Is it too early for Christmas Songs?

Is it?
Is it?

May I be honest?

I never really get over Christmas.
I enjoy December so much that it carries into January and I leave decorations up, Christmas ringtones on and cards out still till about February.

Even then, I never fully let go. I listen to Mariah Carey's 'O Holy Night' as often as I can and then just wait eagerly for the first smell of harmattan and that feeling Christmas comes with.

What is your favourite Christmas carol?

#AlternativeMusicNaija Aramide's video for 'Fall on Them' is out now!

Okay na!
Where better to shoot a video with a hook about the Holy Ghost Fire falling on 'them', than at a place Lagosians associate not just with a weekend out with friends, sand or swimming, but also with a certain garment.
(You either get it or you don't).

#OAP101 Hashtag it!

What is your favourite hashtag to use?

Hashtags are an important part of living and dealing on social media. Whether as a way of joining or starting a conversation, they help your posts (and therefore, you) to be seen.

Improper use of hashtags however can do more harm than good. For example, if you break one of the hashtag rules, you may find people skipping over your posts, and a platform like Instagram could even 'shadowban' you, making it hard for your posts to be discovered.

What are some of these Hashtag sins?
- Putting the 'hash' key in the wrong place. Always #OAP101 and not OAP101#
- Using too many hashtags. While on Instagram, you can get away with up to 30 hashtags, on Twitter and Facebook, you want to do fewer tags; maybe 1 or 2, 3 maximum.
- Putting them all over the place. While it is okay to sometimes hashtag a word in the middle of a sentence, it can make your captions look clumsy. Instead of a sentence like, 'This is the #OAP101 #blogpost for #today', write the sentence first, THEN place the hashtags below or after the caption.
See an example here.

Now that we have covered some of the sins, what makes for a great use of a hashtag?

1. Unique hashtags
You need a unique hashtag for your brand, like how we have #OAP101. I also have #ShopTosyn and #TosynBucknorDaily.
This one is simply for your brand and you can ask your followers to use it for posts they want you to see or repost

2. Relevant hashtags
Apart from using one or two unique hashtags (if on Instagram), you also need a hashtag that is relevant to the post you have up. In this instance for example, I definitely need to include '#Hashtag' and perhaps '#SocialMedia' in my post.

3. Popular Hashtags
Be careful with how you use popular hashtags because if you use them just to get your post discovered, it can actually be worse for you. If people feel you're using hashtags indiscriminately, they can ask for your post to be removed from that particular hashtag, and like I mentioned above, some platforms will penalise you for it.
Popular hashtags vary from region to region so a quick Google search can show you top hashtags to use.

Another tip is to place your hashtag correctly.
For Facebook and Twitter, write your caption, then place 1 to 3 hashtags at the end of the caption.
On Instagram, to make it neater, write your caption then leave some space before including your hashtags as shown above. You can also simply put your hashtags as a comment on your post.

I hope these tips help.

Follow us on Instagram and catch up on our Podcasts

Got a tip of your own? Leave it below!
Got a question?
Ask away!

Instagram is Down... and the Internet is losing it.

Or make that, I am losing it!

I woke up this morning ready to seize the day! It's been seized alright, by Instagram being down!
First I thought I had run out of data only to see it was the same issue even via wi-fi.
Instead of the app refreshing, you get the 'cannot refresh feed' message. If you try to log on via web, you get a page saying "5xx Server Error".

This has me going all Leann Rimes 'How Do I Live?' on it!
"How do I live without you?
I want to know
How do I breathe without you?
If you ever go
How do I ever, ever survive
How do I, how do I, oh how do I live?"

Blogging at the Digital Media Talk with Elsie Isy

Yesterday, Thursday the 27th of September, Elsie Isy held the 'MEETS MEDIA PRESENTS Digital Media Talk'.

With Elsie Isy, brain behind 'Digital Media Talk'

I was on a panel moderated by Princess Uvbi with Sally Dadzie and Laila Ijeoma, on 'Blogging as a Tool for Social Change'.


Apart from s.h.a.r.ing how and why I started, and giving tips on time management in response to a question from the audience, I was able to s.h.a..re my thoughts on how blogging can be used to positively influence society.

I remember being taught, 'Instead of putting energy behind what you dislike, put your energy into creating what you do like'.

