Osarere Debby Idiagbonya is best described as a victor and a very strong lady. Having battle cancer almost to standstill, she sent out a heartwarming and encouraging words to everybody.
On her Instagram page, she wrote:
"This week, I finished another set of radiation treatment while I was getting chemotherapy treatment alongside.
Don't get it twisted, I survived breast cancer but the deadly disease metastasized to other parts of my organs.
I have broken yet another odd.
If your cancer spread, please don't stop treatment and if it was prevented at early stage, be thankful and don't stop followup.
I know what it is to be in severe pain and I don't want anyone going through cancer or any life threatening diseases to experience it."

Eat your way to a glowing skin

Many people, especially women, invest a lot of time and resources in beauty products, in their quest for a velvety skin. A beauty expert once said that trying to obtain smooth skin by slathering chemicals on the outside will only lead to disillusionment and frustration, not to mention ill-health and expense.

Smooth skin comes from the inside out.

“Most of your skin’s health and its ability to react to stress, damage and the environment rely more on lifestyle, and a great place to start is with the foods you eat,” according to Princess Adegbohun of Priceless Beauty.

She added that it is better to settle for natural foods to get firmer skin, fight wrinkles and enjoy a glowing, youthful skin

On why some people do not tread this nature’s path, Adegbohun disclosed: “Very few people have the patience it takes for the result to start manifesting. It may take up to three months before it starts showing, unlike the effects of chemicals.”


The wonder foods
Dehydration is an enemy of the skin, resulting in wrinkles. The best way to deal with this is by drinking at least six glasses of clean water every day. If this poses a challenge, one can resolve to fruits like watermelon that is high in water content, instead of consuming processed fruit juices or carbonated drinks.


Fruits – Aside the harmful chemicals in many beauty products, they also contain traces of fruit extracts, while organic products make use of mainly fruits and vegetables. But Tosin Omodun, a nutritionist, advises that people should make fruit eating a priority.

“Take avocado, for instance; it is mostly used as a face mask. But if it is eaten, one will get all the benefits. It contains foliate which helps blood formation. It is essential for oil generation, and the rich monounsaturated fat in it will lead to a clear, soft and smooth skin,” Omodun explained.

The Vitamin A in carrot prevents the over-production of skin cells which can lead to clogged pores and skin cancer, while the antioxidant in the peel of apple protects against sun damage.


Colourful vegetables – Nutritionists have said that one should opt for vegetables that have deep intense colours: yellow, orange, green and red.

Green vegetables are great sources of essential Vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin; it helps restore skin cells and also build muscle and tissue, thus keeping skin firm and helping to prevent wrinkles.
According to Funmi Sanyaolu, an agriculturist, spinach is rich in iron which aids circulation by carrying vital oxygen and vitamin K which may help prevent varicose veins.

The lycopene compound contained in tomatoes is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates skin-ageing free radicals from ultra-violet exposure. It has been researched that red bell peppers (tatase in Yoruba) contain more vitamin C than an orange, and the spicier peppers contain a compound that improves blodd circulation and promotes the release of toxins from the skin.


Oils – Taken in moderation, the different oils used in cooking are good for the body, but the ones great for the skin are palm oil, coconut oil and olive oil. They provide some sun protection, fight bacteria, and help soften skin with omega 6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are high in vitamin D that helps keep the skin fresh and promote an overall healthy appearance. You can either get this acid from salmon and tuna fishes or fish oil capsules for those who dread eating fish.

In what may seem difficult, Omodun advised against eating fried foods, white sugar, white rice and white potatoes. “Whole grains and sweet potato are your best bet,” she said.

It is not all about food, one should stay away from caffeine, smoking and prolonged exposure to the sun, as they damage the skin and make it age faster.

Exercises and a good night sleep is also essential.Eat your way to a glowing skin

Feel the heat of pepper

There is practically no Nigerian menu or accompaniment that has no pepper (ata in Yoruba, ose in Igbo and barkono in Hausa) in it, no matter how little. The level of pepper taken depends on individual’s tolerance and the type of soup or stew.

It is nearly impossible, except if observing a white fast, for anyone not to have the slightest taste of pepper a day. This pepper could be from the well-known ones or condiments with pepper taste.

“If I eat any soup without feeling that ‘pepperish’ taste in my mouth, I will feel like vomiting, especially if it is stew to accompany white rice,” revealed Ayodele Momoh, a student.

