allure 13092020

September 13, 2020
Get The All
Natural Look
For Less
Meet The
Smart Money
Women!
Special Digital Issue
We’re
Going
Live On
Instagram!
Waje@40:
A Lesson Per
Decade
SEYI SHAY
- Is a Big Girl!

7
IN THIS ISSUE
email: allurefortheworld@vanguardngr.com
September 13, 2020
4 Cover: Seyi Shay:
Is a Big Girl
3 Meet...”The Smart Money
Women”
8 Waje @ 40...A Lesson Per Decade
6 • Celebrating With Latasha Ngwube
Accelerate TV’s August Cover Girl!
• The Private Screening of Short
Film: OMO WA
7 Get The All Natural Look...
WELCOME...
I’d like to say a big thank you to
the Allure team for giving me
creative room and freedom to try
out a couple of new things with
everyone’s favorite weekend
lifestyle insert! Working on this
issue was a big honor and
responsibility I do not take for
granted and I hope you enjoy
reading it as much as we enjoyed
working on it.
Cover girl Seyi Shay needs no
introduction as the Yolo Yolo crooner won hearts many
years ago when she first burst onto the scene. With
many accolades under her belt she talks about her
growth and much more. Vocal powerhouse Waje also
shares life lessons as she clocks 40 while the we talk to
the ladies of The Smart Money Woman series on the
highly anticipated show.
If you noticed our “Girl Power” lineup then you
should also know this is our first ever Digital issue
which means the entire content of this magazine will be
continued on our social media platforms all through this
week. Get ready to join us live on Instagram as we chat
with Seyi Shay, Waje and even take you through our
Makeup look for less live IG tutorial brought to you by
BeMe Beauty.
Follow us on Instagram: @vanguardallure and turn
on your notifications so you don’t miss a single moment
of the surprises in store for a few lucky participants.
Take care and enjoy this special edition.
Latasha Ngwube
Join us Monday
through Thursday
as we go live on
our Instagram
handle @
vanguardallure
with @
iamseyishay
@officialwaje
and @
bemebeautystudio
6
EDITOR
JEMI EKUNKUNBOR
ASST. EDITOR
YEMISI SULEIMAN
REPORTER
Josephine Agbonkhese
CONTRIBUTORS
LINDA ORAJEKWE
ADESUWA EWOIGBOKHAN
BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA
CONT. EDITOR
LATASHA NGWUBE
TEAM
COPY EDITOR
DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST
LAYOUT / DESIGN
OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE
PHOTO
OSCAR OCHIOGU
(08034746487)
HEAD MARKETING
JANET NAJOMOH
(08037156911)
HEAD OF PRODUCTION
CHARLES KAMMA
Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd
Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos.

Lala
Akindoju
Ebenezer
Eno
Osas
Ighodaro
Toni
Tones
Meet...
Ini Dima-Okojie
The Smart Money Women!
By - Linda Orajekwe
In 2016, a new book hit the shelves that
instantly became a bestseller, written by
a financial education and media expert
- Arese Ugwu. Yes, you guessed right;
The Smart Money Woman. Every Nigerian
woman wanted to read the book, and not so
much because of the lessons to financially
freedom, which is part of the goal, but how it
depicted a character that many of us could
relate to. All glam on the outside but deep
down, a huge mess yet struggling to keep it
all together and at least snag a semblance
of the hype we’ve bought into. It gave a
voice to the woman with a shaky career,
the woman with complex relationships but
most importantly it showcased the power of
friends.
All of this is to tell you first-hand that
‘The Smart Money Woman’ is about to come
alive on your TV screen with characters
we’ve come to love just as you remembered
them but even better. Imperfect alone but
there for each other; a support system we
all need as women coming into ourselves or
women who have found ourselves.
Osas Ighodaro depicts the lead character
Zuri Guobadia who is one that many readers have
connected with over the years through print and
that connection will continue on screen. Zuri is your
“Eko for show gal” whose financial reality is far from
the assumptions of people and we’ll watch how she
navigates her way through her losses ang her wins.
The role of dear fabulous housewife, Ladun, was
played by Ebenezer Eno, who despite her
frivolous lifestyle, we cannot help but love. If there’s
one thing we admire about this character is
how she evolved in the course of the book,
showing that while a first impression is key,
we can always grow to become possibilities
even we ourselves are very proud of.
Ini Dima-Okojie is our fashion
designer, Tami who, if you’ve read the book,
knows she’s a happy human but then life
has a way of pulling the rug from beneath
one’s feet, throwing us off balance! Even
the happiest person can be susceptible
to the lows of social media but how Tami
pulls through these challenges to still retain her joy
is not only one you’ll love but a journey you have to
experience.
Toni Tones acts as our savvy oil and gas
executive Lara, who channels perfection as she
metes out judgement on the lives of others. It’s a
facade she would’ve been able to own but for the
family struggles life saddled her with. The best laid
plans can so often be derailed and for Lara, her family
is that Achilles heel she has to deal with. This family
burden, no matter how you perceive her, will make
you see yourself in her; and if not you, someone close
to you.
Lala Akindoju plays plays Adesuwa, a lawyer.
Her character represents our mothers, our sisters, our
neighbors and even us. She is a woman that goes
through the unspeakable while society expects her to
accept it all. We know
the conditioning...act
deaf, stay dumb and
numb yourself as your
heart is torn to shreds
every day. When all hell
finally breaks loose,
Adesuwa finds her
voice in her friends
and their support is the
foundation for her to
rebuild and become.
Want more insider info on The Smart
Money Woman series? Catch us on
Instagram @vanguardallure Tuesday
15th at 7pm as we chat with one of the
cast members!
September 13, 2020 / 3

