Cover Story

The LadyBeellionaire Sisters

Read the Story

The October Edition

The LadyBeellionaire Sisters

Heritage, craftsmanship & sisterhood — building a legacy in luxury fashion

Read the full issue →

Team

Publisher: Rita Dominic
Consulting Editor: Peter Aleogena
Assistant Editor: Tomisin Juliet Faoye
Social Media Manager: Adigun Michael
Design and Layout: Prince Kings
Contributors: – Tomisin Juliet Faoye; – Alfredo Oveimeh-Brown; – Angel Afemikhe
Proofreader: Tom Kirkwood

Editor's
Letter

Dearest gentle reader, this is not a blockbuster Netflix regency series, but we can assure you that DT NOW has enough content to keep you hooked.

In this edition, we have carefully curated for you, a wholesome reading and pictorial experience and it begins from the cover itself.

The LadyBeellionaire Sisters grace this edition's cover, and they not only bless the edition with beauty, but also share the story of how they built a luxury fashion brand from passion, sisterhood, and a strong desire to honour their mother's legacy. The edition goes on to highlight trending movies and music, shine the spotlight on international stars like Naomi Osaka, and provide invaluable insight into the world of the algorithm and how it works.

If you have a favorite influencer, you might want to see if your fave made our top ten list. And if you love travel, then the column by travel blogger, WakaWaka Doctor is just perfect for you!

Beyond the glitz and the glam, our Unsung Hero segment shines the spotlight on one young woman who is turning her Akara business into a full blown empire.

From an up close and personal interview with 40th Miss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi, to a spotlight article on Kennedy Ekezie, to an insightful editorial on men's fashion in Nigeria today, this edition is packed with value and promises you a fun and wholesome reading experience.

All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the fantastic ride that DT NOW is taking you on!

Tomisin Juliet Faoye,
Assistant Editor,
DT NOW Magazine.

Cover Story

Heritage, Craftsmanship& Sisterhood

How the LadyBeellionaire Sisters are building a legacy in the world of luxury fashion

Sisterhood is their foundation, and luxury is their language. The LadyBeellionaire sisters built their fashion brand not just to sell clothes, but to clothe women in confidence. Every piece from their Lagos atelier is designed to make a woman feel regal, rooted, and ready. From luxury dresses to bold new silhouettes, LadyBeellionaire is breaking the glass ceiling in Nigeria's fashion industry, one collection at a time.

Chioma Golden Okochi, Onyekachi Daisy Okochi and Ngozi Valerie Okochi are the three musketeers behind the luxury fashion brand, LadyBeellionaire. Bound by blood, shared dreams, and a heartwarming agenda to honour the memory of their late mother, these women began a brand in 2014, that has today grown to become one of the biggest luxury fashion brands in Nigeria.

From styling top tier celebrities, to being represented on the most acclaimed of all red carpets, LadyBeellionaire is not just a fashion brand, it is a Legacy. In this edition, DT Now got talking with these phenomenal women, discussing the dream, the brand and the journey so far!

LadyBeellionaire has become synonymous with elegance and luxury. What inspired the creation of the brand and how did you come about its unique name?

What inspired the creation of LadyBeellionaire is family, legacy, and craftsmanship. We grew up around fashion and craftsmanship from a very young age. Our dad trained as a fashion craftsman in Italy, and he was our greatest inspiration- a detailed, passionate, and dedicated craftsman who poured his soul into his work.

Now, the name 'LadyBeellionaire' came from our late mum, whose name was Bertha. Our dad would call her Bee, and her friends called her LadyBee. So we thought, why not? It's a beautiful name. We just added a little oomph to it and made it LadyBeellionaire. So at its heart, this brand is truly about family, legacy, and craftsmanship.

How would you describe the journey of the brand from its inception to where it is today?

The journey of LadyBeellionaire has been anything but conventional. We started with a clear vision- to create a luxury fashion brand that celebrates the individuality of every woman. But the road to where we are today has been filled with lessons, pivots, and growth.

What I can say is that building this brand has been deeply personal for us. Every collection, every piece, every stitch carries the weight of our story- our family, our heritage, and our commitment to craftsmanship. We didn't just wake up one day and decide to do this; we grew up in it. Fashion has been part of our DNA long before the brand existed.

There has been highs and there have been challenges- plenty of them. And we've navigated it all. But I think the most important thing we've learned is that luxury isn't just about the product. It's about the experience, the attention to detail, and the connection you build with your customer. Today, we stand proud of how far we've come, not just as a brand but as a family. And while the journey isn't complete- it never really is. We're excited about where we're headed and the women we get to dress along the way.

Your designs strike a balance between creativity and luxury. So how do you define "luxury" in today's fashion landscape?

For us, luxury today isn't about price tags or exclusivity in the traditional sense. It's about intentionality.

Luxury is the time and care invested in every piece- from the moment a design is sketched to the final stitch. It's the intentionality and precision of craftsmanship, and the story behind each creation. But beyond that, true luxury is personal. It's how a woman feels when she wears something that was made with her in mind- something that fits not just her body, but her personality, her energy, and her identity.

At LadyBeellionaire, we believe luxury should enhance the woman, not overshadow her. It should make her feel seen, celebrated, and effortlessly herself. Luxury for us means timelessness- creating pieces that last, that matter, and that a woman can pass down. Not just in style but in sentiment.

So to define it simply: luxury to us is the intersection of quality, meaning, and individuality. And that's what we strive for with everything we create.

Can you walk us through your creative process; from concept to final piece?

[Light laugh] How much time do you have? At LadyBeellionaire, our creative process begins with a woman. Not just a sketch or a trend- a woman. We ask ourselves: who is she? What does she need to feel? How does she want to move through the world? That's always our starting point.

From there, things get... interesting. Can you imagine three sisters going over a particular design? It's a firework of ideas and thoughts- everyone bringing their perspective, their eye, their instinct to the table. It's both chaos and magic all at the same time (laughing). But over time, we've mastered the art of channeling all of that energy into one singular piece.

Sometimes, it starts with a theme- a mood, a feeling or a story we want to tell about 'the woman'. And like a seed, it begins to grow, branching out into other ideas, other details, until it becomes a full collection. Other times, it's the opposite- it comes as fireworks. A burst of inspiration that's almost overwhelming, and then our job is to give it structure, to refine it, to bring it into focus. Once the vision is clear, we move to the technical side- sketching, pattern-making, fabric selection.

This is where craftsmanship takes over. Every piece is constructed with precision, but we never lose sight of the woman we started with. We drape, we adjust, we refine until it fits not just the body, but the spirit of the design.

The final stage is the most critical: we test. We wear the pieces ourselves. We feel how they move, how they hold up, how they make us feel. If it doesn't pass that test, it doesn't leave the studio. So from concept to final piece, it's a journey of intuition, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship. Chaos and structure, fire and refinement- all coming together to create something beautiful. And always, always- it starts and ends with her.

How do you ensure each design still feels unique in an industry that often leans toward mass production?

Honestly? Because of our creative process, we don't even think about mass production. It's just not in our DNA. For us, uniqueness starts with the woman in mind. We're not designing for a faceless market- we're designing for her. Her body, her energy, her story. Every piece is made with her in mind, not a spreadsheet of trends.

We also keep things small on purpose. We'd rather make fewer pieces that are truly special than chase volume. We create with intention, not with a quota. And because we're three sisters- that means three sets of instincts, eyes, ideas, and personality infused into a single piece. It makes every piece we have truly original and unique. We touch it, we test it, we wear it. If it doesn't feel right on us, it won't feel right on our customer. So how do we ensure each design feels unique? Simple- we refuse to do otherwise.

How do you design pieces that cater to diverse personalities and body types?

We design for real women, and real women come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. First, it starts with the woman. Not a mannequin, not a sample size. We ask: who is she? How does she move? What makes her feel powerful? That informs everything- from the cut to the fabric to the finish.

Second, we're three sisters with three different body types. So when we create a piece, we all try it on. If it doesn't flatter each of us in different ways, it goes back to the drawing board. That's our built-in quality check. It has to work on the three of us before it ever reaches our customer.

We also pay close attention to tailoring and fabric. We use materials that move with the body, not against it. And we build in thoughtful details- adjustable elements, strategic draping, intentional structure- so each piece adapts to the woman wearing it, not the other way around.

But beyond the physical fit, we design for personality. Some women want to be bold, others understated. Some want structure, others fluidity. Our pieces are versatile enough to express all of that. We're not forcing a woman into a box- we're giving her the tools to define her own.

So whether you're a size 2 or a size 18, whether you're quiet or loud- if you walk into our world, you'll find something elegant that feels like it was made for you. Because it was.

What challenges have you faced building a luxury brand within the Nigerian market, and how have you overcome them?

Building a luxury brand in Nigeria hasn't been easy, and I won't pretend otherwise. Infrastructure is a daily reality we deal with. Power outages, unreliable logistics, sourcing quality materials and unpredictable human resources like staffing- these are things we've had to figure out from day one. But growing up in a family of craftsmen taught us something important: you don't wait for perfect conditions. You create them. So we built relationships with suppliers we trust, we invested in our own systems, and we learned to adapt quickly.

Then there's the perception challenge. A lot of people still believe luxury has to come from abroad. Even though the perception is gradually changing.

We've had to work twice as hard to prove that "made in Nigeria" can mean world-class. Every piece we release is us making that statement- again and again- until the message sticks.

And honestly? We take our customers on that journey too. Helping them understand why a piece costs what it costs- the hours, the skill, the love that goes into it- all of that takes time. But we're patient. We believe that when a woman truly understands the value of what she's wearing, she treasures it differently.

Through it all, we've stayed grounded. We're sisters, so we lean on each other. We remind ourselves why we started. And we keep showing up, every single day, because we believe in what we're building- not just a brand, but a legacy.

How do you source your materials, and how important is quality control in your production process?

Sourcing is personal for us- very personal. We do not play with what goes into our pieces. We source from a mix of local and international suppliers. Locally, we work with people we trust- artisans and fabric merchants who know our name and know our standard. Internationally, we've built relationships with mills and suppliers in Europe and Asia. And when I say relationships, I mean we've visited some in person and virtually, we've vetted, we've tested. We don't just order fabric- we build trust. Now, quality control? That's where it gets real for us.

We're three sisters, and we are personally invested in every single fabric that comes into our studio. We're feeling it, we're turning it inside out, we're holding it up to the light. And if it doesn't pass the test? It goes back. Simple.