Many recipes mention chilli, habanero, red bell, scotch bonnet and jalapeno when referring to pepper; but to the market women, they are simply pepper with their different local names. They also vary in their level of intensity, thus discretion is needed when using them.

Explaining the cause of the hotness in pepper, Funmi Sanyaolu, an agriculturist, said the substances that give them the intensity when ingested are capsaicin and several related chemicals, collectively called capsaicinoids.

Peppers are a good source of most B vitamins, especially vitamin B6, vitamin C and small amounts of carotene. They are very high in potassium, magnesium and iron.

Types
The most used and popular of the various types is the scotch bonnet (ata rodo in Yoruba). Although fresh ripe scotch bonnets change from green to colours ranging from yellow to red, they can be used at every colour stage.

Chilli or jalapeno pepper is known as sombo in Yoruba. It has the highest level of intensity, especially the very small specie (ata ijosi in Yoruba). It is usually in green and red colours.

The colour of habanero or bell pepper (tatashe in Yoruba) ranges from green and yellow to red. It is often compared to scotch bonnet, since they are two varieties of the same species, but have different pod types.

According to Bimbo Coker, a caterer, “You will buychilli as ata gbigbe (dry pepper) and habanero as bawa when they are dried for preservation.”


Handling
The intensity of pepper is so much that mere walking through the dry pepper section of the popular Mile 12 market in Lagos would cause a burning sensation around the upper lip.

“This burning attribute is what keeps me away from pepper. I buy and blend in the market without touching it or the water used to wash it,” revealed Nkem Amuche, a psychologist.

Said Coker, “Touching pepper carelessly can cause your hand, skin and eyes to burn. To avoid this, wear rubber gloves while handling them; keep your hands away from your face and wash your hands as soon as you are through.”

Water will not solve the problem if one accidentally feels the burns, she revealed, adding: “This can be resolved by rubbing some palm oil on the hands or washing off with whole or low-fat milk.”


Pepper and cooking
Pepper can be used fresh or dried, and they are mostly combined with tomatoes (fresh or puree), onion and other ingredients, depending on individual taste.

The level of heat varies with type. Habanero seems to have the least, while chilli has the highest intensity. For those who cannot handle the heat, it is advisable to cut out the area around the seeds inside the fruit, which holds most of the heat.

Green scotch bonnet is usually used to prepare ofada rice sauce, while caterers cannot do without habanero because of the colour it adds to cooking.

“If habanero is not deseeded before use, it will give your stew an unappealing look,” revealed Coker who said that bawa must be soaked in warm water before use.

Whichever way pepper is to be used, moderation must be the watchword because Momoh revealed that when he takes too much, he purges.

Catch the terms, turn a chef at home

Many of those who want to make fries or chickens exactly like popular restaurants or fast food joints encounter difficulty, even with the recipes at hand. Irrespective of how complicated the recipe is, one can get through by first getting familiar with the cooking terms.

Some of these terms, many people come across, but have no idea what they mean and how they can help in easy preparation of tastier and healthier food for the family.
Blanch – This is a method of plunging fruits or vegetables like ugu briefly in boiling water to lock in colour and flavour after which they are refreshed in very cold or ice water to stop it cooking further.

Crumb – Admirers of crunchy chicken from a popular restaurant can actually do it at home using the crumb style, wherein uncooked food like chicken or fish is coated with breadcrumbs before frying or baking to give it the crispy and crunchy texture.

Emulsify – This is the system of putting two or more liquids together that do not usually mix into one another. For instance, vinegar and oil can be whisked very slowly into one mix.

Stir fry – This is cooking food, although constantly tossed, over high heat with a small amount of oil in a pan or wok. The food is usually cut in small pieces to ensure quick cooking.

Shallow/deep fry – In this frying method, enough butter or oil is used, so that once you turn it over, it cooks evenly on both sides. This is how bean cake (akara) is cooked.

Dry fry – Cooking food in a dry frying pan (usually non-stick) without any oil; this method is usually used for sausages and bacon.

Caramelise – The process of heating sugar in a pan until it turns brown and takes on a nutty flavour. Fruits and vegetables can also be caramelised by cooking them slowly in a small amount of fat until they are brown and shiny.

Devein – This careful process has to do with removing the black thread-like tract from the back of a prawn with a small knife.