It is what I have tried to do with radio and yes, definitely also with blogs and social media. 'Alternative Music Naija' for example, is something I created to showcase the kind of music I love. I do football as told by women via Pink Football, run OAP 101 for media personalities and 'ShopTosyn' to s.h.a.r.e style inspiration.

If you're reading this and you want to start something, remember that what you do can have an impact on one or more lives so go into it with passion, and purpose.

It wasn't just panel business though. I finally met some people I have always admired, and also saw my favs like Olorisupergal and Demola Expoze.

With Tosin Ajibade of 'Olorisupergal'

See more pictures below.

Dress by Makioba. 

When I realised there was no Jollof Rice

#TBDaily Hidden Motives

I have a song titled Hidden Motives and you should listen to it here.

I wrote it because I had a crush on my friend's brother so I would call her, praying and hoping HE would pick up the phone not her. I was thinking about this and thought of how there are so many hidden motives behind seemingly simple things we do.
Ever fully asked yourself why you're making a certain move? Altruistic or no?

Why should we even bother with motives? Can't we just live?

Amen to that because I could definitely turn that energy I use to analyse into something more fun but even if we forget about the motives of others, what about OUR motives?

If you lie to people, that's bad, but if you lie to yourself, that is tragic. With a capital 'T'.
Be honest with yourself about your motives and acknowledge your imperfections. This honesty helps you in several ways including
- helping you know which battles are worth fighting
- helping you work on a flaw you have

And just like in my song, I will ask...
"...Who knows all the reasons we do the things we do
Who knows all the million hidden motives that we use"

#TBDaily Monday High... but does it go downhill from there?

Sunday evenings when I was younger meant a bit of mixed feelings. While what was on television was great, sundays meant I would have to go to school the next day.
I hated school.

When I started a job I loved however, Sundays came with a promise. I was usually rearing to go; like let us do this! 8 years later, still the same.
I love Mondays. On Mondays, I can fly, I feel productive, I tick most of my to-do list FOR THE WEEK.

Sadly, it starts to go downhill from there.

Sometimes Tuesdays are so anticlimactic that I wish they would end just as they begun. My Tuesday shows can be below par in my estimation; like I gave my all on Monday and I am now just handing out scraps.

It picks up on Wednesdays but yeah, by Friday, I am on another high- last day of the week, bring the weekend on type of high. Then I start it all over again on Sunday.

Is it like this for you or you're pretty much the same all week?
Let me know

#OAP101 Neutral and Detached or Passionate and Opinionated?

Welcome to another #OAP101 class.

Today I would like to talk about something I have seen debated fiercely.
Most radio trainings (and indeed, broad journalism trainings) insist that one be IMPARTIAL and NOT HAVE AN OPINION.
For example, you read the news? Keep it neutral and just present the news. Don't react, and read news you agree with in much the same manner as you would news you disagree with.

The truth is, after all is said and done, people still look to the 'experts' (in this case, news anchors, journalists et al) to be credible and unbiased.
Having said that, radio and 'talk' has changed a little with more emphasis now being put on PERSONALITY of the hosts. For example, you have a Wendy Williams, an Ellen, a Steve Harvey... These 3 have clear and distinct personalities and never leave us in doubt as to where they stand.

So what is the conclusion then?

I think good radio depends on knowing who you are exactly on the show.
As a news reader, or a moderator, you must stick to those guidelines of being fair and impartial. When it comes to radio or television hosts though, I do not know that people knowing where you stand on an issue is a problem AS LONG AS you can still be impartial or at least, fair.
Let me give you an example with sports presenters.
The best sports presenters have a team they support but still give professional analysis of games, stats and results.

What do you think about this question?
Should a Radio Host be completely neutral or can they have opinions and express them?

#TBDaily Hey Monday... Bring on the 1st Monday in September

I am going to have to start wishing people a Merry Christmas because while January and February seemed to be slow, the rest of the year has gone by pretty fast.

I have had a different kind of ginger lately, thank God.

Thing with me is, when I feel it, I do it. The trick is to also be able to do it even when I do not feel it. May God help me o!

This week, I am looking forward to work, meetings, a dope feed on Instagram (yes, it is a thing), and being on top of my tasks. 

This weekend was a busy one. I bet you guys were kept busy with red carpet pictures and beautiful people. I loved it! It was also Ajebo D Comedian's comedy event and Inspiration FM partnered so we were there to support.

