“Waje Live, the tale of an African Soul”, was part of the singer’s way of appreciating her fans, friends and colleagues who have stood by her all these years. Dressed in a hot mix print short with a matching scarf, the ONE ambassador flagged off the evening, reeling out some of her great hits to the enjoyment of guests present.

Aisha (real name, last name withheld) was born in the Obalende area of Lagos, in a shanty where she lived with her father and mother, both petty traders. She had always wanted to be a medical doctor, so she took her studies seriously, attending a well regarded girls’ school in her neighbourhood. Many of her classmates were from neighbouring Ikoyi, a more affluent neighbourhood than Aisha’s, but she mixed well and competed favourably in her academics.

Nigerians love music. From the spirited worship on Sunday mornings to the loud blaring of speakers from night clubs on Friday nights, this truth rings on and on. However, love for music is not fully consummated when piracy comes into play. And in this digital age where everyone wants their favourite song on their mobile phones, piracy is not so difficult anymore.

Branding has never been as important as it is in today’s digital world. Online and in the physical market, businesses and ideas are competing non-stop for consumers’ attention. The old ideas of ‘cut and sew’ designs no longer step up to the plate, but getting the right designer could be a nightmare. If the quality isn’t faulty, the price could be scary. And even when both align, there could be an issue of unmet deadlines.

The just concluded traditional unveiling of the Asa Mbaitoli, a beauty pageant aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo nation has rekindled the people’s passion for the things of beauty. The contest which is open to all damsels from the Igbo extraction is poised to reopen a discourse on the place of pageants in the Igbo nation.