 Read more @  http://www.thenicheng.com

The Grind presents Lagos Grill & BBQ Festival 2015

Nigeria’s first ever Grill & BBQ Festival will hold on Easter Sunday at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island. The event will feature delicious food from over 10 grill and bbq top joints across Lagos, a fun fair for kids and entertainment for all.

Major grill and bbq festivals are popularly held around the world; most notably in Melbourne, Australia, Texas USA and Bristol in the United Kingdom.

“The event will be the first of its kind in Nigeria – a fusion of Western style food festivals and authentic Naija grill and bbq,” says Francis Ebie, chief coordinator of the event

The park will be transformed into a summer style festival with gazebos, comfortable seating areas, cocktail tables and a big stage for the performances. The entertainment host is Falz the bahdguy and guests can look forward to comedy and dance, entertainment from top acts like Patoranking, Skales, and Dj Baggio and Humility. The event will also include a bbq master class from chef Fregz.

A section of the park will be for the kids with interactive games, bouncy castles and play pens. The adults will also get to channel their ‘inner kid’ as there will be fun food competitions like ‘How many hot wings can you eat’ and the ‘fastest burger eater’ contests. The winners of these contests will go home with great prizes curtsey of the sponsors and organizers

Gate fee is 2,000 for Adults and free for kids below 10, the after party continues from 7pm till midnight.

Celebration of unique female musicians

Still in the month of March dedicated to women, unique homegrown and international female musicians were celebrated recently at the final event of Woman Rising by The Life House.

The female musicians were not the regular type Nigerians are used to because they chose to flow with unique aspects of the arts.

There was Rolake Akinkugbe, head of Energy and Natural Resources at one of the largest banking group, FBN Capital Limited, who is a classical jazz pianist by day and a songstress by night. International singer and songwriter, Tonye Garrick was also celebrated and the international business & fashion merchandising graduate of Marymount University in Virginia, USA wowed the audience.

There was also the amphibious sound of Modele, UK-based Bunmi Thomas whose acoustic style is a fusion of Jazz, folklore, blues and reggae music, Irene Bill aka girl with bass and Titilope Sonuga, a trained engineer and a spoken word artist.

Hosted by Kemi Lala Akindoju and Aderonke Adebanjo, the event was attended by Oby Ezekwesili, veteran actress, Taiwo Lycett Ajayi, Nike Okundaye and Elemanya Ebilah, patron of The Life House among other guests.

It’s a chiffon and Ankara mix!

 

 

Irrespective of what the weather looks like, Nigerian women always want to look good and stylish in whatever they decide to put on. The weather is really not predictable now; one minute it is hot and the next it is cool which means you have to be mindful of what you wear.

Ankara material is so versatile that, depending on how it is handled in terms of style and fabric mix, it can go to any event even as it can move easily from an informal setting to an office environment. It is no longer restricted to dress down Fridays.

Chiffon is a fabric that is best suitable for hot weather; it is light in texture which allows air to pass through easily.

Thus a mix of chiffon and Ankara fabric at this time will be a stylish persons best bet. It is advisable to use more of chiffon than Ankara for the styles.

Care must be taken when you are mixing them. Chiffon needs careful handling than Ankara, so use Ankara fabric that will not run colour when washing as it will ruin the chiffon fabric. Also, the colours should be well complimented.

Mix these two beautiful fabrics and get as many styles as you can out of them. 

Adunni & Nefertiti is about African culture

Adunni and Nefertiti is a multitalented and award winning all female singing group created in 2006 by Orobiyi Motunrayo Abiodun aka Adunni which started with six members.  In this interview with Seyi Eretan, Adunni talks about their unique traditional type of music. Excerpts:

About Adunni and the group
Well, my beginning was very simple and being the first child in a family of five, the journey was not smooth. I had my primary and secondary school education at Ayetoro, Ogun State. I worked before I was admitted into the University of Lagos to study Theatre Arts at the department of Creative Arts and while in the university system I still worked to support myself and my family.
As a professional performing artiste, I have worked with a lot of noble, humble and experienced music and theatre directors home and abroad.

Choice of ‘Nefertiti’
It all started after my NYSC program when my first recording album did not come out the way I wanted. So we agreed to go online in search of a unique name that carries the characteristics and attributes of women who portray the African culture. We came across Queen Nephertiti of Egypt.
Adunni means pleasant to have while Nefertiti means the beautiful one has come. The combination of these two powerful names serves as a driving force which brings out the aesthetic and artistic value of talented women in us through music.