We also check every single piece that leaves our studio. Every seam, every stitch. My sisters and I- we're obsessed (Laughing). And we wear our pieces. Every single one. That's our final test. If it doesn't feel right on us, it won't feel right on our customer.

So sourcing and quality control aren't just processes to us. They're personal. It's our signature on every piece. Because when a woman wears LadyBeellionaire, we want her to know- intentionality and quality craftsmanship and artistry has gone into that piece. And we don't take that lightly.

What makes a LadyBeellionaire piece stand out from other luxury fashion brands?

Giggles... What makes a LadyBeellionaire piece stand out? I could go on and on.

First, it's the three of us- the soul of the business. You have three sisters- each with their own taste, their own instinct, their own personality- bringing all of that into one piece. That alone makes it different. It's not one person's vision. It's three, refined into something singular.

Second, it's the generational craftsmanship. We are not 1st generation fashion craftsmen, we are 3rd generation. So we always have this running joke, we have old hands. Because we know being exposed to fashion at a young age, definitely makes us somewhat of an old soul in fashion. It's in our DNA. We are also hands-on. We're not just designers who sketch and hand over to someone else. We're in that studio. We're feeling the fabric, we're checking the seams, we're making sure every detail is right. That level of care? You can't fake it. You feel it when you wear it.

Third, we design for real life. Not the runway. Not the red carpet. Real women- with real bodies, real schedules, real lives. Our pieces move with her, work with her, grow with her. She can wear it to a meeting, to a wedding, to a dinner, and she'll feel like herself in all of them. And honestly? We don't follow trends. We create pieces that last- not just in quality, but in meaning. We make pieces a woman can pass down, not just because they're beautiful, but because they hold something- a memory, a moment, a feeling. So what makes us stand out? It's not just the garment. It's the woman who wears it, the confidence she feels, and the story she carries with it. That's LadyBeellionaire.

What impact do you hope LadyBeellionaire will have on the Nigerian and global fashion scene?

Honestly? We want LadyBeellionaire to change how people see Nigerian fashion- both here and around the world.

We want LadyBeellionaire to be more than a fashion brand. We want it to be a legacy movement. In Nigeria, we want to be part of the generation that finally shatters that old belief that craftsmanship and knowledge are lost with each generation. Rather, it can be carefully passed down to the next.

We must not always be the first in the family, but we can proudly carry the baton of craftsmanship in the family and make it something bigger and better in Nigeria. In other parts of the world, we see generational craftsmanship exported. And we are committed to showing the world that generational craftsmanship made in Nigeria- in fashion- is also world class.

That matters to us because we are those Ladies. We grew up watching our dad pour his soul into his craft- and he learned that from his mom, our grandmother- watching her do the same as a seamstress. And we know what's possible when you are consistent. Globally, we want the world to see what we've always known- that we have something special. Not just our designs, but our heritage, our story, our hands. We're third-generation craftsmen, and that's rare. That's not something you can manufacture. We want that to be recognized, respected, and celebrated for our dedication to business and artistry of fashion.

But beyond all of that- beyond the recognition, beyond the awards- our deepest hope is this: that a woman, whether she's in Lagos or London or New York, when she puts on a LadyBeellionaire piece, she feels something. Feels seen. Feels powerful. Feels like the best version of herself. That's the impact we want. One woman, one piece, one moment at a time. Because if we can do that? Then we've already won.

Are there any upcoming collections or projects you're particularly excited about?

We are always excited about what's next.

Right now, we're deep in the process of creating a new collection- and honestly, it's one we're particularly proud of. We're not ready to share all the details just yet, but what I can say is this: it's very personal. It leans even deeper into our heritage, our story, and the woman we design for. And we can't wait for our customers to see it.

At the same time, we're also working behind the scenes- building our business systems, refining our processes, and making sure that as we grow, we grow with intention. We want the experience of LadyBeellionaire to be seamless, from the first moment a woman discovers us to the moment she wears her piece and beyond.

And beyond the collection, we're building a world- an ecosystem. We want our existing customers to remember why they fell in love with us in the first place. And we want new consumers to walk in and feel the pull to be part of something special. Something that's not just about fashion, but about belonging to a community of women who value quality, authenticity, and artistry.

So yes- we're excited. For the collection, for the growth, and for the women we get to welcome into our world.

What advice would you give to young designers looking to build a luxury fashion brand in Nigeria?

I'll tell you what I wish someone had told us when we started: it's going to be hard, but that doesn't mean it's not worth it. First, know your craft inside out. Not just the creative side- but the business. Fashion business is not all glamorous. Your clients will be glamorous, but you as the creative- half of the time is immersed in the grind. Know your numbers, supply chain, staffing, pricing. You can't outsource that understanding. You have to know it yourself.

Second, be unapologetic about your story. In the beginning, people questioned us. They wondered if the girls who grew up in Enugu- in a small conventional city- could really make it in the luxury market. Instead of shrinking and losing our edge, we leaned in. And we kept showing up. So I tell young designers- own your heritage. Own your upbringing. It's not a limitation. It's your edge.

Third, build real relationships. This is something we've learned deeply. Trust is everything. Whether it's the fabric merchant who knows our standard, the customer who trusts us with her story, or the team members who stay through the tough days- those relationships carry you. Invest in them.

And finally, don't rush. Everyone wants a quick rise to fame story. We're sisters, so we hold each other accountable. When one of us diverts from our original vision, the other two pull her back. We remind ourselves: we're building a legacy, not just a brand. That takes time and consistency.

So my advice? Love what you do, stay grounded- we cannot emphasise staying grounded enough- and then show up every single day, even when it's hard. Because if three sisters from Enugu State, Nigeria can do it? So can you.

The New
Passport
Economy

Why The Best Investment You'll Ever Make Is A Plane Ticket

By WakaWaka Doctor

(Medical doctor & travel, global mobility advocate)

The departure board flickers. Gate numbers change. A toddler cries somewhere behind me. Someone rushes past with a passport clutched in one hand and a coffee in the other, hoping they've misread the final boarding call.

Airports are fascinating places.

For some, they're the beginning of a holiday. For others, the end of one. Some people are flying home to familiar faces. Others are leaving everything they've ever known behind with nothing but two suitcases and a dream.

I've always believed airports reveal something profound about humanity. They are one of the few places where the world's inequalities, ambitions, fears and possibilities all stand in the same queue.

Look closely and you'll see it.

A student rehearsing answers for an immigration interview.
A business executive polishing tomorrow's presentation.
A couple beginning their honeymoon.
A grandmother meeting her grandchildren for the first time.
A young professional chasing an opportunity that doesn't exist back home.

Different destinations. Different reasons. The same hope.

Perhaps that's why travel has never really been about movement. It's about transformation.

For decades, we treated travel as a reward, a luxury reserved for holidays, anniversaries or retirement. Today, something extraordinary is happening. Travel has become one of the most valuable forms of education available, yet it's one that rarely comes with a certificate.

Welcome to what I like to call the new passport economy.

In this economy, a passport is no longer simply a document that allows you to cross borders. It's an invitation to collect perspectives. For me the truth is, the world's most valuable currency isn't always money. Sometimes it's exposure. Exposure changes conversations. It changes confidence and it changes ambition.

Most importantly, it changes what you believe is possible. You cannot unknow what you've seen.

The first time you board a train that arrives exactly when the timetable says it will, you begin questioning what efficiency really looks like. Walk through cities where cycling is as normal as driving and your understanding of urban life shifts. Sit in a café where people linger over conversations instead of racing against the clock, and you begin to wonder whether productivity has quietly stolen the art of living. Travel has a remarkable habit of introducing us to better questions rather than easy answers.

It teaches us that our normal is not the normal. Every country is, in many ways, a different answer to the same question: "How should people live?" Some societies answer with community. Others answer with innovation. Some prioritise tradition, others celebrate reinvention. None are perfect. All are worth learning from.

One of the greatest misconceptions about travel is that it exists to help us escape reality. I've found the opposite to be true. The best journeys don't help us escape life. They help us understand it.

Some of the most memorable moments I've experienced abroad weren't standing beneath famous landmarks or checking attractions off an itinerary. They happened far from tourist brochures. Sharing breakfast with strangers who became friends. Being hopelessly lost and discovering a neighbourhood I would never have intentionally visited. Accepting food whose name I couldn't pronounce. Watching children laugh in a language I didn't understand but somehow completely recognised.

Joy, it turns out, doesn't require subtitles. Neither does kindness.

In an age where social media often rewards appearances over experiences, travel has also become strangely performative. We've all seen it. Someone spends twenty minutes taking photographs of a sunset they never actually watched. Another visits a famous monument only long enough to prove they were there. Some travellers collect destinations the way children collect stickers.

Country number 30.

Country number 50.

Country number 80.

As though geography alone measures growth. It doesn't. I've met people who have travelled to five countries and returned transformed. I've met others who have visited fifty and learned almost nothing beyond where to find the nearest luxury hotel. Travel isn't measured in kilometres. It's measured in curiosity. The question isn't how far you've gone. It's how deeply you've arrived.

This is where the passport economy becomes truly interesting. Increasingly, exposure is becoming a competitive advantage. Businesses expand because someone understood another market. Ideas become companies because someone noticed a problem while travelling.

Careers begin because an ordinary conversation in another country opened an unexpected door. Creativity flourishes because inspiration rarely respects borders. The world's most innovative people often have one thing in common. They've learned to see familiar problems through unfamiliar eyes. That's what travel does. It interrupts certainty. It quietly dismantles stereotypes. It reminds us that intelligence wears many accents. That success speaks many languages. That brilliance is evenly distributed—even when opportunity isn't.

Perhaps this is why every meaningful journey leaves us slightly different from the person who boarded the plane. Travel teaches patience when flights are delayed. Humility when you realise your language isn't the centre of the world. Resilience when things don't go according to plan. Adaptability when Google Maps gives up before you do. And gratitude—for home, for difference, and for the extraordinary privilege of seeing more of this planet than yesterday.

The older I become, the less interested I am in asking people, "How many countries have you visited?" I'm far more interested in asking, "What did they teach you?" Because every destination has lessons hidden beneath its skyline.

Japan: teaches precision.
Italy: reminds us that life should occasionally be savoured rather than scheduled.
Brazil: demonstrates that resilience and joy can comfortably occupy the same street.
Singapore: proves what long-term planning can achieve.

