MCM: VISIONARY PHOTOGRAPHER , JAMES EMMANUEL

Hola mi Familia! Hows everyone doing? Today we have an amazing photographer who is one of the three founders of 'Ordinary and Art', a creative  establishment that aims at uniting fashion and photography. *Drumroll* Our man crush is the one and only James Emmanuel.

Oh by the way the first three words in this post mean 'Hello my family' but you probably figured that out already. Enjoy :)

Hi James!

1)      Why did you choose photography as a career path and is there any other career path you wish to follow in future?
JE: I choose photography because it feels good to capture moments and tell stories with your photographs and getting paid to do what you love is just a cruise. For the future, i plan on delving into full media, from photography to videography.

2)      Tell us about one of the most inspiring moments you've ever had (what happened and why it inspired you?)
JE: One of my most inspiring moment was when one of my mentors commended my works and told me his story of where he started from, what he had to do to get to where he is. It made me realise that there is a process and you have to endure through the process to attain the height you have set for yourself.

3)      If you could remove one thing from the photography (creative) industry, what would it be?
JE: What I would remove is the lack of diversity. This has affected a lot of creatives; they have mentors and they want their works to look exactly like them. Now everyone has their own style so every creative should strive to achieve his/her particular style to make them stand out.

4)      What's one thing you hope to have done in the next five years?
JE: In the next 5 years, I hope to have completed my masters degree in photography and would have began my media agency. oh and yeah gotten married *winks

5)      Roughly, how many hours do you work for daily?
JE: It depends on the workload, some days I have jobs that take the whole day, sometimes I have a truckload of pictures to edit, and some days I am just chilling *smiles

6)      Tell us a  very important lesson you’ve learnt from photography that actually applies to real life.

JE: One lesson I have learnt in photography is valuing yourself. No one would value you as much as you value yourself. If you have a strong value system, you tend to be more respected.

7)      One quality you admire about yourself? 
JE: One thing I admire about myself is being able to meet people and make them feel good about themselves. I hear people say I have a sanguine personality.

 8) A typical fun day for you   would be made up of what? 
JE: A typical fun day would be having an open studio session with friends, playing videos games and eating pizza and icecream.

9)     What's on your mind this Monday?

JE: Whats on my mind? planning to make this new week very productive.

Stay Inspired!

(Is there anyone you'll like me to interview? Comment below and you can be sure I'll be working on it soon.)


A FEW PHOTOS BY Ordinary &Art

MCM: THEOPHILUS KING

Hi guys!
Happy monday. Our MCM is someone I respect and whose work i greatly admire. He spit some major truths in this interview that legit made me woke. You'll get what I'm saying as you continue.
(PS: This isn't me trying to be gangster or something lol) Enjoy my chat with filmmaker, Theophilus King,

  1) You’re the founder of Lost Dreams AFRICA, how has the entrepreneurial journey been so far?

THEO: Lost Dreams Africa, It's been so crazy and we've not even started yet. Being an entrepreneur is dangerous & risky but somebody 'gotta do it. The good thing is you get to skip many levels and make your own rules so it's all you & God walking hand in hand, It's been so great, wouldn't do it any other way.

2)      What’s the best and worst feedback you’ve ever received from your works and how did they make you feel?

THEO:  Best feedback: when friends call me when my content is on TV and we scream together, no better feeling

Worst feedback: my communication sucks, need to fix that

{Oh yea, it took almost a month to get this interview done ;( }

3)      Tell us one thing you have in mind before directing any video?

The Viewer. Always the viewer not even the Artist, i just wanna give the viewer such a good time. It’s like planning for a guest coming over & from the type of content or music you can measure the kind of guests.

4)      What’s the most embarrassing situation you’ve ever been in?

I feel like every embarrassing situation is a time to Shine, so I barely feel embarrassed from situations I put myself in & if I do, I correct it immediately.

5)      What do you love most about film making?

Storytelling, Telling my story. Film making & Art in general. It frees me to create something out of nothing, or a lot of somethings..  It’s a gift. Love it

6)       Tell us one thing you really want to do, but haven’t done yet?

I wanna make a feature film, a movie, a Love story that can make everybody cry. Love is my genre

Don't you just love creatives?
Stay inspired!

MCM: AKAH NNANI IS TAKING OVER

Hi everyone. Happy new week. I SMELL FINE BOYS THIS MORNING. LOL. Oh we have one as our MCM today. He's an actor, vlogger and presenter. It's Akah Nnani. My interview with him- I'd say it was a breath of fresh air. Enjoy

Hi Akah!

