FEATURING ELOHO

I serve on the board and project activities for TRENDYPR as the Resource Manager. Part of my role as the Resource Manager is to find, showcase and promote inspiring people and projects. My first in Aberdeen is ELOHO!

The TRENDYPR CHANNEL (on YouTube) focuses on the energy and personalities behind inspiring projects. This particular feature is with ELOHO - talking to us about herself, her new album project 'ARISE' and the other inspiring projects she has worked on. 

Her album is out and now on sale at:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/arise/id825124498


Enjoy!

AN AFRICAN PARTY

Taking a break from my series 'What I Miss About London and What I Love About Aberdeen' (which will continue soon).

I want to digress to a topic that is very social - An African Party! (...and how about one in Aberdeen? Well read on. Erm Aberdonians - please don't forget...it's TRENDY FRIDAY on the 14th of March 2014!)

Africans love to party! Religious or not, socially, we are 'genetically structured' to celebrate a milestone or the other. However our parties are like no other and for non-Africans, it is a 'must' to attend at least one party in order to experience a typical African social gathering and to understand how we party or play. Our milestone events like weddings, baby dedications, birthdays, anniversaries, house-warming, even funeral are filled with vibrant colours, rich food, drinks , playful banter and more, what’s not to like?

(To dismiss some generalised scepticism - not every party or social gathering is 'booze-centred' and we still party/socialise without alcohol!)

I am a Nigerian and since Nigeria is still an African country (Giant of Africa for that matter! Erm - did someone sneeze? Duh!) I will drill home to Nigeria to highlight a typical 'African-Nigerian' party. If you are particularly from the socially acclaimed region in Southern Nigeria known as Ijebu, then it is by default that you were born to be an' 'event organiser' or  'party planner'. How the other fellow Nigerians can believe an Ijebu person (or Ijebusite lol) to be stingy  I can never understand  because they spend a lot on planning and hosting the most glamorous parties! Anyway me think say na jealousy jealousy jare!

OK - back to an African Party. At a glance, an outsider might consider it to be 'chaos’! With all the array of event decor,  bottles of drinks, food buffet, live-band/DJ, colourful attires and the 'designers sun-glasses-in-a-room' worn by the guests, and their endless chatter on their latest Blackberry, IPhone, Samsung, and other gadgets, it is no wonder anyone will be amazed BUT - give it another 5 minutes to take it all in, let the music come on and presto! You will see how a party really comes to life!!!

STRUCTURE:

By tradition and the way our celebrations or events are structured, the typical African-Nigerian party is typically lengthy – with food and music being the highlights (and most recently - 'selfies').

TIMING:

Do not quote me on this as Nigerians are professionally changing their attitude. However, historically when a party is tagged to start at 6PM, it is best to arrive at 7PM or later. I don't know why this is so but it is what it is. I will leave it at that.

FOOD:

Pardon me, I am writing from the perspective of an Ijebusite therefore, on the food, the pride of a Nigerian host reflects on his or her party food buffet which usually include  jollof-rice, fried-rice, moin-moin, ayamase stew, pounded yam, amala, eba, tuwo, ewedu, efo-ririo (vegetable stew) or if extending to our Eastern audience, nkwobi, peppersoup, isi-ewu and other variety never seen on the list of menu of any European hotel/venue. There are caterers specialised in this varieties and can extend the list!

FASHION/ATTIRE:

I was particularly impressed when I came across an academic journal highlighting some historical aspects of 'Aso-Ebi'

What is Aso-Ebi? Pronounced ASHO EYBEE  translated to English means family cloth. These are Nigerian outfits made from matching fabric to be worn by a group of people to a party, wedding, or naming ceremonies. Aso-ebi is a phenomenon seen at Nigerian events  to indicate the close relationship of the guests or group of people to the celebrants or the host.

I needed to explain the phenomenon that has escaped the shores of the original owners of Aso-Ebi (Yorubas in Nigeria) to the other parts of Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Uganda and other African nations.  Aso-Ebis can be very colourful and so trendy. As with all other social phenomenon, it can be worn moderately and with class or overdone which can make it look tacky.

