DOING IT ALL FOR LOVE
In 1537, King Henry VII of England officially declared February 14 as the day to celebrate
St. Valentine. Before that, its observance was largely invigorated by myths-from the sublime to the weird. For instance, the red rose became a prominent icon of Valentine Day celebration because red rose was the favourite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Till today, thousands of letters are addressed to Juliet at an address in Verona, an Italian
city where Shakespearean characters Romeo and Juliet lived. While there may not be distinct Nigerian norms linked to Valentine Day, its celebration is becoming increasingly popular, particularly the propensity of anchoring entertainment events around it. This year, the celebration started nine clear days ahead of Valentine Day with the successful staging of the third edition of the musical, ‘Love Is’. This show apparently set the tone for the love season for many Nigerian lovebirds. Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha report on a couple of activities created to show love, affection and passion at Valentine
ALove Is… The Musical?
ctivities tied around the increasingly popular Valentine’s Day began more than one week ahead on Friday, February 5 at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos with the hugely anticipated audiovisual stage experience ‘Love Is… The Musical 3’ which took place in an amazing atmosphere of colours, lights, music and dance.
Preceded by an intriguing art exhibition by show director, Ice Nweke, the show was attended by the MD Nigerian Breweries, Nicholaas Vervelde, Darey Art Alade, Deola Art Alade, Linda Ejiofor, Denrele, Mo Cheddah and other notable personalities.
Telling the story of three women in search of their answer to the question “What is Love?” the stage play held the audience spellbound for more than three hours as the talents of The Poet Donna, Efe Paul the Poet and Yinka Davies came to the fore. The crowd also received a special treat with cameos and performances by Ijodee, Gordons, Emma Oh Ma God, Igos, Sound Sultan and Timi Dakolo.
The musical reached its climax with a stunning performance by Timi Dakolo, which showcased his full vocal range amidst a chorus of rhythmic lights, blazing colour and irresistible sound.
The show producer Clementine Vervelde described the production as a thing of immense pride and joy. A production of Limitless Minds Africa in partnership with Ixtreme Production, ‘Love Is… The Musical 3’ was brought to life by a 40-man cast and crew.
Lagos Airport Hotel Rebrands with Love Rendezvous
Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja packaged a three-day programme which offered couples and lovers a special Valentine weekend getaway tagged ‘Love Rendezvous’. The package included a free stay, meals and access to the hotel’s facilities such as the pool and gym.
Couples participated in
the Love Rendezvous which comprised mini events leading to a dinner with comedian Gbenga Adeyinka today. This was preceded by a concert with afro- juju master, Sir Shina Peters and Jaywon yesterday. The event kicked off on February 12 with Pool Side Party Jamz. Attractions at the party included raffle draws, dance contests, fashion shows and karaoke among others.
Managing Director of Lagos Airport Hotel, Kayode Bakare disclosed that the event was part of the hotel’s rebranding following its new partnership with the Lagos state government.
Ayo Van Elmar Takes a New Look at Red
Working with Abinibi Photography and Oge Make-up Artistry, fashion designer, Ayo Elizabeth Olaogun who is better known by her trade name, Ayo Van Elmar delivered a compelling visual feast that drew shoppers to her Oniru-Lagos store. According to her, “Red is depicted to outline the coherency of the paramount colour of Valentine throughout the entire collection to capture an energetic season that bears with it, lots of love in the air. Red is often associated with emotions.” One of her famous collections, Amour Amour, features both menswear and womenswear. Her Valentine display showed an arrangement that was themed on love.
Ayo van Elmar has successfully showcased collections at the Nigeria, Vienna and London fashion week. She was also contracted to design the wardrobe for the TV shows; Nigeria’s Got Talent ( 2012) and Glo X- Factor West Africa ( 2013). Her designs are rooted in exploring the beauty of afrocentric fabrics and creating exquisite styles for the liberal, cosmopolitan and the openminded who believes that elegance knows no bounds.
The Ayo Van Elmar Valentine photoshoot tells the love story of a couple who cherish the art of communication. They enjoy moments of tenderness and warmth. They adore, support and respect each another. The models were Frankincense Eche-Ben and Delphine Ugo Okobah.
Julius’ Festival of Love
For years, comedian cum actor, Julius Agwu has staged a show in Abuja tied around the Valentine tagged ‘ Festival of Love’, but informed by the prevailing circumstance of his life, he is compelled to highlight other themes that would explain his situation. Having survived a brain surgery, it is understandable that Julius would have ‘ Life as I See It’ as the broad theme for his show with the sub- theme, ‘ The Re- Birth’.
The two-legged show which started in Lagos last week closes today at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Working with Julius on stage to entertain the audience are the likes of Waje, Jodie, Nikki Laoye and Toke Makinwa.
Other performers lined-up for the Abuja show include Bez, Eddi Kaddi, MC Abbey, Chuks D General and Dunsin Oyekan. As always, the package is a production of Julius’ Reel Laif Entertainment.
The Banky W Surprise It is reward time for the most loyal fans of Mr. Capable, Banky W, as he is set to bless over 100 people who can prove that they have been following his career faithfully. Details of the contest are on many social media platforms where fans were requested to interact with him in various ways by posting photographs and some of his songs. The singer explained that he had to thank his fans in this unique way since he does not have a Valentine.
Edi Lawani Offers Ribbons ‘ n’ Roses
Followers of Elvina Ibru’s radio programme, ‘Mellow Magic’ have a chance to interact with her today live at a special segment built into this year’s ‘ Ribbons ‘ n’ Roses’ concert at Eko Hotel. The concert is designed for only 300 guests who would be treated to a unique experience that includes gourmet food, drinks and more.