No country has all the answers but every country has at least one. The most successful travellers aren't the ones who simply collect passport stamps. They're the ones who collect wisdom. Maybe that's the real luxury. Not business class. Not five-star hotels. Not infinity pools overlooking turquoise oceans.

Perspective. The ability to see your own life through a wider lens. To realise that your postcode should never become your destiny. To understand that borders exist on maps more often than they should exist in our minds.

When the history of this generation is written, I don't think we'll remember travel as something people did for leisure. We'll remember it as one of the defining forces that reshaped careers, businesses, friendships and identities. We'll remember it as the great teacher that never needed a classroom. Because every boarding pass carries the possibility of becoming something much more valuable than a ticket. It can become the first page of a new chapter.

The greatest souvenir you'll ever bring home won't be found in an airport gift shop. It will be the quieter, wiser, more curious version of yourself who steps off the return flight. And in a world changing faster than ever before, that may be the most valuable investment any of us can make.

On Repeat:

What's Hot On
The Music Scene

If your playlist is still the same as last month, you're already behind. Nigerian music is dropping hit after hit and fans barely have time to recover before you hear "another banger". From surprise albums to chart-climbing singles, the music scene is serving nonstop heat.

The biggest conversation right now is Davido's brand-new album, Oriadé. Fresh off the success of 5ive, Davido has returned with another project that feels more personal and rooted in his African identity. Packed with collaborations from stars like Black Sherif, Leon Thomas, Llona, and Aya Nakamura, the album blends smooth Afrobeats, amapiano grooves and emotional storytelling. Fans are already arguing over their favourite tracks, but one thing is certain and it's that Oriadé is staying on repeat for a long time.

Speaking of albums, Omah Lay continues to prove why he's one of the most unique voices in Afrobeats. His latest project, Clarity of Mind, has fans hooked with its emotional lyrics and laid-back vibe. It's the kind of album you play on a late-night drive or when you're simply in your feelings. Artists like Ayra Starr, Rema, Asake, Seyi Vibez, Odumodublvck, Qing Madi and Shallipopi are refusing to slow down.

Whether it's catchy hooks, street anthems or soulful melodies, each of them keeps feeding fans with vibes upon vibes that quickly become the soundtrack of everyday life.

One thing the internet loves is a song that comes with a challenge. If it's not taking over TikTok, it's becoming the background sound for Instagram Reels or the latest dance trend. Ayra Starr's Where Do We Go perfectly reflects soft-girl energy and has become a favourite for aesthetic edits.

Rema is keeping fans hooked with FUN, while Asake is dominating playlists with Badman Gangsta. Seyi Vibez continues his hot streak with Pressure, proving once again that street-pop isn't slowing down. ODUMODUBLVCK is making beautiful noise with 4 by 4, delivering the bold rap energy his fans love, while Qing Madi is winning hearts with Lucky, a smooth record that has become a favourite soundtrack for relationship and lifestyle content. These songs are becoming trends, inspiring dance challenges, lip-sync videos, fashion edits and millions of user-generated clips across social media.

Collaborations are also getting bigger. Nigerian artists are no longer thinking locally; they're creating music with stars from across Africa, Europe and America.

The result is a fresh sound that keeps pushing Afrobeats to new audiences while holding on to its African roots.

So, on account of Nigeria's consistent and fearless creativity, there is plenty hot sounds on the music scene. Artists are experimenting more, fans are discovering new talents every day and playlists are changing faster than ever. Whether you're blasting Davido's Oriadé, vibing to Omah Lay's heartfelt melodies or dancing to one infectious pop sound or the other, one thing is clear and it's that African music, especially Nigerian music isn't just having a moment, It's defining the moment.

What's Showing Now!

The Movies Everyone's Talking About

Alfredo Oveimeh-Brown

Forget the "What are we watching tonight?" question. The real question is how do you choose between excellent movies and even more excellent movies? Every week, there's a new movie blowing up the internet.

One minute it's a hilarious Nollywood scene all over TikTok, the next minute your timeline is filled with people screaming, "No spoilers!" Whether you're a cinema lover, a Netflix binge-watcher or someone who only watches movies because everyone else is talking about them, this is one of the most exciting times to be a movie fan. Now here's what should be on your radar.

1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Tom Holland is back as Peter Parker, and yes, the internet has a lot to say about it. Spider-Man: Brand New Day sees Peter navigating a world where people no longer remember his identity while dealing with a new threat and some very unexpected changes. The film officially opened on July 31, 2026, and is currently playing in theatres. If your timeline hasn't already been filled with theories, reactions and spoiler warnings, you might want to see it before the internet ruins the experience for you.

Where to watch? Cinemas.

2. King of Thieves 2

If you loved King of Thieves, the sequel is already waiting for you. King of Thieves 2 also known as Agesinkole 2 continues the epic Yoruba fantasy story and brings back the legendary world that made the first film such a hit. The movie is currently listed among Netflix Nigeria's trending titles. This one is perfect for a night when you want something dramatic, culturally rich and very Nollywood.

Where to watch? Netflix Nigeria.

3. Colours of Fire

Remember that Nollywood fantasy film from the AMVCAs with the stunning costumes, African mythology and larger-than-life visuals? Colours of Fire has moved from the big screen to streaming. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the film follows a warrior sent to hunt a mysterious beast while tensions between rival clans, forbidden love and long-held secrets begin to collide. It's the kind of movie to put on when you want Nollywood to give you something visually different from the usual contemporary drama.

Where to watch? Netflix.

4. Call of My Life

Need something lighter? Call of My Life is the rom-com to check out. This massive cinema hit follows Soluchi, a Lagos call-centre worker whose love life takes an unexpected turn after she meets Eli through a work call. Starring Uzoamaka Power, Andrew Bunting and Zubby Michael, the film has been praised for bringing a familiar romantic-comedy formula into a distinctly West African setting. It has been screening in Nigerian cinemas and remains one to check for if you're looking for a feel-good cinema experience.

Where to watch? Cinemas near you!

5. Sweet 16

Sweet 16 hit the cinemas across Nigeria and West Africa on August 14, 2026. The film follows a privileged teenager whose plans for her 16th birthday take a dramatic turn when she begins uncovering shocking secrets about her family. The cast includes Mercy Aigbe, Uche Jombo, Denrele Edun, Broda Shaggi, Yemi Alade, Angel Unigwe and the dearly missed Alexx Ekubo. Basically, if you like family drama, comedy and secrets that refuse to stay secret, keep this one on your radar.

Where to watch? Cinemas!

Insidious: Out of the Further

For the horror movie lovers, August is about to get serious. Insidious: Out of the Further arrived in cinemas on August 21 and takes the franchise back into the terrifying world of The Further. The new story follows Gemma, a young mother who discovers she can enter The Further and, even worse, bring what lives there back into the real world. So if you're the friend who claims not to be scared and then refuses to walk to the bathroom alone after a horror movie, maybe think carefully about this one.

Where to watch? The Cinemas.

The Dog Stars

Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley star in Ridley Scott's The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic thriller arriving in theatres on August 28. The story follows a young pilot living in an isolated world after a devastating pandemic. A mysterious radio transmission sends him into the unknown, forcing him to search for something that feels increasingly rare in his world: hope. If post-apocalyptic thrillers are your thing, this is definitely one to add to the August watchlist.

Where to watch? Cinemas from August 28!

So, What Are You Watching? The movie calendar is clearly not slowing down. From King of Thieves 2 and Colours of Fire on Netflix to Call of My Life still making its cinema rounds and Sweet 16, Insidious: Out of the Further and The Dog Stars freshly hitting the big screen, there's something for almost every kind of movie lover. That's the best part. You can go to the cinema, stay home and chill with Netflix, or simply wait for the next movie to take over your TikTok feed before deciding what deserves your attention.

Tennis,

But Make It Fashion

Why Naomi Osaka's Match-Day Fits Are A Whole Vibe

Let's be real, for some people, the tennis starts after the outfit check. Before Naomi Osaka even serves the first ball, social media is already zooming in on her fit. The comments are full of "Where can I get this skirt?" "She never misses!" and "This look deserves its own trophy." At this point, watching Naomi isn't just about tennis, it's about fashion, confidence and showing up like the main character.

Tennis has always been known for its clean, classy style, but Naomi is giving it a fresh twist. She mixes sporty with stylish, proving that performance and fashion can go hand in hand. From pleated skirts and creative jackets to bold colours and eye-catching sneakers, every outfit feels carefully put together without trying too hard. Naomi Osaka made an unforgettable statement at Wimbledon on June 29, 2026, when she stepped out in a stunning all-white kimono-inspired ceremonial walk-on outfit.

Designed with Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi, the look featured embroidered cranes and cherry blossoms, a dramatic trailing bow, a traditional kanzashi hair ornament and Mikimoto pearl jewellery. As always, Naomi made looking cool seem effortless.

Her custom Nike kits are designed in collaboration with high-end fashion designers and brands like Yoon Ambush, featuring unique colors, ruffles and distinct silhouettes. She wears statement headpieces like large headphones, custom bows and coordinated visors that complete the overall aesthetic. The tennis superstar also has a flair for footwear such as customized tennis shoes that match the theme of her main outfit.

One thing fans love is that Naomi isn't afraid to be herself. While some athletes stick to safe looks, she experiments with different colours, patterns and silhouettes. One match she's serving in a sleek all-white outfit, the next she's rocking vibrant colours that instantly become the talk of Instagram and TikTok. Every tournament feels like a new fashion drop.

Her partnership with Nike has also taken tennis style to another level. Every new collection gets people talking, with fans rushing to recreate her match-day looks. Fashion pages break down every outfit, content creators rate her fits and Pinterest boards are filled with Naomi-inspired aesthetics. She's proving that sportswear can be just as fashionable as anything on the runway.

But it's not just the clothes. It's the way she wears them. Naomi carries herself with quiet confidence, and that's what makes every outfit hit differently. She doesn't need flashy accessories or dramatic poses. She lets her game do the talking while her style speaks for itself. What's even cooler is how she's inspiring young people beyond tennis. You don't have to know the rules of the game to appreciate her fashion. Plenty of fans tune in just to see what she'll wear next. That's influence. She's turning tennis into a style moment and making more young people pay attention to a sport they may never have watched before.

In a world where fashion trends change every week, Naomi Osaka keeps proving that personal style never goes out of fashion. She reminds us that confidence is the best accessory and that sometimes the biggest win isn't just on the scoreboard, it's serving a look that has everyone talking.