Uniqueness of the music
My type of music is folkloric. It is spiritual. Irrespective of tribe and language, it is about morals in all forms especially to heal the ills of the society. Few years back my type of music was perceived as primitive but lately, it has come to stay.
What makes my genre of music unique and classy is the fact that we maintain original lyrics and tone of the music which is known as characterisation. I do my music on a more traditional identity. Even when it has some western influence, which cannot be totally avoided, I ensure that the African identity in my tone of delivery and in my appearance is strictly adhered to.

Her choice of genre of music
I will never do what will not attract people from other parts of the world especially the West. They are desperately in search of what is new and different entirely from what they are familiar with; they will ask questions and are ever ready to go the extra mile to love and adopt it.
Certainly, everyone cannot tongue-twist. We all have our strong point in all areas of life, discovering it is another thing and that is where many people have lost it. Some lost it for life while some are lucky to trace it back.

Starting out
Starting out was rough; there was no money and steady platform but thanks to God I have experimented me as a person on different platforms. Since childhood, I love me, I know who I am, I searched and God helped me to see where there is a vacuum in the music industry.
With no shame or intimidation, I was attracted and attached to the opportunity. Without wasting time, I grabbed it quickly even when many said to my face and showed me by their actions that I am local and uncivilized as I was a graduate. I never felt offended because I have come to realize that people like that are distracters. They are the ladder provided for me to climb to my glorious and divine destination.
So I re-packaged folk songs that women of virtue like late Comfort Omoge, Onyeka Onwenu, Stella Monye, Lijadu sisters, late Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo and even late Pa Hubert Ogunde and many more have created. I realized it was fading out gradually all in the name of sophistication. If not quickly tapped into, it may take eternity and extra hard work to bring back.
With no regret, total fulfillment and satisfaction, I have and will continue to imbibe the positive spirit of high self-esteem and dignity into my team.
In terms of grouping, some are married, some are in school and some are on a part-time basis. So if there is urgency need, auditions will be carried out to recruit new members.

Acceptance
Today, I am glad and bold to say that we are highly appreciated because we are real, original, educated and unashamed of our source, tradition and culture.  Adunni & Nefertiti is still the only recognised folk song ambassador that is appealing to everybody in the society without language or ethnic barrier in the country and the Diaspora.

Exquisite costume
Thanks for the compliments. It is very simple because our costume is an infusion of local and contemporary idea to reflect our personality. We get moderately priced fabric with colour that will blend with skin tone of each member and pick a very simple style that will be easy to sew and wear.
At times clients determines the choice of our outfit for the event but we advise them to avoid colour  clash with the general colour for the event. The same thing goes for corporate functions.

Financing
Our costume is part of our selling point, expensive to maintain as well as rehearsal fees, member’s welfare, transportation, interviews and meetings which all requires money. We have been able to get supports from individuals and our shows. Besides, fans and well-wishers have been remarkable as we get appraisals, advice and suggestions from them.

No intimidation from hip hop
Threatened? Read my lips, NO WAY! Music world is broad and it is a God-given talent industry. Let generations after generations keep digging into the different genres, they can never finish exploiting it.
There is no big deal. Music is practical; just give us microphone and leave the rest for the audience to judge. It is a free world and not a do or die affair. There are no two ways about it; you either have it or not.

Challenges
Dishonesty is one of them. Some clients don’t come clean on details of events. Of course as professionals, we have to be there well ahead of the slated time considering unexpected situations that can cause unnecessary delay.
The venue could be a very big hall or outdoor with screaming sound system or no microphone and acoustic to enhance voices. Definitely such venue will swallow the voice which is the most challenging for any singer. The show must go on, so you have to sing on top of your voice to make the audience happy.
Thus we ensure we get the name, area, venue of the event and see it before we negotiate if it is within Lagos. If it is outside Lagos, our contacts either do it or we check it out ourselves.
Also, you have to run after some clients to get your balance. Some will not pay until the last guests leave. These are some of the reasons we sign Code of Conduct to guide both parties.
View of the music industry
Sky is the beginning. Those that did not believe in it before should be ready to join the queue anytime soon or those that have empty and shallow creativity should start packing their loads because there will be no room for coming through the back door or throwing money around. To fit into the flow in this generation, you must be extremely creative, good and talented.

