Glamsquad Magazine December/January 2021

Glamsquad 

DEC/JAN 2021 

Trends To 

Watch Out 

For In 

2021 

20 African 

Models That 

Will RULE 


20 African 

Designer 

To Watch In 


Nikki 

20 Ways 

Meghan 

Markle 

Slayed 

Khiran: 

On Elegance, Fashion & 

Nigeria’s Wasted Generation 

www.glamsquadmagazine.com 1

Inside 

Glamsquad 

Magazine 

Dec/Jan 2021 

NikkI 

Khiran: 

On Elegance, Fashion & 

Nigeria’s Wasted Generation 

62 

HEALTH 

56 

Solumkolia 

Obi-Anazodo 

SURVIVING CANCER & 

PASSION FOR HELPING 

Nimata 

Tejani 

On why she 

held a party 

in lockdown, 

to celebrate 

weight loss 

A 

lot has happened since our last edition. The world is 

on the verge of something that no one can fathom. 

From the ousting of Donald Trump out of the White 

House to the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria and 

the Covid -19 Pandemic, we are thrust daily in 

directions uncharted. 

As a magazine, our focus on our primary constituency, which 

is fashion, celebrity and entertainment is sacrosanct. Thus, 

irrespective of the direction the world is hurtling, we remain 

committed in the way we package our stories. 

Consequently, we have featured snippets of what has been 

happening around the world, with our #EndSARS tribute, a 

pictorial on the Day Nigerian youths declared ‘Enough is 

Enough!’ PP. 64 . Also, our pictorial contribution on the outgoing 

and incoming American First Ladies. ‘Between Melania Trump 

and Dr Jill Biden, a tale of two first ladies.’ PP. 68 

On our cover, we have the irrepressible Nikki Khiran, talented 

designer, philanthropist and feisty feminist. Nikki shares her 

philosophy and inspiration behind her bohemian designs-an 

exciting read. 

It gives me great pleasure to announce, that starting from 

February this year, Glamsquad will unveil its editorial board, 

rtaking responsibility for paackaing every edition of the 

Glamsquad. I am so looking forward to the next edition of the 

magazine. 

Without much ado I want to welcome 

you to 2021 and our package for 

December / January. This is our last 

bimonthly edition,, our monthly package 

will debut from February. Enjoy! 

R . 

Remmy Diagbare 

Editor - in-Chief 

glamsquadtv glamsquadNG glamsquadTV glamsquadtvmag 

2 

www.glamsquadmagazine.com

The Team 

Editor: 

Sebastiane Ebathemehi 

COPY Editor: 

Dodoiyi William-West 

Correspondents: 

Amenna Dayo 

Sasha Bokamoso 

Glory Uyiowi 

Contributors 

Abosede Panama 

Ifeoma Okoye 

Glamsquad Is 

Published By Tegali 

Communications 

Publisher 

Remmy Ifueko Diagbare 

Managing editor 

Sebastianne Ebathemi 

graphics / Web Manager 

Bolaji Success 

MARKETING Director 

Tega Diagbare 

Head Office: 

Suite B70/71, Ikota Shopping Complex, 

By VGC, Lekki , Lagos, Nigeria 

Tel: +2348115933500, +44 7404 990166 

14 

For advert enquiries please contact the marketing 

Director 08115933500 or email, 

info@glamsquadmagazine.com, 

glamsquad.magazine.tv@gmail.com 

We pay for exclusive celebrity stories. 

58 

10 Best Foundations For 

Dark Skin Tone 

20 Ways 

Meghan 

Markle Slayed 

26 44 

20 African 

Models That 

Will Rule 2021 

64 

Celebrities who stood by 

the people during the 

#ENDSARS Protests 

Disclaimer: 

Please note that all photos used in this special digital edition of Glamsquad Magazine were sourced freely online. 

Glamsquad maintains no rights over the images/photos, while we have tried to give appropriate credit where due, we are aware some artistes were not credited. 

We remain committed to supporting intellectual property and creativity. 

George Floyd Graffiti Photograph: Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times 

Wole Soyinka: Wole Soyinka | Photo sourced from – Twitter – @ademide25 

Black Models: Instagram/Rex/Shutterstock 

2020 Tegali Communications 


Christmas 

Gifts Ideas For 

HIM & Her 

18 

BEAUTY 

Words by - Amenna Daayo 

Let’s begin with the powerful emotion 

that comes with gifting a loved one. 

Every gift which is given, even though 

it is small, is great if it is given with 

affection. 

If you are still looking for the perfect gift 

ideas for that love of your life on your 

anniversary or for the biggest holiday 

season of all time which is just at our 

doorstep. Whether a boyfriend, girlfriend, 

wife or husband, we got you covered here 

at Glam Squad Magazine with the most 

heartwarming, budget friendly, luxurious 

and surprising gift ideas. 

Always remember that it’s the emotion 

behind the gift and how it’s presented that 

matters the most, creating a memorable 

moment that will put a smile on all faces 

even after a long period of time. 

BREAKFAST OR LUNCH AND FLOWERS 

Another uncommon thoughtful gift is a home 

surprise breakfast or lunch tray aka mini buffet 

alongside a beautiful music preferably your lover’s 

favorite song. 

4 www.glamsquadmagazine.com 

FEEL FREE TO TAKE A PICK FROM THE LIST 

BELOW IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING A BUDGET 

FRIENDLY GIFT – Be proud of yourself because 

sometimes the smallest gifts can make the most 

meaning in a person’s life and the most important things 

in life aren’t things, but the consistent effort to make 

happy the people we love. 

COLOGNE: 

Have you ever heard the 

saying “perfume is the art 

that makes memory speak, 

a cocktail of memory and 

emotion”. 

The best advantage about 

gifting cologne is that 

you are remembered 

for a life even in the 

weirdest moments and 

places when that scent 

or something remotely 

similar to that scent 

swings by.

BEAUTY 

UP FOR A HIGH 

BUDGET GIFT? 

For starters, I’m glad to let you know that 

this category has over a thousand and 

one options available which can work 

for both genders. 

CRAFTING MEMORY LEANS 

This idea is one of the most personalized gifting ideas because it 

automatically creates a bond between you and your loved one, 

letting them know how much thoughts you have of them and 

how frequent even without saying a word. 

You simply take their favorite photos of them including moments 

you have shared together. Print them on their favorite mugs, 

pillows, a special part of the wall in their room, shirt etc. 

A NECK PIECE WITH A PENDANT 

THAT GOES WITH THEIR 

PERSONALITY OR PASSION 

People are constantly sizing each 

other whether at the place of work or 

church or book clubs even at parties. 

Gifting your loved one with a glam like 

this will give them an opportunity to 

show the world how proud they 

are of you with just five words 

when their asked about their 

piece of jewelry “my love got it 

for me” with the most pleasant 

smile on their face. 

Sometimes you just need the tiniest piece to 

make an impact. 

SNOWGLOBE 

A snow globe 

is one way to 

surprise your loved 

one. Making the 

interior as personal 

as possible is a 

gateway to any 

heart. 

Among our top listed is the latest iPhone 

12 which is one of the most highly talked 

about gadget around the world today. 

Other good choices are: 

• A car 

• A house 

• Surprise boat cruise 

• Flowers 

• Designers 

• Jewelries. Etc. 

For the video game lovers, 

the new Ps 5 is the best 

choice at the moment but 

don’t come crying to us 

when you no longer get as 

much attention. 

BEST ADVISE YET: GIFT CREATIVELY AND ALWAYS 

REMEMBER THAT IT IS THE EFFECT OF EMOTION 

ATTASHED TO THE GIFT THAT COUNTS. 


10 Trends T 

FASHION 

Out For In 


Words by - Stella Daniels 

As 2020 slowly crawls away, 2021 is highly anticipated 

mostly after the ups and downs which came with the 

2020 package one of which is the dreadful covid-19 

that affected and still is affecting all areas of social life and 

businesses including the fashion industry. 

Even through thick and thin, the fashion world has been able 

to create some mind-blowing designs so much so that one 

can easily say the lockdown helped quite a beat to boost the 

creativity in most designers. Some time away from the crazy 

runway and fashion show planning must have helped the genius 

minds settled into creating fabulous glam over time, which both 

celebrities and locals are cravings. 

With so much anticipation rising, we have decided to blow 

off a little steam by providing you with 10 trends to watch out 

for in the year 2021. 

1 

Black & White 

(Cow Prints) 

With the cow print, 

it’s not just the 

outfit; it’s both the 

accessories. For a 

start, we’ll all agree 

to the fact that 

black and white is 

classy and never 

goes out of trend 

from the old days till 

date and the cow 

print is undoubtedly 

coming up for 

it in 2021, from 

the clothing to 

accessories and 

even furniture. 

2 

Oversized 

Boyfriend Jacket 

With Shoulder 

Pads 

This trend was inspired 

by the 80s and 

would be rocked by 

mostly the ladies. The 

Oversized shoulder 

pads boyfriend blazer 

can be accompanied 

with a pair of short 

leggings or skinny jeans 

and a skimpy inner, a 

pair of block or pencil 

heels, as well as a pair 

of short or long boots, 

even a pair of the right 

sneakers, would kill it. 

It’s a definition of both 

classy and chic; you 

can easily dress down 

or turn it all up with this 

trend. 

6 


FASHION 

o Watch 

Small Square 

Vintage Scarfs 

The scarf trend is unisex, and there 

is no telling what part of the body it 

should or would be worn. With the 

scarfs, there are no rules of any sort. 

4 

3 

Skin Net & 

Ankara 

Everyone is 

obsessed with 

nude, now 

imagine when 

the nude (skin net) 

is mixed with the 

famous African 

Ankara fabric, 

let me help you 

with the words 

STUNNING. 

5 

Multi-Purpose 

Outfit 

These outfits are 

made to be worn 

in more than 4 

different ways. As 

impossible as that 

sounds, it is possible 

and incredible. 


FASHION 

6 

7 

8 

Leggings 

& Skinny 

Jeans 

www.glamsquadmagazine.com 

Just like black and 

white, leggings and 

skinny jeans are most 

likely going to be on 

the top fashion trend 

chart of each year that 

comes by, the reason is 

so apparent but let us 

remind you that they’re 

the most compatible 

and easy to match outfit 

piece there is. 

Pillow Shoe 

One of such comfy shoes introduced this year 

is the Louis Vuitton “pillow boots” — A sock-like 

ankle boot designed from quilted nylon, with 

finishing touches made with the brand’s logo. 

Although launched recently, the pillow boot is 

already being seen everywhere, with everyone 

pairing them with almost everything — 

sweatpants, leggings, shorts, what have you? 

This will be a considerable part of 2021.

FASHION 

8 

Pleated Skirts 

Franny is a 

massive fan of 

pleated skirt. 