1)      Describe your life in three words

 God. Good friends. Loyalty.

2)      Your YouTube Channel has received so much traction over time, what would you say has helped you in particular, to grow on Youtube?

I think the singular factor has been consistency and also honesty. I can be brutally honest as I share my opinions on Akah Bants. Also, Akah Bants makes people happy. People enjoy it.

3)      You’ve acted in several films including EL’s ‘On the Real.’ Why acting? And what do you like most about it?

I was an actor before even being a vlogger. Acting for me is just the beat way of stretching myself and my art. It gives me the opportunity to tell stories with my body and my mind. It takes me and my audience to a different world; the thrill of it all and the challenge I face most times in getting it right is oh so addictive.

4)      Do you have any weird fetishes?

Lmao! Nope. My fetish is absolutely not weird, and it is definitely not for public knowledge.

5)      What advice will you give your child about life?

Search God and Find yourself.

Thank you.

Stay inspired!

MCM: CHRIS RIO, A VOICE TO BE HEARD.

HI EVERYONE!!!!

It's a super chilled Monday. I know we all wish we could be in bed but *sigh. Hope everyone is doing okay? I'm excited about our man crush today because he's someone I know personally. It's great to see friends doing great things, isn't it? 

Our MCM today is a young, talented songwriter and alternative R&B/Soul singer . He's a contestant on the Voice Nigeria 2017. Do I need to say more? It's CHRIS RIO.

Enjoy my interesting chat with him!

Hi Chris!

1. You have a such an amazing voice, if you could do a duet with any singer in the world, who would it be?

Thank you. I would love to make music with Emeli Sande. I've connected with her since I heard "Breaking The Law". She's a phenomenal artist. That's goals right there.

2. Do you have any pre STAGE rituals to calm your nerves?

Before I get on stage, I talk to myself. I usually pray and then start talking to myself, with all the motivational quotes in the book haha. It's tough because you can't not feel those nerves, and every stage is different so I try to make them work in my favour. Self talk helps a lot - "You got this Chris, you're a star, you're the man, go get 'em". Works for me.

LOL

3. You also do spoken word poetry, what inspires you to write?

Spoken word for me is like a release type of thing. I think every person has one of those, something you vent into. Whenever I'm pent up with an emotion or a feeling or an idea, something that I feel very strongly about, it usually comes out in form of spoken word poetry. Consequently I don't write a lot of pieces, but I try to do good with the few I write. "I Am Me" is two years old and it's on top my list right now.

4. You’re a contestant on the voice, how EXACTLY did it feel when Yemi Alade turned for you?

I'm not sure I have words for that feeling. After singing for the first minute plus and getting no turns, I thought it was over. So when I saw her chair rotating, it was the biggest relief I've ever felt in my life. There are few things as nerve wracking as a blind audition, so you understand why I knelt afterwards. God bless her for real mehn! Bless the day she was born. Thank God for my Mama, Yemi Alade.

5. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received from anyone?

Best gift I've received. A friend of mine once got me a box filled with these short notes expressing love and gratitude to me on my birthday. It was the sweetest thing.

6. If you were a song, you’d be…?

 I literally have no idea. There are many sides to me, I doubt there's any one all encompassing song. I've searched my heart for an answer and I can't find one, maybe I need to expand my music library :(

7. Tell us three things you're grateful for this Monday.

 I'm grateful to God for the immense gift of life. I'm grateful for family and for the beautiful people that surround me and support me everyday. I'm also grateful for this interview, it's a beautiful way to start my week so thank you.

Awww! Thank you too. That's all for this week.

Stay inspired!

MCM: June Recap

Hi Peeps! This is honestly the first Monday I can confidently say 'Happy Monday' without expecting readers to roll their eyes. What a wonderful time to be alive. LOL. 4 days of holiday! Happy Eid ul fitr to all our muslim readers.

Today is the last Monday in June, so I decided to do a recap of all the 'hanzome bobos' we've had on our MCM segment; But a simple recap will be so boring and you can always go back to read the articles, it's not like they are transient. We'll be spicing it up a little. I'm going to be writing out my favorite responses from all our MCM's so far. If you're ready, let's cut to the chase!

YEMI TEIBO

Yemi was a ball of wisdom. Even the fun questions I asked turned out being motivational. Sigh. So here's my best from him.

