TORIOLA TRIBAL TEES

Tori Famuyiwa is a US based designer/stylist/visual merchandiser and the brains behind Toriola tribal tees. His tribal tees employ the African traditional embroidery patterns that originate from west African clothing popularly referred to as ‘Senegalese’ or ‘Agbada’ undershirts. They are available for women as well and both come in different colorways and embroidery pattern.

 

Toodle-oo

  xx

Isi-Aki.

INTIMATE WITH THE ABUJA KING KONG

 Isi-Aki – Coconut Head (Literal Translation)

                                                    Isi-Aki - Tough nut to crack.

Proudly introducing to you a new column in Isi-Aki dedicated to men and women from the areas of Music, Politics, Philanthropy, Fashion & Style, Law, Movies, etc who have overcome personal,  social and economic obstacles and excelled nevertheless.

Debuting on our list of barrier breakers is Derek Chibueze Obasi aka BUSH aka Abuja King Kong.

A fascinating and energetic fast rising artiste whose music is enjoying amazing air play on radio stations around the country at the moment.

Smart, funny, energetic and all kinds of cool, I had fun being all intimate with him and finding out his views on everything from spirituality to his ideal type of woman. We had a blast doing the interview. Enjoy!

At the studio working hard.

Q: What kind of music are you into?

 A: I started out as a rapper, but, as time went on, I started enjoying reggae and R&B, I started singing and doing a bit of Jamaican dancehall flows, but all tohip hop beats. Then I ventured into naija beats and afro fusion. The result is I kind of have different kinds of inspiration and I bring them into my music as it comes. It’s  really left to my fans to decide what I sound like to them.

                                               

Q: Tell us about your official debut.

 A: Na who dey rule us, BUSH WRECOBA (Dem Mama Soldier) and DANY DRE (Black tribe), 2005 produced by Willie O. I was in a couple of shows in Port-Harcourt, Owerri etc.

Q: Which musicians inspire you?

A: Different artist inspire me for different things. Nas for his poetry, Jay Z for his empire state of mind, Eminem for the reality in his flows, Lucky Dube for his simple lyrics, delivery, and passion for humanity, Tu-face for his talent and gift of humility. The list goes on. So I’m influenced by so many people.

Q: With artist would you love most to do collaboration with?

A: Damian Marley, Eminem, Nas, T-Pain, Mary J Blige, Chris Brown, Tu-Face.

Q: What does the name BUSH mean/represent?

A: Basically, the concept of BUSH is freedom. Freedom of expression, being natural, being you, not conforming to any situation or standard that is contrary to your spirit. Fearless though oppressed, cut down and burnt but still determined to grow. Persistent.

 Q: You used to be signed on to Dem Mama Records, why did you leave?

 A: Dem Mama records did not believe in paper contracts, we agreed mutually (verbally) and we carry on. It was fun while it lasted.  Mad crew!

Timaya is a very funny and interesting guy to roll with, no time and wrecoba is bad. TJ2 solo is strange, and Allenian is definitely something else. Everybody get their own.

Basically, if life was only about having fun, I would still be with Timaya, but I have a vision I must pursue for the greater good. So I had to sacrifice something which was me leaving and moving on to pursue my individual goals.

I was also signed to Maffaj Records in Abuja, which did not work too well. Also, currently with PLAY RECORDS.

Perfect one year down the line and I am seeing where I am headed.

 Q: Tell us a little more about your new label?

A: PLAY RECORDS, basic movement formation where music is one of the arms. Rilwan, I (BUSH), Mimi, Kainebi, and the most recent Adel Fadel is the family. Smith Ukpong is the CEO and Vito is the El Presidente. We have our studio in Lagos, though we started working with the late sazzy (RIP) in Abuja, Rilwan & I, and then Mimi before we moved to Lagos. Then Kainebi joined the family and Adel. Two videos and mix tape are out in about a year of work so stay tuned, a lot is coming your way.   

Bardman Bush with Mimi.

            Q:What kind of music is on your I-Pod?

A: A beat I’m working on. The song is titled “Take Me as I Am”.

Q: What role does spirituality play in your life?

A: I’m a true Christian and a believer, I believe Jesus walked and did great things. If I can be interviewed today about my life, then do not doubt it, it is the hand of Jehovah.

So in essence, what I’m saying is that it is spirituality that has brought me this far.

Q: What’s the most fearless thing you’ve ever done?