To her, it’s like 

wearing jeans. 

9 

Neon 

This is not a very 

easy colour 

combination to 

work with when it 

comes to fashion 

styling; that is why 

it’s unique aside 

from the fact that it 

stands out. Lots of 

its 2021 inspiration 

comes from the 

top brands in Paris. 

HERE’S 

A TIP: 

In case you find it 

difficult combining your 

Neon with other colours 

to complete your outfit for 

the day, we would like you 

to remember that Neon 

stands out better as a 

solo fashion and it’s 

also unisex. 

Baggie Pants Aka 

Power Pants 

10 

This is precisely one of the comfiest types 

of pieces there is, and the good news is, 

it’s also unisex. The power pants provide 

you with the luxury of working hours without 

feeling the urge to rip off your clothes 

when exhausted. 


FASHION 

5 

TRENDS TO 

DITCH IN 2021 

Words by - Stella Daniels 

While we 

eagerly 

anticipate 

the 2021 fashion 

experience, let’s not 

forget about those 

2020 fashion trends 

which need to be 

left behind. 

TRANSPARENT 

DRESSES 

Over 60% of the fashion 

inclined population had 

put a thumb down to 

these transparent tops 

at the time came out, 

some even called it 

indecent. 

This trend is over the 

loop and should not 

cross over into the new 

year. 

OFF 

SHOULDER 

You might want to 

replace the offshoulder 

with the 

stunning 2021 shoulder 

pad trending tops and 

blazers. Welcome, 

2021! 

10 


FASHION 

SEE-THROUGH PURSE 

Gone are the days when people cared about the 

quality content of your purse. One of the top social life 

trend to anticipate in 2021 is “privacy” and the “seethrough 

purse” doesn’t go for it, so we’re ditching it. 

RAINBOW SNEAKERS 

Another trend to ditch in 2021 is the 

rainbow sneakers, which people usually 

refer to as the ‘Chunky Dad Sneakers.’ Still, 

in this case, it’s all kinds of the rainbow 

looking sneakers, if you’re having more 

than two to three different odd colours on 

your pair of sneakers, then please burn it! 

It’s gone with 2020; we’re not clowns. 

ABA MADE 

We are officially done and dusted with these outfits. Just in 

case you’re not familiar with the word “Aba”, it is Nigerian 

slang for fake copies of a particular design, and we have 

had enough of it. These could be clothes, shoes, even 

bags with the original brand name usually spelt wrong. It’s 

high time to shove it into the very end of your wardrobe. 


High Fa 

Wiz 

FASHION 

12 


FASHION 

shion 

kid 

Fans went crazy as one of the 

most famous or as many would 

call him the most famous 

Nigerian musician known as 

Wizkid (Ayo Balogun) dropped his new 

album on October 29, 2020. Wizkid is 

also popularly known to be a fashion 

icon to a very large percentage of the 

Nigerian youths and across the world 

today. 

He once walked the runway 

for Dolce and Gabbana in Milan 

alongside with Naomi Campbell and 

artist Tinie Tempeh sometime in June 

2018. Little did we know that he even 

designs some of his traditional outfit 

himself as he had once said in an 

interview with Vogue Magazine: The 

Magazine describes Wizkid as Nigeria’s 

best dressed pop star and Africa’s 

biggest star. 

Take a sneak peek through the 

photos below to see some of Wizkid’s 

trends over time. 


INTERVIEW 

Nikki 

Khiran: 

On Elegance, Fashion, 

And Nigeria’s Wasted 

Generation 

by Ifueko Diagbare 

Nikki Odu-Khiran is born of a 

Nigerian father from Kogi state 

and a Nigerian/Ghanaian 

mother. 

This British born Nigerian, had her 

grade school in Lincoln Nebraska, the 

USA, and secondary school in Queens 

School, Ilorin, Kwara state, after which 

she went on to study Fashion Design 

Technology, at the prestigious London 

College of Fashion. 

She started her label 30 years ago 

in London, England and moved to 

Nigeria 18 years ago, to launch her 

design studio. 

Nikki khiran Couture has dressed 

first ladies, style icons, celebrities and 

women who love fashion all over the 

world; her work has been featured 

and worn in most of the major 

magazines, on television across the 

continent of Africa. 

The brand has recently relocated 

to the capital city of Abuja in Nigeria, 

from where it services its clients 

worldwide. The NK brand is known for 

its ethereal style, creating elegant 

wearable art, and timeless pieces 

for women of all ages and sizes, and 

promoting ethnic fashion, with her 

ultra-feminine bohemian collections. 

14 


INTERVIEW 


INTERVIEW 

You have been in fashion for over 

two decades, tell us about your 

eponymous label, and how you 

have evolved since you started? 

Nikki Khiran Couture is a 25-yearold 

plus women’s wear brand, 

Her aesthetic sense is rooted 

in her African background, but 

a global Western influence is 

prevalent in her work. 

The NK woman connotes 

ELEGANCE, SENSUALITY AND 

MYSTERY; she is a modern woman, 

a global gipsy, sensual yet 

conservative, playful yet reserved, 

confidant and an ultimate lady. 

Our label started with made 

to measure garments for 

occasion wear and bridal wear, 

then I moved to Nigeria and 

realised there was a large gap 

in the market for ultra-feminine 

bohemian dresses, caftans, skirts 

and tops, so we started a line of 

ready to wear clothing for women 

that was incredibly wellreceived. 

What influences your collection 

and what inspires you every time 

and every day? 

My influences are a mix of 

African /Caribbean culture and 

middle Eastern fusion and inspired 

by colours, sights, music, culture, 

art and travel, and of course, 

beautiful fabrics. 

What is the theme of your latest 

collection, and what influenced 

it? 

The theme of my latest 

collection is ‘COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL’ 

and is influenced by all the 

wonderful, beautiful women that 

I have had the privilege to clothe 

and style over the years. 

Beauty isn’t about the size of 

your hips, bust or waistline. It’s 

about an inner confidence that 

you exude, and the ability to 

project yourself positively, through 

16 


INTERVIEW 

the art of dressing, whether 

we like it or not, people will 

address you the way they see 

you dressed, so presentation is 

everything!!! 

How will you rate the African 

fashion industry? Are Africans 

talented enough, and can they 

compete internationally? 

The continent of Africa has 

terrific talent, but without the 

right projection, we are limited. 

Most African countries haven’t 

gotten to the place where the 

Government takes the fashion 

and entertainment industry 

serious. 

So without proper backing from 

banks and government bodies, 

we are limited in the growth of the 

sector. 

Two issues have changed the 

world, Covid-19, and black lives 

Matter movement. First, how 

have you been coping with the 

pandemic? What do you see the 

world being like post-covid-19? 

Secondly, racism is 400years old, 

do you see BLM causing a shift 

in system racism in the world, 

especially in America. 


INTERVIEW 

The Covid-19 Pandemic 

crippled the whole world, so many 

empires were toppled large and 

small. 

The first businesses to take the hit 

were luxury goods, fashion, travel, 

entertainment, restaurants, etc. It 

made one introspective with plenty 

of time to start thinking of a more 

creative way to do business. 

How should black people now 

change the narrative, and can 

they? 

Racial discrimination in the U.S. 

has always been overt, BLM and 

social media have just brought it 

to the forefront, and this present 

administration has made it more 

obvious. 

Social media and people 

speaking up has highlighted the 

cause, so hopefully, there will be a 

gradual change, over time we can 

change the narrative by continuing 

to better ourselves and breaking 

the mould of being thought of 

as fraudsters, drug dealers and 

alcoholics. 

What is your opinion on Meghan 

Markle? Are you a fan? And do 

you think being black and the 

slur of racism is the issue that 

made her, and Harry quit the 

Royal family? From one strong 

woman to another, what advice 

would you give her, if she were a 

pal? 

It was historical seeing a black 

woman marry into the Royal family. 

I had hoped that she would have 

been more patient and dealt with 

the press and her detractors in a 

more subtle manner. She should 

have known that it was not going 

to be a smooth ride and be ready 

for the obstacles she faced; at the 

end of the day, her detractors had 

their way. They proved she was not 

fit to be a member of the Royal 

family, which for me was sad as a 

black woman, we were hoping she 

would be around for a long time to 

18 


INTERVIEW 

come. 

Tell us about your quirky habits. 

How do you relax? 

What makes you happy? 

I’ve always been eclectic 

and very much my person; I’ve 

never allowed other people’s 

rules to define me. For someone 

in fashion, I have tried to stay as 

natural as possible and grounded, 

and don’t get caught up in 

presenting the perfect picture 

Celebrity life. I enjoy relaxing at 

home, reading motivational books: 

fashion related books, watching 

movies, chilling with friends, good 

music, dancing travelling and 

putting a smile on my clients’ 

faces, that makes my day. 

My mantra is ‘whatever your 

hands find do, do it with all your 

might’, and it’s never failed me. 

What is your philosophy of life? 

Never compete with anyone!!! 

God has a different path and 

journey for each of us, DO YOU, BE 

TRUE TO YOURSELF !!! 

What would you splurge on, and 

what has been your craziest 

splurge? 

I would rather travel to exotic 

locations, stay in friendly hotels, 

and have a great holiday than 

buy jewellery. I do not scrimp on 

my skincare and body products, 

perfume, and lingerie. I love a 

beautiful living space; my comfort 

is more important than designer 

shoes, bags, and jewellery. 

What would you not do without, 

fashion-wise, beauty and 

workwise? 

I would not do without my 

Kimono jackets, and I have so 

many versions. They are elegant 

and go with pants, a dress, or a 

skirt; it is EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE. 

Beauty wise: loose powder, 

lipstick, and mascara. 

Workwise, I cannot do without 

my beautiful silks, tulle and my 

ethnic fabrics; fabric inspires me!!! 


INTERVIEW 

Are you a shoe, bag or dress 

person, and what role does 

it play in giving you the wow 

factor? 

Dressing up is a complete 

package, but when you walk 

into a room, the first thing 

people see is your outfit. Does 

it fit well? Does it look cheap? 

Does it give you that air of 

ELEGANCE and SOPHISTICATION? 

AFTER that, they notice your 

jewellery, handbag, and shoes. 

I am more into my outfit; 

then I complete the look with 

my accessories. 

Finally, where do you see 

the Nikky Khiran label in five 

years? 

I want to pass on knowledge 

to the next generation and 

impact more people’s lives; skills 

acquisition is relevant in these 

times. My focus is women; so 

many women lack a means 

of making a living and feel 

the need to compromise 

themselves, and their children 

to feed. 

We have other things in 

the pipeline that have not 

crystallised just yet. 