In between all of that, I was working, thinking, and believe it or not, writing and completing short films.. in my head. 

So, what is your prayer for the week?

#TBDaily Let me tell you about a Prisoner named Joe

Okay let me be honest, I do not remember his name. I think it was Joe but let's just still call him Joe.

I was watching my new addiction, 'LockUp', a series that takes a look at prisons in America. The tv crew will go to a prison and spend time there, finding stories about love, dealing with addiction, gangs, punishment and more, within the prison. If you can, catch an episode; it is on Fox Life and I watch it on Kwesé TV.

I watched an episode over the weekend where there was a prisoner named Joe. Joe had been in and out of prison for most of his life, starting from when he was 18. As at the time the show caught up with him, he was nearing his parole period. For some reason, he then began to act up. One of the guards said to the producers that it might be fear causing him to keep misbehaving.

Does that sound weird? Fear of being out? You would think it would be more a case of joy and anticipation right?

Apparently not.

Finally, his release day came and Joe was so excited! He changed into non-prison clothes excitedly, ready to start afresh and definitely not come back.

He came back.

Infact, he ran away from the halfway house he had been placed in, and was found at a petrol-station near the prison. He will now serve the remainder of his term behind bars.

We might be tempted to laugh at Joe but think about how like Joe we are sometimes in our own daily lives.

1. How many times have we done or said things we shouldn't have out of fear? Sometimes instead of letting ourselves be vulnerable and express our fear, we cover it up with anger.
What can we do? Do not deny things you feel; acknowledge the fear and then try to work on it.

2. Joe had freedom but couldn't handle it; he had got so used to another life and went back to it.
Sometimes we let routine become a prison for us and run back to it instead of facing the unknown and using our freedom wisely.
Be careful about things and situations you hold on to simply because that is all you know. Try new things and see what may come from that.

I hope you all have a great Monday!

#TBDaily Rain, Rain, I Better Stay (and Watch TV)

I have a great plan for how to survive Lagos (when it rains)- stay at home. 

There really is no point stepping out where the first the drop of rain seems to send a signal to the Traffic Fairy to sprinkle Traffic dust on even the side roads.

What is the point?

Stay at home, watch television, bring out a puzzle or read.

Speaking of reading, what was the last good novel you read?

I find that the jet age has not only made us less social, but also less interested in anything that actually involves the physical turn of a leaf. Why buy a Jeffrey Archer when you can read it online? But you know you can’t replace the feel nor smell of a book. And that page turn is very special. So by all means read. And then tweet your review of the book! Don't forget to cc me on twitter when you do!

Television watching is surely an art. My favourite time is when the remote control is in my hand and i am in control of what i watch. (It sure beats years ago when I was the remote control. As in, “Tosyn, change it to LTV”). It is lovely when the scheduling is so great that 'Judge Judy' comes on after 'Evil Twins' which comes after a movie or so, unlike days when three of my favourite shows air at the same time! 'Why Evuls?' It sucks because you then have to do the five minute or commercial break dash when you switch between each show every five minutes, or at commercial breaks.

 What is your current favourite thing to watch on television?

I am looking forward to watch the FIFA Womens' World Cup and of course, Judge Judy! 

MCM: THE WEDDING MC, TOSIN IBITOYE

Hey guys,
As you may already know, Weddings are a big hit in Nigeria. It really is a different ball game entirely- from the rich culture to the decor, make-up, aso-ebi and very importantly the MC.
In my opinion, the MC at a wedding  can make or mar that event, I mean, one wrong statement from them and everyone's upset.
So in my curiousness, I thought to have a chat with one of them so we could have a sneak peek into their world. Today, we are crushing on the amiable Tosin Ibitoye AKA the wedding MC. Interestingly, many of his responses made me smile. I hope it puts a smile on yours as well.
Enjoy ;)

Hi Tosin,
1)     You’re an actor and a wedding MC, has this always been a dream or it just happened? What's the story?

TOSIN:  This has always been the dream. I don’t mean to act and MC weddings are my specific dreams but the dream has always been to entertain and put smiles on peoples faces, so anyway I can do this I am so up for it, even if it’s at the expense of my image.