With me, it is a love-hate relationship. I can buy and wear it however, I developed a mental 'sieve' for it whilst living in London. As beautiful as 'togetherness' may sound, if you ever have to buy 'every' family, friends, frenemy, and acquitance's aso-ebi to 'show your close relationship' in London - you will end up being financially broke and ultimately a hoarder. Parties in London starts from Wednesday through Sunday. So much so that there is a 'village' in South London where warehouses have been turned to event venues! These venues are all very flexible to accommodate the requirements for any type of party or occasion being celebrated (I can only describe this fully in a future post!) Soooooooo, I have carefully invested in some gorgeous dresses that can yet be 'accepted' at my Nigerian parties. Even though most of the time I stick out like a sore thumb, (and I have an Aunt that passionately dislikes this part of me) I am never alone in that 'group' at any celebration. {Na wetin! I got bills to pay abegeee}



MUSIC:

Depends if it will be a live band or a high-flyer DJ.  The music has got to be on-point. Otherwise the guests will throw suggestions at the live band or DJ in encouragement or annoyance. Afro-beat has taken over the music scene globally and needs no introduction but the older generations still prefers their classic slow-beat from Sunny Ade, Commander Obey, Ayinde Barrister, Oliver de Coque, and others. However, there are some talented new breed of musicians and DJs that have found a way to blend both the old and new and call it whatever you like, even a granny can now dance Azonto!

DANCE:

Similar to the TV advert for the Irish Cider - the Magner; 'There is a method' to dancing to a Nigerian Music. Either you get it or you don't! And there is no longer any excuse acceptable in the whole wide world that is accepted for not knowing how to 'dig it' With the numerous youtube clips showing our Western/European friends/spouses dancing 'Azonto' or to 'Whizkid' or 'Davido' it will be disastrous to be seen on the dance floor dancing like a string drawn puppet!

I will leave out the 'money spraying bit' common at a Nigerian party to the imagination of my fellow Nigerians.

A very funny Nigerian Comedian described a typical 'Yoruba Woman' dance close to this:

1. She gorgeously make her way to the dance floor following the rhythm of the music.
2. When she has chosen a spot that all eyes can see, she forms a pinch with her fore -finger and thumb and pulls the left edge of the blouse at the shoulder.
3. She 'scatters' her face into a frown yet looking gorgeous then....
4. She slowly gravitate her waist all the way to the floor looking for an 'unseen' jewelery! Yet making it all very classy and effortless.

Phew!!! I bet some of you tried it!!! Yes that description is tempting.





[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcVdoLIBCA0&w=560&h=315])

AFRICAN PARTIES IN ABERDEEN:

Now in Aberdeen, some of the typical African party requirements are not really accommodated.

Venue Hire: To hire a venue, it has to be from a scheduled time X and finish at a scheduled time Y. AH!

Music: The music – now that is the real deal! Depending on the host (background or faith) , the music is rich and deep. You cannot attend an African party with music in full swing and not participate. The music is too tempting. Of course not everyone dances the 'Atingo or Azonto' and the other youthful exuberance/infused steps,  but music really takes us ‘home’. If a live band is in attendance – oh boy!!! But we don't have any here in Aberdeen - luckily we do settle for the experienced DJ.

Food: In addition to the limitations on the schedules for the venue hire, the restriction on the food which you would love to bring to the venue ‘kills’ the party spirit in Aberdeen. What exactly can you do to make sausages, black pudding and eggs so special that can be compared to a typical 'mama put' amala and ewedu? or 'Ghana High Jollof Rice'? (Only readers that knows this 'Mama Put's place on Lagos Island can appreciate that rice' Oh boy!)

The scene is altogether different in London where Nigerian DJs and Event managers have met with luxury hotel managers, private/exclusive venue owners and town halls to explain the uniqueness and dynamics of an African wedding. Initially, the venue/hotel venues were reluctant however, when they gave it a chance, it became a different story. Today, these hotel and venue managers have no regrets. Because economically, it made sense! Rather than having an empty unused space every weekend, some agreements were made (give and take) and now almost every hotel is busy at weekends in London. In addition, new businesses has sprung up to meet the demands that such a breakthrough can bring with it (party caterers, venue decorators, make up artists etc. Check them out on my wedding website http://www.weddingtrendy.com).

I took up this challenge and visited a few venues in Aberdeen and can proudly say, 4 are willing to accommodate our requirements ! Whilst we can make this happen and bring some inward and influx of economy into Aberdeen, there is obviously some terms to be met and depending on your budget and preferences I am very happy to work with anyone that might be interested in this.

My name is Timi and I promote Africa/Nigeria in Aberdeen.

BTW: Here is a clip of a Nigerian wedding from Youtube (Courtesy, Memsdan): ENJOY!!!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al5lb2zAHnA&w=560&h=315])

WHAT I MISS ABOUT LONDON AND WHAT I LOVE ABOUT ABERDEEN PART II

A shout out to my London folks - can I ask for an 'advance' forgiveness? (angel face mode). I promise this will be short....here goes!