20 


INTERVIEW 


FASHION 

Nikki Odu Khiran the 

Creative Director and 

force behind Nikki 

Khiran Couture, started her 

label almost 30 years ago in 

London England and moved 

to Nigeria 18 years ago to 

launch her design studio, 

the brand recently relocated 

to the capital city of Abuja 

in Nigeria, and from there 

services its clients worldwide. 

The Nikki Khiran Couture 

Brand is known for its ethereal 

style: creating elegant 

wearable art, exclusive 

timeless pieces for women of 

all ages and sizes, promoting 

African fashion with her 

ultra-feminine bohemian 

collections. 

22 


FASHION 


FASHION 

The NK brand is over 25 

years old, and has dressed 

style icons, first ladies, 

celebrities and women who 

love fashion all over the 

world. 

NK couture has been 

featured in most of the 

major lifestyle magazines, 

newsprint as well as 

television across the 

continent of Africa. From 

pret a porter to one-off 

custom-made pieces for 

bridal and party wear, the 

Nikki khiran couture brand 

has stood the test of time 

and consistently delivers 

exclusivity and comfort to its 

discerning clientele. 

24 


FASHION 


Wor 

FASHION 

2W 

Me 

MSla 

1 

In May 2018, Markle walked down the aisle in a 

stunning gown designed by Clare Waight Keller 

of Givenchy. Markle also wore a 16-foot-long 

silk veil that was embroidered with flowers from 

all 53 Commonwealth nations. 

Credit: Ben STANSALL - WPA Pool/Getty Images 

Before M 

Prince H 

chic. Bu 

of Susse 

evolved to be 

However, t 

how much of 

one classic lo 

wedding gow 

Emilia Wickste 

appearance 

family. 

While the D 

to the fashion 

she changed 

taste. 

Here are 2 

slew and told 

good taste fo 

status: 

26 


FASHION 

0 

ays 

ghan 

arkle 

yed 

2 

Later that day, she 

changed into a sleeveless 

Stella McCartney dress. 

After turning heads in her 

Givenchy wedding dress, 

Markle changed into a 

halter-style gown, which she 

paired with an aquamarine 

ring that belonged to 

Princess Diana and 

Aquazurra heels. 

Credit: Steve Parsons/AP 

ds by - Amenna Daayo 

eghan Markle got married to 

arry, her style was more fun and 

t after becoming the Duchess 

x, as expected, Markle’s style 

more formal and polished. 

he 39-year-old did not fail to show 

a style icon she is. She has worn 

ok after another, from her custom 

n to the emerald green caped 

ad outfit she wore to her final 

as a senior member of the royal 

uchess of Sussex was no stranger 

world before meeting her Prince, 

her fashion style but not her 

0 times Duchess Meghan Markle 

us that everyone should have a 

r fashion, regardless of class and 

3 

At Prince Charles’ 70th 

birthday celebration in 

May 2018, Meghan looked 

chic in a blush-coloured 

dress. Markle wore a dress 

by Goat with a Philip Tracy 

hat, diamond earrings 

and a diamond bracelet 

that Prince Charles gave 

to her as a wedding gift, 

according to The Knot. 

Credit: Dominic Lipinski/ 

Getty Images 


FASHION 

4 

Markle wore a 

pink dress with a 

matching fascinator 

to attend her first 

Trooping the Colour 

parade in June 

2018. The former 

royal wore an 

off-the-shoulder 

Carolina Herrera 

dress and a Phillip 

Treacy fascinator. 

Credit: Max Mumby/ 

Indigo/Getty Images 

5 

Markle was a ray 

of sunshine in 

yellow at the “Your 

Commonwealth” 

Youth Challenge 

Reception in July 

2018. Markle 

looked stunning in a 

sleeveless Brandon 

Maxwell sheath dress 

with Manolo Blahnik 

pumps. 

Credit: Yui Mok/AFP/ 

Getty Images 

6 

Markle turned to her 

trusted designer, 

Givenchy, for her first 

official royal outing 

with Queen Elizabeth 

II in June 2018. 

Meghan opted for a 

Givenchy dress with 

a high neckline and 

caped shoulders. 

She accessorized 

it with a black belt 

and clutch from 

the same designer, 

along with a pair 

of Sarah Flint heels. 

Credit: Karwai Tang/ 

WireImage/Getty 

Images 

28 


FASHION 

7 

Markle wore Givenchy to attend her first 

Royal Ascot with Prince Harry in June 

2018. She wore a sleek white dress with 

a Givenchy belt and Philip Treacy hat. 

Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images 


FASHION 

9 

8 

In July 2018, Markle looked regal in blue 

at a ceremony in honour of the 100th 

anniversary of the British Royal Air Force. 

To match Prince Harry’s military uniform, 

Markle wore an A-line bespoke navy Dior 

dress with the same bateau neckline 

she usually favours. She paired it with a 

Stephan Jones hat and simple pumps. 

Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images 

During a July 

2018 reception 

in Ireland, 

Markle went 

for a classic 

black dress 

while Harry 

looked dapper 

in a navy suit. 

She opted 

for a belted 

black Emilia 

Wickstead 

dress, which 

she paired 

with Aquazurra 

heels. 

Credit: WPA 

Pool/Getty 

Images 

30 


FASHION 

11 

10 

Markle looked 

chic at her first 

official solo 

appearance as 

a member of the 

royal family in 

September 2018. 

Once again, 

Markle wore a 

Givenchy dress 

with Aquazurra 

heels. She added 

a pair of Maison 

Birks snowflake 

diamond 

earrings. 

Credit: Max 

Mumby/Indigo/ 

Getty Images 

In October 2018, in 

a gorgeous white 

dress. She wore a 

custom Theia gown 

designed with handembroidered 

crystals 

and micro-glass 

bead appliqués on 

the shoulders. For 

accessories, Markle 

wore her Maison Birks 

snowflake diamond 

earrings, black 

Aquazurra heels and 

a Givenchy clutch. 

Credit: Associated 

Press 


FASHION 

13 

12 

In October 2018, Markle 

turned heads in a gown 

covered in birds at the 

Australian Geographic 

Society Awards. To go 

along with the theme of 

the awards show, Markle 

wore a bold, black-andwhite 

Oscar de la Renta 

gown with Aquazurra 

heels. Credit: James D. 

Morgan/Getty Images 

In October 2018, Markle 

wore a classic blue dress for 

a state dinner in Fiji. After 

announcing her pregnancy, 

Markle was photographed 

in a blue tulip-sleeved, 

cape gown by Safiyaa. 

She paired it with diamond 

drop earrings that were 

borrowed, according to 

Kensington Palace, and 

the same diamond tennis 

bracelet Prince Charles 

gave her as a wedding gift. 

Credit: Ian Vogler/Pool/Getty 

Images 

32 


FASHION 

14 

15 

Markle wore black 

and white again to 

attend the Royal 

Variety Performance 

in November 2018. 

Markle wore a 

sequined Safiyaa 

top and a mermaid 

skirt with Maison 

Birks snow-sflake 

diamond earrings. 

Harry matched 

his wife in a black 

tuxedo with a white 

dress shirt. 

Credit: Karwai Tang/ 

WireImage/Getty 

Images 

In December 2018, 

Markle was the epitome 

of glamour at the 

British Fashion Awards. 

Markle made a surprise 

appearance to present 

Givenchy’s designer, 

Clare Waight Keller, with 

the ‘British Women’s Wear 

Designer of the Year 

Award’. She wore a oneshouldered 

Givenchy 

gown with Tamara 

Mellon sandals and 

Pippa Small jewellery. 

Credit: Jeff Spicer/BFC/ 

Getty Images 


FASHION 

16 

Markle wore an all-Navy ensemble to attend 

the 2018 Christmas Day church service with the 

rest of the royal family. She was photographed 

in a navy dress and fascinator with a Victoria 

Beckham coat, a $2,125 box bag from the 

same designer and black knee-high boots. 

Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images 

17 

At the 2019 premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s 

“Totem,” Markle dazzled in a sequin gown. 

Markle was stunning in a long-sleeved, 

sequined $6,000 Roland Mouret gown with 

a leg slit. She paired the gown with a satin 

Givenchy clutch and Stuart Weitzman heels. 

Credit: AP 

34 


FASHION 

18 

Markle wore a 

beautiful, flowing blue 

dress for a dinner 

with Morocco’s King 

Mohammed VI in 

February 2019. While 

Harry looked dapper 

in a grey suit, Meghan 

stood out in a custom 

$2,990 floor-length 

printed, blue Carolina 

Herrera dress. 

Credit: Samir Hussein/ 

Getty Images 

19 

Markle landed in Morocco in February 

2019 wearing a red dress that was packed 

with details. She wore a Valentino dress 

that featured a cape designed with floral 

embroidery across the front and back. She 

paired it with simple pumps, a blush Valentino 

handbag and matching blush gloves. 

Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images 

20 

In February 2019, Markle 

looked like royalty in a 

custom ivory gown at 

a reception hosted by 

the British Ambassador 

to Morocco. Meghan 

wore a Dior gown with 

her Maison Birks snowflake 

diamond earrings, 

a gold clutch bag and 

matching heels. 

Credit: Samir Hussein/ 

Getty Images 


FASHION 

Lisa Folawiyo 

Designer: Lisa Folawiyo 

The collection is exclusively crafted from 

ankara textiles, vibrant wax-resistant dyed 

fabrics characteristic of West Africa. Lisa 

Folawiyo hails from Nigeria and specializes in 

traditional West African textiles using modern 

tailoring techniques. She incorporates texture 

into this classic texture, which transformed 

the African scene and has become one 

of the keys to her success in the fashion 

industry. Folawiyo creates feminine and 

modern silhouettes with nods to traditional 

African aesthetics. 

20 

African 

Designer To 

Watch In 2021 

Words by - Glory Uyi 

Today, it’s somewhat challenging to find Black-owned fashion brands 

leading the charts and headlining top fashion runway shows. Sadly, even 

the much acclaimed digital age and e-commerce has not successfully 

broken the divide, which continues to relegate many African fashion 

designers. 

The success of African fashion designers can only be achieved through 

collective effort – and it begins with you! We have searched through the 

internet and created a list of 20 creative African fashion labels. 

However, please note that this list does not place the featured brands 

over those that did not make the list. It is impossible to cover all African 

creative brands in one listing. 

Check out our list of 20 creative African fashion labels and the faces 

behind the brands. 

Enjoy! 

Nubian S 

Designer: Ade Hassan 

What makes the brand stand out? H 

the first brands to recognize that nu 

more than just beige. Brown skin gir 

with these multi-tone tights, lingerie 

Hassan was born in April 1984. She 

raised partly in Nigeria and speaks Y 

36 


FASHION 

Ohema Ohene 

Designer: Abenaa 

Pokuaa 

Ohema Ohene is a British 

fashion brand specializing 

in Africa-inspired fashion, 

created in 2008 by Britishborn 

designer, Abenaa 

Pokuaa. Founded in London, 

the name meaning ‘Queen 

& King’ in Twi’s Ghanaian 

language was about her 

Ghanaian heritage and 

designed to create a brand 

for both men and women. 