Headlining the show is Cobhams Asuquo while Richard Mofe Damijo and Elvina Ibru are on duty as hosts. Guests have been promised a very rewarding time by the organisers, Edi Lawani and Associates.
Share a Coke Feeling
In the spirit of the most emotional season of the year, Coca-Cola packaged an allexpense- paid treat for six lucky couples in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
Imagine a six-course dinner for two by a celebrity chef, photo session by a celebrity photographer and packs of specially customized Coca- Cola. Each couple spent the day from pick-up to sundown, completely pampered.
All they had to do was choose a coke bottle with a smiley that best expressed their feelings. For example, choosing a bottle that says ‘Love You’ and another bottle with your partner’s name or a pet name such as ‘My Bae’, opened the door for this luxury treat. There were hundreds of phrases and smileys to choose from. The next step was to take a photo with the bottles and post on various social media platforms. The contest was restricted to couples who must be 18 years old or above and had to be in a chosen location on Valentine’s Eve.
Using Lingerie as Art of Seduction
Felix Aaron who is better known by his trade name Feron staged the second edition of his Lingerie Line Fashion Show with the theme, ‘ The Art of Seduction’ yesterday at Cova Lounge, Mega Plaza, Victoria Island, Lagos. Feron’s ‘ Art of Seduction’ was launched in 2013 as the first authentic annual lingerie line show in Nigeria but could not hold in 2014 for logistics reasons and in 2015 due to the general elections that were initially scheduled to hold on Valentine’s Day. One of
the messages passed on at the show was to dissuade women from tying wrapper to sleep. With the show, Feron sought to increase the level of intimacy that had reduced between couples, using dress codes and body language. The objective of the show was to revive and spice up flagging relationships. Imagine, using a sexy lingerie to settle a quarrel between an estranged couple. For Feron, wearing lingerie is a form of non-verbal communication.
This year’s Valentine’s eve show was an exclusive VIP show for the lingerie line described by many as “absolutely glamorous’’ because the dress code was “short and sexy’’.
The lingerie was made of very sensual silk, laces, chiffon and lycra. They all turned out as very beautiful pieces. The show which had models showingoff 50 prototype lingerie pieces opened with classic love songs and featured a kissing competition for the married and stand-up comedy. The very romantic atmosphere was complemented with good lighting.
Love Like a Movie Goes Naked
Closing the season of love with a much anticipated show on February 28 is the third edition of Darey Art-Alade’s ‘Love Like a Movie’ concert featuring American diva, Ciara as the headline artiste.
This year’s show is titled Naked, named after Darey’s last album, and there’ll be a photo exhibition with the same theme featuring TY Bello, Kelechi Amadi Obi and Yetunde Babaeko.
The musical show has international and local artistes, but also acrobats, excellent choreography and a lot of exciting moments.
“The long wait is over. ‘ Love Like A Movie 3’ is everything you’ve dreamed and more. We’re building new worlds and exploring some very interesting concepts. Looking forward to sharing this beautiful experience with you.” That is a promise many are willing to hold Darey down for. The show which holds at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos will also feature performances from some of Nigeria’s finest artistes including Yemi Alade, Adekunle Gold, Iyanya, Sound Sultan, Zaina, Omawumi, Sammy, Olamide, Vector, Kaffy, Simi, Tolu, Blackky, Styl Plus, Jazzman Olofin, Weird MC, Kenny Black and many more.
Banking Your Way to Love
In the spirit of the season, Stanbic IBTC Bank has assured its customers and Nigerians of a memorable Valentine Day through the provision of a boutique of payment card solutions to make transactions and payments towards celebration of Valentine Day seamless.
The bank said its payment cards will ensure stress- free transactions as people spread love through the purchase and exchange of gifts. According to the bank, its payment cards, such as its credit, debit and prepaid cards, come with a load of benefits as the bank’s way to show love and offset the financial burden often associated with the Valentine season.
“We all have that someone special in our lives we show love to during this season. For us as a bank, which values relationships, our customers are the special persons in our lives and they deserve something special,” Mr. Babatunde Macaulay, Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, said.
“Our payment cards, both naira and dollar-denominated, come loaded with several benefits, which Nigerians can take advantage of this season to show how much they care for that special person,” Macaulay added.
With up to 55 days of interestfree purchase, the Stanbic IBTC Credit card offers the best rate on card charges when used abroad. The card has low exchange rates on non-USD international transactions for those who have a Valentine weekend getaway plan outside the country. Even beyond the Valentine season, customers still get to enjoy benefits such as free monthly statements, 24- hour contact centre support, seasonal discounts and promotion, and online transaction protection, said the bank.
Christopher Inwang a professional photographer and an event planner who resides in Kubwa in Abuja said that he intends to surprise his girlfriend of three years this Valentine with a special dinner treat and to pop the big question and propose while presenting her with a beautiful ring he bought in Dubai last month during the Dubai Shopping Festival and paid for seamlessly with his Stanbic IBTC Credit card.
“This really is a bold move and you can’t imagine how excited I am about taking this step. Of course, I’m a bit nervous but am sure my girlfriend will be just as shocked seeing me go down on one knee as I am elated to ask her to be my wife... I just hope she says yes,” Inwang said.
Similarly, Nonye Rosemary Nwaka, a Lagos-based food technologist, said the best Val date she’s had so far was a year ago. It was memorable as it was hilarious and unique. “I had been promised a surprise Valentine gift by my husband. So when a slim package arrived for me in the office, I had a good guess it was from my husband. At first I was disappointed by the size of the package especially because some of my colleagues had received bouquet of flowers, cakes, chocolates and fluffy teddy bears. But as the popular saying goes, big things do come in small packages, so after taking off the wraps, I quickly discovered it was a Stanbic IBTC pre-paid card, with a small note that read ‘Go to The Palms dear and shop till you drop,” Nwaka said.