We can blend bata drum into hip hop - SOJ Bata

It is uncommon for a young person to opt for bata drumming amongst the various sophisticated instruments around but Oluwatisomiji Ojo Aladegoroye learnt and it with dexterity which betrays his passion for his choice of profession.
He holds a degree in computer science from Lagos State Polytechnic (Laspotech) and also have the highest certificate (General HSE) from the Nigerian Institute Of Safety Professionals immediately he finished from Nigerian Institute Of Information Technology.
Popularly known as SOJ bata, he describes himself as a freelance bata drummer as he aspires to assemble a bata based percussion group.
In this interview with Seyi Eretan, SOJ bata speaks passionately about bata drumming, his experience and the belief that bata can blend into other genres.

Journey into bata drumming
Sincerely, I would say its curiosity first then interest and passion because I was not born into a drumming family, infact my parents have nothing to do with drums. I attended the same elementary school where my mummy taught (she is dead now) and was opportune to be tutored by one Mrs. Bakare as a subject teacher. She was the one that fuelled my interest in Yoruba language: the culture, ways, values and how to appreciate yourself as a Yoruba.
Meanwhile, my mother was then the choir mistress of our church (Celestial Church of Christ Agege Parish 1), so we the children just graduated from the junior choir to the adult choir. As at that time, I played other types of drums like Alumole and Conga but I felt I needed to graduate to something more glorious.
There was a particular day the choir has an outing around Mowe, Ogun State in 2001 and there was no space for the Conga drum in the bus so the choirmaster had to drop the drum. It was very painful because my mummy didn’t allow me to go with them and I had stay in the church premises till they get back the next day. That singular event further made me resolve to learn something else that is more traditional than conga, so I chose bata.

Why Bata?
I actually started with the talking drum (Gangan). There was a guy called Tayo, the first talking drum player for Lanre Teriba, who agreed to teach me. I go to his house every morning for practice but he noticed I was not really excited about the drum, so he offered a solution.
 
Apprenticeship
He took me to Mr. Lateef also known as Baba Ruka, who comes from a lineage of bata drummers. He is the first bata drummer in Lagbaja’s band, his younger (Razak) took over while their father (Baba Ayankola) was the first bata drummer of Hubert Ogunde. I learnt Baba Ayankola’s Bata band in Iseyin, Oyo State normally go to the palace of Alaafin of Oyo anytime the king has any function.  I met him once at the National Theatre but he died in 2006,
When I told Mr. Lateef that I am from Ondo State, he said it doesn’t matter so long as I am serious and have interest in learning. To test my level of seriousness, he told me to get a bata drum for myself which I did and he took me and other four guys in. I spent one and a half years learning the rudiments of bata drumming.
I told him I prefer Omele bata to Iya bata which is the bigger size. I chose Omele bata because it is very handy and much more in demand than the Iya bata which is majorly for cultural purposes.
 
Unforgettable experience
There is a Awori Ota Igunnuko masquerade coven, led by an ex-military officer called General, beside my boss’ house in Ifako Agege.  Anytime we start rehearsal, General and some other adherents would come to observe and even buy drinks which I don’t partake in as I don’t drink. Whenever they have events, my boss would be invited to play so I had to be there.
There was a day the Olota of Ota wanted egungun masquerade festival, General as one of the palace subject had move his own egungun masquerade from Agege to the king’s palace. He gave my boss the task of assembling the best bata drummers in Agege and its environs to accompany him and his entourage of egunguns to Ota.
As an apprentice, you will not believe this, I had to join them to walk barefooted as we played from Eyiowuawi Street in Agege to the front of Olota’s palace. It was in the day time.
I did it for three reasons: I was an apprentice, I can’t let my boss down and I saw it as an opportunity for me to meet with the Olota.
 
Lessons learnt from the experience
Growing up, we usually had to pass through the masquerade gatherings on our way to church without any disturbance from them. That was the closest contact I had with them until I did my apprenticeship.
Although I couldn’t sleep well for about three days after the Ota experience, I still came out with one or two lessons. I learnt more about the Yoruba tradition and Ota people. Professionally as a bata drummer, you dare not criticize, don’t be sentimental and don’t let tribal issues get into your head.
 
First time on stage
I got a job to play with Prince Bode’s band where my boss used to play. Due to one thing or the other, my boss couldn’t play that day so he told me to get on stage with the band. At first, I was shy but after about 20 minutes I blended in perfectly. That first performance fetched me N3000.
 