Rhythm Of The Algorithm

What Blows And What Flops

Have you ever wondered why one random video gets 10 million views while another, with even better quality, barely gets 200 likes? Welcome to the world of the algorithm, the invisible boss of social media. It's the reason one song is everywhere today and forgotten next week. If the algorithm likes you, you're the main character.

If it doesn't… well, good luck.

These days, talent alone isn't enough. Timing, consistency and knowing what people want to see matter just as much. A 15-second TikTok clip can turn an unknown artist into the next superstar overnight. Just ask the many musicians whose songs exploded because someone created a dance challenge or a funny skit using their sound. The same thing happens with movies, fashion and even food. One influencer posts a review, thousands of people repost it, and suddenly everyone wants to try it. Before you know it, your entire For You Page is showing the same trend. That's how the algorithm works, it notices what people are watching, liking, sharing and commenting on, then serves it to even more people.

But not everything blows. Some content flops because it's late to the trend. Others fail because they copy what's already everywhere instead of bringing something fresh. Social media users scroll fast and if your content doesn't grab attention in the first few seconds, they're already on to the next post. Harsh? Maybe. But that's the reality of today's internet.

So, How Do You Actually Get the Algorithm Working For You?

There isn't a secret button that guarantees millions of views, but there are a few things creators can do to give their content a better chance.

01
Post when your audience is actually online.
Forget the idea that there is one magical time when everyone should post. The best posting time depends on your audience, location and platform. A useful starting point is to test different windows such as morning, afternoon and evening and compare the results. You could start by testing around 7–9am, 12–2pm and 6–10pm, when people are more likely to be checking their phones before school or work, during breaks, and after the day's activities. But don't treat these times as a universal rule. Your own analytics should eventually tell you what works best. YouTube, for example, provides audience analytics showing when viewers are on the platform.
02
Don't post once and disappear.
Consistency matters, but that doesn't mean flooding everyone's feed. YouTube specifically recommends creating a sustainable schedule rather than chasing an arbitrary number of uploads. There is also no minimum posting frequency required for videos to perform well. A realistic starting point for you could be 3–5 short-form posts a week, then adjusting based on what the audience responds to. If you can comfortably create more without sacrificing quality, experiment. If you can only manage two strong videos a week, consistency is still better than burning out trying to post every day.
03
Short-form video is your best friend.
TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are built around quick, scrollable videos, making them useful for discovery. YouTube Shorts can now be up to three minutes long, but that doesn't mean every video needs to be three minutes. The key is to give people a reason to keep watching. Start with the interesting part instead of spending the first few seconds saying, "Hey guys, welcome back to my channel." Show the outfit, reveal the food, ask the question or get straight into the story. And don't forget the format. Vertical video, clear visuals, readable text and captions make content easier to consume while people are scrolling.
04
Give people a reason to stop scrolling.
The first few seconds matter because viewers can simply swipe away. The algorithm takes signals such as whether viewers choose to watch, how long they stay and what percentage of the video they watch, into account. That means your opening needs to do some work. Instead of: "So today I'm going to talk about five Nigerian movies you should watch…" Try: "Here are five Nigerian movies you need to watch before the month ends." Same topic. Different energy.
05
Turn comments into content.
Don't treat comments as the end of the conversation. They're content ideas hiding in plain sight. Someone asks, "Where did you get that outfit?" Make a video answering it. Someone disagrees with your movie ranking? Respond. Someone asks you to review something? That's another potential post.
06
Watch your analytics, not just your likes.
A post getting lots of likes feels great, but there's more to the story. Look at views, watch time, audience retention, shares, comments, saves and how many people actually chose to watch instead of scrolling past. If your 20-second videos consistently keep people watching longer than your 60-second videos, that's useful information. If your fashion posts get shared more than your talking videos, that's another clue. Your analytics are basically giving you free feedback. You just have to pay attention.

Authenticity is also becoming a secret weapon. Surprisingly, people are getting tired of videos that feel too perfect. They're connecting more with creators who are funny, relatable and real. A shaky phone video with genuine vibes can easily outperform a heavily edited production. People don't just want content anymore, they want personality.

The biggest lesson? Don't chase every trend. The algorithm may decide what gets pushed today, but creativity is what keeps people coming back tomorrow. And in this digital world, that's the beat everyone is trying to catch.

Touch Grass

How city people are ditching their phones
to beat digital burnout

Angel Afemikhe

You suddenly remember that one WhatsApp message. You unlock your phone to reply to it, but forty-five minutes later, you've wandered the streets of Instagram, watched comedy skits, argued with strangers in the comment section, checked ten people's stories, and completely forgotten that you picked up your phone to reply to just one message.

Almost everyone can relate to this. We spend hours with our faces glued to our screens, and somehow the day disappears. But things may just be changing. Several months ago, what sounded like an internet jab began making the rounds: "Touch grass." At first, it felt like another random Gen Z phrase. But "touch grass" is more than slang. What started as a dismissive comment has gradually become lifestyle advice: log off, step outside, and reconnect with the world happening beyond your screen.

Isn't that cool? The internet telling us how to stay off the internet. It's ironic that the very thing that entertains us can also be the thing that wears us out. And inevitably so. Endless scrolling leaves many feeling mentally fagged out. Notifications never seem to stop, group chats are constantly buzzing, and there's always another video to watch or another post to react to. It's no surprise that many Gen Zs now mute notifications simply because they can't keep up with the noise. Somewhere between replying messages and watching one more reel, our minds become exhausted. That's the feeling many now describe as digital burnout.

However, the internet has always been just one version of reality. Perhaps that's why many young people are creating an offline shift.

Instead of another hour on TikTok, they're reaching for physical books. Instead of reacting to an influencer's reel, they're planning picnics with friends. Journaling, nature walks, café conversations, game nights, and quiet evenings without screens are slowly becoming ways to reconnect, not just with other people, but with themselves.

We've seen girls organise sleepovers and guys host board game nights. Some people wonder what all the fuss is about when you could simply FaceTime. But maybe it has never really been about the information overload. The reset we need may begin by paying attention to the world right in front of us.

That is where creativity slowly returns. We feel lighter, more present, and less trapped in digital illusions. So, when people say, "Touch grass," they aren't asking us to abandon our phones. They're simply reminding us that life exists beyond the screen, and beyond the screen, there's still joy waiting to be experienced.

The amazing thing is that there are establishments created specifically to help you touch grass. From the calm, green surroundings of Whispering Palms Resort in Lagos to the playful atmosphere of Art Tech District in Wuse, Abuja, you can swap endless scrolling for something more physical. Salamander Cafe in Abuja, Abraka Turf and Country Club in Oria, Delta State, and Godaïf Village in Ikoyi, Lagos are some options to consider.

Touching grass doesn't have to mean literally sitting on the grass. It can mean finding a place where your phone becomes the least interesting thing in the room.

Naija Menswear:Feminine or Fashion Forward?

A man in dangling earrings and freshly dyed pink hair walking through the streets of Abuja can still turn heads for the very reason you're thinking. The question would fly; "Why would a man be putting on earrings?" Not because the earrings are badly styled, but because accessories like earrings, painted nails, pink clothing, or even handbags have long been placed within the boundaries of feminine fashion.

Yet, the same fashion choices that once attracted criticism are gradually becoming part of contemporary menswear. A man in black-painted nails can sit more comfortably in a cab today than he could five years ago. Pink caps, pink T-shirts, pink goggles, jewellery and softer silhouettes are appearing more confidently on men, and younger audiences are increasingly embracing the idea that clothing does not have to follow old gender rules.

Five years ago, some of these looks might have attracted a completely different reaction. Today, the conversation is slowly shifting from "Is this feminine?" to "Does this work?"

Nowadays, matching two-piece outfits paired with fashionable shoes have become a bold statement for men. On magazine covers and fashion campaigns, male models confidently pose with handbags, necklaces, and bold accessories that were once considered exclusively feminine.

Several male celebrities now carry this torch; Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema have become regular faces for luxury fashion brands, confidently wearing pearls, layered necklaces, rings, and designer accessories.

But is this really femininity, or is fashion simply evolving?

Many people would point to Western influence, and to an extent, they wouldn't be wrong. Through social media, music videos, international fashion weeks, and celebrity culture, trends now travel faster than ever. A bold outfit worn by a British celebrity today could inspire a Nigerian influencer tomorrow, and before long, the comment sections are filled with debates about masculinity, culture, and whether traditional values are slowly disappearing.

Perhaps the reaction comes from how fashion has always been understood.

When jewelry and accessories come to mind, women are often the first reference point. Men, on the other hand, have traditionally been known to dress in a simple fashion and avoid drawing too much attention to themselves.

But history tells a different story. African fashion has always been expressive. Kings wore coral beads, elaborate jewellery, flowing robes, and richly embroidered garments as symbols of authority and identity. In many Nigerian cultures, men have worn wrappers, beads, bangles, and ceremonial accessories, not to appear feminine, but to communicate power, heritage, and beauty.

And time? Time changes everything. Traditions evolve. Personalities evolve. Fashion evolves too.

Today, designers are experimenting more with silhouettes than gender. Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture has created collections with fluid tailoring and softer structures that challenge conventional menswear. Chukwukadibia Ezeanyanwu's Kadi Clo is another example of this movement, with contemporary silhouettes anchored in Nigerian cultural identity and a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. Recent designs from Kadi Clo have shown how structured menswear can still embrace dramatic proportions, distinctive detailing and cultural expression without losing its masculine appeal.

Imagine a garment flowing almost like water against the body, allowing movement instead of restriction. Maybe that's the point. A man already carries enough responsibilities; perhaps clothing doesn't have to weigh him down too. Somewhere between tradition and trend, Nigerian menswear has become one of the country's most interesting fashion conversations.

With gender-fluid fashion, jewellery, bold silhouettes, handbags for men, and designers constantly pushing creative boundaries, Nigerian fashion has expanded not only wardrobes but also the world's perception of African style.

So maybe the question isn't whether Naija menswear is feminine. Maybe it's whether fashion is finally being allowed to evolve without being forced into yesterday's definitions.

Kennedy
Ekezie

The Gen-Z Tech Boss Revolutionising The Business Space

By Angel Afemikhe

What if the next billionaire isn't building another social media app?

What if he's building something that helps your neighbourhood tailor receive payments, your mother's shop access credit, or your favourite roadside food vendor manage customers from their smartphone?