After completing a degree in 

Fashion Design Technology 

Surface Textiles at the 

London College of Fashion, 

Abenaa went on to work in 

the industry, developing her 

technical and commercial 

understanding. Abenaa has 

always had the vision and 

desire to produce fashion 

clothing in Ghana to create 

employment and prosperity. 

kin 

ere’s one of 

de means 

ls will fall in love 

and bodysuits. 

was 

oruba. 

Both of her parents are 

in 

business. She received 

her 

advanced education at Duke University in the 

United States, where she studied English and 

Economics. She completed a Master’s degree 

at the School of Oriental and African Studies in 

London. 

Hanifa 

Designer: Anifa 

Mvuemba 

What makes the brand stand 

out? Looking for statement pieces 

that 

are high quality but aren’t ridiculously expensive? Add 

Hanifa to your bookmarks right now. The brand initially 

started making custom pieces and specializing in 

alterations but now, its collections are blowing up on 

Instagram. 

Anifa Mvuemba, the founder of the direct-toconsumer 

fashion label Hanifa, recently unveiled her 

latest collection despite the pandemic. The collection 

was inspired by her homeland, the Democratic 

Republic of Congo. 


FASHION 

Duro Olowu 

Designer: Duro Olowu 

What makes the brand stand out? Olowu’s 

collection is filled with feminine designs that 

include prints placed on tailored suiting, 

dresses, etc. Oh, and you might have 

spotted his work on Michelle Obama a 

couple of times! 

Duro Olowu is a Nigerian-born British fashion 

designer. He is best known for his innovative 

combinations of patterns and textiles 

that draw inspiration from his international 

background. 

Kreyann 

Designer: Anna Ngann 

Yonn 

The love story between Anna Ngann 

Yonn and the world of fashion 

started when she signed up with 

Esmod-Paris. Upon graduation, she 

returned to Cameroon, where she 

opened her showroom ten years 

ago and launched the Kreyann 

brand. 

With clients cutting across 

generations and races, Kreyann 

has succeeded in entering the 

international fashion world. 

Today, Anna Ngann Yonn 

is recognized as one of 

the leading designers in 

Africa. Her style, mixing 

elegance and new 

trends, plus originality, 

is widely acclaimed 

today. 

Brother 

Designer: Aurora Jam 

What makes the brand stand o 

those iconic boots from Queen 

those were Brother Vellies’. This 

brand creates accessories with 

hand-made in South Africa, Eth 

Morocco. 

Speaking on her African upbrin 

“Growing up, we spent a lot of 

My mother managed to curate 

38 


Deola 

Designer: Deola Sagoe 

Deola is a Bespoke Fashion brand 

by iconic fashion designer, Deola 

Sagoe. The brand caters to clients’ 

fashion needs by translating their 

innovative designs into made-tomeasure 

fashion pieces. Deola 

Sagoe, the founder of Deola, is 

the leading lady of African haute 

couture fashion from Ondo State in 

Nigeria. 

She has been at the cutting edge 

of high fashion since 1989 and 

became the first Black woman to 

present a collection at AltaRoma, 

Rome’s celebrated fashion week, 

back in 2004. Her globally appealing 

style has earned her an enviable 

clientèle that ranges 

from Africa’s first ladies 

to society girls like 

Lydia Hearst, top 

model Alek Wek and 

famous personalities 

such as Oprah 

Winfrey and Will Smith. 

FASHION 

Loin 

Cloth & 

Ashes 

Vellies 

es 

ut? Remember 

and Slim? Yep, 

eco-friendly 

intricate designs 

iopia, Kenya, and 

ging, she said: 

time travelling. 

a collection of 

vibrant, culturally infused 

fashion pieces along 

the way - silk kimonos, 

Danish clogs, elaborate hats... 

Hours would be spent in her closet, imagining 

the glamorous women who would wear 

these traditional pieces. As I got older, those 

imaginations came to life while reading fashion 

magazines through Steven Meisel, Richard 

Avedon and their muses cast.” 

Designer: 

Anisa Malembo 

Mpungwe 

Loin Cloth & Ashes is an 

African based fashion and lifestyle 

brand that explores a modern, functional and 

relevant design approach with a neo-African 

perspective. Looking at new classics in attractive 

prints on essential items, they create looks that are 

made to last beyond a season. 

Anisa Malembo Mpungwe of South Africa’s label, 

‘Loin Cloth and Ashes’ speaks on origins and 

identity. “I grew up in another land, in another 

place with another set of rules, but that doesn’t 

ever change the fact that I am Tanzanian. I’ve 

lived in South Africa for 18 years now; I left when I 

was ten. It’s not fair for me to say, ‘Well, I’m South 

African now’ and ignore my Tanzanian roots or say 

I’m Tanzanian and ignore my South African roots.” 


FASHION 

Christie 

Brown 

Designer: Aisha 

Obuobi 

Christie Brown, the 

Ghanian-based luxury 

fashion brand, was 

named after the 

founder’s grandmother, 

who was a seamstress. 

Aisha Obuobi reminisces 

her grandmother, who 

created rich and vibrant 

garments back in the 

days. Today, the brand 

aims to create a platform 

for women seeking a 

real taste of neo-African 

culture. No matter if it’s a 

necklace or full-fledged 

gown, each piece 

designed has a practical 

yet visual impact that is 

inspired by the African 

culture. 

Loza 

Maléombho 

Designer: Loza 

Maléombho 

Established in New York City 

in 2009 and relocated to 

Côte d’Ivoire since 2012, 

where its production now 

occurs, Loza Maléombho 

is best described as a fusion 

between traditional cultures/ 

sub-cultures and contemporary fashion. Loza 

Maléombho bridges Ivorian traditions with 

modern fashion: the silhouettes celebrate the old 

and new, cultural and futuristic paradox. More 

specifically, Loza Maléombho experiments the 

synergies between Ivorian tribal aesthetics and 

New York City’s urban fashion. 

Designer Loza Maléombho works with artisans 

who have mastered their craft for generations 

and implement it into a new modern silhouette. 

Maki Oh 

Designer: Maki Osakwe 

What makes the brand stand out? Lupita Nyong’o 

and Solange Knowles are just two celebrities 

who have this brand in their closets. At Maki Oh, 

you’ll find items that mix traditional Nigerian-textile 

influence with contemporary styles. 

Amaka Osakwe is a 

fashion designer an 

African-based fashio 

She has led her wom 

from Lagos; it is a Ni 

acknowledged. 

40 


FASHION 

Orange Culture 

Designer: Adebayo Oke-Lawal 

Adebayo Oke-Lawal has been designing since the 

age of 10. He started Orange Culture in 2011, after 

having worked with several Nigerian designers, to 

turn his unique vision of fashion into reality. Since 

starting the label and an official runway debut at 

Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2011, he’s been 

hard at work to showcase Orange Culture to the 

world. The label is more than a 

clothing line, Adebayo insists. 

It is 

a 

“movement” covering universal silhouettes with 

an African touch to a creative class of men, 

translating into a heady mixture of Nigeria-inspired 

print fabrics, colour and contemporary urban street 

wear. 

BOIE 

Clothing 

Nigerian 

d creator of the 

n label named Maki Oh. 

en’s wear label since 2010 

gerian-based label globally 

Designer: Elisha Boie 

Ellie is the youngest of the listed 

Ghanaian designers. He is 

famous for his creativity and his 

graphic shirt and jersey pieces. 

Elisha created BOIE Clothing and 

his pieces were once showcased 

in France. 

Elisha Boie is a Ghanaian fashion 

designer, with brother Calvin 

Bill, who is widely known for 

creating the African print 

designs with Western 

features like African print 

bomber jackets, African 

print emoji clothes, 

T-shirts and sweat shirts. 


FASHION 

Lemlem 

Designer: Liya Kebede 

What makes the brand stand 

out? Made in Africa, Lemlem, 

founded by super model Liya 

Kebede, focuses on creating 

jobs worldwide. The soft, cozy 

cotton pieces from the main 

collection are hand-woven in 

Ethiopia. 

Liya Kebede is an Ethiopianborn 

model, maternal 

health advocate, clothing 

designer and actress. She has 

appeared on the cover of 

Vogue three times. Kebede 

has served as the WHO’s 

Ambassador for 

Maternal, Newborn 

and Child Health 

since 2005. 

Off-White 

Designer: Virgil Abloh 

What makes the brand stand out? 

The list of A-listers wearing Virgil Abloh’s 

designs keeps getting bigger — and 

we can see why. Off-White designs 

speak to culture with a laid-back ease 

that manages to feel both effortless 

and carefully selected all at once. 

Virgil Abloh is an African-American 

designer, entrepreneurs and DJ who 

has been the artistic director 

of Louis Vuitton’s men’s 

wear collection since 

March 2018. Abloh 

is also the chief 

executive officer of the 

Milan-based label, Off- 

White, a fashion house 

he founded in 2013. 

Leslie 

Wiredu 

Designer: Leslie 

Wiredu 

Leslie is among the top 

male fashion designers in 

Ghana. He is best known 

for designing stage and 

movie costumes. He is a very 

creative designer and the 

majority of famous Ghanaian 

artistes are dressed by him 

when they are shooting a 

music video or maybe a 

stage performance. 

Renowned top clients 

of Leslie are Guru, 

Eden, 4×4 and 

Sarkodie; he 

recently dressed 

the billionaire 

Davido. 

42 


FASHION 

Washington 

Roberts 

Designer: Washington 

Roberts 

Washington Roberts stands for fashion 

that makes perfect sense effortlessly 

to today’s women’s needs, where 

creativity segues into wearability. 

Washington Roberts is best described 

as international chic with a Nigerian 

touch. Nigerian-born designer, 

Roberts, moved to New York at an 

early age to pursue his Chemical 

Engineering career but ended up 

finding his true passion in Fashion. 

He infuses inspiration from African 

culture with a contemporary New 

York sensibility. 

Andrea 

Iyamah 

Designer: Dumebi Iyamah 

What makes the brand stand out? 

Swim wear designed with African 

culture in mind made this brand 

a popular hit on the ‘gram 

but Andrea Iyamah creates 

beautiful ready-to-wear and 

custom dresses. 

Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama 

is a Nigerian TV and film 

actress and model. She is 

well known for her roles in 93 

Days (2016), The Wedding Party 

(2016), The Arbitration (2016), the TV 

series Gidi Up (2013–present) and 

gained recognition at the Toronto 

International Film Festival and 

African International Film Festival. 