Fulfillment in the profession
To some extent, I can say it is fulfilling but it can be better. All the same, I give God the glory. Bata drumming has taken me to some West African countries like Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic when I was with Atunda Entertainment.
When Ara who used to be the face of Atunda left, we needed to rebrand. We had a three-month rehearsal and toured the Nigeria for three months to rebrand.
 
Infusion of Bata into hip hop music
It is very possible. Lagbaja is doing it. I see 2face and D’banj as excellent performers who can control the stage perfectly and willing to diversify. Infusing Bata into hip hop music depends on the artist if he knows what he is doing.
Most artists now depend on the hype that comes from their beat and not the lyrics. This is the more reason people like 2face will continue to drop hits upon hits.

Let’s do Naija’s Ice Bucket Challenge

What is with the Ice Bucket Challenge (ICB)? I would have simply overlooked it as one of those ‘oyinbo crazy show offs’ but I was fascinated because as ridiculous as it sounds, it is serving a very good purpose.
From what I learnt, also called ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, this activity which viral early this year involves dumping a bucket of ice water on one's head or donating to the ALS Association in the United States.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement thus leading to paralysis and may result in death. If you cannot take up the challenge of the ice water, you simply donate to the ALS association in the US.
Personally, I support the version of the challenge that states that participants donate $10 if they have poured the ice water over their head and donate $100 if they have not as against the other one of dumping the ice water over the participant's head in lieu of any donation.
Before the popularity of the Challenge, levels of awareness, fundraising, research dollars, and overall public support for ALS were extremely low but within a month of going viral, ALS received $15.6 million in donations from both existing donors and 307,598 new donors to the Association.
Trust Naija! We no dey carry last! It came and our celebrities latched on to it with Mavin boss, Don Jazzy, taking the challenge first. He equally nominated some celebrities to do same. Even though a common stipulation of the challenge is that nominated people have 24 hours to comply or forfeit by way of a charitable financial donation, we are yet to hear from some of them (aside Davido and Iyanya) in terms of either taking the water or donating.
Whether he takes up the challenge or not, the Don Jazzy we know is a philanthropist and he will pay just as others who take it up within the stipulated time.
Now, my questions: Is the money not going to the rich country of the United States? Can’t our celebrities do same for the myriad of issues we have in this country?
Let us do our own challenge instead of sending money to US. People in United Kingdom are already doing the challenge for the Motor Neurone Disease Association which is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There also the Macmillan Ice Bucket Challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Naija Ice Bucket Challenge could be in the area of health, education or youth empowerment.
Working with government-approved associations, they can come up with a challenge to raise awareness and support for a specified ailment, public school or vocational training in the country. I am sure, if done properly, some other public figures will partake in the challenge and enough money would be realized.
In order to gather a substantial amount of money for whatever cause they hope to pursue, whether you take up the challenge or not, donations should be made. The donation disparity between opting out and taking it up should not be too much to encourage participation.
We can do it but it should be taken serious just like the ALS Challenge where US president, Barak Obama, donated instead of taking up the challenge.

ALBUM REVIEW: 2face Idibia's Ascension album

2face Idibia's Ascension album reviewed by former TV personality and host of Nigeria's first ever music video countdown, Emmanuel Ugolee. Read below...

I was going to take my time and digest "The Ascension" but then the news that the 2 week (or so) old album had broken an African billboard record would not let me. I was in a mad hurry to see what content had pulled that feat.

Just before I took to dissecting, I cautioned myself about:

a) Comparing the album to the prevalent sound of buzzing music today since I had immense disregard for the yardstick of its acceptance (melody and lyrics alike) and ...

b) Making comparison with the "face 2 face" album as every great act gets to deal with the curse of an early great outing in his career. Micheal Jackson chased "Thriller" with every effort till he died. He never touched it for many, if not all of us. Seems same for 9ice, Snoop Doggy Dog, Asa, Bobby Brown, MajekFasheketc

So the basis for judgment fair and square had to be : How much of the man we love, could i feel in this album? Did he "fall" the proverbial hand? Would I find home grown and universal appeal worthy of Africa's biggest act of this generation? Can I relate to the sense or nonsense he made? Would I be proud to be a fan when I am done?

