#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.

#LamideLive... That GTB Food and Drink Festival

Hi guys, Lamide Akintobi here!

The other day, i told you all about my 'asa live in Lagos encore' and you can read that post 

What i didn't mention was that the next day, i was at Day 1 of GTB’s Food & Drink Festival, which was a 2 day festival with thousands of vendors, and masterclasses from culinary geniuses from around the world. 

  

I thought it’d be a leisurely day of walking around, eating bits and bobs, popping into a Masterclass and hanging out with friends – I was kinda wrong. I planned to support my good friend and culinary/garden queen Uzo Orimalade of Uzo’s Food Labs, who was selling her delicious gourmet chin chin and some seedlings from her garden, so I made that my first stop, once I was able to park (that was a 25 minute ordeal!). The first thing that hit me was the heat. For some reason, fans and ACs didn’t seem to be doing the job, and it was a hot day outside as well, so it was like walking into a blanket of heat. This probably worked out well for those selling ice lollies, cold drinks, ice cream, etc, but for us mere humans working/walking around, it wasn't much fun. Other than that, my highlights were; being a salesgirl for Uzo, grubbing on Afrolems’ amazing food, catching up with old friends, and meeting new folks. 

The lovely Afrolems

Afrolems' delish breakfast dish - Akara waffles and eggs with sausages and pepper sauce

Uzo Orimalade of Uzo's Food Labs

You name it, they had it – Packaged soups, cold pressed juices, sandwiches and waffles, desserts, amala a la buka, and so much more. 

Sadly, the heat had most people a bit wilted and tired, but it was amazing to see all the different food innovations and creativity on display from my fellow Nigerians. Any platform that has plenty of food - from main course to dessert, traditional to ‘New Naija kitchen’ type meals, drinks – from cocktails to fancy gelatos, and items that meet a variety of needs – from pre-packaged sauces you can throw together, to greens and veggies for the health conscious, gets a thumbs up from me. 

A little nostalgia for those who'll remember these Nigerian snacks

Pre-packaged Egusi, anyone?

Well done to them for another successful event, but next year, GT, make sure all the fans and ACs are on full blast – I’ll be there!!

I had the next day to rest from the weekend, which is really what I think a long weekend is good for; go all out during the weekend, then take the extra day to recover and get ready for the rest of the week! Looking forward to the next holiday, most definitely. 

Lamide, signing out!

#LamideLive... at #asaLiveInLagos encore

Hi guys, Lamide Akintobi here! How is May going for you so far? It's been a busy couple of weeks, and whenever life gets hectic, I can't help but reminisce about the most recent things I've done that made me happy. For me that was the May-Day holiday - A holiday weekend is always chock-full of activity, and this one was no different. May Day weekend was LIT!

On April 29^th, the incomparable Asa came back to Lagos for her “Asa Encore: Live in Lagos” concert. I’d never been to an Asa concert, although I’ve seen her perform at other events. But I knew, from reviews of last year’s concert, that it was an experience I couldn’t miss again. So off I went, ticket in hand, to experience the magic myself. Unfortunately, due to ticket hustling outside, I missed a couple of the opening performances, but I caught Aramide, Lindsey Abudei, Funbi and Omolara. Aramide put up a great show as usual. I’m definitely a fan. I have to say I was hugely impressed by Lindsey Abudei, because despite a restless crowd and sound glitches, she managed to keep her cool and wow us all. I don’t envy any performer in front of thousands of people when there’s a problem going on she can’t fix, and literally has nowhere to run. Next, Mr. Funbi and his sweet voice came on, after which Omolara, who I knew of only as a songwriter, came and slayed! Beautiful songs, beautiful performance. I’d pay to hear this group of performers in a small venue, any time.

Eventually, (because it seems inevitably, Nigerian events just don’t start on time), Asa came up on the stage and the magic began. 

Pure magic!

Weaving her stories through all her songs with help from her amazing 30 piece orchestra and backup singer/manager/sister/friend Janet, Asa was on fire! She shared funny stories (she said she may turn to stand-up comedy if this whole singing thing doesn’t work out) to a poignant story of how she got signed in France, even showing us her flirty side during one of the songs, when she sat on the lap of one of the orchestra members to ask him if he had a girlfriend. From ‘Awe’ to ‘Moving on’ to classics like ‘Eiye Adaba’ and ‘Be my man,’ the crowd laughed, sang along, and I know I got my entire life. 

Asa and her amazing 30-piece Orchestra

When she sang my personal favorite diss track ‘Bimpe’ – you could hear the sheer joy as people joined in. And yes, I said diss track. Ask a Yoruba person to translate that song for you and you’ll know what I’m saying is true J With a set like that, accompanied by that orchestra, eve the set design and lights contributed to the magic - staying on your tush all night wasn’t an option, VVVIP or not! 

2 outfit changes and many songs later, the event was over and we all went home, basking in the afterglow of Asa’s magic. 

Don't I look dazed by the magic? Lol!

Lamide, signing out!