She is also the latest ambassador 

for Multichoice’s DSTV Explora, the 

biggest satellite cable network 

across Africa. 

Sindiso 

Khumalo 

Designer: Sindiso 

Khumalo 

Sindiso Khumalo is a women’s wear 

textile designer from South Africa. 

Having launched her name-sake 

label in 2012, her collections are 

made in South Africa. 

Sindiso Khumalo is a sustainable textile 

designer based in London. Using her 

architectural background as 

an advantage, she fuses 

that into her designs 

that emphasise 

African story telling. 

The textiles in her 

collections are 

Khumalo’s original 

hand-drawn designs. 


FASHION 

20AFRICAN 

MODELS THAT 

WILL RULE 2021 

Words by - Sasha Bokomaso 

Until recently, Black African beauty did not get so much attention. It is 

great to see that many people have successfully changed the way they 

perceive beauty. We owe this success to a few African models who stood 

up against stereotypes and have made the African continent proud. 

Often under-represented and unappreciated, Black models did not 

get the same opportunities as their White counterparts. Though, we have 

a long way to go, we must admit that there has been some success as 

far as inclusivity is concerned. Now, we see Black models on runways, 

wearing their natural hair and walking in multiple shows. Yes, we are 

certainly getting the attention of the world! 

Below are 20 African models that have put a new meaning to the term 

‘super model.’ Check them out: 

Ayaana Aschkar- 

Stevens 

Nationality: 

Ghana 

Ayaana has been in 

an Ivy Park editorial and 

hopes to work for brands 

like Chanel in the near 

future. Speaking on how 

she became a model 

and why, she said: “I 

had work experience at 

Premier when I was 14 – 

just running errands and 

stuff like that. One day, 

they asked me to take 

some pictures and I got 

signed a couple of days 

later. Avery exciting and 

overwhelming time.” 

Fatima 

Nationality: Somalia/ 

Ethiopia 

Fatima Siad, a Somali-Ethiopian 

fashion model currently based 

in New York is one of the top 

African models. Siad came 

3rd in America’s Next Top 

Model’s Cycle 10! She has 

been featured in numerous 

fashion magazines including 

Elle, Cosmopolitan, Essence 

Magazine and Marie Claire. 

Siad secured a print campaign 

for Ralph Lauren in 2014 and a 

campaign for hair-care brand, 

Pantene. That same year, she 

walked the runway at London 

Fashion Week Fall/Winter for 

Emilia Wickstead and Lucas 

Nascimento and has earned 

her spot on this list of top African 

models. 

44 


FASHION 

Leila Lopes 

Siad 

Nationality: Angola 

Leila Lopes is an Angolan 

model who made history as the 

first woman from Angola to win 

the Miss Universe crown in 2011 

and only the second African 

woman to win the title after 

Botswana’s Mpule Kwelagobe, 

who won in 1999. 

Lopes was born in Benguela 

Province in southern Angola 

and is the eldest daughter of 

seven children. She has been 

involved in HIV/AIDS prevention 

campaigns in Angola and is 

the Drylands Ambassador to 

the United Nations Convention 

to Combat Desertification 

(UNCCD), a campaign that 

is working to combat land 

degradation. 

She has also graced the covers 

of numerous magazines such 

as Maxim and New African 

Woman Magazine. She walked 

the runway of New York Fashion 

Week in 2012. She is currently 

signed to Trump Management 

and is married to Nigerian- 

American footballer, Osi 

Umenyiora. 


FASHION 

Aamito 

Lagum 

Nationality: Uganda 

Aamito Lagum is a Ugandan 

model who rose to fame after 

winning the first season of ‘Africa’s 

Next Top Model’ hosted by 

Nigerian super model Oluchi 

Orlandi. 

Lagum’s mother wanted her to 

be a lawyer but her passion for 

modelling inspired her to take 

a hectic 16-hour bus ride from 

Uganda to Kenya to attend 

the East Africa casting for the 

reality TV show! Since winning 

the competition and earning 

a contract with DNA Model 

Management, the 23-year 

old has done editorial work 

for publications such as WSJ 

Magazine and Elle South Africa. 

Lagum has also walked the 

runway for international fashion 

designers such as Paul Smith, 

Marc Marc Jacobs and Lacoste. 

Mayowa 

Nicholas 

Nationality: Nigeria 

Nigeria’s very own Mayowa Nicholas 

is hurtling towards super model status 

if she hasn’t already achieved it. Her 

walk, her signature model strut, is 

the stuff of legends and Mayowa is 

garnering more and more international 

attention by the day. 

Mayowa, who won the Elite Model 

Look competition in 2014, went on to 

become the first Nigerian model to 

star in Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent 

and Calvin Klein campaigns and is 

ranked as one of the Top 50 models in 

the world on models.com. 

Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar about 

what makes Mayowa so special, Josie 

Crawley from Elite London (Mayowa’s 

agency) said, “Mayowa is one of the 

most incredible break-out models 

this season. Not only does she have 

a little incredible walk but an attitude 

to match; she is one of the most 

passionate, fun and loveable models 

in the industry. Brand and industry 

heroes alike have all seen what an 

incredible spark this girls has, so we can 

expect big things from this little star.” 

46 


FASHION 

Adut Akech 

Bior 

Nationality: South- 

Sudan 

With her cherubic face and rich 

dark skin, you don’t have to look 

far to realise why Adut Akech 

is the industry’s latest darling. 

Making her debut at the MET 

Gala, last year, in a dusty pink 

Valentino creation, Adut had 

people wondering who this new 

face was. 

We didn’t have to wonder 

much longer as Adut began 

popping up at all the high 

profile shows including Chanel 

and Valentino. The South- 

Sudanese Australian model, 

who made her debut at Saint 

Laurent, was even chosen as 

‘Model of the Year’ by models. 

com in 2018. 


FASHION 

Adwoa Aboah 

Nationality: Ghana 

Adwoa was “born on a Monday” 

to a mother that’s a successful 

agent and a father that is one 

of the most sought after location 

scouts in London. Fashion was a 

step that made sense. 

She’s a model in peak demand. 

She’s worked for Burberry, Calvin 

Klein, Fendi, DKNY, Alexander 

Wang, Theory, H&M, Aldo, 

Versace, Topshop, Rihanna x 

Puma, Kenzo, Simone Rocha, 

Chanel, Dior and Erdem, to 

name a few. Her caramel 

skin and freckles have even 

landed her on i-D, Italian Vogue 

and American Vogue covers 

alongside Gigi Hadid and 

Kendall Jenner. 

The Italian Vogue cover we 

just spoke of came months 

after a suicide attempt and 

a subsequent coma from the 

trauma. She was depressed and 

addicted to drugs but came out 

triumphant. Her triumph would 

be the founding of an online 

platform, Gurls Talk, to help girls 

like her deal with their sexuality, 

mental health and body image. 

Amilna 

Estevao 

Nationality: 

Angola 

In 2013, 14-year-old Amilna 

landed an Elite Look 

contract in her country’s 

capital city and it’s been 

smooth sailing ever since. 

Her resume is a laundry list 

of some of the most highly 

coveted brands in the 

fashion industry: Givenchy, 

Lanvin, Balmain, Alexander 

Wang, Burberry, Phillip Lim, 

DVF, Dolce & Gabbana, 

Express, Fendi, Kenzo and 

more. 

48 


FASHION 

Halima 

Aden 

Nationality: 

Somalia 

Halima was born in a 

Kenyan refugee camp 

and moved to the 

United States at the 

age of 6. Scouted after 

competing in a Miss 

Minnesota USA pageant, 

she walked a Yeezy 

runway last February 

and went from that to 

Maxmara, Albert Ferretti, 

American Eagle, Fenty 

Beauty, a Vogue Arabia 

cover, a Glamour cover 

and an Allure cover. 

She redefines beauty 

standards by doing all 

the aforementioned in 

her hijab. She is breaking 

barriers for Muslim 

women everywhere. 


FASHION 

Maria 

Borges 

Nationality: 

Angola 

Maria is a global 

ambassador for L’Oreal 

Paris and has graced 

Victoria’s Secret’s 

fashion show on many 

an occasion, once in 

particular, as the first 

Black model to do so 

with natural hair. The 

beauty’s list of clients 

includes Balmain, Etro, 

Dior, Gap, Oscar de La 

Renta, Tom Ford and 

Zac Posen. She’s come 

a very long way from the 

orphan girl working in a 

supermarket to make 

ends meet. 

Anok Yai 

Nationality: Egypt 

Anok Yai, an Egyptian-born American 

fashion model of South Sudanese 

descent, was discovered by accident 

through a single photo that launched 

her modelling career! Discovered after 

a photographer published a picture of 

her at Howard University’s Homecoming 

celebration, Anok’s life took a 

completely different path after dozens 

of modelling agencies reached out for 

her, all clamouring to sign the girl in the 

photo! 

Though modelling was something she 

and her sisters had dreamed of, Anok 

said to the Washington Post, “My fear 

was being able to stand out because 

there’s so many girls modelling and 

the industry is always changing.” Anok’s 

case is a perfect example of what is 

meant to be will always be! Without 

even trying, Anok’s modelling career 

was launched. 

In her short career, Anok has been 

steadily breaking barriers. She is the 

second Black model to open a Prada 

show after Naomi Campbell and the 

first South Sudanese model to do so. 

50 


FASHION 

Ataui 

Deng 

Nationality: Sudan 

Ataui began her career in 

2008, four years after moving 

to Texas, United States, from 

Khartoum, Sudan, with her 

family in 2004. Since then, 

she has walked the runway 

for notable designers such 

as Diane Von Furstenberg, 

Oscar De La Renta and 

Mugler. Deng has graced 

the covers of glossy 

magazines such as Harper’s 

Bazaar, Teen Vogue and 

Vogue America. 

She is currently signed to 

Trump Management in New 

York, Elite in Paris and Milan, 

and Models 1 in London. She 

is one of the truly beautiful 

top African models. 


FASHION 

Herieth Paul 

Nationality: 

Tanzania 

Herieth has worked for 

Victoria’s Secret, Nina 

Ricci, Zimmermann, 

Adam Selman, Stella 

McCartney, Lacoste, Tom 

Ford, Calvin Klein, Armani, 

Cavalli and 3.1 Phillip Lim. 

She has appeared in 

editorials for i-D, Vogue 

Italia, and Teen Vogue 

and graced the cover 

of Canadian Elle. Her 

beautiful skin has even 

landed her a role as a 

face for Maybelline New 

York. 

Imaan 

Hammam 

Nationality: 

Morocco/Egypt 

Imaan prides herself on 

being an African-Arab model 

opening doors for girls just 

like her. The Muslim model 

celebrates all aspects of 

who she is. She’s covered 

American Vogue on two 

occasions and has received 

Anna Wintour’s applaud 

many a time. 