That is exactly the kind of future Kennedy Ekezie is betting on.

For a long time, success in business, especially in Nigeria, was associated with age. Experience was measured in the number of grey hairs, years spent in boardrooms, and decades climbing corporate ladders. But a new generation of entrepreneurs is quietly changing that narrative, and Kennedy Ekezie is one of the names leading the conversation.

Born in Lagos to parents from Imo State, Kennedy's journey has never followed the usual script. He studied Philosophy at the University of Lagos before pursuing a Master's degree in Economics and Management at the University of Cambridge. Somewhere between classrooms, global fellowships, and technology, he discovered that business becomes most meaningful when it solves everyday problems.

That idea eventually became Kippa.

Founded in 2021, Kippa was a digital financial platform designed to help small businesses manage their finances, track transactions, send invoices, manage inventory, and move from paper records into the digital ecosystem. At its peak, the platform had onboarded hundreds of thousands of businesses and raised millions in funding.

But every startup story doesn't end with a success montage.

Kippa's journey also came with difficult decisions. In 2023, the company shut down KippaPay, its offline payments and agency banking product, amid profitability concerns. By 2024, the business was exploring a pivot. The startup chapter had not gone exactly as planned, but Kennedy returned to the drawing board.

And perhaps this is where his story becomes more interesting. The end of one product didn't become the end of the entrepreneur.

Before Kippa, he had already worked with companies like Accenture and ByteDance, gathering experience that would later shape his entrepreneurial journey. Along the way, he became a Schwarzman Scholar, an Internet Society Fellow, received the Future Awards Africa Prize for Technology, and was honoured with The Queen's Young Leaders Award presented by Queen Elizabeth II.

Impressive? Yes.

But perhaps what stands out most is not the awards, or even Kippa. It is the willingness to keep asking questions. Today, Kennedy's public work circles around technology, artificial intelligence, and human relevance. He speaks at conferences, publishes essays on his website, and shares pieces of his thinking with an audience online. At the Algorithm Conference in London on August 8, he spoke about AI, continuing a conversation that has clearly moved beyond building a fintech app.

There is something refreshing about that. His online presence doesn't feel like the usual "look at me, I'm building the next big thing" entrepreneur performance. There is room for essays, ideas, simple moments, and questions about where technology is taking humanity.

Perhaps that is the real Gen-Z business revolution.

It isn't simply about becoming financially independent or becoming your own boss. It is about building, failing, learning, asking better questions, and finding new ways to remain useful in a world that keeps changing.

Kippa may have been one chapter of Kennedy Ekezie's story. It clearly isn't the whole story.

Football and Female Beauty Standards:

How WAFCON Players Are Rising Above The Grit Of Football And Defining Their Own Beauty

Angel Afemikhe

For many women, playing football has often come with an unspoken question: what happens to beauty when the sport demands bruises, scars, sweat, muscular legs, and hours under the sun?

Somewhere along the line, football became associated with toughness, while true femininity was expected to represent all things soft, delicate, and completely grit-free. For women who play the sport, choosing football can sometimes feel like choosing between following their passion, and living up to society-imposed beauty standards.

The Super Falcons, however, are quietly proving otherwise.

From braided ponytails flying across the pitch to neatly laid edges, natural afros and confident smiles after ninety exhausting minutes, Africa's finest female footballers are redefining what true beauty looks like.

With every game, they remind us that beauty isn't something you lose by chasing purpose. In fact, purpose is exactly what makes you beautiful.

Women's football has never been an easy space. Behind the tackles, goals, and trophies, are years of training and fighting for recognition, equal opportunities, and respect.

Every WAFCON tournament proves to be another reminder that these women aren't just showing up to play football. They're showing young women and girls out there another version of femininity. They are proving that there's a kind of beauty that sweats on the pitch, falls, gets back up, and still walks away with confidence.

Before ever kicking the ball, Nigeria's Super Falcons arrived at the 2026 WAFCON tournament proudly dressed in coordinated Adire outfits and matching headpieces, carrying Nigerian culture with them unashamedly.

It wasn't just fashion. It was identity. A reminder that strength and elegance have never been enemies.

Then there are players like Rasheedat Ajibade, whose colourful hairstyles have become almost as recognisable as her fearless runs on the field. Or goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, commanding her penalty area with calm confidence while reminding young girls that leadership doesn't come with one look. Or even Michelle Alozie, the 'it girl' of the team who is proving that it's possible to be both a footballer and a fashionista.

Every match tells the same powerful story: beauty isn't limited to flawless skin or delicate hands. It can show up as determination, discipline, and resilience too.

So when you look at a female footballer, running fiercely across the field, with a build that could easily rival any male player, what you're seeing is a form of beauty that defies society's definition. A beauty that is defined by excellence and relentless will.

Perhaps that's why more young girls are paying attention.

Not because these female players fit yesterday's beauty standards, but because they don't. And this is exactly why more women identify with them. From the it girl, to the athletic girl, football levels the playing field, because for those ninety minutes, the only beauty that counts is that of a high stake goal.

Can You Spot
Your Fave?

A Look At Ten Nigerian Influencers Who Are Really Influencing

Alfredo Oveimeh-Brown

If you spend even two minutes on the timeline every day, you already know that social media in Nigeria isn't just about posting pictures, it is a whole economy and these creators are running the show. Forget basic clout, we are talking about real time, undeniable impact. Here's a look at ten Nigerian influencers who are really influencing right now!

1. Priscilla Ojo
Priscilla is top-tier Gen Z royalty. With over 4.7 million followers on Instagram and about 3.4 million on TikTok tapping into her feed for pure outfit inspo, she wears clothes and it immediately turns into market demand. The moment she posts a fit, vendor pages across Instagram and TikTok immediately start sourcing the exact look. Her birthday shoots alone practically hold Nigerian fashion culture hostage every single year.
2. Peller & Jarvis
This duo completely unlocked the blueprint for real-time engagement. Peller's chaotic, crazy energy paired with Jarvis' iconic "AI Robot" persona broke TikTok live streams and literally hijacked the internet. With millions tuning in simultaneously, their joint dynamic set a trend of dual live-stream culture that almost every other creator is now trying to copy. Recently, their wedding journey alone became social-media content that Nigerians followed like a series. From their engagement to their traditional and court weddings, every update generated serious online conversation.
3. Enioluwa
The undisputed King of Community, Enioluwa mastered the art of turning casual viewers into loyal fans. Whether he's pulling up to international red carpets in jaw-dropping tailored outfits or hosting massive food tasting tours, his co-sign guarantees instant visibility. When Eni says a product or event is top tier, the internet believes him immediately. Enioluwa is literally the internet's bestie right now and we are loving it!
4. Veekee James
Veekee James represents the fashion side of Nigerian influence. Veekee doesn't just design dresses, she creates structural masterpieces that set the tone for the entire African fashion industry. With millions of followers across Instagram and TikTok, every single wedding guest, celebrity or bride wants the "Veekee James effect." She was the face behind the exotic Jarvis' wedding gown. Her corset styling and signature designs are copied by tailors nationwide the second a new video drops. She is the undisputed queen of the online fashion industry!
5. Kenzy Udosen
If you've seen the viral "Madam Teresa" character floating around your feed, then you already know Kenzy's comedic genius. He turns relatable Nigerian household banter into a signature style. Kenzy proves that deep cultural humour, executed with clean editing and sharp timing, can build a massive, hyper-engaged audience almost overnight.
6. Jay on Air
Joseph Onaolapo popularly known as Jay on Air is the ultimate pop culture commentary plug. His hyper relatable skits dissecting everyday Nigerian corporate life, church dynamics and media drama are practically a daily requirement on the feed. He doesn't just comment on trends, his audio snippets routinely become viral sounds that thousands of creators use to make their own videos. He also serves as a live event host and MC.
7. Michelle Gentry
She is the daughter of the popular Nollywood actor Mercy Aigbe. Serving pure high-fashion aesthetics and lifestyle goals, Michelle has effortlessly carved out her spot in the beauty and luxury fashion niche. Commanding millions of followers on Instagram, her effortless beauty and aesthetic influences everything from clean makeup trends to how young Nigerian girls curate their digital personal brand.
8. Iyo Prosper
Iyo completely disrupted the faith-based content space with his viral We Listen, We Don't Judge: Bible Edition series. By mixing religious comedy, relatable Nigerian humour and modern storytelling, he bagged an AMVCA and proved that inspirational, wholesome content can gather massive viral numbers and keep people hooked. You can check him out on Instagram to see funny interviews of your favourite bible characters.
9. Maraji
Gloria Oloruntoba Mensah, popularly known as Maraji, the pioneer who practically birthed modern skit-making in Nigeria. Years into the game, Maraji remains an absolute powerhouse. Oloruntobi started with lip-sync videos while at university, but her big breakthrough came when she moved into comedy skits. Her signature move was playing several characters in one video, switching accents, voices and personalities to capture familiar Nigerian situations. Today, a wife and mother, Maraji shares lots of lifestyle content surrounding marriage, raising kids and everyday living. She conquered one niche and is now conquering another.
10. Hilda Baci
Hilda Bassey shifted the entire nation's momentum during her record breaking Cook-a-thon and she hasn't dropped the momentum since. She transformed cooking from a daily chore into a high-value, highly lucrative lifestyle brand. Her online academy pulls thousands of paid students globally, proving that her influence stretches way beyond just likes and views, it moves real money.

These influencers have shown that Nigerian internet culture is something creators are actively shaping. The culture never stays the same. Every new day brings a new shift and we are sat for it!

In conversation with

Chioma Obiadi

Model, Interior Designer, and 40th Miss Nigeria

When Chioma Obiadi won the Miss Nigeria Competition in 2016, it opened up a whole world of possibilities. In her very words winning Miss Nigeria 'changed her life in ways she never anticipated'.

In this issue, DT NOW Magazine caught up with Chioma, engaging in a conversation about life post Miss Nigeria and the new path she is carving out for herself in the world of interior design.

