit and perfect for slow, sunny afternoons. While traditionally alcoholic, you can make a non-alcoholic version by swapping wine for grape juice.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle red wine (or grape juice for non-alcoholic version)

• 2 cups soda water or lemon-lime soda

• ½ cup brandy (optional)

• 1 orange (sliced)

• 1 lemon (sliced)

• 1 apple (cubed)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• Ice cubes

Method

• In a large jug, combine the wine (or grape juice) with brandy and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.

• Add all the sliced fruits and mix gently.

• Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavours blend.

• Just before serving, add soda water or lemon-lime soda and ice.

From the sweetness of Chapman to the fruity depth of Sangria and the citrusy zing of Margarita, these cocktails capture the spirit of their homelands. The next time you want to travel without leaving your kitchen, just mix, sip, and let your taste buds take the trip.

Sometimes, a journey around the world doesn’t require a suitcase, just a shaker, a glass, and the right ingredients. Cocktails are more than just drinks; they’re cultural signatures, carrying the flavours, stories, and festive spirit of the countries they come from.

Today, we’ll sip our way across three countries, discovering the fruity sweetness of Nigeria’s Chapman, the bold yet refreshing allure of Spain’s Sangria, and the tangy kick of Mexico’s Margarita. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, these recipes will bring global flair to your glass.

Mexico’s Margarita

Zesty and refreshing, the Margarita is Mexico’s iconic cocktail, perfect for warm evenings and festive nights. The balance of lime, tequila, and a touch of sweetness makes it timeless.

Ingredients

• ½ cup tequila

• ¼ cup triple sec (orange liqueur)

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

• 1 tablespoon sugar syrup, or agave syrup

• Ice cubes

• Salt (for rimming the glass)

• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Method

• Run a lime wedge around the rim of two glasses and dip it into salt.

• In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and sugar syrup with ice.

• Shake well until chilled.

• Strain into the glasses and garnish with lime wedges.

NO STRINGS, JUST US

Ididn’t plan for it to happen. I wasn’t even in love with him. Dapo was just my friend, the type you could gist with about anything: work stress, annoying Lagos traffic, even embarrassing crush stories. He wasn’t “my type,” or so I thought.

It started that Saturday evening when I went to his place to drop off some things he asked me to help him get from Ikeja. He had been sick earlier that week, and I figured I’d check in on him.

“Stay small now, at least let me make you tea,” he said when I handed him the bag.

I hesitated. I should have left. But I didn’t. We ended up sitting in his living room, talking. It felt easy, familiar. He’d changed into a simple black T-shirt and shorts, his hair slightly messy, and for the first time, I noticed how good he smelled, that clean, fresh scent that makes you want to lean closer.

I don’t even remember what we were talking about when the room suddenly felt… different. It was quieter, heavier, like the air had shifted. He leaned closer, and I caught a whiff of his cologne; warm, musky, intoxicating. I should have stood up, grabbed my bag, and left. But I didn’t.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked, trying to sound playful.

He smiled, that slow, confident smile that made it hard to look away. “Maybe because you’re beautiful,” he said.

My throat went dry. I laughed it off, but my body betrayed me. My pulse quickened, my skin tingled, and for the first time, I noticed how good he looked in that simple black t-shirt.

One thing led to another, a hand brushing against mine, my head resting on his shoulder, his fingers grazing my thigh like it was the most natural thing in the world. Then his lips were on mine, and I didn’t pull away.

touch made me forget my name.

Before I knew it, we were tangled up in each other, clothes scattered carelessly across the room. His skin against mine was fire; hot, urgent, and all-consuming. He kissed me like he needed to, like the world would end if he stopped. And when he finally slid into me, it was like everything exploded, my breath caught, my nails dug into his back, and the only sound in the room was the rhythm of our bodies and the sharp intake of our moans.

It was nothing like the movies; it was better. Messy, desperate, real. His whispers in my ear, the way he said my name like it belonged to him, the way he made me feel like I was the only woman in the world in that moment, it was all too much, too good.

from the intensity of what just happened. I turned to look at him. He was already watching me, that small, unreadable smile on his face.

I smiled back, even though deep down, I knew the truth. I wasn’t in love with him. I didn’t even want to be. What happened between us wasn’t about love; it was about wanting, about giving in to something bigger than reason.

I didn’t regret it, though. Not one bit. Because for that one night, in that dimly lit apartment with the city buzzing softly outside, I let myself feel something raw and unfiltered. Something that had nothing to do with love but everything to do with being alive. And honestly? That was enough.

Thebeauty of the original action-comedy

Nobody was how it scratched a collective itch during the pandemic. Languishing in our locked-down abodes in 2021 and streaming it on TV, we experienced a coronavirus catharsis watching Bob Odenkirk play an unleashed everyman lashing out at myriad social ills in imaginatively violent ways.

Nobody is a one-joke story, but it’s a good joke: Odenkirk’s Hutch Mansell is a meek family man with a secret past as a badass government assassin. His love for mayhem is reignited after a humiliating home invasion and threats to his family from a Russian mobster.

Nobody 2, the inevitable follow-up, shows there’s one challenge Hutch can’t quite handle: the immutable movie law that sequels must be bigger than what came before — and, man, is it ever. Turns out we can get too much of Hutch, although he and his kin still make for entertaining company.

Hutch always seems a bit sheepish about what he does (“Guys, I don’t want to fight you”), even while gleefully smashing the skulls of seriously bad dudes. He’s akin to the stoic Keanu Reeves in John Wick, although comparisons to both films apply.