INTERVIEW
Seyi Shay
- Is A Big Girl!
The last time I interviewed Seyi Shay was in 2013. This is now the year 2020 and understandably,
she’s grown. I chuckle as she picks my call on its second ring, gushing excitedly about
everything all at once in her smooth, velvety voice. When I ask her if she’ll be our Cover girl for
this special issue she replies in the affirmative before I’m even done and immediately, her machinery
takes over. It’s all Google calendar syncing and alarms being set and emails being exchanged, people
being copied in... the once bright-eyed, eager young starlet has evolved into a strong, decisive and
assured young woman, performer and business woman.
With many hit singles under her belt, several movie credits, and a horde of followers on social
media, Seyi Shay is still applying the pressure as she continues to chart her course across the music
industry into our airwaves and smartphones. It’s hard to not be proud of her journey so far when you
consider how marginalized female entertainers are within the industry. She sits in conversation with
me, Vanguard Allure’s LATASHA NGWUBE. I’ll let you enjoy this fine Sunday interview in Seyi
Shay’s own words.
They say a woman who changes her hair is about to
change her life... any truth to that adage as we admire
this bold new look of yours?
I guess there is! I’m changing my whole approach to life,
to my music and the way I do business in music; I have a
new team, a new deal, and a new project to release. I
recently bought another car and I moved into a new house in
Ikoyi with my studio set up there. I’m focused on all that and
my growth from a girl into a Big Girl.
2020 has been a rollercoaster to say the least. From the
global pandemic all the way to racial and gender issues
at an all time high, it’s safe to say nothing about this
year has been business as usual. How have you been
affected personally by it all?
As a musician, a lot of my livelihood is based on live
shows and endorsements. Sadly, the global pandemic
meant that I lost all those. I was unable to see my family that
live outside the country with the ease I’m accustomed to.
Even with everything happening globally Nigeria’s
music scene has been shinning bright with so many
new EP and album releases. What is keeping the
industry going from your point of view?
On one hand this has a lot to do with streams and on the
other it goes to show the strength in our numbers and our
culture globally.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your new single
TUALE. There’s something about it that appeals to “the
streets”. Was it created during this season or it just
worked out as a coincidence?
Funny you ask but I wrote and recorded TUALE 3 years
ago with Dr Amir, the producer. We decided to bring it out of
the archives as we felt the message was very apt for the
times we are currently in.
Tuale is a tuneful pro-hard work anthem record that
eulogizes people who scale the
everyday hurdles of life and get their hands dirty for a
legitimate source of income.
The song which doubles as an ode to my dedicated fans
and supporters, has vocal contributions from African music
heavyweights; Ycee, Zlantan and Small Doctor.
Being born and raised in the Uk means you obviously
have dual citizenship. Many bailed out on the
emergency evacuation flights but you stayed... why?
I stayed because of all the work I had to do on ground,
working with NGOs, lending a voice and sensitizing the
public about the safety measures against Coronavirus. I also
wanted to spend time recording and making more content. I
did not want to have to go through the 14 days quarantine
one has to go through upon entry into the UK only to be
eventually locked out of Nigeria which has now become my
primary residence.
It seems you have been busy in spite of the obstacles
and factors of life as we know it. How have you
preserved your mental and emotional energy?
Honestly, I just prayed and meditated a lot and I still do. I
kept in touch with people I hold dear and focused on all the
things I still want achieve.
“Securing the bag” is one of the new terms that simply
translates into making money and keeping that wealth
intact... Obviously, with live performances at an all time
low, what other ventures have you dabbled into or how
have you maintained the status quo?
Over the years I’ve made some pretty savvy
investments. I own farm land in the North, I acquired some
land and property and I also write songs for a living. The
songwriting brings in royalties every now and again and so
like everyone else I do what I must to ‘secure the bag’!
While the world was in lockdown, many people picked
up new skills, signed up for courses etc. What new
thing (if any) did you try?
I took up a course in Public Speaking. I
also signed up to the very popular Masterclass app and took
up acting classes to brush up on my acting skills.
What’s been your biggest lessons so far in 2020?
Life is short. Do everything you have ever wanted to do,
if you’re able to. Love and live well.
A few months ago, there was a report of your phone
being hacked and some racy images were posted on
your personal social media handles. For the record,
what really happened and how was the situation
resolved?
Someone seemingly close thought it would be a good
idea to release private pictures of me (saved in my personal
hard drive and intended for my beloved and I)
I had a few people that were entrusted with my devices
(not anymore though). Whether it happened as a joke that
eventually got out of hand or out of spite, the culprit has now
been cut off. The end.
What’s in the pipeline for you as we countdown the
remaining months of the year?
My next single Pempe, featuring Yemi Alade drops
around the end of October. I’ll be speaking on the UNGA
panel this year. The event offers a multilateral discussion of
international issues, with mine being gender equality and the
enhancement of girls/women, locally and globally. I’ll be
representing Africa and speaking alongside a few global
citizens like Naomi Campbell and Lewis Hamilton.
International collaborations have become THE NORM!
You’re no stranger having worked with acts like Teyana
Taylor and Missy Elliot. What are some other positive
milestones do you hope for the African music industry?
I’ve been blessed enough to be alive during this time of
global milestones for the African music industry. I hope to
see and be a pivotal part of even more.
Are you, like the rest of Nigeria, watching Big Brother?
4
/ September 13, 2020