She’s worked for Burberry, 

Alexander McQueen, Maison 

Margiela, Givenchy, Marc 

Jacobs, Prada, Michael Kors, 

Moschino, Chanel, DKNY, 

Jean Paul Gaultier, Hugo 

Boss, Stella McCartney, Oscar 

de la Renta, and much 

more. Her career is on fire! 

52 


FASHION 

Khoudia 

Diop 

Nationality: 

Senega 

Teased as a child for 

her skin colour, Khoudia 

has since been placed 

in a campaign for 

French cosmetics brand 

Make-Up For Ever and 

has been making major 

strides in the industry, 

advocating for people 

with skin with as much 

depth as hers. Revisit her 

photo story celebrating 

her Nyenyo heritage. 


FASHION 

Malaika 

Firth 

Nationality: Kenya 

Malaika Firth is a Kenyan-British 

model who owes her success to 

her mother who called Premier 

Models in London to tell the agents 

about her daughter’s modelling 

credentials. Born to a half-Kenyan, 

half-Swiss mother and a father of 

British, Seychellois and Ugandan 

descent, her genetic make-up has 

been an interest point for people 

she comes across. “People are 

allowed to talk about my race. I like 

it. I guess, I see myself as a kind of 

junior ambassador,” she says in an 

interview with The Guardian. 

Malaika became the second Black 

model to star in a Prada advert 

(since Naomi Campbell in 1994). 

“After that Prada campaign, when 

I was being compared to Naomi 

Campbell, I was so happy. She’s 

a legend,” said Malaika in her 

interview with The Guardian. The 

21-year old has been named as 

one of the models to look out for 

and is well on her way to success 

after having walked the runway 

for Prada. She is currently based 

in New York and signed to Premier 

Models Agency. 

Behati 

Prinsloo 

Nationality: South 

Africa 

Behati Prinsloo is a 26-year 

old model who hails from 

Grootfontein, Namibia. She was 

discovered at the age of 16 while 

on holiday in Cape Town, South 

African, by scouter Noelle Doukas, 

daughter of Sarah Doukas - who 

is famously known for discovering 

super model Kate Moss. 

Behati shot to super model 

stardom in 2009 when she was 

named as a Victoria’s Secret 

Angel and became the face of 

their ‘Pink’ brand. She walked the 

runway for top fashion design 

houses including Chanel and Louis 

Vuitton. She has also graced the 

covers of high profile magazines 

such as Elle and Vogue. 

Prinsloo married Maroon 5’s Adam 

Levine in July 2014 in Cabo San 

Lucas, Mexico. They celebrated 

their first wedding anniversary 

in the same city, where Adam 

serenaded her with a rendition of 

Marvin Gaye’s ‘Let’s Get It On’. 

54 


FASHION 

Candice 

Swanepoel 

Nationality: South Africa 

Candice Swanepoel is undoubtedly 

one of the biggest names in the 

modelling industry now. She is also 

one of the world’s highest paid 

models with a net worth of an 

estimated US$10 million. She made 

it to the 2013 Forbes list of the world’s 

highest-paid models. 

The South African was spotted by 

a talent scout at a flea market in 

Durban when she was 15. A year 

later, she started booking modelling 

jobs across Europe until she made 

the big move to New York City, 

United States, at 18, to pursue 

modelling as a full-time career. 

Swanepoel is one of the most 

recognizable Victoria’s Secret 

Models, having made her debut 

in 2007. She has graced the 

covers of countless magazines 

including Nylon, Elle, and Vogue. 

She has walked the runway for 

notable designers such as Diane 

Von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore 

and Betsy Johnson. She is currently 

signed to IMG and is another worthy 

mention in this list of African models. 


HEALTH 

Solumkolia 

Obi-Anazodo 

SURVIVING CANCER & PASSION FOR HELPING 

Solumkolia has dedicated her life to serving God 

and humanity. She is a revolutionary thinker. As a 

stage 3 breast cancer survivor, she is a soughtafter 

empowerment advocate, and a healthy lifestyle 

transformational leader. While Solumkolia loves 

culinary arts, she prioritises her role as a mother. She 

explores survivorship, love, hope, courage and aims 

to change the narratives of breast cancer as tricky 

as it may seem. She lives in London with her family. 

First, let me congratulate you on 

surviving stage three cancer. How 

do you feel now you have been 

given the all-clear? 

Thank you so much for the interview. 

I feel great, I have peace of mind, 

and I am elated I am fulfilling the 

purpose of a second chance to live. 

How did you find out you had 

cancer, and how come you did not 

feel the lump until it had gone so 

far? 

Sometime in March 2018 whilst 

having a shower, I felt the lump but 

never thought of it to be anything 

serious. Fast forward, 24th May 2018, 

after series of mammogram and 

biopsy, the doctor confirmed stage 3. 

Well, I was not tenacious with regular 

self-examination. 

What crossed your mind, after the 

diagnosis and what immediate 

steps did you take after the 

diagnosis? 

My son was the only person that 

crossed my mind, and there at 

the oncologist office, I decided 

to live. I asked for a mastectomy 

immediately. 

How did you go through the 

treatments, in terms of your physical, 

mental, and emotional wellbeing? 

I had a series of surgeries, firstly 

was to check my lymph nodes. 

Then the primary surgery, which 

was the mastectomy in July 2018. 

Chemotherapy started in August 2018 

and radiotherapy January 2019; it 

was a roller coaster. It was a very 

tough journey, but one thing kept me 

going – GOD. I made up my mind to 

have a very positive mindset, so I was 

physically fit, that people that saw me 

did not know I was going through any 

challenge. Mentally and emotionally, 

I did very well; I let out the tears the 

days I want to, but sometimes they 

were tears of joy, that I am alive. 

You have detailed your journey in 

the book-’Scarred but not Scared.’ 

Why did you write the book, and 

what aspects of your experience did 

you put in it? 

I started to write my daily 

experience as soon as my journey 

began. The purpose of the book is 

to encourage other women, who 

might be going through or might 

have gone through that path, but 

are discouraged, that cancer is not 

a’ death sentence,’ but a journey. 

The book covered all aspect of my 

journey, from the diagnosis, surgery, 

diet, to recovery, etc. 

Now that you are in the clear did 

your experience change in your 

perception, and purpose in life? 

My perception of life changed from 

the first day I heard the word ‘cancer.’ 

I live a very stress-free life now, not 

worrying about what I cannot change, 

but focus on the one dealing with 

the problem – GOD. My purpose is to 

reach as many women as possible, 

educating them on speaking up and 

not minding the stigmatisation. 

So, what plans do you have for 

yourself, and what outcomes do you 

expect from your book? 

A: I expect the book to touch lives 

regardless if you have gone through 

any health challenge, or not. 

This month is Breast Cancer 

56 


HEALTH 

Awareness month, and your book 

tells the story of a survivor. What 

do you want to say to women, 

especially Nigerian women, on 

breast cancer and how they can 

survive it? 

Yes, October is Breast Cancer 

Awareness month, and my message 

to women is to do a regular self-exam, 

followed by a yearly mammogram. 

Early detection, significantly, for breast 

cancer, changes your outcome. It 

can save their life!” 

You say you want to help Nigerian 

women access primary cancer 

care, which is a mammogram. Tell 

us what you have in mind? 

Yes, I want to help women in 

Nigeria, who cannot afford something 

as little as paying for a mammogram. 

I will dedicate every proceeds that 

come out of my book towards that 

cause. I am currently raising funds 

by doing a 100km this October. I will 

eventually collaborate with a few 

foundations in Nigeria. 

So, apart from surviving, what are 

you most grateful for? 

I am grateful that I am alive to 

make an impact across the globe. 

How did you keep your appearance 

and motivation? 

I had a positive mindset from the 

moment I heard the news. Each time 

people see me, they tell me how 

I have made them see life from a 

different angle. I keep a very positive 

aura! 

Are you back at work, and how do 

you occupy your time now? 

I never missed work, even whilst I 

was going through my treatment, I 

still went to the office. Not because 

they wanted me to come to work, but 

because I wanted to keep my mental 

stability. 

A final word to everyone 

Cancer is not a death sentence, so 

cancer is not the big c but Christ! 

My book ‘Scarred but not Scared’ 

– is my journey to grace; it is a 

candid narration of my encounter 

with stage 3 breast cancer. It is the 

story of an ordinary woman who 

had courageously gone through 

an extraordinary experience in the 

fight against breast cancer and has 

survived through the grace of God 

Almighty. 

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

The memoir describes the 

excruciating experiences breast 

cancer survivals go through, and 

how I have emerged wiser and 

more robust. The book is also about 

using cancer as a life-changing 

experience despite all the trauma 

and deaths associated with the 

disease – the change does not have 

to be a death sentence. It is for us to 

understand the choices we should 

make when faced with such lifethreatening 

situations, and to choose 

to accept what we cannot change, 

and ultimately to have faith and trust 

in God for divine healing. 


BEAUTY 

10 

Best Foundat 

Skin Tone 

Foundation, exactly as the name 

implies, is the basis on which makeup 

look is built. Foundation is cosmetic 

applied to the face; sometimes, it is 

extended to the neck and other parts of 

the body. It gives an even coverage for 

skin blemishes, resulting in a flawless face. 

All About 

Foundations: 

Types of Foundations. 

10 Best Foundations for Dark Skin 

Tone. 

How to apply foundation for Dark 

Skin Tone. 

Foundation varies widely in terms of 

consistency and applications. Make-up for 

dark skin doesn’t have to be difficult if the 

right one is known. 

How is Foundation Applied? 

There are different ways and options of 

applying foundation. This ranges from 

Silisponge, standard sponges, finger tips, 

standard brushes to, of course, the common 

beauty blender. But which of these is the 

best for applying foundation for dark skin? 

Well, every application method depends 

solely on the type of foundation being used. 

• For liquid foundation, a densely 

packed brush is best. 

• For loose powder foundation, a 

fluffy brush is best used for application. 

• For stick foundation, a densely 

packed paddle-shaped brush is best for 

application. 

Make-up sponges are best for creating 

a seamless, smooth and flawless look. 

When using an expensive foundation, 

quality brushes and a beauty blender is a 

good combo for a great finish. 

Choosing the foundation that suits you is 

as important as making sure that all the 

features of your skin are appropriately 

addressed. Out of many great 

foundations available for dark skin tone, 

here are 10 of the best. 

58 


BEAUTY 

ions For Dark 

1. Liquid Foundation 

Liquid foundation is good for 

both dry and combination skin. It 

provides good coverage and is 

good for skin with larger patches. 

How do you know which 

foundation type is best and right? 

Here are 5 common 

types of foundations. 