Nobody 2 opens with Hutch going on his assigned assassinations, implausibly working off a massive debt to the same Russian mob he fought in the first film, despite the toll his constant absences are taking on his long-suffering family: wife Becca (Connie Nielsen), son Brady (Gage Munroe) and daughter Sammy (Paisley Cadorath).

Can this marriage and family survive?

The proposed solution is a getaway week to Wild Bill’s Majestic Midway and Waterpark, the tacky playground Hutch fondly remembers from his childhood. He went there on the one and only vacation he took with his charismatic rascal dad, David (Christopher Lloyd), and his inscrutable brother, Harry (RZA).

With David tagging along (and packing heat), Hutch and the gang load up the family chariot and head to the Nowheresville tourist burgh of Plummerville where a highway sign announces “Plummerville Is Summerville!” They’ve barely arrived at their ’50s-designed playground when an entitled local (whose dad

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

runs the place) bullies Brady and Sammy in the games arcade, prompting a response from Brady and an overthe-top reaction from Hutch.

Pushing and shoving between the kids turns into a nearlethal brawl between the adults, started by an out-ofcontrol Hutch (the trailer reveals all), as he uses one guy’s face to play whack-a-mole and another for pinball.

At this point it’s fair to wonder about the motives not just of Hutch, but of the entire film, which action specialist Timo Tjahjanto (The Night Comes for Us, The Shadow Strays ) directs with the subtlety of a 10-car highway pileup.

Hutch lectures Brady about not overreacting to provocations even as he himself insanely overreacts to aggressors. These include the sleazy theme-park operator (John Ortiz), the town’s smug sheriff (Colin Hanks) and local crime boss Lendina (Sharon Stone), the most cartoonish villain this side of the Marvel or 007 franchises.

The waterpark is just a front for Lendina’s profitable smuggling business, as Hutch’s shadowy assigner, the Barber (a returning Colin Salmon), informs him, and she’s not about to let some nobody tourist get in her way.

The Barber instructs Hutch to “de-escalate” the situation; Lendina orders her stooges to “scorch earth” it. Guess whose command is followed?

It’s amusing to watch, in the same cathartic way as the first film, but you can’t help but think there could have been more to the story than just a rapidly rising pile of bashed and bloodied bodies.

There are hints throughout Nobody 2 that screenwriters Derek Kolstad and Aaron Rabin wanted to dig deeper into the psyches of the extended Mansell clan. These include a moment between Hutch, David and Harry in which they talk about how David’s own violent past and abandonment of his family might have led to their current unhappy situation.

That beat is barely given lip service before the fists start flying again, making Nobody 2 the rare film that should have been a bit longer. Its brisk 89-minute running time is normally welcome. In this case, though, it seems like some valuable character development was left on the cutting-room floor.

Also lost to the razor, apparently, is more about Becca, who at least gets to be part of the action this time.

Indonesia’s Tjahjanto, making his English-language debut, is the kind of filmmaker who jauntily plays When the Saints Go Marching In during a riverboat brawl and Céline Dion’s soaring ballad The Power of Love during the explosive finale.

The insane third act plays out like an ultraviolent Home Alone, if Kevin McCallister had a bit of help from Back to the Future‘s Doc Brown and the Wu-Tang Clan.

All of this is what most people would expect going into Nobody 2.

But it’s hard not to regret that Odenkirk, who brought so much depth and character to his sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is content to keep developing Hutch as a psychotic score-settler rather than seek the troubled man within the killing machine.

“I just want a break,” Hutch keeps telling his assailants. Does he really? He seems to enjoy what he does, which includes setting a huge stack of cash on fire once again.

He’s probably thinking of the box-office potential of such possible future holiday-themed franchise expansions as Nobody Gives Thanks(giving) and Nobody Likes Christmas.

Rating: 8.5/10

Scan this with your camera or click to access the playlist (Youtube Music)

Netflix’s first Belgian original series, Into The Night, has a breathless six-episode first season with a terrifying apocalyptic conceit at its core — a flight is hijacked at Brussels airport one night and begins flying west trying to outrun the sun, because it turns out the next sunrise is going to kill life on the planet.

Now, Into the Night is a show that raises more questions than it answers, and any nuance contained within its audacious premise is hidden by layers upon layers of character backstories, subplots, and simply the next impossibleseeming hurdle the passengers on the plane encounter; and believe me, there are many.

Game of Thrones has forever altered the way we perceive lapses in TV time logic, so one should easily be able to glide past any questions about how much

time the characters are actually spending between stops, as they inevitably begin circling the globe to evade the sun.

(The lesson you learn is that if you’re going to make something silly, make it seem smart.)

The show has no one clear protagonist, but a bunch of characters who are developed enough to pique your interest. Prime among them is young Sylvie played by Pauline Etienne, who becomes an unlikely leader amidst

the chaos. A killer sun is surely a metaphor for something, you feel, as you coast along with Sylvie and the other passengers, watching them deal with stuff that we couldn’t fathom in real life. (Apart from some things that we can, such as racism.)

And that’s when you really begin to get drawn in, because metaphor or not, there’s something about disparate characters confined to tight spaces coming together to outrun a potentially worldending invisible enemy, that strikes a chord in these times.

So, if you’re watching it, it’s best not to go looking for holes in the plot, because what you’re up against is a fishing net that’s designed primarily to hook you. Even if you’re fully aware of its intent, you’ll want to save as many as you can of the 30 seconds between episodes. Into The Night is a hard show to put down, its immense binge-ability and its tight runtime being the prime reasons you forgive the point at which the last episode leaves you.