INTERVIEW
I’ve performed severally across different seasons of Big Brother but the
last one I actually watched must have been 2 years ago. With that
being said even though I haven’t been watching this lockdown edition,
in my heart, I’m rooting for the girls of course! Girl power always!!!
There was talk of you in a serious relationship you allegedly
walked out of which led you to sharing deep feelings with your
single female social media followers. You talked about making
better decisions for self amongst other things. Care to shed more
light on this?
I walked in on a young lady I’d never met before, lying naked on
the bed I shared with my now ex-fiance. Need I say more? It was
traumatic but I learned a very big lesson which was - take your time
and listen to your inner voice when it tells you something is wrong,
either with you, him or the relationship.
Self-care has become a buzzword now for any respectable
millennial. What does that look like for you- Seyi Shay?
Spoiling myself to treats when I can, traveling, eating good food,
working out and protecting my energy.
Virtual exchanges are now a part of our lives for the
foreseeable future. New acts are about to discovered
online in a massive way. You even led an activation that
would enable upcoming musicians feature you on
their songs. Tell us a bit about that and why you did
it?
I called for upcoming artistes to send in their demos
with a space for me to feature on. The winners were
selected some weeks ago out of hundreds of entries.
My plan is to market and distribute these songs I’ve
featured for free as times are hard and most up and
coming musicians don’t have the funds to push their
music themselves.
I did this as a way of giving back and to help talents
get discovered in a genuine and organic way.
What advice do you have for the young artistes in
the game?
Be original and don’t give up.
If you could, what would you say now to Seyi
Shay of year 2000?
You can’t trust everyone. Think before you act.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Everything’s going to
work out perfectly.
Life is short. Do
everything you
have ever wanted
to do, if you’re able
to. Love and live
well.
Shot by: Emanuel Oyeleke
Styled by: Ihunna Eberendu, Moses Ebite
Directed by: Lifestyle image consultants
Hair: Tgold Hair
Additional Styling: Tokyo James
MUA: Adella Make up
Would you like to have a live conversation with SeyiShay? Do you
have questions for her then join us tomorrow, Monday 14th at 7pm as
we go live on IG @vanguardallure with @iamseyishay.
September 13 , 2020 / 5

Celebrating With
Latasha Ngwube
Accelerate TV’s
August Cover Girl!
By - Odun Ogunbiyi
Today’s Allure guest Editor- popularly known as
LatashaLagos was recently featured on
Accelerate TV’s digital magazine The Cover for
it’s August issue. In honor of this milestone, a
private dinner was hosted at the residence of
her close friend Debola Williams. The Head of
Accelerate, Colette Otusheso was in
attendance to express the platform’s
commitment to encouraging women within the
media space. A sumptuous three-course dinner
was prepared by Chef Linda of Smolefikpots
while drinks were courtesy of Gordon’s Moringa
gin on the resplendently decorated table by
YventCouture.
latasha ngwube
Colette Otusheso and
Debola Williams
Chef Linda
dayo
obasanjo
odun
ogunbiyi
alvin
ezeala
chisom
njoku
megha
joshi
tosin durotoye
omawumi
The Private
Screening of
Short Film:
OMO WA
Bolanle Austen
Peters and Seyi
Babatope
6
Simi Esiri and
Anita Okoye
/ September 13, 2020
mo abudu
noble igwe
Bez Idakula
Bunmi Olunloyo
Marcy and her
husband, Prince
Adegbite Sijuwade
By - Latasha Ngwube
Earlier this year, Actress,
producer and TV presenter
Marcy Dolapo Oni hosted the
private screening of her latest
project titled “Omo Wa” at
Filmhouse Twinwaters. The
short filmed directed by Seyi
Babatope is a 15 minute offering
to the struggles of an expectant
woman who works hard to figure
out her marital angst as the
couple embark on a new phase
in their lives. The short film stars
Dolapo and Baag Adenike. The
evening was well attended by
celebrities and media
heavyweights.