WHAT I DON'T MISS ABOUT LONDON:

ATTTTTCHOOOOOOOO!!! The loudest and wettest type of sneeze landing straight in your face or other body parts with the typical British excuse 'Better Out Than In' whilst on the Underground/Tube or Rail. Two choices: (1) Wipe your face/other body parts with tissue, roll your eyes and look away (2)Hope and pray to God that you have already caught the 'flu' bug your Tube standing neighbour is spreading and so you will not be on the next 'flu' journey in the next couple of days.

(1) RUSH HOUR TRAVEL ON LONDON TRAIN OR TUBE:

There are quite few things that I DO NOT miss about London and travelling peak time on the tube or rail tops. Most jobs are either in the city or far out the other side of London so either you move house to be near work or you grin and bear the 0605 or 0615 train out from whichever 'woods' you live in London or the outskirts to begin your morning grind to work. The passengers' journey usually is 'fair' in the early mornings. Come 0630 or 0645 or worse still 0700 and you are in for it! God help you if the train or tube workers decides to go on a strike and you can be rest assured you aren't getting anywhere close to work or home (you are usually half-way through the journey most times when that happens!) Travelling and getting a seat during rush hour is so notorious that some creative bloggers actually provided tips on how to 'target' the next available seat when it becomes available! No kidding. Don't believe me? Click on this link to read. To be honest, if you grew up/schooled/worked in Lagos/Nigeria, that is child's play :).

A lot of aggression, drama and exchange of stereotype words can start anytime on the tube/train. The one I can never ever forget was a trip I took coming home after a long day. I was standing besides a white woman and her little girl (around 4 or 5 years old) and next to them was a Sikh (turban wearing) gentleman wearing a suit and a backpack (which is very typical of Londoners). The little girl innocently looked up at the turban wearing gentleman and asked ' Are you a terrorist'? OMGodmother!!!! You need to see the face of the girl's mother go red  with embarrassment - notwithstanding the reactions from EVERYONE inside that tube coach. Someone pulled the emergency lever, half of the folks sitting and reading their Metro (free Newspaper)/novels/ ipads jumped up and aimed for the doors - the poor suited Sikh almost died of embarrassment. Why? Stereotyped mindset passed on to the young generation  and spreading like wild-fire.  I will save details on stereotyping for another day. God help us. Well I look back on that - today its funny but mehhhhhnnn not that day ooo. That was the day I understood that saying in Pidgin English that says'chicken dey sweat - na feather cover am'! With that panic? I was sweating like a Christmas chicken. Phew!







2. NEIGHBOURS FROM H@LL:

Well not exactly your next door neighbours - London is not exactly the friendliest place on earth. EVERYONE is in a hurry to get to the next bus or train stop and if you are looking for a friendly smile, look out for the 'Johns and Marys' (the Oldies/Pensioners walking hand-in-hand) because they can spend a few minutes catching up the 'weather' with you. Not the smartly dressed gentlemen on his mobile phone or the 'bank babes' punching on their laptops or ipads on the train. You are even lucky when you need help with travel - if there isn't a policeman/woman close by you are better off checking out the bus stop maps than asking someone on the street! Nah - I don't miss that aspect of London

3. ACCENT:

Now, I am not talking about the upper class English Aristocrats or the typical Cockney/East London accent, neither am I referring to the South East 'polished' African-Black accent (oh yeah - that one is sweet to the ears. I missed those and honestly, my very good friend Sola is afraid 'on my behalf 'that my own children will miss out on those :)).

I am talking about the 'forced' African-Nigerian-Yoruba-Ibo-Ghana-Zambian-London 'innit' accent you are subjected to when a 'Sister' or 'Brother' gets on the phone in public. Or when you meet at parties or church or other social gathering.  Especially when they have got to be 'seen or heard'. I think Seyi Law's 'are you from innit' cracker explains my point better. Well, as a proud Nigerian-Ijebusite that I am, I rocked my 'Lagos Chick' accent - better safe than sorry.  Not that I pronounce 'Husband' as 'Ozzband' though :))



[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CigN192jYJg&w=560&h=315]

4. FASHION DISASTERS:

Maybe I should excuse the ladies (and men too!) for this faux pax. You ask why? Tons of African stores that stock make-up, hair, body and fashion accessories. There are also a thousand and one hairdressers (oh sorry beauticians), nail parlours, dressmakers (oh sorry fashion designers) and Brazillian/Morrocoan/Peruvian/Italian/European/Sodom and Gomorrah hair types in London. Combine all these together and what do you get? The 'mobile-colours'of-the-rainbows! It can be scary and disappointing. I would rather let you see some 'modest' example of the fashion disasters you can come across in London than talk about it. I am an advocate of 'See, hear and talk no EVIL'

See? I rest my case :)

