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Food, film and FELA!

By Folu Storms
25 March 2017   |   2:44 am
I have discovered the fantastic world of supper clubs and underground fine-dining experiences. My introduction came exactly one year ago at the first GTBank Food and Drink fair, as it was there that I met Chefs Alex and Tiyan Allile...

I have discovered the fantastic world of supper clubs and underground fine-dining experiences. My introduction came exactly one year ago at the first GTBank Food and Drink fair, as it was there that I met Chefs Alex and Tiyan Allile, who opened my eyes and taste-buds. It was also at this time that I re-connected with old friends of mine who had found in food, a new calling and a new direction: Chef Imoteda (aka Heels in The Kitchen) and Chef Niyi Williams.

Recently Chef Elegbede in collaboration with R.S.V.P. (a decidedly upscale restaurant and bar hidden in the heart of Lagos) put together a special menu for African Heritage Week, featuring dishes inspired from different parts of the continent. Still upcoming, is the GTBank Food and Drink Festival in April and May where Chef Benedict will be on ground to awe all. If before then however, you would like to sample the offerings of any of these Chefs, I suggest you check out their social media pages and you will not be disappointed.

Moving away from food, which seems to occupy my every waking thought at the moment, there’s the intriguing world of film and technology. Just a few days ago, there was a meeting between investors and tech experts from Silicon Valley, and a number of stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry. If you have watched Nollywood’s latest offerings, like the Dare Olaitan film called Ojukokoro, you won’t be surprised that tech investors are sniffing around the African film industry. The authentic African and Nigerian stories are being told better with each passing film that Nollywood puts out and Ojukokoro shows that a simple story told with the most familiar of ‘New Nollywood’ faces, can be captivating. Starring Linda Ejiofor, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, Wale Ojo,  Seun Ajayi and a host of other familiar faces, it’s the story of a manager who decides to rob his place of work. Of course things go wrong. Do yourself a favour and watch this simple yet riveting film.

Looking to the future this weekend holds a few interesting events like the President’s Cup. It’s polo season and the Lagos Polo Club has sent out invites to a selected few and those not selected are still figuring out how to work an entry angle onto these hallowed polo grounds. While the game is certainly an attraction for anyone who enjoys the sport, most of those who do will most likely be on horses and involved in the event. Everyone else (myself included) will be checking out the fashion, the food, drink, and the other special few in attendance. For many, it’s a very good day out with beautiful people, fine drink and fine(er) people. So, if an invite has found its way to you, try not to be a couch potato and attend and if it has not, you will soon be reading and watching what went down here and on social media.

Still on the list of future events to keep you entertained this weekend and others: Fela! The Broadway Musical in concert is coming to town and the buzz is incredible!! Starring the cast of the actual Broadway Musical, this event is scheduled for the Easter weekend and promises to be a pretty awesome music event. Many people in Nigeria know the general legend of Fela but are surprisingly vague on details so it’s a pretty good way to enjoy all his music (including works that most may not be familiar with) and learn more about what caused him to become the brilliant musician and activist we now celebrate today.

Also during the Easter weekend, is the awesome Gidi Fest: West Africa’s largest beach festival, which has a good number of gifted artists performing. If music and beaches are things you like, then put them together and attend this big party which will feature acts like: Burna Boy, Davido, International Dj Diplo, Seyi Shay, Cynthia Morgan, Vanessa Mdee, Sauti Sol, and many more talented individuals. Beach festivals can be the best fun any person or group of people if you plan your day right, pack the essentials and show up with plans of having fun!

Finally, if you would rather just go shopping or chill, Mente de Moda is happening in April. All the discounts you can imagine on an incredible range of products and services will be available at this monthly market, so start planning your shopping lists right now. Remember, the weekend is what you make of it, so, carpe diem!

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