There is a saying I believe I coined and live by and it’s ‘don’t take like too seriously…you won’t get out of it alive ‘ so anyway, anytime I am willing to make someone smile and help them forget their worries for a few seconds, minutes, days, months or years.

2)      What do you love most about hosting weddings ?
TOSIN:   What I love most about hosting weddings is the privilege to make a certain couple’s big day a memorable one. What gives me the most joy is when my client walks up to me and says ‘thank you very much, you made my day’.

Because it’s not often that people get married twice so the fact that I was able to give these people a memorable first and only wedding that they would remember for the rest of their lives is great.

Oh did I forget to mention that I love the credit alert part?

3)      What's one thing you wish more people would know about you?
TOSIN:  I wish people would know that I don’t really care what they think of me hehehe. I am kidding.

It really isn’t anything, I just wish more people will know about me hehehe.

4)       Your top 3 tips for Emcees starting out in the media industry would be?

TOSIN:  Top three tips would be
-The job/event comes before the money
-Constant improvement of your craft
-Make sure to have fun will working it brings out the best of you.

5)     What’s one thing you'd like to say to your '20 year old' and '50-year old' self respectively?
TOSIN:   I would say just one statement to my younger self and my older self and that’s ‘have fun’.

6)      What’s on your mind this Monday?
TOSIN:   This Monday the only thing on my mind is making the world smile one person at a time


Awww, That's it guys hope you enjoyed ;)

If you read till this part, then you should know that the MCM/WCW Segment on this blog will be going on a break. It's been great interviewing all these amazing people. I'm not even going to type much as I'm not even in the mood to be emotional right now ( lol whatever that means) so until I come your way again,

KEEP BEING INSPIRED
LOVE ALWAYS
Your friend,
Anjola

WCW: ACTOR, URU EKE

Hi guys!

Today is a great day to crush on a pretty woman. Don't you think? The first time I ever really noticed her was in a movie called  'Weekend getaway'. There was something about her acting and I kid you not,I kept rewinding to watch her scenes again; the way she played her character as if she actually wasn't playing it and how she eased into it. From then on, I've seen many of her works (Being Ms Elliot, Last flight to Abuja amongst others) and I continue to be impressed. I guess when you're really talented, it has no choice but to shine through.

Our WCW is the beautiful actress, and director of Chime for Art foundation, Uru Eke. Enjoy ;)

Hi Uru,

1)     Was there any particular occurrence in your life that made you sure that acting was the right path for you?
URU:  I wouldn't say there was an actual occurrence, I've just loved assuming the role of someone else, stepping out of character to play a fictitious person is somewhat liberating.


2) You're the director of the 'Chime for Art' Foundation, why did was it important for you to begin this foundation?
URU: The foundation was created to produce films that promote social change, this is my way of impacting our society.

3)     If you had the chance to play the lead role in any classic (local or international) which movie will that be?

URU: Oh wow!! I really don't know.


4) Nobody should disturb you when you're ........
URU: Sleeping. can't stand it when I get a call in the morning before 8am. I don't go to bed early so by 8am, if I don't have work to get to - I am still snuggled up deep in sleep.

5)     What three three tips will you give to those starting out in the entertainment industry (acting specifically) ?
URU: a)Never ever give up on your dream

b) You need to be resilient regardless of the obstacles

c)When a door closes, somewhere God opens a window.

6)     What’s one thing you'd like to say to your '20 year old' and '50-year old' self respectively?

URU: 20year old self- wish I didn't over analyze so much

50year old self- That God I was able to do XYZ...

7)      What’s on your mind this Wednesday?
URU:- Stay hustling till I have to hustle no more


Thats it guys,
Stay inspired.
Anjola

#LunchtimeToday July 23rd

On #Lunchtime923 today, we asked how people stay fit and the 3 most common responses?
1. I don't kip fit 'jare'
2. Lagos itself is a workout
3. I do push-ups / jog / skip.

I try to walk to stay fit especially as I don't eat fit but I've also recently incorporated dancexercise.

OloriSupergal gave us her #SocialMedia top three in the #CelebrityTop3
1. Be consistent
2. Be authentic
3. Engage with your followers consistently

#4pminLagos was lit; I love when I am able to chat with people about their day. About two people demanded for 'Ijoba Orun' so I obliged of course, but Song of the Week, 'Amaka' by 2Baba and 'How I Feel' by Yemi Alade were my favourite songs on the show.
Top story? Mesut Ozil quits international football with Germany, citing racism and abuse.