Now that my head was clear on the basis for a standard analysis, it was time to press play on track 1

1) Go ftMachelMontano :  Trying to stay still without rhythmically moving body parts to this song is sheer punishment. Your classic party jam which I think was a strategically smart move to appeal to the critical under 25 audience. Typical plot of a girl in the club pulling all the attention by doing her thing. He also communicated in a language they know so well eg "blow my mind, way you whine, carry go". Glad though that he observed the limits, leaving Hennessey, Ferrari and Versace alone.

Then next to Patoranking, can't wait to hear a Machel Montano album. Awesome delivery on this track he served. Great blend with 2face. Generally, a good feel good song.

2) #Aproko : I've noticed 2face's music is influenced by romantic love, governance, human inter-relationships and his personal experiences. #aproko is a clear mix of the last two.

For years, I have known Dr Sid to be mild tempered but the only time I've seen the beast in him awaken was because of twitter. Someone had the nerve to tell a man hurt over his dad's demise to "stop ranting and give us hits joor". Like Peter Okoye, 2face got the same medium used to have his family disrespected. Banky's head has had countless trending hash tags. Can you imagine how that must hurt?

Well the agony is felt in #aproko. Strong words unveil the disgust 2face feels in his stomach about the trend. Describing the pitiable, backwardfocused, idle state of the cyber bully as unworthy of sleepless nights. He however urges victims to dust shoulders and ignore them because they are just words that shouldn't get to them, even when the words kiss their a**es. Great lesson for all but a celebrities favorite you can bet.

This message is served with a warlike sound from Leriq.  Not a song for all but on point with content.

3) Holiday! A second feel good song with a little extra ginger. David Guetta and Calvin Harris were the names to pop into my head as I followed the changing drum sequence. The message reminds you of Will Smith's 'Welcome to Miami'. No stress, no work, no worries. Just have fun.  This song would effortlessly slide into any house music DJ's mix. While the clubs @ okoko would gladly skip this song, this is heaven for the table top dancing, PiccoloMondo, Caliente going, Ajebur kids and all their action replicating wannabe's.

My advice sha is to constantly check your account balance as you swipe your card listening to this song because of its power to inspire flow of Shayo. A good attempt to cater for house music's loving global fans

4) Can't hear you ftVector : Turn up sound for the youngsters.  Close your eyes to the beat and you'll see YMCM and YBNL. Now music that be bumping with today's hippies.The kind of sound that extends his life span with the Y generation.Nicely produced.

Lyrically, he was just letting personal stuff off his chest. I didn't work too hard to connect but I wasn't sure I could say the same for the average listener because you had to be in his shoes to relate to the pain of having someone always trying to famz with irrelevant topics even when you are just trying to have a good time. Sounds like he gets that a lot in the club. Only money talk would not be bother at that time he says. Vector flawlessly drove the point home with a memorable rhyme scheme and trademark clarity only wished he sounded more personal along the line of 2face's expression. He sounded like the beat was sent to him to voice in a different studio armed only with the topic.

5) The best I can be ft iceberg slim and Rock steady : This sound made me want to do two miles an hour in a convertible with everyone who has ever put me in undue stress without a clue of my personal struggle, watching me roll. Vintage 2face, still on that "I am not perfect, I can only be me, I no send you, I no holy pass" tip. He stresses also on his realness chopping some kpanla aka okporoko and didn't forget to talk about a failing government. Too many messages for one song if you ask me.

Iceberg slim slayed his verse even though he had a forth element of flossing added to it. "Do me like masturbation' is not only unoriginal but tired. Rappers should please leave that line alone. Outside that one line, Iceberg was remarkable. Rock steady stuck more to the theme but disappointingly with what was clearly a freestyle verse. If he wrote that, then he should loose his hyperteck jersey. Overall, it was cool

6) Let somebody love you ft Bridget Kelly: 32yrs and above please. Just skip if you started appreciating music from the Terry G, Limpopo era. 90's R&B reborn. Wow! It was refreshing and definitely international stuff right there.

Oh Bridget my dear Bridget. Thank you. All I got to say to you for the quality of the blessing you put on this track. Voice control and texture, lyrics, delivery. Thank you. Bridge, I hope they explained to you what it meant to let somebody. "Take You"? No be to take you out o! If you let that happen with Innocent, there's only one possible outcome o! Juorkwaajuju o.

2face didn't fall short at all on all parameters on this superbly produced sound.