Though you're no stranger, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

I'm Chioma Tyra Obiadi, an interior designer and model from Nigeria. I was born and raised in Lagos, although my roots are in Neni, Anambra State. As the first child and only daughter in a family of four children, I naturally grew into responsibility quite early. Looking back, I think that experience quietly prepared me for leadership long before I ever wore a crown. I attended Catholic schools throughout my primary and secondary education, where discipline, service, and integrity were values woven into everyday life. Those lessons have remained constant, regardless of where life has taken me. I later studied Geography and Meteorology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, which often surprises people. My journey has certainly taken a few unexpected turns, from becoming the 40th Miss Nigeria to building an international modeling career and, more recently, earning a Master's degree in Interior Design. Today, I divide my time between designing spaces and modeling. While they may appear to belong to different worlds, I see them as expressions of the same idea. Both are about composition, storytelling, and creating experiences that leave people feeling something long after they've left the room.

Beautifully captured. You're the 40th Miss Nigeria. How did that position impact your life, both socially and career-wise?

Winning Miss Nigeria changed my life in ways I never anticipated. Before then, I was simply a university student with ambitious dreams. Almost overnight, I found myself representing far more than myself. I became someone people looked to for inspiration, leadership, and example. That kind of responsibility changes the way you think and, more importantly, the way you carry yourself. Socially, it taught me that influence is less about visibility and more about character. People rarely remember every word you've said, but they almost always remember how you made them feel.

Professionally, the opportunities were extraordinary. I represented Nigeria internationally, worked with remarkable brands, judged pageants, spoke at events, and built relationships with people from every imaginable background. Yet if I had to choose the greatest gift the title gave me, it would be confidence. Miss Nigeria gave me permission to believe that I belonged in rooms I had once admired from a distance. Years later, that same confidence carried me across continents in pursuit of a completely new career in interior design. The crown didn't determine my future. It simply reminded me that I was capable of creating one.

This career you're building in interior design, is it a passion you've always had?

I think it has always been part of me. I simply didn't recognize it as a profession. As a child, I was endlessly fascinated by spaces. I would rearrange furniture, pay close attention to hotels and restaurants, and quietly imagine how they could feel different. I don't think I realized I was studying design. I just knew I enjoyed observing how environments influenced people. Interestingly, studying Geography and Meteorology deepened that curiosity. It taught me to think about the relationship between people and their surroundings, which, in many ways, is also what interior design is about. The turning point came during the pandemic. As the world slowed down, our homes became our offices, classrooms, sanctuaries, and gathering places. It became impossible to ignore how profoundly our environment shapes our wellbeing. People often think interior design is about selecting beautiful furniture or luxurious finishes. To me, it has always been about people. A thoughtfully designed space can encourage conversation, improve concentration, reduce stress, or simply make someone feel at ease. That's what continues to inspire me. I don't believe I'm simply designing interiors. I believe I'm designing experiences.

Designing experiences. That's a beautiful way to put it. You're studying at a very prestigious design school. How has that impacted your perception of the craft?

SCAD fundamentally changed the way I think about design. Most people view interior design from the aesthetic point of view. But this level of training has helped me understand that aesthetics is only one part of a much larger conversation. Every decision should have intention. Why does one hotel lobby immediately make you feel welcome? Why does one restaurant encourage lingering conversations while another subtly invites you to leave? Those experiences are rarely accidental. They are carefully designed. Studying design has also made me exceptionally observant, much to the amusement of my friends. We'll walk into a beautiful space and they'll be admiring the chandelier. Meanwhile, I'm wondering whether the lighting hierarchy supports the atmosphere, whether the circulation feels intuitive, or whether the proportions of the room create a sense of comfort. Once you've been trained to see design this way, it's impossible to stop noticing it. It's both a privilege and, occasionally, a rather expensive habit.

Amazing! So what should we expect from you in the coming days, both in design and your other endeavours?

Quite a bit of building. Both literally and figuratively. Now that I've completed my master's degree, I'm stepping into a really exciting chapter. The past few years have been dedicated to learning, refining my craft, and quietly building something that I'm incredibly proud of. In due time, I'll be unveiling many of the projects I've been working on, and I'm looking forward to finally sharing them with the world. Most of what you'll see from me will be centered around interior design and my mission of elevating the living experience through thoughtful, timeless, and human-centered spaces.

At the same time, I'm also reconnecting with my first love, modeling. It's a career that has shaped so much of who I am, and I'm excited to become more visible in that world again while continuing to grow as a designer. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that discovering one passion doesn't require abandoning another. I don't see modeling and interior design as competing identities. They complement each other beautifully. One taught me how to communicate visually, while the other taught me how to shape the way people experience a space. So, people can expect work that is intentional, beautifully considered, and, above all, authentic to who I am.

Well, we look forward to witnessing that. You're inarguably a fashion icon. What inspires your style and what are your top three go-to fashion items?

I've always believed fashion is another language. Long before you introduce yourself, your clothing has already said something about you. I love that fashion allows us to communicate without speaking. Over the years, my style has evolved from embracing glamour to appreciating simplicity. These days, I'm drawn to clean lines, timeless silhouettes, and pieces that feel effortless rather than overcomplicated.

As for my essentials, I'm very much a one-piece kind of girl. Give me a beautiful dress and I'm happy. I love how one well-made piece removes the guesswork and lets you get on with your day while still looking polished. The second would definitely be a great pair of heels. I've yet to meet an outfit that wasn't elevated by the right pair.

And finally, fragrance. I don't think people talk about fragrance enough. To me, it's the invisible finishing touch. You may forget exactly what someone was wearing, but you'll often remember how they smelled. A beautiful fragrance has a way of completing an entire look without ever being seen.

If you were designing your dream home, what would be some absolute must-haves?

Natural light would be non-negotiable. If the morning sun doesn't gently wake me before my alarm does, we may need to revisit the floor plan. The second would be two kitchens. I absolutely love cooking, especially Nigerian food, so my dream home would have a beautifully designed show kitchen where family and friends can gather, entertain, and share meals together. Then I'd have a separate chef's kitchen tucked away behind it for serious cooking. Anyone who has made ogbono soup or ofe onugbu knows exactly why. As much as I love those meals, I'd rather the aroma stay in the kitchen than become the signature scent of the entire house. More than anything, though, I'd want my home to feel lived in. Luxury, to me, isn't measured by square footage or price tags. It's measured by warmth. The greatest compliment anyone could give my home is that they never wanted to leave.

This has been amazing, Chioma. Thank you and we look forward to keeping in touch with you and your journey.

800 Million+ In The Box Office:

Why Gen-Z Can't Stop Showing Up For Uzoamaka Power's Call Of My Life

The box office numbers are screaming! Since its release on May 15, 2026, Call of My Life has been breaking records, grossing over ₦817 million in cinemas across Africa and beyond. This isn't just another movie; it's a record-breaking moment. In an industry where many films struggle to find their rhythm in the cinemas, young people showed up and showed out, securing this 87-minute masterpiece a spot in the promised land of Nollywood greatness.

It's a massive flex that proves that when the vibe is right, the audience will always pull up. For Call of My Life, the origin story is just as inspiring as the plot. In 2018, while working as a call centre agent, Uzoamaka Power sat down and typed a three-page draft on Microsoft Word. She captured her real-life experiences and hustle then walked away from the script for years. The eight-year journey to bring this vision to life is probably the most inspiring thing about it. This authentic foundation is why the film feels so relatable.

It wasn't manufactured in a boardroom; it was born from the genuine heart of a young woman who lived the story. The narrative follows Soluchi, a hopeless romantic struggling to heal after being jilted by her boss and former lover. Just when her romantic life is on "Do Not Disturb" mode, a work call connects her with the charming Eli. Their chemistry is palpable, vividly portraying a journey of healing, vulnerability, and modern love. As Uzoamaka herself says, "If we stop loving, we're dead."

The movie paints love in the most emotionally satisfying way possible. Visually, the movie is a sight for sore eyes. Shot across Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja, it delivers that clean "Black American romance" aesthetic without losing its Nigerian identity. From the camera angles to the cinematography, every frame is eye candy. The costume designers definitely understood the assignment, with Soluchi constantly serving looks in vibrant outfits.

Combined with its focus on natural hair aesthetics, the film's attention to detail and cultural expression is top-tier. Plus when you have big names starring in a project like this, excellence is inevitable. Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor (our beloved Mama G), Broda Shaggi, Beverly Osu, Zubby Michael, and Andrew Bunting bridge the gap between Nollywood legends and a new generation of stars. Broda Shaggi, especially, delivers humour back-to-back without taking anything away from the film's emotional core.

But what's a romantic comedy without a soundtrack that actually understands the mood? The soft feel of the movie is carried by a beautifully blended soundtrack featuring Johnny Drille and Cobhams Asuquo, making the romantic storytelling even more impactful. With relatable dating struggles, unforgettable chemistry between Soluchi and Eli, gorgeous visuals, and a story that feels honest from start to finish, Call of My Life isn't just another romantic comedy. It's proof that when a story feels real, GEN-Z will always show up.

Unsung
Hero

How one young woman is turning her Akara business into a whole franchise

..."The best thing I did for myself was using my business to create content." Jideobi Chiamaka Favour recounts fondly as she shares the story of how what started as a small business has grown exponentially over the past eight years.

Chiamaka, known across social media as SexyAkaraFryer, is a young woman who made a firm decision and stuck to it; she would go to the university no matter what. Coming from a humble background, funding for her University education was not readily available. But her mother had expressed a strong desire to see her daughter become a graduate.

Determined to make this dream come true, Chiamaka opened her small business; an Akara stand in Awka, Anambra state. With expertise gained from working at her mother's Akara stand, Chiamaka built her own business, but added a modern twist; social media.

Reminiscing on her time in the University, Chiamaka shared that a lot of her course mates did not believe that she sold Akara because of how well she carried herself. They came to her stand in disbelief but had to give her her flowers.

Being in school and running a business that required her to show up early everyday proved to be a challenge but she kept showing up to both endeavors with all the needed energy.

For Chiamaka, Social Media was the game changer. When she began posting about her business on social media, she never expected it to generate so much traction, but it did. Social Media gave her a visibility that has brought customers and recognition.

Today, she has a whole SexyAkaraFryer franchise, cutting across retail clothes and logistics but Akara remains her mainstay. Now a university graduate, Chiamaka continues to run her businesses from Anambra state, while sharing her story with thousands via social media.

Despite her growth, Chiamaka still experiences the challenge of a proper location for her business. She has a small place but aspires to own a whole restaurant dedicated to Akara someday.

Speaking of her social life, Chiamaka shared that some men get uninterested in her when they find out what she does for a living. But she doesn't care about this 'business shaming' as she calls it. "I am not desperate for marriage." She says. "When the time is right, the Lord will make it happen."

