fashion Fashion Spotlight: compiled by Tatiana King & Rosette Boloko YASIKA MODE Spring/Summer 2013 collection www.yasikamode.com Designer: Mamie Kapend Highlight: The collection offers an elegant and modern look at African textiles with clean lines and colorful patterns City: Congo, Africa by way of Chicago, IL, USA The meaning behind the name: The name Yasika Mode translates to mean The Latest Fashion About the collection: YASIKA MODE is a versatile ready-to-wear collection that offers a clean transition from day to evening looks. The pieces are exclusively made from African prints and a mix of modern textiles that combine to create a sense of Confidence and Elegance. 16 17
interviews music Q:In one word, how would you complete this description of yourself! “Bobby Obodo is not only a talented actor but a _______”. A: Hehehe. This has got to be more than a one-word answer. Bobby is also a socio-political activist, a writer, and businessman Q:Take me back to the days prior to acting, what was Bobby up to? A: Prior to my acting debut, I was very heavily concentrated on my charitable programs and my youth organizations- Youths for Change and Nigerian Youth for Change… I was also planning a million-man march rally in Nigeria, as well as other parts of the world. That suffered a setback, but I’m still planning to get that back on track. Q:The GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY! Everyday isn’t always roses and sunshine. Tell me about the road to becoming Bobby Obodo the “actor”. A: My road to becoming Bobby the “actor” was really very easy. Unlike most of my colleagues, I had not “always wanted to be an actor”; in fact, I usually laughed at the idea when I’d pull an act around my friends and they would suggest that I should be an actor- I had no idea they were prophesying to me. In my case, my friend, Ini Edo and I were having a conversation on the phone; one discussion led to another- and let’s just say Ini succeeded in convincing me to give acting a shot. She introduced me to an amazing lady who has now grown to become my very good friend, Emem Isong. It wasn’t long after I got introduced to Emem Isong, that she told me to get ready for what’s to be one of the biggest movies in my start-up acting career- Weekend Getaway. Emem Isong believed in my acting ability from day one. And since being a star in Weekend Getaway (shot in October, 2011), it’s been an amazing roller-coaster ride for me in the African movies industry. And for this, I am more than grateful. Some things God’s grace and favour just handles for us- my rise in the movie industry is a confirmation of this fact. BOBBY OBODO Tatiana King Q:What’s one thing the world doesn’t know about you? A: That I am scared of dogs- even a little puppy will prevent me from entering your house Q: We know you as an actor now but you do have an interest in Politics, humanitarian work and your entrepreneurial aspirations. Tell us about other important aspects of your life. A: Well, you know whatever we do in this world has a title. So, my involvement in socio-political issues, organizing rallies/protests, standing up for the unheard and underprivileged, plus studying Political Science at school, has earned me titles ranging from activist to humanitarian/ philanthropist to politician. I am also the Chairman/CEO of MIBO Logistics Limited, with branches in a couple African countries…and still pushing to expand, by God’s special grace. Q: You’ve been in the movie making business for a little over a year now, took roles in roughly 9 films and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, What have you taken away from the entire experience? A: It has been both gratifying and humbling. And I believe it’s also a testament to the fact that I am loved both in and out of the industry. Add it all up and you see a guy who will continue pushing himself to be his best, make his fans super-proud of him, and join with my colleagues to surpass the respect Nollywood/African movie industry and actors enjoy right now, internationally. Q: When you were a little boy growing up was becoming an actor what you aspired to do? A: I think I have answered this question already. But just to reiterate; no, becoming an actor was never in my thoughts/dreams. Q: Give me a mental visual of the “actor experience” from your point of view. What’s a day in the life of Bobby all about? A: Emm… It’s totally different from the Bobby prior to becoming an actor, I must say. As a Warri boy, we always keep it 100 (lol). But there’s no denying the fact that, you just find out you are not the same person anymore- at least not to those who have come to know and love you as an actor/celebrity. I find it quite interesting hearing/ reading some of my colleagues say the celebrity/actor has not changed who they are. I’m not sure I fully agree with this. You may try to be yourself/stay true to who I do my best to bring that imagination to life through my interpretation of a given role. you are, however, people who didn’t get the chance to know you prior to your stardom would most likely treat you differently, and that right there kind of makes you different/changes the “you” before the stardom. Q: You’ve worked alongside many talented actors and actresses. If you could work with any of them again and it was your choice, who would it be? A: There are a few of my colleagues I would not want to work with again (for personal reasons). But there are many I would love to work with, if the opportunity presents itself. Q: When presented with a film offer or script, how do you prepare and determine if it’s a good fit for you? A: For me, it’s hard to tell/ascertain what movie role is a good fit. I imagine a life/behaviour/mannerism for my character once I have read the entire script…and I do my best to bring that imagination to life through my interpretation of a given role. Q: What’s the biggest misconception about Nollywood and the African Film Industry? A: That it is not an industry that is striving to grow and improve on the quality of their work. This is completely untrue. I am sure people are already witnessing the growth in the industry… And I can assure that more improvements will be seen as the days/weeks/months go by. Q: The movie WEEKEND GET- AWAY...big cast, heavy promotion and lots of buzz surrounding the film. What was your most memorable moment on set? A: Hmmm. Set was fun! This space won’t be enough for me to state the memorable moments on Weekend Getaway set. Let me just say there were lots of memorable moments. If I try to state just one memorable moment, it would lead me to state others…and that would just overshadow this entire interview. Q: What next on the “to do list” for Bobby Obodo and can we expect any new projects in the pipeline? A: Wow! I have got quite a lot going on this year; from going back to set to working on expanding my business to continuing my humanitarian/activism duties, it sure is going to be another busy year for me- it has already started, as a matter of fact. On the Download tracks you need now! 15 This year we had some of the best music yet! Check out our top 15 list of artists and hit singles you should definitely download now! Ice Prince x Sarkodie x Mercy 1 Johnson x WizKid x M.I. x Khuli Chana - Aboki Remix Lola Rae - Watch My Ting Go 2 Davido - Gobe 3 May D - Got Me High 4 Fuse ODG x Sarkodie x 5 Wande Coal x R2Bees - Antenna (AfroBeats Remix) P Square - Alingo 6 Iyanya - Your Waist 7 Sarkodie - Azonto Fiesta 8 Lynxx x WizKid - Fine Lady 9 Ice Prince x Brymo - Oleku 10 11 Victoria Kimani - Mtoto Emma Nyra - Ori Mi Wu 12 Tonto - Jeje 13 Flavour - Shake 14 15 Bracket - Temperature 18 19
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