One thing I never forget to do in my "hours of life" is praise God. For you, you can spend your 'hours of life' meditating OR praying, the point is take some time off everyday.

AYOOLA AYOLOLA
Ayoola's note to his twenty year old self was so apt. Here it goes-Don't be in a Hurry, enjoy this moments. Your tomorrow is sorted. Everyone should be reminded of this everyday. Live in the moment.

LAWYARTIST
Lawyartist was such a joy to interview; Maybe it's his cartoons/ artworks that just make me happy but once i hear layartist, I'm glad. My favourite line from him is- I try to draw every day after my 9-6 as a lawyer; it’s really that simple. It’s simple but consistency is key. Yes, whatever it is you do, remember to be consistent.

HENRI UDUKU

My favourite from him would just have to be the fashion trend he loves- "reflector framea, You just can't see through my frames but you see yourself" Who doesnt love those?

JON OGAH

Jon was so sweet! My favourite response from him was an answer to the question " if you could delete one year in your life, which would it be." . He said -would've have said 2011, leaving the United States to the United Kingdom. However, I believe that all things work together for my good, so all the years I have spent add up to this moment. So no matter how bad things get, remember its part of your success story ;)

OLU SALAKO (SLK)

I was so happy to ask this question and even happier with the response- If you could change something in the world with the flip of a switch, what would it be?

SLK said he'll switch off the quest for money making by all means and Switch on honesty and doing the right things. Well, what could be more important?

That's it! If you'll like to read the fuller interviews, just click on their names.

Happy holidays!

MCM: Jon Ogah reveals his biggest fear

Hi everyone! Happy Monday!! (weird greeting I know); but I love Mondays a lot and I hope I can make you love them too. Mondays remind me that I can always start afresh, no matter how badly I've messed up, so I look forward to them for a feeling of rebirth. I also love Mondays because I get to share with you guys, young men who are doing amazing stuff in their fields and today isn't any different. 

You may know him from the maiden edition of Glo Naija Sings, or from being a Fake housemate on BBN 2017. Either way, with his looks, voice and persona, he's been winning hearts since 1990 something. *WINKS
Read our chat with him below ;)

Jon Ogah is a singer and songwriter

Hi Jon,

1)     You have Simi and Adekunle Gold on the remake of ‘Uncle Suru’ which comes out soon, why both of them?

When I decided to remake Uncle Suru, I knew I wanted a different perspective on the journey to achieving one's dream. Adekunle Gold was already a fan of the song and so was Simi as well and one of my dreams was to sing with them. Adekunle's urban high life style is out of this world and Simi's voice and writing is mad. They were the perfect choice to interpret the song and I am so glad.

2) Do you always infuse personal experiences into your songs?

I always write from a deep place, the things I have experienced and the things I want to experience play a big role in my writing. Also, I love listening and learning from other people's story. 

3)   If you could delete and repeat any years in your life, which would they be?

Hmmm! I would've have said 2011, leaving the United States to the United Kingdom. However, I believe that all things work together for my good, so all the years I have spent add up to this moment.

4)      What’s your biggest fear in life?

My biggest fear is leaving this world without haven made any impact; Without haven made any valuable connection with humanity; Without standing for something. I want to leave my footprints in the sands.

5)      What fun stuff do you love to do, asides singing?

 I like travelling, writing, watching TV series and hanging out with friends. 

Thank you

There you have it guys. Hope you enjoyed reading?
Stay inspired!

MCM: YEMI, THE MILLENNIAL SHUTTERBUG

Hi everyone! Happy holiday! (if your work allows). So if you are social media savvy, you will know that there are photographers and there are PHOTOGRAPHERS. Today we are crushing on a PHOTOGRAPHER. With unusual eyes and an impressive knack for creating images, Yemi Teibo is documenting moments for generations unborn. 

Yemi Teibo

1) You take very creative shots, how do you choose stories to create?

First of all I like to say I think upside down I'm quite spontaneous I don't like to create stories I let the story create itself as it is. That way there's no limit to what will be created but then I have certain principles that guide me.

2) What are the 'ingredients' for a perfect shot?

For a perfect shot the most important thing is lighting you just have to get it right, then secondly the subject whoever or whatever you are shooting has to be on the same page with you and also express themselves at the same time, lastly your camera as a whole it's settings, your lens, your camera angles and positioning all have to speak the same language at the same time, like an orchestra.