A:  I think it was leaving Aquila Njahmas auspice. He kind of put me into the mainstream industry, but my career was not going too well. I saw myself writing scripts, directing movies and rolling deep into Nollywood, instead of recording music. The deal was that he was supposed to introduce me to the industry which at the time included Tu-face, Sound-Sultan, Azades, Ruff, Rugged and Raw, Tony Tetuila etc. He did. I was in, but suddenly leaning more toward the movies and that was it. I had to wake up one morning and leave his house in Festac Town to a flat in Iyana-Ipaja. Loool! Omo Na mind o! To have a fresh start. Lol!

Q: You are a confident guy; do you feel insecure about anything?

A: Loool! Yeah sure, I as an artist you are always insecure about the way the people will take your new single, or what next you are going to give to your fans, make you no go fall their hand. Loool! A lot of people believe in you. Personally, this game needs insecurity or you will be overconfident and that is not a good thing for me.

Bardman and 36 States.

Q: How would your girl-friend describe you?

      A: I wouldn’t know. Lol!

The musical King Kong.

      Q: What do women like about bad boys?

A: I think women enjoy their unpredictability. They arouse a lot of curiosity and are like a puzzle you never get to solve. Something appealing about that thing you never get to have, maybe. My opinion anyway.

Q: What’s your ideal type of woman?

 A: Intelligent, Confident, Free and Selfless.

The lyrical Bardman.

  xx

Isi-Aki

Interview by Zenia .A. Udensi.

FAVORITE LOOKS OF THE DAY

Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.
                                                                                            - John Hamilton.

Rihanna is most definitely a style icon. This outfit is no fuss and the boyfriend shirt looks like something you could just throw on and go. The white tasseled shoes spell C-L-A-S-S. Extremely stylish. Lurv it.

The Glamourai took a simple office outfit to the next level, first with the different textures of fabric, next with these sick foot candies. Loving the trim on the shoes. Minimal accessories. Lurv! 

Karla of Karla's Closet nails it everytime. She's definitely becoming one of my style icons. I'm a fan of the jumpsuit, so I think these tiger print ones are amazing. You could dress it up by throwing on an amazing pair of blazers and some pearls. I like the coral brooch and that Kate Spade straw bag is phenomenal! I could stare at it for hours! Fab!

Colored pants seem to be trending at the moment. I'm sceptical about this particular trend, but she makes it work with the top part of the outfit which I can totally identify with. LURV the foot candy. Reminds me tap-dancing shoes. Overall she looks incredibly put together.

I love this outfit. From the white shirt to the jungle animal patterns to the gray linen to the shoes. Her pins are on point to. Her accessories are kept to the basics. I would definitely wear this. Quirky yet classy.

Style Tips

1. A pair of sunglasses do more than keep the sun out. It doesn't matter of they are 20 naira or 20,000. They should fit and sit on your face well.

2. Less is oftentimes more. #notetoself. Less makeup, less accessories. Focus on key pieces that pull the whole look together.

Toodle-oo

   xx

Isi-Aki.

 

ALWAYS BE TRUE

Over the weekend, still reeling in shock over the death of one of my favorite R&B artists, Amy Winehouse, not quite recovered from the death of Motunrayo Agbara, I came across this beautiful soliloquy by Grammy Award winner Jill Scott, another of my favorite artist, urging us to rejoice in our complicated, contradictory and perfectly unique selves.

It strikes a chord in me because it’s exactly how I feel most times and could have been something I’d written. So I’ll share this with every other girl out there who’s never quite fit in and always felt – different.

JILL SCOTT  -  ALWAYS BE TRUE

I guess I have a multiple personality. If that is what it is, I mostly like it. Don’t get confused with a multiple personality disorder. I don’t wake up left-handed or speaking Greek. That’s a whole other story. I know who I am and I am always me, although I can be really intense at times. I used to ask God to make me a consistent person like most of my friends. But after many years, successes and failures, I just shrugged my shoulders and decided this is my bag, so I carry it.

Sometimes, I’m a sullen girl, disillusioned with the world’s backwardness, angry at the wrongs, can’t get pen and paper in my hands quick enough. Sometimes, I’m thoughtful, calling my loved ones to pour out why I appreciate them, singing my thanks. Sometimes, I’m shy, painfully transparent, at times silly. I am one intense adjective at a time, and while I’m there, I don’t resist those feelings. I rest in those moments. I try to taste them, wrap myself in them as hard as hard as I can. I call it freedom, and I suppose if I wasn’t the way I am, I wouldn’t have the careers I do. Maybe I’m nuts (probably), but I notice that when I fight myself, suck myself in, I lose all the stuff, the fruit, the core of me that I enjoy the most. Some find me off-putting, but here I am. Take me or leave me.