Tune in weekdays

MCM: SPICE TV PRESENTER & MUSICIAN, ESO DIKE

Happy Monday to you and yours ;)

If you've ever thought hard about dropping one passion for the other,our MCM today may just be changing your mind about that drop. How he finds ways to embrace all his passions is simply impressive!

He is a Lawyer, musician, actor and voice over artist. He also anchors a show on renowned Fashion and lifestyle channel, Spice TV. Our MCM is the multi-talented Eso Dike. Enjoy ;)

Hi Eso!

1)     You’re a TV Host and voice over artiste, what do you love most about the career path you’ve chosen?

ESO:  What I love most about the career path I've taken is the reach I'm afforded. As a TV presenter, musician, actor, voice over artist and all encompassing entertainer, I'm priviledged to have a platform that lets me showcase my talents, connect, and  influence a boat load of people.

2)      You are a host on renowned fashion and lifestyle channel, Spice TV, how did that come about?

ESO:  Lol. That came about with persistence! I was, (still am) just a young young man who came from Benin and got into Lagos with a dream of being a musician and TV personality. My job came about because of the belief someone at the top had in me. Not everyone gets that chance. I'm lucky....

3)     Any plans of practicing law full time, sometime soon?

ESO: I have a soft spot for the legal profession. I currently still dabble a bit in it (drafting documents, and what not) but ,for the time being, I'm fully immersed in the business of entertainment and media. The good part is, law degrees don't expire. I have plans to go back to 'lawyering' in some capacity in the future.


4)     Before the camera comes on.……..

ESO:  I........get nervous! Lol.

5)     What’s one thing you wish more people would know about you?

ESO: The one thing I wish people would know about me is the fact that I am a musician. Most people know me from the TV shows I present, but not for my music and I'd like that to change.

6)     Your top 3 tips for presenters starting out in the media industry would be?

ESO:  3 tips:
     Please, be humble.
     Be persistent.
     Pick mentors and train yourself to be better than they are.

7)     What’s one thing you'd like to say to your '20 year old' and '50-year old' self respectively?

ESO:  20 year old self: Things won't always go the way you wrote it down in your 'book of dreams'. Take it easy on yourself.
     50 year old self: After it's all said and done, hope you've done all you said you would. Your happiness is what's most important. Better recognize!

8)      What’s on your mind this Monday?

ESO: To be a better Eso by Tuesday.

That's it guys,
Stay inspired always.
Anjola

Hey Monday... Google, Football, Food

July 23rd

And just like that, another Monday is here.
Pretty excited about this one because it is #GoogleForNigeria week . 

Last year was a trip and this one will be even bigger, and better.

My Saturday was pretty cool.
The InspirationFM ladies had a dance class and we had fun. For those who thought dance class was code for 'come chill and gist', Kafayat quickly showed us that dance class meant dance class.
See ehn, I hurt in muscles I did not know I had .

In the evening we had 'Dinner with the Kanus', and evening of salads, 'dodo' and lemon grass .
I'm definitely going back.

Omowale and I re-watched the World Cup ⚽ games, especially the final, together. It was even more beautiful fifth time around (for me).

But yeah now it's #Monday...
Let's get it 

WCW: LESSONS LEARNT

Hey there guys!

What an amazing day is. The weather today is super chilled, I think. Just right for you to hear beautiful words of wisdom from your favorite women crushes. If you're feeling gloom or uninspired, this one is for you. Enjoy ;)

1) DEBRAH WATERS ( ON LIVING FULLY): 

Your 20's...This is the best time for you to focus on yourself and explore. It’s okay to wanna be so many things at this stage- It’s just a phase. You would feel confused and not good enough but don’t stop there! Keep enjoying your journey to self discovery. And don’t forget to have some FUN baby coz’ YOLO!

2) CASSIE DAVES (ON STAYING TRUE)

 Try to be as authentic as possible. Stay true to yourself.

3) OLORISUPERGAL (TIPS FOR ONLINE SUCCESS)

- Consistency
- Evolving with trends
- Branding

5) TOLA ADE-KING (ON FITNESS)

Take your time! Rome wasn’t built in a day. Answer these questions:
Why are you trying to get fit?
Whats your fitness goal? Is it realistic?
How do you plan to get fit?
What research have you done on your goal?
What do you find may be your obstacle to getting fit?
Once you can answer these questions, you’re halfway there.