3) What's been the most memorable photo shoot you've ever had?

My first ever pre-wedding shoot the client hired two separate photographers and on the day of the shoot, I came with my camera and two lenses and my light. Then I saw the other photographer and all the equipment he brought.I was intimidated and too shy to even bring out my own equipment but then I picked myself up took the pictures and left already expecting the clients to pick his pictures over mine because of all he brought; so I Went home that day, I edited the pictures and delivered only for me to see almost all my pictures mostly used and the other photographer's own rarely used. It's memorable because I didn't let what I saw bring me down. I still went to give my best and it paid off. I will never forget that experience.

4) What are your days usually like?

well, I don't have days or a typical I just have hours of life because most times when everyone is asleep I'm up shooting, editing, designing or reading when everyone is awake I'm probably resting but then I'm a serial entrepreneur too so if I'm not shooting, editing, designing, resting and I'm in meetings trying to seal deals here and there and I also design clothes my collection is coming out soon. But one thing I never forget to do in my "hours of life" is praise God. He is the reason for 

everything.

5) How do you keep yourself constantly inspired?

 My inspiration comes from God when I praise him he inspires me. My emotions also inspires me When I'm very happy I create different when I'm down I create different. Good music also inspires. I listen to I lot of music and finally I let other photographers inspire me too. I surf the internet a lot in search of all kinds of images that suits my style and let them inspire me.

WOW, that was  a lot of wisdom to hold on to.

Stay Inspired!

INSTAGRAM-@_yemiteibo

TWITTER- @_yemiteibo

EMAIL-Yemiteibo@hotmail.com

MCM: SLK'S BIG EPIPHANY

Hi there, you've probably heard the phrase 'omo re bi custard, you are not a bastard' one too many times. But do you know who coined it? Wonder no more, because he's our MCM for today. Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, I present to you Olu Salako popularly known as 'SLK'

He's a writer, stand-up comedian, MC, and Actor! whew. Lets hear from him:

Hi SLK,

1)      You are great with puns, a very rare and beautiful talent, how did you discover it?

Well, I got that from secondary school. We used to call it dry cracks. It used to annoy people then but I loved it. Over time, I discovered that I had a knack for words; Learning words and twisting them.

2)      What’s been the most inspirational thing to have ever happened to you?

The days I watched Chris Rock and Bovi. Something strange happened to me. I can only call it an epiphany. Like wow. I can't explain it. But it sparked up a fire that has not been put out since then.

3)      If you could change something in the world with the flip of a switch, what would it be?

I will switch off the quest for money making by all means. Switch to honesty and doing the right things

4)      What do you do for fun?

Watch football, play football games. Listen to live music. Listen to 2face.

5)    Which comedians do you look up to?

Alibaba, Bovi, Chris Rock and Trevor Noah (Fantastic Four)

Stay Inspired!

#MCM:What Henry Uduku wants everyone to know about him

Hello everyone, it's another Monday and we are very happy to share with you, our interview with Henry Uduku; Oh! and because we know many of you aren't really excited about Mondays, we asked him to tell us what keeps him going through out a drab week. He shared something with us and hopefully, it can help you too. *Winks

Henry Uduku

Henry Uduku is a writer, creative director, 'streetstyle' photographer and Fashion stylist at Guardian Life Magazine. Of course we had to bring him on the blog! Enjoy 

1)     You are a young stylist who has worked with lots of celebrities like Noble Igwe, Seyi Shay, Chigul and many more. What’s the best part about having to style them?

Working with these people had different perks. With Chigul, it was a first hand comedy experience followed by a very strong inspirational story. With Noble, it was a lot of business talks and talks on his wedding, for some it's straight to business but with side lessons.
In essence, meeting them out of the spotlight and learning from their stories (networking) are usually the best parts.

2)     Tell us a few funny fashion trends that you actually like?

The choker trend I liked, mostly because of how a good number of people improvised [DIY]. The reflector frame sunglasses were good too. You just can't see through my frames but you see yourself. The mule/half shoes comeback too.

3)      What’s that one thing you wish everyone would know about you?  

I always wanted to be a pilot.

4)     Do you think your personal style comes out to play when you style others?

I like to think so. I think my style is all over the place [in a good way] as I take inspiration from a wide range of sources, allowing me put looks together that work with both the theme and the subject in question. 

