It's 2011 and Nigeria is swamped with British, American, Swedish, Italian and all manner of nationality of Naija-born returnees coming back (like my peeps say 'from abroad'..LOL!) with foreign degrees and mixed up accents...Take the case of my favourite Nigerian Radio Station -The Beat 99.9 FM, where all its Radio DJs speak with British, American and mixed accents including accents of untraceable origins.. Tune in and you’ll be entertained by a variety of accents from one ‘accent-phrenic’ Dj to another.it’s absolutely hilarious. It certainly makes going through traffic a breeze - You wont find better entertainment in Naij...I promise you..I love it!
But seriously though, returnees are storming Naija with a game plan and they’re not taking ‘No’ for an answer...The brief is clear It’s ‘Mission: Nigeria Must Obey’. They have chosen not to be distracted by Nigeria and it's downers but have instead come here on their own terms . Ladies and Gentlemen, guys and girls...may I introduce you to some of Nigerias latest and coolest ‘brain-gains’ and intellectual warriors AKA Naija- Oyinbos, JJCs, Se-se-days etc - ChyDynma, Bobby Taylor, Eku Edewor, Tiwa Savage...
ChiDynma
ChyDyma Okebalama’s sensational performance at Bella Adenuga’s wedding last year spelt the beginning of a homecoming move for her. This gorgeous Electrical Engineering graduate from North Eastern University in the United States, worked for a few years as a Software Engineer but has recently swapped the streets, sights and sounds of America for Lasgidi to further her passion for music.
I met this super-beautiful girl and fell in love with her and her sultry voice..I asked her how she was coping in Lagos and she mentioned she takes regular ‘outta Naija’ breaks when Lagos gets a bit too stressful... Her new single ‘woozy woozy‘ is so far receiving rave reviews... Lets just say she’s ‘living la vida loca’ in Lagos...She is apparently good friends with the MoHits Records Crew (Don Jazzy, D-banj -who also happily swapped Charlton, London for Lagos, Nigeria some moons ago) Rumour has it that she might just be the first lady to join the MoHits stable...You go girl! Welcome to the real God’s own country - Nigeria!
Bobby Taylor
Bukky George Taylor AKA Bobby Taylor is the Head of Bobby Taylor Consulting (BTC), a PR company she started while based in Canada. BTC, boasts of a worldwide client base. From the entertainment industry to corporate bodies, Bobby Taylor has successfully created a ‘buzz’ for her brand and clients she represents so much so that BTC’s services are readily available on ground in Lagos and across the nation.It is therefore, little wonder that Nigerian Newspapers and softsells are hailing Bobby's arrival in town. This phenomenal woman is keeping Lagos on her toes. She is most definitely a brain gain for Nigeria. Bobby - Welcome to Lagos...what can I say...my fabulous friend, for you....Eko o ni baje o...LOL!
Eku Edewor
Eku Edewor is a TV Presenter with Studio 53 Extra. The first time I saw her I didn’t know who she was (JJC2..LOL!) but I remember thinking ‘Wow’. She wore the shortest pair of shorts you can imagine (Ok maybe not that short...LOL),a sleeveless top and a pair of sandals..she looked absolutely gorgeous but almost didn’t fit into Victoria Island. It was as though she had walked out of the set of ‘Sex and the City’ ...you know a bit too risque for Lagos..but I guess that’s why she seems to have Lagos agog.
I kid you not when I say that she has been on the cover of every single magazine in Lagos..Everywhere you look Eku is on the cover page...Beautiful people have it easy eh? But wait this beautiful returnee, has brains to back it all up...She studied at the New York Film Academy...and yes..Nigeria listens when she speaks...I guess the morale is If you are pretty and have a degree or 2...you need to come back home to Naija! Heee hee! Just kidding..There’s only 1 Eku Edewor. Welcome Eku...Long live Nigeria!
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2007. If you’re a member of House on the Rock Church, London,.you might remember sending her forth into God’s blessings a few years ago.. She participated in X-Factor (UK Music talent show) making it to the top 24 but since relocating Tiwa has made it to No.1 in the hearts of her Naija fans..Her single ‘Kele Kele’ is the ultimate easy dance track with a killer video to go with it...
Nigeria has certainly embraced Tiwa in all her gorgeous long-legged ‘returnee’ glory...I spoke with her for a few minutes at the MTV MAMA awards and there I saw her truly British, polite and smiley side..I doubt anyone would have ‘kele kele’ love for you girl...X-Factor's loss but a fabulous Naija gain! Love that dress tooo!
Are you Ready?
So there you go peeps...I guess you have to take the bull by the horn to get ahead in this town...The only thing is Nigeria is a raging bull with a non-existent infrastructure.....Truth be told Nigeria is a tough terrain. You’ve gotta have one plan to win - YOUR PLAN...
Hello World! Helllo My Nigeria!