I’ve travelled quite a bit and met all kinds of people. I see the cloaks they wear: tight, static images that are meant to represent who they really are. I’ve worn them too, and found them spiritually and mentally draining. Being honest outwardly and most importantly inwardly is terrifying. Maybe they won’t like you. Maybe they won’t understand you. Maybe you won’t get the job. Maybe all that is true, but not every chance belongs to you and not every glowing bauble should be on your wrist.

I met a girl – great, incredible, passionate actress. She works on a horse farm in the country. She has a donkey and a full grown wolf named Becket. She’s as happy and grounded as a person could be. She doesn’t seem to make a lot of money, but she doesn’t seem to want for much. She could be a megastar (the girl is that good), but she only wants to act in whatever television series, movies or plays come to her neck of the woods. She says she couldn’t live in Hollywood. She wants to do what she wants with her time. She loves and needs to be near horses, so she dresses and lives the part. She’s simple and she’s beautiful and so easy to be around. After I left her, I felt inspired. She’s happy with her life. How many of us can actually say that and mean it?

When we suffocate who we truly are – for status or material things or friends or money – we do our lives and spirits the greatest disservice. We disrespect the intricate and exceptional stories we’ve all been given.  So many heart attacks and blood pressure pills. So many foreclosures and addictions. We need change on many levels. Try finding those things that make your whole spirit say yes. Live within your means and choose to appreciate what you have. Let people see your oddities, your quirks.

I’m just sayin’ – what do you really have to lose?

Jill Scott is a three-time Grammy Award winning artist, writer, actress, philanthropist and mother.

Culled from the February 2010 ESSENCE.

BEAUTIFUL AMY

Beautiful Amy... You belted out the pain and torment most of us are barely able to whisper... I thought your music was amazing... Even though it was so clear that you waged war with your demons...

 

I hoped you would kick those demons out... I was sure you would...You were so fierce... Never mind... No tears... You did what God put you on earth for... A fallen angel...

And while I only ever met you through the words and music that echoed your torment... I'm positive that I KNOW you because your pain, your torment, your agony resounded somewhere in my heart... They could have been mine...

Everwhere I look, there seems to be picture and stories of you drunk and out of it... But I choose not to remember you that way...

Beautiful Amy... I choose to remember you thus... Beautiful, Strong, Talented and Pure.

Rest In Peace Amy Winehouse.

Love Always.

    xx

Isi-Aki.

ANOTHER YEAR!!!

It's my birthday!!! Yippeee!!!

I woke up with a feeling less of;

and more of;

I feel terribly excited. I thought I'd have difficulty getting out of bed and I'd have to be towed out from under the duvet but I almost bounced off that bed and I've been feeling incredible +++positive+++ all day.

My Mom called me on the phone early this morning and sang songs of praise on my behalf while I danced, cried and laughed! And her blessings...? I feel tears springing to my eyes just thinking about it. That's definitely been the high point of my day. It's hard to be grouchy and ungrateful when I look around and I'm so blessed. It's hard to gripe about what I don't have when there are so many things that I do have, like family, friends, health, love, peace... and the list is endless.

So I'm going to enjoy myself today and have a fabulous day!!!

PS: Thank you C.E for that nude cake. It was... interesting. I wish I could share the pic but I don't want to offend some sensibilities, so I'll share this instead.

Happy Birthday to me! TGIF!!

Let's go!!!

xoxo

Isi-Aki.

THE GHOSTS OF BOYFRIENDS PAST

I should begin by saying that despite the title of this post, I don't have some late boyfriend's spirit haunting me before y'all start pleading Obara Jisus (Blood of Jesus) over my life. And unlike the movie, (The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past) I haven't been callously breaking hearts left, right and center. (Fingers crossed behind my back). I can almost see some eyes widening and gossip antennas springing up to attention at the hint of some scandalous, low-down dirty bit of gist about my love life. Sorry, not today. Not the scandalous, low-down and dirty part at least. :p

This week has been full of some sober reflections, soul searching and re-evaluations. This avalanche of emotions is a consequence of my Xth birthday imminent in a few hours from the moment I’m writing this post. Bleh!

Okay, Okay, before I start to blame the famine in Ethiopia on my impending old age, let me qualify the statement by saying that the avalanche of emotions is not entirely a consequence of my imminent Xth birthday.

*In an aside* I know some of you are thinking, ‘Say your age already!’ or ‘What’s in the age?’ or  my personal favorite, ‘Age is nothing but a number!’ All I can say is, ‘Sorry lagbaja, nothing for you!’