Chiamaka advises every young person with a dream to never let anyone make them feel less-than because of what they do for a living.

"Believe in yourself, be consistent, be contented and have a goal. Do it like your life depends on it, and always put God first." Chiamaka advises.

Chiamaka represents a growing population of young Nigerians who are active dreamers. Against the social and economic odds, she is building an empire from the ground up. This is why Jideobi Chiamaka Favour is our Unsung Hero.

The October Edition

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Cover Story

The LadyBeellionaire Sisters

Read the Story

The October Edition

The LadyBeellionaire Sisters

Heritage, craftsmanship & sisterhood — building a legacy in luxury fashion

Read the full issue →

Team

Publisher: Rita Dominic
Consulting Editor: Peter Aleogena
Assistant Editor: Tomisin Juliet Faoye
Social Media Manager: Adigun Michael
Design and Layout: Prince Kings
Contributors: – Tomisin Juliet Faoye; – Alfredo Oveimeh-Brown; – Angel Afemikhe
Proofreader: Tom Kirkwood

Editor's
Letter

Dearest gentle reader, this is not a blockbuster Netflix regency series, but we can assure you that DT NOW has enough content to keep you hooked.

In this edition, we have carefully curated for you, a wholesome reading and pictorial experience and it begins from the cover itself.

If you have a favorite influencer, you might want to see if your fave made our top ten list. And if you love travel, then the column by travel blogger, WakaWaka Doctor is just perfect for you!

Beyond the glitz and the glam, our Unsung Hero segment shines the spotlight on one young woman who is turning her Akara business into a full blown empire.

All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the fantastic ride that DT NOW is taking you on!

Tomisin Juliet Faoye,
Assistant Editor,
DT NOW Magazine.

Cover Story

Heritage, Craftsmanship& Sisterhood

How the LadyBeellionaire Sisters are building a legacy in the world of luxury fashion

LadyBeellionaire has become synonymous with elegance and luxury. What inspired the creation of the brand and how did you come about its unique name?

How would you describe the journey of the brand from its inception to where it is today?

Your designs strike a balance between creativity and luxury. So how do you define "luxury" in today's fashion landscape?

For us, luxury today isn't about price tags or exclusivity in the traditional sense. It's about intentionality.

So to define it simply: luxury to us is the intersection of quality, meaning, and individuality. And that's what we strive for with everything we create.

Can you walk us through your creative process; from concept to final piece?

How do you ensure each design still feels unique in an industry that often leans toward mass production?

How do you design pieces that cater to diverse personalities and body types?

So whether you're a size 2 or a size 18, whether you're quiet or loud- if you walk into our world, you'll find something elegant that feels like it was made for you. Because it was.

What challenges have you faced building a luxury brand within the Nigerian market, and how have you overcome them?

Then there's the perception challenge. A lot of people still believe luxury has to come from abroad. Even though the perception is gradually changing.

We've had to work twice as hard to prove that "made in Nigeria" can mean world-class. Every piece we release is us making that statement- again and again- until the message sticks.

How do you source your materials, and how important is quality control in your production process?

What makes a LadyBeellionaire piece stand out from other luxury fashion brands?

Giggles... What makes a LadyBeellionaire piece stand out? I could go on and on.

What impact do you hope LadyBeellionaire will have on the Nigerian and global fashion scene?

Honestly? We want LadyBeellionaire to change how people see Nigerian fashion- both here and around the world.

Are there any upcoming collections or projects you're particularly excited about?

We are always excited about what's next.

So yes- we're excited. For the collection, for the growth, and for the women we get to welcome into our world.

What advice would you give to young designers looking to build a luxury fashion brand in Nigeria?

The New
Passport
Economy

Why The Best Investment You'll Ever Make Is A Plane Ticket

By WakaWaka Doctor

(Medical doctor & travel, global mobility advocate)

Airports are fascinating places.

I've always believed airports reveal something profound about humanity. They are one of the few places where the world's inequalities, ambitions, fears and possibilities all stand in the same queue.

Look closely and you'll see it.

A student rehearsing answers for an immigration interview.
A business executive polishing tomorrow's presentation.
A couple beginning their honeymoon.
A grandmother meeting her grandchildren for the first time.
A young professional chasing an opportunity that doesn't exist back home.

Different destinations. Different reasons. The same hope.

Perhaps that's why travel has never really been about movement. It's about transformation.

Welcome to what I like to call the new passport economy.

Most importantly, it changes what you believe is possible. You cannot unknow what you've seen.

Joy, it turns out, doesn't require subtitles. Neither does kindness.

Country number 30.

Country number 50.

Country number 80.

Japan: teaches precision.
Italy: reminds us that life should occasionally be savoured rather than scheduled.
Brazil: demonstrates that resilience and joy can comfortably occupy the same street.
Singapore: proves what long-term planning can achieve.

On Repeat:

What's Hot On
The Music Scene

Whether it's catchy hooks, street anthems or soulful melodies, each of them keeps feeding fans with vibes upon vibes that quickly become the soundtrack of everyday life.

Collaborations are also getting bigger. Nigerian artists are no longer thinking locally; they're creating music with stars from across Africa, Europe and America.

The result is a fresh sound that keeps pushing Afrobeats to new audiences while holding on to its African roots.

What's Showing Now!

The Movies Everyone's Talking About

Alfredo Oveimeh-Brown

1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Where to watch? Cinemas.

2. King of Thieves 2

Where to watch? Netflix Nigeria.

3. Colours of Fire

Where to watch? Netflix.

4. Call of My Life

Where to watch? Cinemas near you!

5. Sweet 16

Where to watch? Cinemas!

Insidious: Out of the Further

Where to watch? The Cinemas.

The Dog Stars

Where to watch? Cinemas from August 28!

Tennis,

But Make It Fashion

Why Naomi Osaka's Match-Day Fits Are A Whole Vibe

Rhythm Of The Algorithm

What Blows And What Flops

If it doesn't… well, good luck.

So, How Do You Actually Get the Algorithm Working For You?

There isn't a secret button that guarantees millions of views, but there are a few things creators can do to give their content a better chance.

01
Post when your audience is actually online.
Forget the idea that there is one magical time when everyone should post. The best posting time depends on your audience, location and platform. A useful starting point is to test different windows such as morning, afternoon and evening and compare the results. You could start by testing around 7–9am, 12–2pm and 6–10pm, when people are more likely to be checking their phones before school or work, during breaks, and after the day's activities. But don't treat these times as a universal rule. Your own analytics should eventually tell you what works best. YouTube, for example, provides audience analytics showing when viewers are on the platform.
02
Don't post once and disappear.
Consistency matters, but that doesn't mean flooding everyone's feed. YouTube specifically recommends creating a sustainable schedule rather than chasing an arbitrary number of uploads. There is also no minimum posting frequency required for videos to perform well. A realistic starting point for you could be 3–5 short-form posts a week, then adjusting based on what the audience responds to. If you can comfortably create more without sacrificing quality, experiment. If you can only manage two strong videos a week, consistency is still better than burning out trying to post every day.
03
Short-form video is your best friend.
TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are built around quick, scrollable videos, making them useful for discovery. YouTube Shorts can now be up to three minutes long, but that doesn't mean every video needs to be three minutes. The key is to give people a reason to keep watching. Start with the interesting part instead of spending the first few seconds saying, "Hey guys, welcome back to my channel." Show the outfit, reveal the food, ask the question or get straight into the story. And don't forget the format. Vertical video, clear visuals, readable text and captions make content easier to consume while people are scrolling.
04
Give people a reason to stop scrolling.
The first few seconds matter because viewers can simply swipe away. The algorithm takes signals such as whether viewers choose to watch, how long they stay and what percentage of the video they watch, into account. That means your opening needs to do some work. Instead of: "So today I'm going to talk about five Nigerian movies you should watch…" Try: "Here are five Nigerian movies you need to watch before the month ends." Same topic. Different energy.
05
Turn comments into content.
Don't treat comments as the end of the conversation. They're content ideas hiding in plain sight. Someone asks, "Where did you get that outfit?" Make a video answering it. Someone disagrees with your movie ranking? Respond. Someone asks you to review something? That's another potential post.
06
Watch your analytics, not just your likes.
A post getting lots of likes feels great, but there's more to the story. Look at views, watch time, audience retention, shares, comments, saves and how many people actually chose to watch instead of scrolling past. If your 20-second videos consistently keep people watching longer than your 60-second videos, that's useful information. If your fashion posts get shared more than your talking videos, that's another clue. Your analytics are basically giving you free feedback. You just have to pay attention.

Touch Grass

How city people are ditching their phones
to beat digital burnout

Angel Afemikhe

However, the internet has always been just one version of reality. Perhaps that's why many young people are creating an offline shift.

Touching grass doesn't have to mean literally sitting on the grass. It can mean finding a place where your phone becomes the least interesting thing in the room.

Naija Menswear:Feminine or Fashion Forward?

Five years ago, some of these looks might have attracted a completely different reaction. Today, the conversation is slowly shifting from "Is this feminine?" to "Does this work?"

But is this really femininity, or is fashion simply evolving?

Perhaps the reaction comes from how fashion has always been understood.

And time? Time changes everything. Traditions evolve. Personalities evolve. Fashion evolves too.

So maybe the question isn't whether Naija menswear is feminine. Maybe it's whether fashion is finally being allowed to evolve without being forced into yesterday's definitions.

Kennedy
Ekezie

The Gen-Z Tech Boss Revolutionising The Business Space

By Angel Afemikhe

What if the next billionaire isn't building another social media app?

What if he's building something that helps your neighbourhood tailor receive payments, your mother's shop access credit, or your favourite roadside food vendor manage customers from their smartphone?

That is exactly the kind of future Kennedy Ekezie is betting on.

That idea eventually became Kippa.

But every startup story doesn't end with a success montage.

And perhaps this is where his story becomes more interesting. The end of one product didn't become the end of the entrepreneur.

Impressive? Yes.

Perhaps that is the real Gen-Z business revolution.

Kippa may have been one chapter of Kennedy Ekezie's story. It clearly isn't the whole story.

Football and Female Beauty Standards:

How WAFCON Players Are Rising Above The Grit Of Football And Defining Their Own Beauty

Angel Afemikhe

For many women, playing football has often come with an unspoken question: what happens to beauty when the sport demands bruises, scars, sweat, muscular legs, and hours under the sun?

The Super Falcons, however, are quietly proving otherwise.