6) ANTO LECKY:( ON CHARACTER) Don't judge a book by it's cover. Someone may look like they have it all together, but might be going through a lot. Someone may come off as childish and unserious, but can be very focused and driven.


BONUS FROM ANTO: You are not for everyone and everyone is not for you. Don't try to please everyone.

That's it guys,
Stay inspired
Anjola

MCM: LESSONS LEARNT

Hey guys! Hope we are feeling good?

At least those of us who supported France will still be over the moon. ;) Now that the world cup is over (sadly), many of us can now FULLY get back to our work. What better way to get started than with a little bit of motivation? Keep reading if you want some. Some of our past Man-crushes have some words of wisdom for you. Enjoy ;)

1) ADEOLUADEFARASIN: (ON SUCCESS)

- Be diligent, don't slack cause others are slacking, be timely and be courteous.

- Remember the goal you set yourself and let that lead you in what you do and don't do. Selling out won't get you where you're going and getting to where you're going I'd more important than just going anywhere

- Rejection is part of the job and most of the times it's got nothing to do with you so don't take it personally.

2) 4RUNNER: (ON STRUGGLE)

 ...With the news and situation in the country, people need to keep moving.

3) ALI GARBA: (ON FITNESS/ HARDWORK) 

Being a Fitness trainer, I've learnt what training teaches. It teaches us that there's a casual relationship between hard work and reward. Sometimes, you get lucky in life and experience rewards that you haven't earned, but this never happens in the Gym. You work hard, and good things happen there. You don't work hard and the good things fail to happen. You ONLY get what you work for. Nothing more, nothing less.

4) GBENRO AJIBADE (ON OPPORTUNITIES)-Be ready,work and pray !


5) MALOMO MOSES ( ON FAITH) 
...Stay humble and be anxious for nothing for who you think can't pay for your service today might get to call who you are looking up to tomorrow... So network, Be Relevant, Stay Positive and Never look down on yourself .... There is no MAN God has forgotten.

Hope at least, one of these points stood out for you.

That's it guys, 

Stay inspired

Anjola ♡ 

WCW: EX BIG BROTHER HOUSEMATE, ANTO LECKY

'You are not for everyone and everyone is not for you. Don't try to please everyone.'

Hey Ladies and gentlemen,

Can I get a 'yaaaay' for our WCW today because I'm very pumped. She's a model, actress, TV Host and the head of operations at CBL Africa. You'll most likely have known her from the just concluded big brother Naija where she was one of our favourite housemates. *Drumroll please as we crush  on the beautiful Antoinette Munirat Lecky popularly known as Anto. Enjoy ;)

 Hi Anto!

1) We all know the reception has been crazy since the Big Brother house, but if you had to choose one, what would be the biggest lesson you learnt from being in the HOUSE ?
ANTO: Don't judge a book by it's cover. Someone may look like they have it all together, but might be going through a lot. Someone may come off as childish and unserious, but can be very focused and driven.

2) You’re quite passionate about sports, what’s something you’d like to change in the Nigerian sports scene? 
ANTO: I would love for Nigerians to know names of clubs and team players, the same way they can list all the clubs in Champions League. Nigerians need to be more supportive of home-grown talent and home-played sporting events.

3)   One mantra you live by is…..... 
ANTO: You are not for everyone and everyone is not for you. Don't try to please everyone.

4)   What’s one thing you'd like to say to your '20 year old' and '50-year old' self respectively? 
ANTO: To my 20 year old self, I would say Forgive yourself for your own and other people's mistakes. To my 50 year old self, be happy because you lived your life the way you wanted, to more years of you.

5) You must have times when things aren’t going as well as you thought they would, how do you get yourself back up during those times? 
ANTO: Unfortunately, I actually dwell a lot when things don't go as planned, but I'm a firm believer in things happening for a reason, so I try to think about the positives in any situation and move on to bigger and better things.

6) Who’s your WCW today and why?
ANTO: Genevieve Nnaji because she's WCW every Wednesday. She lives the life I'm trying to live. Nice and private, and when she lets us in, we feel so fortunate that she's sharing her life with us LOL

7) What’s on your mind this Wednesday? 
ANTO: Hoping that we have a sell out show this Sunday at the comedy stage play titled "Official Couple" that I will be starring in and co-producing.

