BABiMOCHI

The music in Lionheart seemed to be both Igbo and Hausa, matching the theme to bridge the gap between the two groups. How did you manage to incorporate such different music? And do so perfectly.

I was thinking more about telling the story than matching the music but I tried to find the similarities between music from both groups. Instruments that sound alike, rhythmic patterns and built it from there.

In recent times, many African movies  abandoned continental music for Western or Western style music. The music in Lionheart was purely African but often with a tasteful influence from music by the diaspora. What do you think about African movies using solely or mostly non-African music in modern times?

I personally think it will not sound authentic to its location. One of the things music does in the film is that it gives you a sense of culture and location. And so African music best represents Africa. I understand that we’ve been influenced  lot by western movies and so we have associated some moods to western music. As a composer, you will be tempted to just fall back to your influences but I still think there are ways to add African music and still appeal to our sensibility.

Should we anticipate the release of a Lionheart soundtrack soon? (Please let it be a yes)

Yes, I am working with the producers on that.

Lionheart was everything it promised to be. It tackled the issue of a woman's experience within the corporate world. It also opened up the path to unity between the Igbo and Hausa people who have a painful past. It's a nice start to African film being put on the international stage.

That was my fashion/styling outlet and I never thought It’d inspire me like it did after the site got a new owner and deleted all of its content. That happening helped me realized styling is something I’m passionate about and I needed to begin taking the necessary steps toward accomplishing that goal. With support from my friends and family, I know that I’m capable and would love to be able to share my talent(s) with others.

Just recently, I was able to explore my options and truly get an understanding of what I like and don’t like. It starts with you, honestly. Whatever you think looks good, try it. It may not be a hit, but at least you can say you tried and were willing to step outside of the box you were stuck in. If you’re not sure about a look you put together, ask someone you trust for their opinion! That person for me is my mom. When I don’t know if something matches well or is cohesive with the look I’m going for, I’ll ask her what she thinks and I can count on her to give an honest answer. After that, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you’ll wear it and own it.

A lot of people think you have to pay lots of money to look good and that’s definitely not true. Of course, you have pieces of clothing that are expensive, but that’s not what your entire wardrobe consists of. You can get amazing, affordable items from places like Etsy, Amazon, Target, Nordstrom Rack, and (as corny as they may come off to the GP)Fashion Nova and Forever 21. For me, If I see something I like, I’ll get it, so I pretty much shop everywhere. Not only does that help me expand and find new ways to change up my wardrobe, but it helps me know what I want for myself in the future. This year, I plan to elevate not only my style but my brand as an upcoming stylist. I want to post more outfits that I put together just to give people an idea of what I can do and what I plan on doing and hopefully that helps with getting clientele. I don’t want to drag this out too long and bore you guys, but hopefully, you enjoyed this little background story and a bit of my 2019 plans.

1. @VanessaRDaniels

Vanessa has a very chill, laid-back style which incorporates lots of sneakers, and comfy pants and tees. She’s definitely the person to go to for those casual looks that take no effort, but look like they did.

2. @SerraBellum 

Serra is a very elegant and chic stylist. She keeps her outfits simple with earthy tones and adds on the perfect accessories to finalize the look. I would say she has a business-chic style. I wish I could snag a few pieces from her wardrobe!

3. @FisaYolonge 

Ugh, look at her. She’s gorgeous! I love her sense of style and her usage of blazers and dress shirts in her casual-glam outfits. Fisayo is the personification of a “baddie”. She could take any clothing items, put them together, and make a masterpiece.

4. @MaceeLegree 

Macee is a not only a fashion enthusiast, but she’s a wonderful mother as well. Her style cannot be described. One minute she’s in a suit, and a bodysuit the next. I appreciate her fluidity in style, and she can pull off any look. Her daughter will definitely follow in her footsteps, she slays already!

5. @jtofashion  

Temi has a style in which I would describe as carefree. She always mixes and matches pieces and patterns, and can look perfect in casual, glam, business, or elegant clothes. Her outfits are very fun and inviting, and she definitely has looks everyone would love.

6. @samanthakashh

Samantha knows what looks good, and where. She makes simple clothing pop and standout effortlessly. She styles herself around her curvy figure wonderfully, and she gives every look a sexy, sophisticated vibe.

7. @romeosfashionfix 

Juliette casually dresses how I think I dress. You know that feeling you have when you put on a real bomb outfit? Yeah, she dresses just like how that feeling feels. She’s fierce, edgy, and trendy, all while keeping her own personal flavor within her style. Her skirts and dresses place attention onto her long legs and her ever-changing hairstyles act as an accessory to her looks. She’s a bad bitch. Like, for real, for real.

8. @rantiinreview  

Ranti looks like a princess in everything she wears. She has a lovely elegant-professional style which she pulls off with zero effort. I would say she has a minimalist style, but she adds a little spice with bright dresses and textures. She dresses like that one auntie who is always on vacation and brings you a souvenir from Milan. Everyone loves her and she always looks good.

9. @mercedesfbenson

Mercedes F. Benson has a style that I would say is very unique and casual. She does know how to switch it up, and never leaves you bored. From her more casual fits where shes clad in hoodies and leggings, to her sexy and chic dresses and suits, she is one of the most versatile and stylish influencers in my opinion. 

10. @musesuniform​

Nelly is an influencer that I always look to for style inspiration. She has such carefree and “avant-garde-esque” looks that easily reflect her beautiful and free-spirited lifestyle. She definitely reminds me of Solange and Kelela, with the way they infuse cultural elements into their style. I have to say, she always a favorite of mine.

11. @iamdodos_style

I couldn’t forget Dodos! She is an influencer that I’ve discovered more recently, and she documents her outfits, hair, and travel photos on her flawless Instagram feed. She has a style that I would describe as classic and elegant. She dresses in many essential patterns and fabrics, and keeps it simple, although stunning. Often wearing flowy and loose-fitting garments, she gives off a carefree vibe that I absolutely adore.

12. @sarahjoholder 

Sarah Jo Holder has my favorite style out of all of the beauties listed. It’s what I would consider flawless style. She’s never seen in anything tacky, unfitting, or just flat out ugly! I don’t know how she does it! She often incorporates blazers and blouses into her looks, pairing them with sneakers or a nice pair of high-waist jeans for a business-casual flair. Sarah knows exactly which colors to wear to compliment her aesthetic, mostly being nudes and basics, and it looks absolutely perfect each time. Definitely a style icon in the making!

13. @miss.cameroon

Venance Chiepodeu is a model and entrepreneur based in Washington, D.C. She, in my opinion, is a perfect mannequin. She is gorgeous and can rock any outfit put onto her beautiful frame. From casual to chic, streetwear to classic, this cameroonian beauty looks good in anything.

14. @mossonyi

Onyi, the fashion and travel influencer based in Manchester, has a unique way of showing off her style. She has a very one-of-a-kind style, that is very boho-chic and sharp, often dressed in suits and trendy dresses. She knows how to style many different colors and patterns into one look without making them clash or hit the eye in an unflattering manner. She’s very poise and stylish, with absolutely amazing and high-quality photographs. I definitely recommend following her.