2. Powder 

Foundation 

Aside from being easy and 

convenient to apply, it is best 

for oily skin. It gives a natural 

appearance, typically light 

weight and comes in a 

compact case. 

3. Stick 

Foundation 

Stick foundation is one 

of the best types of 

foundation. It gives ideal 

covering for skin blemishes. 

The advantage it has over 

many other foundation 

cosmetics is that it can be 

used as a concealer! 

4. Whipped 

Foundation 

This type of foundation is 

good for every skin type. 

Yes! It is also quite good 

for matured skin. It gives 

a non-cakey look. 

5. Mineral Powder Foundation 

It comes in a compact case and when applied, it gives 

a non-cakey and natural finish look. Its disadvantage is 

that it can be messy if not careful applied. 


BEAUTY 

10 Best Foundations 

for Dark Skin Tones: 

CoverGirl Queen 

Collection - All Day 

Flawless. 

The CoverGirl Queen 

Collection is the 

best cosmetics for 

women with rich 

melanin; they are 

rarely served by 

other cosmetics. It is 

also quite good for 

oily skin and provides 

excellent skin 

coverage. It comes 

in 12 different 

shades with an 

inclusion of SPF 20. 

NARS Velvet 

Matte Skin Tint. 

NARS has 12 different 

shades. When 

applied, it is creamy, 

perfect, always even 

and never splotchy. 

Giorgio 

Armani 

Luminous 

Silk 

Foundation. 

Giorgio gives a 

perfect coverage. 

It comes in 24 

sheer shades with 

a silicon base 

formula that 

makes it slide over 

your skin without 

settling in the 

pores. 

BIK/OPL True 

Color Pore 

Perfecting 

Foundation. 

It is oil-free which 

is good for oily 

skin. It gives 

even and great 

coverage for skin 

pigmentations 

and patches with 

the right shade, 

matching your 

melanin condition. 

L’Oreal Paris - True Match 

Super Blendable Make-up. 

L’Oreal is a common make-up foundation 

and is also affordable. Super blendable for 

all dark skin tones, it comes in 32 different 

shades. It is smooth and easy to mix with 

other colours. 

60 


BEAUTY 

Iman Cosmetis – 

Second-to-None 

Stick Foundation. 

Its foundation stick has 

been infused with Jojoba 

which adds to the formula; 

it hydrates and regulates 

oil production in the skin. 

It comes in 14 different 

shades, flattering and 

nourishing for all skin types. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder 

Plus Foundation. 

This foundation comes in 40 

different shades of two-in-one 

powder foundation for great 

coverage with shiny content. 

It has a comprehensive 

set of colours and 

pays attention to 

undertones. 

Clinique Even - 

Better Refreshing, 

Hydrating and 

Repairing Make-up. 

This foundation is best to 

use when dealing with 

acne. It helps to neutralize 

breakouts and clears pores; 

it smoothens the skin as 

soon as it is dabbed with the 

foundation. 

Urban Decay 

- Naked Skin 

Weightless 

Ultra 

Definition 

Liquid Makeup. 

Urban Decay is 

a quick option 

for those who 

want a medium 

coverage that 

camouflages light 

skin and comes 

in 18 different 

shades. 

Lancôme Teint 

Idole Ultra Long 

Wear Foundation. 

Lancôme’s Foundation for 

dark skin tone gives total 

coverage. It comes in 40 

different shades! It creates 

a matte as well as smooth 

finishing for a natural, no 

make-up look. It is great for 

oily and combination skin 

types. 


HEALTH 

UK BASED 

Nimata 

Tejani 

On why she held a party in 

lockdown, to celebrate weight loss 

With the Coronavirus still raging in the 

UK, and soon after the partial lifting of 

the lockdown, London based Nimata 

Tejani, more excited about her successful 

surgery and subsequent weight loss than 

Covid19 issues, invited friends to her home to 

celebrate her weight loss. In this interview, she 

tells why she had to celebrate her new-found 

body. 

Please give me a brief 

background about yourself. 

What do you do? Where do 

you live and which country are 

you? 

My Name is Nimata Tejan. I 

am currently working in the adult 

social care sector in Kensington 

and Chelsea Council. I live-in 

South-East London, and I am 

originally from Sierra Leone. 

You recently held a weight 

loss party to celebrate your 

shedding weight. Why did you 

have to celebrate your weight 

loss? 

I celebrated my weight loss 

because God allowed me 

to have a change! I have 

many testimonies; however, 

the fact that I was becoming 

unrecognisable and losing soo 

much confidence and selfworth 

in myself! Wow, I did not 

believe it. My celebration was 

a celebration of hard work and 

discipline. My surgery was not 

a short cut but a tool to help 

me get to where I am now! 

How was the party? Was it 

well attended, even though 

it was still at the height of 

the Covid-Pandemic when 

there was a partial lift of the 

lockdown? 

The party was great! The 

barbeque was a way of me 

saying ‘Thank You’ to everyone 

that helped me along the 

way; that encouraged me! 

That did not give up on me! 

The BBQ was for them! Of 

course, COVID wanted to 

spoil my shinnnneeee, but 

God said, ‘Not Today!’ The 

police came, haha! However, 

my guests were in a social 

bubble amongst themselves, 

and the police officers left. 

What would you say about 

Body Positivity- the concept 

of loving yourself no matter 

how big you are? 

62 


HEALTH 

That concept is fantastic, and this 

builds character! It makes one firm in 

what one believes; you love yourself; 

nobody can come to you with 

negative words and bring you down. 

Because what other people think 

of you is null and void and holds no 

value to yourself! 

How big were you, and were you 

asked to lose weight for medical 

reasons? 

I was 162Kilograms, that is like soooo 

many bags of rice when I think of it. 

I’ve always been told by Drs to lose 

weight, and I tried, but this time my 

mum came to me with tears in her 

eyes and Did not like how big I was 

getting and asked me if I wanted to 

do surgery. 

Take us through the process you 

went through to shed the weight? 

Well, the surgery, of course, is called 

a gastric sleeve; this is where the Drs 

remove up to 80% of your stomach 

muscle. It now allows you to eat small 

portions and when I say 

small, I mean baby sizes 

probably even less than. 

Gradually as weeks go on, I was 

able to live from liquids to soft foods to 

somewhat solid to solids. 

I can now eat what I want in baby 

portions, one year later, my portions 

are still small, and I look at everyone’s 

food like “how do they eat so much.” 

How do you feel now? Do you think 

you look better and feel the same 

about yourself? 

I feel AMAZING! I have never felt this 

before, my confidence is coming out, 

and I am just ME! I knew the real me 

was hiding behind the weight, but I 

didn’t think it was like this! I am feeling 

humbled by everything; I honestly 

thank God! 

So, what is your diet like these days, 

and how you going to make sure 

you do not put the weight back on? 

My diet is, I eat everything, Hahaha! 

However, a lot of the times if I feel I’m 

getting bloated I revert to my salads 

and go walking, and I’ve lost the 

weight again! 

As a young African girl, what would 

you say about Nigerians who would 

attack you, that it is not ‘African.’? 

I have nothing to say to that. If those 

who want to attack me are bored 

and want to criticise, then that is great 

because I am worth the time and 

time is something you can’t get back, 

so it’s been a pleasure taking up that 

time. 

What advice would you give to other 

young girls, who may be in a similar 

situation as you? 

Make sure you have tried and 

exhausted every avenue before even 

thinking about going under the knife! 

Once you have done that, make sure 

that the decision you are making is for 

yourself and no one else 


the people during 

FEATURE 

Celebrities who st 

#ENDSARS Protest 

Months ago, Nigeria 

experienced unrest 

as Youth took to the 

streets to protest against 

police brutality, corruption 

and injustice. 

The struggle saw many 

people, both young and old 

unite for a single course; 

End SARS, a Special Anti- 

Robbery Squad unit of the 

Nigeria Police Force, allegedly 

causing more harm than 

good in the country. 

With cases of alleged 

extortion, false accusations, 

alleged killings of innocent 

citizens and corrupt practices 

by the unit, a host of 

celebrities used their huge 

platforms to amplify the 

struggle. 

A lot of them took to the 

streets to protest. See some 

below: 

The moment Davido stormed Abuja 

and asked the IGP to “FEM” 

Even though he wasn’t in the country, 

Wizkid “Soro Soke-ed” in London 

64 


FEATURE 

ood by 

the 

s 

Omotola Jolade 

Ekehinde 

Aisha Yesufu stood her 

ground and became a 

heroine 

Twitter influencer, Savvy Rinu 

made sure her voice was heard 

Falz and Runtown hit 

the streets of Lagos 

Burna Boy Erected “ENDSARS” 

billboards across Nigeria 

Tacha stormed PH city 

for the protest0 


FEATURE 

Biography, Career and Controversy: 

DJ Switch: 

Heroine Or 

Fraud? 

It is exactly two week after the 

#LekkiMassacre dominated 

the social sphere; Twitter 

and the online news media. 

One name pops up when we 

remember Tuesday the 20th 

of October, 2020 (20-10-20), 

and that is Nigeria female disc 

jockey, Obianuju Catherine Udeh 

popularly known as DJ Switch! 

On Tuesday, October 20, 

security operatives stormed the 

Lekki Toll gate to enforce the 

24-hour curfew imposed by the 

Lagos state governor, Babajide 

Sanwo-Olu, and in the cause fired 

live bullets on unarmed peaceful 

#EndSARS protesters. This horrific 

incident was live streamed by 

DJ Switch on IG live feeds as she 

and others tried to save those 

with gunshot wounds, Switch was 

dubbed “heroine” by some and 

“opportunist, liar, criminal” by 

others who accused her falsifying 

her figures in her reportage- ‘an 

act which could have resulted to 

genocide’. 

In this article, Glam Squad 

Magazine presents to you 

Nigeria’s own DJ Switch! 

DJ Switch’s Childhood and Education 

Obianuju Catherine Udeh popularly 

known as DJ Switch is a Nigerian Disc 

Jockey; DJ, songwriter and musician, 

was born on 26th April, 1984 in Udi 

town in Enugu State. She spent most of 

her childhood in Warri, Delta State and 

later moved to Abuja. She is currently 

based in Lagos. DJ Switch is the last 

child in a family of eight children. Her 

father is late. 

Education 

DJ Switch attended the University of 

Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in Rivers State 

where she graduated with a degree in 

Geology. 

Career 

DJ Switch was part of a music 

group Da Pulse. Da Pulse participated 

and won the 2009 Star Quest music 

competition. The group later released 

a single tittled, So Tey, and featured 

American rapper, Busta Rhymes. 

DJ Switch as a musical artiste 

Obianuju Catherine Udeh aka DJ 

Switch is a multi-talented creative 

artist. Asides her DJ work, DJ Switch is 

also a singer, rapper and songwriter. 