5)     It’s Monday- share some inspiring words that help you thrive during a drab week?
 Little droplets of water make a mighty ocean.                                                                                        

That's all we have for you. Have an inspiring and bubbly week!                              

Xoxo

PS: CHECK OUT THE PICTURES BELOW FOR A PEEK INTO HENRY’S STYLING.

#MCM Which OBFW character would Illrymz date in real life? We have the scoop!

Morning all,

I am sitting here while i watch the weather trying to decide if it wants to be really sunny or cool.

It's Monday so it's time to stalk, sorry, check in, on some of my favourite people ever. Today i want Illrymz to sit down and answer some questions.

Ill (as i like to call him) is, according to Wikipedia, " a Nigerian television host, radio personality, writer, producer, Event MC, artiste and former model. He is the Creator of the sensational daily Instagram news show #SELFIENEWS and CEO of Contagious Collective, A creative media content company that has produced hit syndicated radio shows such as: Radio Outloud with Nokia & ILL, The JUMIA WHAT AM I? Radio Show, Nunu Super Kids, and 0809ja_Radio, To name a few. Popularly known as the #GQmc, Illie's Television Credits include; The Host of Nigerian Idol, Co-Host of StarGist, Soundcity, and Nigezie. 'In 2016 he became the host of the Coke Studio Radio Hour produced out of Los Angeles USA. 'Nigerian Idol"

Na wa o!

Only him?

Ill also plays 'Charles', which by the way was his acting debut, on 'Our Best Friend's Wedding, Read my review of the show here.

TOSYN BUCKNOR: It's Monday and i know there are a lot of people that dislike Mondays. Do you?

ILLRYMZ: I Don't dislike Mondays! I don't dislike any day I make money! Lol 

TB: Lol, i feel you!

I have just watched the most recent 'selfie news' show which is honestly just laugh out loud funny. When did you think of it and where do you see it going in years to come?

ILL:  I created #SelfieNews on holiday last year, because we live in the social media age and I had to be more active on social. But I don't want to post cars and watches and money like everyone else. I want my posts to stay true to my brand. I'm an entertainer so I want people to follow me and get entertained. It's been great so far and I'm looking at #SelfieNews becoming a mobile service and fully functional website for news content. 

TB:  In 'Our Best Friend's Wedding', your character starts going through his black book to find 'the one'. First off, do YOU feel any pressure to, like him, get married and secondly, which of the exes or best friend in the series would you fall for in real life?

ILL: Lol I'm in no rush to get married in real life. I've got a lot to achieve still, but who knows... anything can happen. Hmmm what ex or best friend from the show could I fall in love with in real life? Ahh that's hard cos they are my friends in real life. Tooo awkward 😂😂

TB: (this is where i throw in a 'hian' and roll my eyes). Okay fine, let's talk advice. Who has given you the best advice ever and what did they say?

ILL: The best advice i ever got was from Jesus! Asides that, uhm my Parents... 

My mum said, " believe in yourself you are destined for greatness" and my dad said "money isn't everything".  I didn't understand this advice when I was younger, but now it's a little clearer. 

TB: What's one thing people don't know about you?

ILL: One thing about me people don't realize is that I'm a super shy guy! It's hard to believe but it's the truth. A lot of people perceive my private nature for arrogance. They can't be further from the truth. 

TB: I think i can see that. I may suffer from the same issue. Lol. Anyways Ill, thanks a lot for taking time out to chat with us!

ILL: Thanks for the interview! Let me be your MCM every week lol promise I'm going to the gym 😂

(Follow @illrymz on twitter and instagram and look out for selfie news and 'our best friend's wedding')

#ManCrushMonday Could Timi Dakolo ever make Fuji music?

Could he?

Would he?

Find out below

TOSYN BUCKNOR: "Hi Timi! I am excited that you are our Man Crush this week! I also like the new song, 'Medicine' a lot. I bet you listen to a lot of different genres but which genre would people be surprised you listen to?

TIMI DAKOLO: I think people might be surprised that i listen to fuji music!

(Are you surprised?)

TB: Your kids are beautiful and i love how you and Busola (his wife) spend time with them. Tell me, is raising a girl different from raising a boy?

TIMI DAKOLO: Yes i think so. I think with the male child, you have to be extra firm to teach him the responsibility that comes with being a male child.

TB: You always seem to be so happy and playful but have you ever dealt with depression?

TD: I have never been depressed; i am just a happy child!

And so he is!

His song, 'Medicine' is out now!