Thanks for being our WCW Anto

That's it guys,
Stay Inspired ;)
Anjola

MCM: ACTOR, ADEOLU ADEFARASIN

Hi guys!Hope you're doing well? 

Our MCM today is the amiable Adeolu Adefarasin. He's an actor and TV host. He currently anchors 'Shop Talk' a show that discusses relevant topics in the society. 

You may have also seen him in movies like 'The Wedding party', 'New money' and renowned web series 'Skinny girl in transit' where he plays the role of 'Nathan. I decided to have a chat with him today to hear more about his story and he sure does have a lot of wisdom oozing out of him. I hope you enjoy ;)

Hi Adeolu!

1)     Why did you choose to be an actor and not something else? 

ADEOLU: Just before I moved to school in the UK I went to go and see a performance of Les miserables expecting to hate it but instead loved it, when I started school I had to pick and extra subject, between drama and home economics, that experience watching Les miserables made me choose drama. I was young and at first I treated it like a class I got to play in but the more I did it the more I fell in love with it. It became something I wanted to do at any given opportunity. To tell stories, to see from different perspectives. I also fell in love with watching film and the way it inspired me to think differently and to do and be better since then I haven't looked back.

2)     You have a series 'Shop Talk' where a group of young people come together to discuss relevant issues, how did that come about?

ADEOLU: Shop Talk came almost out of nowhere, it wasn't a goal or something I foresaw myself doing till it came to me. After a programme in my church called the manifestation is when it all began. It bothered me that there were next to no men in attendance. Yet we talk of men as leaders but men aren't seeking wisdom or things of faith. And so how can men be expected to lead with wisdom or have values they don't pursue. That birthed the idea of putting me in a place to speak openly and honestly about real issues they don't usually speak up about and feed in good strong values so they can begin to have positive impact.

3) Your favourite thing to do outside of work is ............

ADEOLU: I watch a lot of shows and films. A LOT!

3)     You must have times when things aren’t going well for you, how do you get yourself back up during those times?

ADEOLU: I can't pretend to fully have the answer to that. It's one thing in your head to know that it is in the testing of your faith that  endurance is produced and another to go through the process without sometimes rebelling. It's about being intentional and God is teaching me perspective. This life can't kill you when you know that life in Him is eternal. So no matter what it is, it will pass. It's also integrative found to surround yourself with people that will lift you up when you struggle to lift yourself up. 

5)     What three tips will you give to someone starting out in the entertainment industry? (acting especially)?

ADEOLU: - be diligent, don't slack cause others are slacking, be timely and be courteous.

- remember the goal you set yourself and let that lead you in what you do and don't do. Selling out won't get you where you're going and getting to where you're going I'd more important than just going anywhere

- rejection is part of the job and most of the times it's got nothing to do with you so don't take it personally.

6)     What’s one thing you'd like to say to your '20 year old' and '50-year old' self respectively?

ADEOLU: To my 20 old self, concentrate on what you want in life, don't get too distracted and in the end it's not about you, everything in this life is bigger than you, look beyond yourself .

50 old self, again it's not all about you. Whether the future looks like you imagined or hoped, it's not about you it's about what you put in others. So I hope you thought of others in the road more than yourself. 

7)      What’s on your mind this Monday?

A nation of talkers! We talk, we pray, we lament but we don't listen. We don't listen to others, we don't listen to God. We don't listen to crying hearts and we don't listen to direction, we are inactive! Faith without works is dead, and we are the walking dead, what will stir us up to act if not the mass casualties these past weeks? If not the senselessness of it all. We can and should hold our leaders more accountable but I'm more concerned about holding ourselves more accountable. We who are not in governance, we who are not in political office far outnumber those who are. Our voices would be louder if we speak up and our footprints will sink deeper if we stand up.

•

“I don't know what to do about our economy, crime, corruption, terrorism, education, lawlessness and lack of infrastructure all I know is that first you've gotta get up or off your seats, stick your head up and yell, 'I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

•

Your influence is always wider than you think it is, don't wait for someone with more power to do something, just start, God will always meet you at the point of your faith. Faith is not what you do when you know confirmed end, it's what you do when you don't. Do something for Nigeria today! All our small rumblings will add up to an earthquake; Cause the ground beneath you to shake because something has gotta give!