G
et The All
Natural Look
BEAUTY
for less!
By - Latasha Ngwube
With the global pandemic, heavy
duty makeup has taken a back
seat for a softer, more natural
approach especially as virtual
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no-makeup look still requires a few products
to give you that flawless finish but you
shouldn’t have to break the bank to make that
happen. Top MUA Bunmi Sadare curated an
under 10k product list for ALLURE’s beauty
enthusiasts to help you get that pretty-girlnext-door
look without breaking the bank!
Sophie Feehi’s makeup
by BeMe Beauty
N2500
Milani Powder
this full coverage powder gives a
flawless matte finish. Affordable and
durable it certainly gives you bang for
your buck.
Makeup artist Bunmi of @
bemebeautystudio will giving a live
demo on how to achieve this look. Join
us @vanguardallure Wednesday
morning 11.30am
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N500
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Davis
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To get that
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Luzta
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For those statement
eyes.... Luzta Cosmetics
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with that luxe mink feel
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Kuddy
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Foundation
is very affordable and
gives that buttery finish
look as well as available
in a variety of shades
for your true match.
September 13, 2020 /
N3, 500
N1, 500
7

WAJE @ 40:
A Lesson Per Decade
By - Latasha Ngwube
Age 1-10:
Born in Akure.
You moved to Benin city at a very early and grew up there.
What had you learnt by the time you were getting ready to write
your Common Entrance examination?
I learnt that I preferred music to reading. I would use my dad’s
screwdriver as my microphone and dig it into the wall so the wall
became my mic stand. Strangely I loved to read books but only novels. I
became more aware of my position in the family, first child and first girl.
Running errands and keeping up with my chores.
Age 11-20
The decade you become a mom.
A single mom.
Your daughter’s father was gone from the picture as quickly as he’d
entered.
Your voice was already there and present.
You’d left Benin to Enugu on account of moving to be with family as a
teenager with a baby.
What was your biggest lesson at this time?
My biggest lesson was that being an adult isn’t just about the
freedom to do things your way, go out when you want to doing things
that make you seem grown! It was now more about taking
responsibilities for your actions however great or not so great they are.
I learnt what it meant to be heart broken and at the same time, a new
kind of love that makes you feel worthy and fortunate. Motherhood gave
me something to live for.
Waje and her
daughter, emerald
Waje, the African powerhouse,
vocalist, singer, songwriter,
actress and mother turned the
big 40 last week and shares with us
some life lessons from each decade
of her existence. In an exclusive sit
down with our guest Editor of this
issue LATASHA NGWUBE, the
musician and mother-of-one, gives us a
front seat view of the woman she’s
become.
Photography: Sunmisola
Olorunnisola
Styling: Yummie Ogbebor
Makeup: BeautybyJorima
Hair: Ceezysstyling
2020
has
reminded us
how short life
is so why
waste it?
Age 21-30
University done.
Considering moving with the whole family to Lagos and did infact
relocate.
Do Me with Psquare had become a certified hit but you were still largely
an unknown artiste.
You met your best friend Omawumi in 2008.
As you closed out that decade, what is the one thing you will never
forget?
The one thing I’ll never forget coming from a background of calm
was that the relaxed attitude i had would not help my journey to success
if I wanted to conquer the world! I had to unlearn my quietness and
break out of my shell. I became aware of my ‘two sides of the coin’
personality... I can be extroverted and the opposite so I milked it. That
was the decade of my rebirth into Waje.
Age 31-40
The WAJE years.
The videos, the performances, the awards, the limelight, the fame, the
fake friends, the depression, the Lord, your life, your testimonies, your
losses, your wins...
What do you now know for sure?
Phew!
I know that life doesn’t have to be complicated, the focus should be on
the things I can control and the rest will sort itself out.
I know what hurt feels like so when love comes I’ll recognize it.
I know that I am enough not just for me but for those that depend on
me, my music, my person.
We can agree to disagree but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you.
I know 40 is just a number because I don’t feel a day older
than 30 except when it’s time to do a full split.
This new canvas has emerged and I’m excited to paint all
over it with bold and vibrant colors. 2020 has reminded
us how short life is so why waste it?
Join us on Instagram @vanguardallure
this Thursday 6.30pm as we go live with @
officialwaje.