7) Kiss of Life: Ok the lover boy is let loose. Brilliant writing.The mature audience still having a ball on this track. Kiss of life is that movie soundtrack that forces you to reach for your partners hand in the cinema.  This song would touch you if you've ever had difficulty express love to a crush. Great way with words, lovely midtempo melody. I loved it

8) Hate what you do to me. My favorite song on the album for the following reasons. I haven't heard any song so romantically constructed with such ruthless depth and creativity in the last 10years. Sweet Jesus, this boy outdid himself this time. Then the hook was of the hook. Simple and Sweet. Please tell me that was Carlos Santana on those strings that were pushing me to the brink of sheer madness. No man or woman who has loved an imperfect person can resist feeling this song. "When you are not here there is peace and then, dam! I wanna share it (the peace) with you." The irony in this song is tangible. Heavenly production. Sure winner.

9) Confessions ft Rock steady and DammyKrane : Ok someone call 2face back to 2014. Now he takes us to the Caribbean’s and Jamaica when Chaka Dimus and Pliers reigned. The best for me was the hook. Don't think this was the best song to use to show what Dammy could do. Rock Steady was more at home here but clearly now needs a ghost writer. His strength is with his awesome voice and melodic delivery.

I enjoyed the memory lane jogg and I am sure many would.

10) Close to where you are: I would have made this a bonus track. Not very striking with the cords of interest it hits. He is however outstanding with the use of words to paint a picture. "Its like no tracks under a train" he goes. Guess 2face has finally settled the issues about his writing contributions to plantation boys. Outside that, the song was just there

11) International loving ftAlmarcha : Clearly for the east African market and the francophone countries but might favorably compete with the dim dimgbamgbam sound in Naija. Personally this was the only song I didn't give a second listen to for the sake of its alien feel to my ears but I am sure lovers of French creole would think me mad. Almarcha rode the beat pretty well.

Track 12 (BouleyBouleyftShurwayme) and Track 13 (Diaspora Woman ftFallyIpupa) I would gladly put in the same basket as 11 with the non Nigerian appeal but its got proper production for whom it may concern. Sorry, we gotta deal with it, he is no longer a local star. His market demands this and I am proud of how at home he is with the music. Fally on point as usual

Track 14) JeJe : Ehen, where ma shrine regulars at? Super Afro beat undying sound. This had to be Egypt 80.

Are they still making that movie on Fela? Somebody give them a chance to have the coolest non Fela soundtrack. Diverse dude, this 2face guy. Appropriately, spat all the way in pidginEnglish. The harmonies were rendered by true professionals; they sank and got mixed perfectly with the instruments. As regards the content? 2face again reminding us how much better it is to do your thing and let others do theirs. Maintain your lane jeje.Jeje did it for me.

15) LessePasseft Sir Victor Uwaifo. Ok under 38years of age, please sit down abeg. This one is stuck with the brand of highlife around in the 70's. The funk and groove that tries to make it escape to our new era of high life were arrested by the masterfully played guitar of Sir Uwaifo. You just had to remember the music of yesteryears. While popsie may wave his head to Wizboy, this would awaken  his spirit.

16) Ife Dinmaft Tony One week. Jolly party jam that did Tony more good. Proof that he still in form. For 2baba, don't think the impact would be as strong outside the East and South/South of Nigeria. And yea! A song you can "shokie" to. The upbeat tempo and attempt to cut the vocal cord would require full party mode to enjoy.

17) Not a surprise: An extended skit designed to remind us that 2baba's core constituency is reggea, ragga, dance hall and all. Feels like that "let's jubilate" filler. "The Album is done." This is no sarcasm. The song is actually 2mins 38sec long so....

In general, with the Ascension, I was impressed by the fact that he retained his identity. “There are still 7thousand that didn't bow down to Baal”. Thank you 2face for not jumping on the band wagon with the urge to make sales by going with thetimes. Thank you for making content a primary point of focus in making this album. Thank you for exploiting the power of music beyond pleasure for a few months after which comes the irreversible glide to oblivion. No wonder at below 40, you are almost 20years old in a business where many have lasted for 8months

Great attempt to have something for everybody but beware of the Jack of all trades.

With no fear or favor I would give the Ascension 3 and a half stars of 5.XXXx

Angela Davies wins award

Angela Davies, blogger and a style journalist with New Telegraph, was presented with the award of Style Writer of the year by Classic International Magazine organizers of Classic Africa Merit Awards, CAMA.
The event, which held on Sunday, August 10 at 10 Degrees event center, Oregun. was the fourth edition and five years existence of the magazine.
More ink to your pen!