With every game, they remind us that beauty isn't something you lose by chasing purpose. In fact, purpose is exactly what makes you beautiful.

Women's football has never been an easy space. Behind the tackles, goals, and trophies, are years of training and fighting for recognition, equal opportunities, and respect.

It wasn't just fashion. It was identity. A reminder that strength and elegance have never been enemies.

Every match tells the same powerful story: beauty isn't limited to flawless skin or delicate hands. It can show up as determination, discipline, and resilience too.

Perhaps that's why more young girls are paying attention.

Can You Spot
Your Fave?

A Look At Ten Nigerian Influencers Who Are Really Influencing

Alfredo Oveimeh-Brown

1. Priscilla Ojo
Priscilla is top-tier Gen Z royalty. With over 4.7 million followers on Instagram and about 3.4 million on TikTok tapping into her feed for pure outfit inspo, she wears clothes and it immediately turns into market demand. The moment she posts a fit, vendor pages across Instagram and TikTok immediately start sourcing the exact look. Her birthday shoots alone practically hold Nigerian fashion culture hostage every single year.
2. Peller & Jarvis
This duo completely unlocked the blueprint for real-time engagement. Peller's chaotic, crazy energy paired with Jarvis' iconic "AI Robot" persona broke TikTok live streams and literally hijacked the internet. With millions tuning in simultaneously, their joint dynamic set a trend of dual live-stream culture that almost every other creator is now trying to copy. Recently, their wedding journey alone became social-media content that Nigerians followed like a series. From their engagement to their traditional and court weddings, every update generated serious online conversation.
3. Enioluwa
The undisputed King of Community, Enioluwa mastered the art of turning casual viewers into loyal fans. Whether he's pulling up to international red carpets in jaw-dropping tailored outfits or hosting massive food tasting tours, his co-sign guarantees instant visibility. When Eni says a product or event is top tier, the internet believes him immediately. Enioluwa is literally the internet's bestie right now and we are loving it!
4. Veekee James
Veekee James represents the fashion side of Nigerian influence. Veekee doesn't just design dresses, she creates structural masterpieces that set the tone for the entire African fashion industry. With millions of followers across Instagram and TikTok, every single wedding guest, celebrity or bride wants the "Veekee James effect." She was the face behind the exotic Jarvis' wedding gown. Her corset styling and signature designs are copied by tailors nationwide the second a new video drops. She is the undisputed queen of the online fashion industry!
5. Kenzy Udosen
If you've seen the viral "Madam Teresa" character floating around your feed, then you already know Kenzy's comedic genius. He turns relatable Nigerian household banter into a signature style. Kenzy proves that deep cultural humour, executed with clean editing and sharp timing, can build a massive, hyper-engaged audience almost overnight.
6. Jay on Air
Joseph Onaolapo popularly known as Jay on Air is the ultimate pop culture commentary plug. His hyper relatable skits dissecting everyday Nigerian corporate life, church dynamics and media drama are practically a daily requirement on the feed. He doesn't just comment on trends, his audio snippets routinely become viral sounds that thousands of creators use to make their own videos. He also serves as a live event host and MC.
7. Michelle Gentry
She is the daughter of the popular Nollywood actor Mercy Aigbe. Serving pure high-fashion aesthetics and lifestyle goals, Michelle has effortlessly carved out her spot in the beauty and luxury fashion niche. Commanding millions of followers on Instagram, her effortless beauty and aesthetic influences everything from clean makeup trends to how young Nigerian girls curate their digital personal brand.
8. Iyo Prosper
Iyo completely disrupted the faith-based content space with his viral We Listen, We Don't Judge: Bible Edition series. By mixing religious comedy, relatable Nigerian humour and modern storytelling, he bagged an AMVCA and proved that inspirational, wholesome content can gather massive viral numbers and keep people hooked. You can check him out on Instagram to see funny interviews of your favourite bible characters.
9. Maraji
Gloria Oloruntoba Mensah, popularly known as Maraji, the pioneer who practically birthed modern skit-making in Nigeria. Years into the game, Maraji remains an absolute powerhouse. Oloruntobi started with lip-sync videos while at university, but her big breakthrough came when she moved into comedy skits. Her signature move was playing several characters in one video, switching accents, voices and personalities to capture familiar Nigerian situations. Today, a wife and mother, Maraji shares lots of lifestyle content surrounding marriage, raising kids and everyday living. She conquered one niche and is now conquering another.
10. Hilda Baci
Hilda Bassey shifted the entire nation's momentum during her record breaking Cook-a-thon and she hasn't dropped the momentum since. She transformed cooking from a daily chore into a high-value, highly lucrative lifestyle brand. Her online academy pulls thousands of paid students globally, proving that her influence stretches way beyond just likes and views, it moves real money.

These influencers have shown that Nigerian internet culture is something creators are actively shaping. The culture never stays the same. Every new day brings a new shift and we are sat for it!

In conversation with

Chioma Obiadi

Model, Interior Designer, and 40th Miss Nigeria

When Chioma Obiadi won the Miss Nigeria Competition in 2016, it opened up a whole world of possibilities. In her very words winning Miss Nigeria 'changed her life in ways she never anticipated'.

In this issue, DT NOW Magazine caught up with Chioma, engaging in a conversation about life post Miss Nigeria and the new path she is carving out for herself in the world of interior design.

Though you're no stranger, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

Beautifully captured. You're the 40th Miss Nigeria. How did that position impact your life, both socially and career-wise?

This career you're building in interior design, is it a passion you've always had?

Designing experiences. That's a beautiful way to put it. You're studying at a very prestigious design school. How has that impacted your perception of the craft?

Amazing! So what should we expect from you in the coming days, both in design and your other endeavours?

Well, we look forward to witnessing that. You're inarguably a fashion icon. What inspires your style and what are your top three go-to fashion items?

If you were designing your dream home, what would be some absolute must-haves?

This has been amazing, Chioma. Thank you and we look forward to keeping in touch with you and your journey.

800 Million+ In The Box Office:

Why Gen-Z Can't Stop Showing Up For Uzoamaka Power's Call Of My Life

Unsung
Hero

How one young woman is turning her Akara business into a whole franchise

Being in school and running a business that required her to show up early everyday proved to be a challenge but she kept showing up to both endeavors with all the needed energy.

Despite her growth, Chiamaka still experiences the challenge of a proper location for her business. She has a small place but aspires to own a whole restaurant dedicated to Akara someday.

Chiamaka advises every young person with a dream to never let anyone make them feel less-than because of what they do for a living.

"Believe in yourself, be consistent, be contented and have a goal. Do it like your life depends on it, and always put God first." Chiamaka advises.

The October Edition

Read every story offline

Download Full Magazine

The LadyBeellionaire Sisters

The LadyBeellionaire Sisters

Team

Editor'sLetter

Heritage, Craftsmanship& Sisterhood

LadyBeellionaire has become synonymous with elegance and luxury. What inspired the creation of the brand and how did you come about its unique name?

How would you describe the journey of the brand from its inception to where it is today?

Your designs strike a balance between creativity and luxury. So how do you define "luxury" in today's fashion landscape?

Can you walk us through your creative process; from concept to final piece?

How do you ensure each design still feels unique in an industry that often leans toward mass production?

How do you design pieces that cater to diverse personalities and body types?

What challenges have you faced building a luxury brand within the Nigerian market, and how have you overcome them?

How do you source your materials, and how important is quality control in your production process?

What makes a LadyBeellionaire piece stand out from other luxury fashion brands?

What impact do you hope LadyBeellionaire will have on the Nigerian and global fashion scene?

Are there any upcoming collections or projects you're particularly excited about?

What advice would you give to young designers looking to build a luxury fashion brand in Nigeria?

The NewPassportEconomy

1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

2. King of Thieves 2

3. Colours of Fire

4. Call of My Life

5. Sweet 16

Insidious: Out of the Further

The Dog Stars

So, How Do You Actually Get the Algorithm Working For You?

Post when your audience is actually online.

Don't post once and disappear.

Short-form video is your best friend.

Give people a reason to stop scrolling.

Turn comments into content.

Watch your analytics, not just your likes.

How WAFCON Players Are Rising Above The Grit Of Football And Defining Their Own Beauty

1. Priscilla Ojo

2. Peller & Jarvis

3. Enioluwa

4. Veekee James

5. Kenzy Udosen

6. Jay on Air

7. Michelle Gentry

8. Iyo Prosper

9. Maraji

10. Hilda Baci

Though you're no stranger, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

Beautifully captured. You're the 40th Miss Nigeria. How did that position impact your life, both socially and career-wise?

This career you're building in interior design, is it a passion you've always had?

Designing experiences. That's a beautiful way to put it. You're studying at a very prestigious design school. How has that impacted your perception of the craft?

Amazing! So what should we expect from you in the coming days, both in design and your other endeavours?

Well, we look forward to witnessing that. You're inarguably a fashion icon. What inspires your style and what are your top three go-to fashion items?

If you were designing your dream home, what would be some absolute must-haves?

Get DT Now in Your Inbox

Read every story offline

The LadyBeellionaire Sisters

The LadyBeellionaire Sisters

Team

Editor'sLetter

Heritage, Craftsmanship& Sisterhood

LadyBeellionaire has become synonymous with elegance and luxury. What inspired the creation of the brand and how did you come about its unique name?

How would you describe the journey of the brand from its inception to where it is today?

Your designs strike a balance between creativity and luxury. So how do you define "luxury" in today's fashion landscape?

Can you walk us through your creative process; from concept to final piece?

How do you ensure each design still feels unique in an industry that often leans toward mass production?

How do you design pieces that cater to diverse personalities and body types?

What challenges have you faced building a luxury brand within the Nigerian market, and how have you overcome them?

How do you source your materials, and how important is quality control in your production process?

What makes a LadyBeellionaire piece stand out from other luxury fashion brands?

What impact do you hope LadyBeellionaire will have on the Nigerian and global fashion scene?

Are there any upcoming collections or projects you're particularly excited about?

What advice would you give to young designers looking to build a luxury fashion brand in Nigeria?

The NewPassportEconomy

1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

2. King of Thieves 2

3. Colours of Fire

4. Call of My Life

5. Sweet 16

Insidious: Out of the Further

The Dog Stars

So, How Do You Actually Get the Algorithm Working For You?

Post when your audience is actually online.

Don't post once and disappear.

Editor's
Letter

The New
Passport
Economy

Editor's
Letter

The New
Passport
Economy