DJ Switch’s Awards and Nominations 

In 2013, She won the first edition of 

the Glo X-Factor. She was later signed 

to Sony Music as part of the prizes for 

the emergence. 

DJ Switch has been nominated 

for several reputable awards. She 

was a nominee of the City People 

Entertainment Award for Most 

Promising Act of the Year (Female). DJ 

Switch won the City People Award for 

Best Female DJ in 2016. 

DJ Switch was featured in a 2018 

CNN editorial titled: Nigeria’s female 

DJs spinning against stereotypes. 

DJ Switch’s Family, Husband and 

Children 

DJ Switch is not yet married and 

does not have a husband. As a single 

mother, DJ Switch’s is raising her child 

alone. 

DJ Switch said in a 2013 interview 

with Encomium Magazine: “My baby 

is eight and I would rather keep the 

identity of the child’s father private.” 

DJ Switch’s daughter is currently 

fifteen years old. 

Other interesting facts about DJ 

Switch 

DJ Switch left her well-paying job with 

66 


FEATURE 

the oil company Halliburton to pursue 

a career in entertainment. 

On August 29, 2020, DJ Switch 

was invited to the BBNaija Season 4 

‘Lockdown’ show as a guest DJ for the 

Saturday night party. For two hours, DJ 

Switch thrilled the BBNaija Lockdown 

housemates and viewers of the show 

with her exceptional DJ skills. 

On Tuesday 20, October 2020, DJ 

Switch during the EndSARS protest in 

Lekki Toll Gate covered the alleged 

shooting of protesters via an Instagram 

live video which had over 140,000 

viewers. 

DJ Switch’s net worth 

The exact net worth of DJ Switch is 

currently not known. A rough estimate 

of DJ Switch’s net worth puts it at 

several tens of millions of naira. 

DJ Switch on social media 

DJ Switch is active on social media. 

The official Instagram account of 

DJ Switch is @djswitch_. The official 

Twitter account of DJ Switch is @ 

dj_switchaholic. 

DJ Switch’s Controversies 

On June 2 2020, DJ Switch opened 

up on how her uncle, who’s a catholic 

priest, molested her at the age of 11. 

On October 20, 2020, DJ Switch live 

streamed the Lekki shooting and since 

then, has had bucket full of threatsshe 

was accused of falsifying figures; 

DJ Switch switched the number of 

people that were massacred from 78 

to 15, as a fact, she stated that there 

was a young boy that indeed shielded 

her from the bullets of the soldiers and 

he dropped dead. 

One Nigerian journalist, Gbolahan 

Macjob, had called for the 

prosecution of DJ Switch, claiming 

that she lied to the world on Tuesday 

October 20, 2020. 

See his post below; 

DJ 

Switch’s songs 

and discography 

DJ Switch has rerecorded over 

a dozen songs both personally and in 

collaboration with other artistes. Some of 

DJ Switch’s most notable songs include: 

So Tey 

Whine 

Makusa 

Clap For Them 

Gun Gun 

Step 

Bad Man 

Baby O 

Give Me More 

Koma 

My Body 


FEATURE 

G 

The 

World 

On A 

Cusp 

When I boarded a plane 

in January for the UK, little 

did I know that life, as I 

knew it, would change - in mere 

six months! My three months’ stay 

stretched to six months and life 

can never be the same again! 

The world is on a cusp, 

burgeoning into a form no one 

can envisage. The vulnerability of 

humankind is now made more 

apparent. We are nothing but tiny 

flakes in creation’s existential makeup. 

When Covid-19 surfaced in 

Wuhan, China, I had packed in 

Nigeria, ticket in hand, with plans 

to have a rest after retirement from 

‘Vanguard’ and interment of Victor 

Bello, my only brother. Until that 

point, rest and time was all I had in 

mind. 

The weather, on arrival in London, 

was chilly but welcoming. London’s 

paved streets and shopping 

arcades often have a therapeutic 

impact. And, I was bent on taking 

long, meditative walks, window 

shopping and just spending the 

days in nothingness; that is, until 

I had cleared my mind and 

decided what story life’s next 

lamView 

With Remmy Diagbare 

chapter would open. 

But how could I have known that 

life was just about to take a new 

turn? The twists and turns of life 

that we never can plan! Except 

knowing that a master crafter, the 

Supernatural Engineer of the fate 

of all of us holds the reins. 

Death stalked the streets — an 

unseen enemy ravaging the world! 

Daily deaths, in the thousands, 

flashed across the news. The 

enemy was everywhere. It could 

be you and it could be me. There 

was no way to tell who incubates 

the enemy; Science and the 

‘privileged race’ were confounded. 

They dropped their arrogance and 

their entitlement of intelligence 

and superiority vanished in the 

face of Covid-19. 

For the first time, they were 

as flamoosed as the rest of us. 

Where was their boast? Where 

were their ----; those who deny 

the very existence of God? Now 

confounded, they look up for 

solutions. Everyone seemed to 

scurry for a vaccine... 

Then, the conspiracy theories 

began swirling. They pelted Bill 

Gates, Microsoft’s founder, in 

New York, USA, accusing him 

of wanting to manipulate the 

world’s population by first killing 

us, then introducing a vaccine 

to prevent more deaths. Poor Bill 

Gates, unable to stop the constant 

accusations, despite his generosity 

to the world, especially suffering 

Africans. Or, what could one say? 

Having shelled out billions of 

dollars to eradicate polio and 

more for effective control of 

malaria, the world wastes no time 

in labelling him 

‘the monster’ 

whose greed 

and intent 

to kill off the 

weak link for 

a stronger 

utopian 

community 

has propelled him to 

launch Covid 19! Please, world! 

Give the man a break! 

Well, by now, we know that on 

March 23rd, Prime Minister Boris 

Johnson introduced a lockdown 

- following France, Italy, Germany 

and the rest of the world. In a whiff, 

all the shops emptied. You could 

not get toilet rolls, hand sanitizers, 

bread and other essential 

household items! Everything 

disappeared as the fundamental 

human trait of survival took 

primordial positions. 

In the United States, as in Africa 

and everywhere in the world, the 

basic instincts of survival is the 

same. It’s our common humanity; 

it doesn’t matter if you are Black or 

White, Yellow or Brown. Survival first 

is as primitive as the early years of 

our shared human ancestors - the 

cavemen! It’s a hunt for self that 

68 


FEATURE 

pervades all other considerations. 

In this new world, we bandy new 

lexicons: PPE, social distancing, two 

metres apart, stay at home, stay 

safe, save a life... 

I must commend the British 

Government - they know how to 

care for their people. Rishi Suna, 

an equivalent of the Minister of 

Finance in Nigeria, announced 

a palliative scheme that ensured 

that Britons do not suffer unduly. 

He launched the Furlough System 

where the Government paid 80% 

of workers’ salary and those who 

were out of jobs went unto the 

Universal Credit Scheme. 

Under the Universal Credit 

Scheme, the Government pays 

out of job Britons the equivalent 

of N200,000 (two hundred 

thousand naira) for feeding and, 

in some cases, they also pay for 

rent. Companies got between 

5 and 10 million pounds sterling 

to keep them afloat. That way, 

everyone stayed home and 

maintained social distancing. 

Thus, preventing the spread of the 

disease by staying at home and 

not interacting with others, other 

than members of one’s immediate 

household, the lifeline of Covid-19 

dried off. 

Death rates plummeted; from 

800 daily deaths, it reduced to 100 

and, a few days ago, there were 

only three deaths. So, the 5,000 

capacity Nightingale Hospital built 

and commissioned within two 

months, preparatory for the worse, 

was not needed after all and is 

now closed: 

Indeed, the test of authentic 

leadership is in how a country takes 

care of its own. Now, let me show 

you a country that does not care 

for its people - Nigeria! 

Covid-19 has exposed the 

underbelly of the Nigerian 

leadership. It has revealed all 

the leaders as a crop of selfish, 

inconsiderate band of people 

who have no compassion and are 

clueless about what it takes to be 

true leaders! 

Happy 60th Anniversary Nigeria! 

THEN, THERE WAS 

GEORGE FLOYD... 

As the White police officer 

snuffed life out of George Floyd - 

knee to the neck - George cried 

out: “Mama, Mama, Mama...”, 

before life ebbed out of him. 

People think he was calling his 

mother for help. I do not believe 

that was the case. I think George 

saw his mother who had come to 

welcome him into eternity. 

I believe that as one transitions 

into the unseen world of the dead, 

one sees dead relatives who 

come to usher one into the new 

life. George must have seen his 

late mother, hence he called out: 

“Mama...”. My late mother had a 

similar experience. The last words 

she said, before slipping into a 

coma, were: “Mama. Mama. 

Mama...” Then, silence. She never 

came back! 

There is life after death. It’s like 

transitioning from caterpillar to 

butterfly. We all as caterpillars, finish 

incubating at the caterpillar stage, 

then transition into a new form, 

in the end - the butterfly. A new 

world with no restrictions, no gravity, 

free to fly - just like the butterfly: 

beautiful and free at last. 

What a wonderful world! 

And, 

Meghan 

Markel’s search 

for freedom... 

The book that detailed Meghan 

and Harry’s quest for freedom 

from the stifling realities of Royal 

Life sold out within days of arriving 

on Amazon. I am yet to read the 

book. I intend to order a copy but 

if snippets of what I have read in 

the British press is anything to go by, 

Meghan cannot be held liable for 

Megixt. 

Yet, despite the book saying 

so, the British people still blame 

Meghan for Harry ditching his 

home country for the United States! 

I think all the hatred towards 

Meghan is because she is biracial. 

If she were blonde and blue-eyed, 

they would have loved her; if for 

nothing else, for the love of Harry’s 

late mother. But, with Meghan, 

they couldn’t get past that she is 

Black. Oh, yes, there is racism in 

Britain although, not as glaring and 

in-your-face as in Donald Trump’s 

America! But it is there, in the polite 

way they smile at you or in the way 

they turn you down for a job. 


www.glamsquadmagazine.com 

Glamsquad Magazine 2.0 is a Women’s Fashion, Culture and Lifestyle Magazine. 

Targeted at an upwardly mobile segment of the Nigerian and African market, 

Glamsquad seeks to provide inspirational yet attainable fashion, entertainment, and 

lifestyle culturing to Women. 

Contributing to conversations on contemporary fashion, dining, beauty, wellness, music, 

and movies; our goal is to positively shape the conversation on these topics in a way that 

Informs, inspires, empowers and ultimately entertains Nigerian and African women. 

Glamsquad is for the sophisticated, tasteful, yet fun loving woman. 

Let’s hold you by hands into the world of fashion. Like and follow us on any of our social 

media platforms. 

glamsquadtv glamsquadNG glamsquadTV glamsquadtvmag

Glamsquad Magazine December/January 2021

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?