Hmmn...So much food for thoughts, but that's it guys!
Stay inspired,
Anjola

#PoetrySundays 'He Didn't Hit Me'

Written by Tosyn Bucknor

He Didn’t Hit Me

He didn’t hit me...

You see, he just wanted us to go singing.

He came to pick me up like he usually does.

He watched the news with my father while i got dressed.

My father would have liked to have sat outside to play ayo... but you know now, Lagos is not safe.

He did not hit me o!

We were meant to go out.

I mean, there are not that many things to do in this Lagos sef.

I was dressing up while he waited for me.

My mother even offered him food o. 

But he declined.

I didn’t know he was hungry.

But he did not hit me!

He didn’t hit me.

He was just singing badly.

He is not Darey now, why was he singing Frank Sinatra?

Maybe it was because he was hungry.

But they didn’t have to laugh at him now

And I didn’t laugh.

A lot.

And he did not hit me

He didn’t hit me o

Not really.

Not at all.

He was just trying to stop me

I was trying to run away..

That is why he grabbed my keys.

That was how this finger got bent

Honestly ehn, he didn’t hit me

You know this is Lagos

It is dangerous at night

And i was trying to leave

He just wanted to stop me

Thats why he held on tight

He just wanted me to stop walking

To stop talking

To stop running

I was just talking

And talking

And talking

Me and my big mouth!

My father always told me my mouth would get me in trouble

My mother would say, ‘enu e yi’

He wanted me to stop talking

He didn’t know i couldn’t breathe

He didn’t hit me o

He just wanted to love me

Till death do us part

WCW: ACTRESS, BOLAJI OGUNMOLA

Hi guys!
What's up this Wednesday?

I saw her first in Biodun Stephen's film -Sobi's Mystic,then I saw her in another movie called 'Tough love'. It seemed as though with every movie that rolled out with her face in it, falling in love with her became easier.
You can't not notice her in any movie she's in, so I thought to ask her a few questions to help you get to know her better. Our woman crush today is the beautiful, uber-talented and fast rising actress,  Bolaji Ogunmola. Enjoy ;)

Hi Bolaji!

1) Why exactly did you choose to be an actor and not something else? (Details please) 
BOLAJI: Why did I decide to become an actor? Hmmm. You know growing up you watch movies and you are completely into the film and you forget your issues, house chores you were meant to do or even the fact that you haven’t eaten because of how great the movie is.... that’s the power of film, it entertains, it gives hope,it reassures,it empowers!!! I just knew I wanted to be part of something that phenomenal and to be honest I didn’t even know I was good at it until my drama teacher in church encouraged me to give it a try. I was sold the moment I did my first church play.

2)     If you had the chance to be the lead role in any classic (local or international) which movie?
BOLAJI:  I think it would be Titanic... lol. I love love....

3)     What has been the proudest moment you’ve ever had since the beginning of your career?
BOLAJI: Getting one long ass email from someone about how one of my movies  helped her through some stuff!!! I was literally crying!!! That was definitely worth more than an Oscar award, I tell you.

4)     You must have times when things aren’t going as well as you thought they would, how do you get yourself back up during those times?
BOLAJI:  Hmmm.  See ehn, I PRAY!!! I won’t even lie, there were days I thought I wasn’t good enough or I should just find another occupation but I knew deep down, I was meant to be doing what I am doing. Thank God for friends also that encourage you.

5)     What three tips will you give to those starting out in the entertainment industry (acting specifically) ?
BOLAJI:  Develop your craft, Don’t be discouraged by No’s, I still get no’s sometimes, If you can’t think of doing anything else apart from acting, then you are one of us. Believe in yourself.

6)     What’s one thing you'd like to say to your '20 year old' and '50-year old' self respectively?
BOLAJI: To my 20 years old self- Thank you for not giving up, thank you for believing that you were meant to be more and thank you for following your purpose. To my 50 years old self- Thank you for inspiring your community and thank you being a role model.

7)      What’s on your mind this Wednesday?
BOLAJI:  How to get more people around me to get their PVC and who to vote for......

That's it guys,

Stay Inspired,

Anjola

PS: If there's anyone you would like for me to interview, drop a comment below ;)