5. THE DATING/RELATIONSHIP SCENE

A very sensitive topic this one -however, truth be told! I am a little bit 'reserved' about this but if there is a place in the UK that relationships amongst Africans-Nigerians hang on a wing and prayer, its London. Religion regardless! You would think that the relationships/courtship started and mentored by Pastors in the Church will be immune from emotional disasters but it is even worse with the 'Sistrens and Brethrens'. Taking the context of church out, you have the reckless, uncaring and self-centred cases of relationships. Extra-marital affairs? Oh Lord have mercy! Heartbreaks, cheating and other reckless behaviour? It is well. To be fair, it isn't all gloom - some relationships and marriages survived and are still surviving in the City and I give those involved credits. It's hard work!

6. COST OF LIVING!

London is expensive!!!! The rent - if you are a tenant and want to live somewhere like Sutton/Surrey (where we lived) is very expensive! That is excluding the water, gas, electricity, council tax and of course your transport fare.  Buying your property? Not that it cannot happen but the affordability and location as in other places will be planned years ahead.  The space allocation in the flat/house? Well you will be lucky if you can tie your 'gele' in your kitchen (not swing a cat o - Naijas don't generally keep cats or pets. Who go feed or toilet train am? Abegeee).

Needless to say, the only thing we look forward to buying sometimes is food.

6: GUN-KNIFE AND OTHER CRIMES

On purpose, I made this the last entry in the list because it is a serious concern.

Hubby and I like to catch up on the BBC News every evening. When it comes to the local news, we always pray that someone has not been shot or stabbed to death. It is a sad situation. Children are bullied, adults are misbehaving! To give the London-Boris (and others) credit, they are really trying the best they could but nothing seems to be addressing the East-West, North-South war in London. The long standing case of Damilola Taylor has never been forgotten and the worst I have ever heard of was the  public stabbing/killing of Lee Rigby (May his soul rest in peace) by Michael Adebolajo. I would not dabble into the British-Nigerian or Nigerian-British accusations by the British Press (we are never going to see/hear the last of that anytime soon) that grabbed the nation for weeks and months on-end.

When hubby and I were taking the decision to move, one of the reasons that stood out was the 'gun-knife' issue. Currently in London and worse in the South/East areas, you can only pray when your children leaves the house for school or the playground. Someone might just wake up at the wrong side of the bed and decide they don't like the colour of the shirt or shoe the child is wearing!!! We are still praying and know that someday, the gun-knife crime will be an issue of the past. So far, prayers, policing, publicity and policies are working but the gangs are still there.

NEXT: WHAT I LOVE ABOUT ABERDEEN!

WHAT I MISS ABOUT LONDON AND WHAT I LOVE ABOUT ABERDEEN PART I

• Are you crazy? Aber-what? What are you doing there? (Their first reaction when I give updates on my new location).


• Do I need a visa to come up to Aberdeen/Is Scotland still part of UK? :O (Seriously? Check the maps! Oh that is when they have finally accepted or believed that I have moved!)


• Its very cold here in London - it must be freezing up north in Aberdeen? (when its freezing cold in London)


• How are you coping with the work-church-home triangle? No social activities? Jeez you must be dead bored now' (the next day after the 'the girls-night-outs'/film-shows/comedy shows).


• How long is the flight/train journey (Yay! When they are planning to visit :))

Every time these questions came up in our conversations, I have patiently tried to give a beautiful picture of what's going on in Aberdeen to friends and families in London/Nigeria. Some are already convinced whilst some are waiting for a visit to even believe that Aberdeen is still in the same United Kingdom :).

There is an African/Nigeria saying that literary means 'if a woman has not been married to two different men, she might not appreciate which is best'

I am going to try my best to summarise in points what should cover the above questions and others yet 'un-asked'. Oh well, this is me trying:

LONDON - WHAT I MISS ABOUT IT:

1. OXFORD/BOND STREET!!! Whilst my credit card is finally 'resurrecting' from spending and my bank is probably upset at my increased monthly re-payment, I sorely miss the buzz and 'therapeutic' shopping trips to London's busiest and most expensive street (I doubt if it is anything close to therapy - we shop, we spend, we owe - case closed!).

The endless rows of clothing, shoes and accessories to 'window-shop', mentally 'borrow' ideas for the next few days dress ensemble to work from the shop mannequins, the bumping into other shoppers/friends and exchange of phone numbers or Blackberry Pins who you then go on to briefly catch up on gossip whilst mentally checking when Selfridges' will be shutting its doors or eyes darting back and forth to check if your companion is waiting at the other side or he/she has moved up on the busy street in a move to 'punish' for catching up on gossip whilst they wait - oh its endless!!! Even though you are invisible to about 90% of the shoppers or commuters on Bond Street, there is always a chance you will find someone that you know or want to avoid! I wont bother going into the actual buying process - that's a case for another post. God helps us (especially ladies).