I read somewhere that a woman who will willingly tell her age will divulge every and any secret! And you know a closed mouth is one of the tools of the trade, so I’m going to keep my lips zipped on that matter. Thank you!

Another perplexing factor that has to contributed to my irritation, dismay and gloom is the fact that a couple of ex-es have decided to stage a comeback into my life! Yep! All in the same month!

I should probably be doing a pirouette and hugging myself in excitement because ‘they’ have finally decided they made an error in judgement and I was the woman for them all along, right? Er… WRONG!

First of all when I say ex-es, I mean ex –ex. As in guys I dated while I was still at the University! Now, when the first turned up, it wasn’t a very pleasant surprise but I lived. Then, the second and third. Lovely coincidence...  or maybe not. The Man upstairs has a weird sense of humor when it comes to my life, I’ve discovered. Believe me when I say I’ve learnt to grin and wink along with Him. His Humor gets me everytime. But this morning when the fourth ex ‘found’ me on Facebook after donkey years, I had to look up and ask the Big Man what he was up to.

Four ex-es? The very month of my xth birthday? How can you explain the mysterious reappearance of these ex-es within the same period of time, all burning with the zealous desire to stoke the embers- forget embers - the ash of long dead relationships? Haba!

Now, my friends, I’m not talking about that scenario (dreamt up while trying to repackage my grinded heart when the relationship(s) unceremoniously ended.) where I bump into an ex one day while exiting – say Silverbird Plaza – and I’m about to unlock my brand new 2011 Mercedes CLS Limited Edition. The ex spots me from across the park. He does a double take before quickly sprinting towards me. (My favorite scene). He proceeds to tell me how he is doing in a record time of one minute. I reciprocate by telling him about my fabulous life. (Hah!) At the end of it all, I tell him about how nice it was to see him, (all the while tongue in cheek) flip my Brazillian in his face… okay scratch that. In my case, it would be, twirl my skirt around his knees and leave him in a cloud of heady perfume while I get into my car, start the ignition and zoom away in my Mercedes. All the while he stares after me with lovesick eyes, mentally kicking himself on the behind for allowing me slip away from him.

Perfect scene… *sigh*

However, my reality is a far cry from my fantasy. These fellows manage to get a hold of my contacts and just like that, I get a call from the blue that sounds like this;

Me: Hello?

Ex:   Hey Zenia!

Me: Er… Who am I speaking with?

Ex:   Ahn Ahn! Baby it’s me nah. (mentions name) You don’t have my number again?

At this point I pull my cell phone away from my ears to look at it incredulously.

Ex: I've had your number all this time. I’ve never really forgotten about you.

I don’t even bother to respond.

Ex: Anyway baby, how are you doing? What are you doing now? I hear you are one of the big girls in Abuja.

By this time, I decide I've heard enough.

Me: I’m sure you heard incorrectly. Listen…er… (his name), I’m in the middle of an inspection. Can we talk another time.

I didn’t wait for a response. I mean, WT*!

He did call back later. By then, I’d made up my mind to be gracious even though my guard was up and the sentries were out, armed with their bows and arrows, ready to shoot if a toe stepped out of line. That was the very first fellow that tried to stage a comeback. Granted, some of them have been a little more tactful and seem to have matured a bit over the years but all the ladi dadi da leads me to ask a couple of questions;

1.   Would you renew a long dead, buried and forgotten relationship? Can old bones rise again?

2.   Would trying to fan the embers of the now very cold fire of a relationship qualify as ‘settling for less?’ I mean, there was there was a reason the relationship ended in the first place.

3.   How do you restrain the gleeful feeling of schadenfreude from rearing its ugly head and shouting in their faces, ‘Look! I’m strong, beautiful, fabulous, achieved some of those dreams, set to conquer the rest – AND YOU’LL NEVER HAVE ME!!! Or maybe you will – when hell freezes over! Brutal right? But then, payback is a mother!

4.   Is it possible that my knight in shining armour is amongst the ex-es and he had to take a long hiatus to polish off his armour or fight a few battles of his own while life and experience awakened the sleeping beauty in me?

Okay, before y'all start rolling your eyes at my romantic balderdash or shaking your heads at my cynical sense of humor, think about it for a minute. Do I open the pathway to reconciliation and possibly a happy marital future or do I put the ghosts of boyfriends past to a perpetual rest and look on to the future filled with the prospect of new love and happiness? Food for thought...

I'll let you guys know how the saga continues...

Let's gooo!

xx

Isi-Aki.