2. CREATIVE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES: I missed working with the best of Africa Creatives! There is always something creative happening in London. I have an African inspired wedding blog/website WeddingTrendy that was and is still very popular  with couples getting married and to keep this platform fresh, it means I have to be in touch with Photographers, Make Up Artists, DJs, Bridal Couture Professionals, 'Aso-Oke' manufacturers/sellers, Caterers, Event Planners/Designers, Wedding Exhibitionists, Luxury Venue owners and a lot more!  Running the online magazine means I am regularly meeting on-line and offline with these professionals, or brides - planning, promoting and attending and reporting on these creative events in and around London and they all come (some are still promised) with their benefits *wink*. I miss the buzz. I really do - I loved working or talking to the likes of DJ Abass, Segun Gele, Adebayo Jones, Yemi Osunkoya, Atunbi Adesanmi, Kevin Obosi, Maze Couture, FaceQuizite, Seyi 'Cedar Events', Seyi Zooto.  Thank GOD for the world now being a global digital village and these professionals are within a 'Facebook Message' or Blackberry Ping or Whatsapp Message' away!.



3. FRESH AFRICAN FOOD SHOPPING: I sure missed the visits to Peckham High! You can buy fresh tomatoes, yam, cocoyam, coconut, vegetables (all sort of varieties not just spinach!), plantain, snails, scotch bonnets, 'agege or abuja bread', fresh goat/lamb/beef/chicken, all types of cow/bull offals. And the emphasis is on 'fresh' regardless of the day of the week. I missed the banter and *don't be shocked* the typical Nigerian 'haggling of prices' - oh yes! You can get some discounts off your fresh produce if you don't mind the Pakistani traders to call you 'Ijebu or Alaroro' - who cares? As long as I save £10 or more! Its usually fun and you can stock up for weeks or months if you know how to preserve (I cut into pieces and freeze!). Whilst shopping and you want some nibbles, you can be sure you can find the typical Nigerian 'puff puff or buns', moin-moin (in leaves o), turkey gizzard-on-stick, fried yam (yes oooo), fried yam, or even AMALA and ewedu (if you are lucky, served with snail, or orisirisi (variety) of meat if that rocks your boat). The only problem you face is when you are done eating the amala and you have a few bags of shopping to carry to the train or your car :).









4. THE SOCIAL AND NIGHT LIFE: I was never a 'party' girl but life is too short and I don't miss on the chance to go out and have a good laugh, eat out, dance, watch films, party or simply have fun with my friends or family - if my schedules allows it. London has a lot to offer in this social aspect and whatever time of day or night, there is a place to go. And if you want to go African/Nigeria style, head towards East, North or South London! There are loads of restaurants or bars to choose from and these are the places you can really appreciate the vibrancy of African/Nigerian lifestyle. The food, the music, the people, the fashion! It isn't all about 'jeans and tees' in London, you dress up 'proper' to go for a meal or see 'Nollywood' or Comedy shows - and babes (and guys! Yes ooo - the men too) usually check out themselves from the corner of their eyes just to make sure 'all is well' in that department - especially with the hairdo and shoes. God help us. It was fun. There is also the Nottinghill Carnival! Lovely, lovely  that is if you don't mind the nudity, some drunk elements and having to walk miles along the most famous street party in London.  The Naija Corner co-hosted by DJ Abass is still one of the highlights and you can meet the best of Nigerian best actors/actresses, movie/music producers, musicians, your friends, your frenemies and some really interesting non-Nigerians.



5. CHURCH: In London, church is both the place to be for religious and other socials. Believe it or not, it is not all churchy with London African/Nigerian churches - a whole lot of activities that are educative, social and cultural too. I have attended the non-Nigerian/African churches a few times too - on invitation.   The typical African/Nigerian church is ran with both African/Western precisions. Location and Parking? Check. Internal Decor? Check, Air-conditioning/Heating? Check. Smartly dressed Ushers/Choir members? Check. Pastor's sermon, humour and personality? Check. Timing - erm 50/50 or 'as the Spirit directs' but nothing major - it only means the time remaining for 'fellowship after fellowship' might just be 10 or 15 minutes less. Now - the Congregation? A complete mix of people across races, occupation - location is never a barrier and this means if a member of the church loves it, he or she can drive one or two hours just to be there.



LONDON - WHAT I DONT' MISS ABOUT IT!: NEXT POST :)