CANDIED AURA - AURA CANDY

An Artistic Collaboration between S.A.W. x MetroMan Co

This series is reminiscent to an Adult's Joy. Expressing the joy of emotions such as connectedness, euphoria, love, transitions and manifestations. A way in which the artist broke down the events of the period in his life, into a series to exemplify his personal growth as a multidisciplinary artist, an aficionado, a student of the esoteric and purveyor of the luxury lifestyle of art.  

Made with the growing Nigerian diasporan , middle-class in mind, perfect for both living and work spaces. Tapping into his Edo- Yoruba-African Roots coupled with his love for Jackson Pollock’s Action Art and expressions in Afro futurism. SAW further delved into a contemporary expression of the traditional nuances of the divine feminine and our intrinsically African matriarchal traditions as eschewed by our grandmother’s, mothers, aunts and all who came before them. Each generation of women who used these same techniques to express on walls for thousands of years.

The pieces were created after his second stint with his performance art brothers and sisters at dance gathering in 2019 and the realisation he was feeling of the sweetness of loving another persons energy and personality in ways he had never experienced before.

The pieces truly encapsulate the “candy land” state of mind at the time, they are painted with the strokes and splashing induced with the artist’s capoeira, dance, JKD and tai chi movements, the shadow traces reveal, where the coloured glass paint intersects in tiers over the acrylic paint.

A sort of, wax on and wax off juxtapose, one could say. A convergence of emotions, experimentation, growth, technique and the soul of culture, her-story, history and identity on paper.

The artist says that the series and it’s apt subtitles: Candy Rain, Candy Joy, Candy Man I & II. Are a culmination of the sweetness of life’s journeys, passions and the joys of love once realised and through the colours and art pieces a series of emotions actualised.

 

Shop series here

MEET: S.A.W

S.A.W photographed by Tijani Ogunlende in Lagos, Nigeria wearing Privé Metroman Co Linen Co-ord

The modern-day man amidst trying to figure out life and make something of himself is utterly transformed when he is given the mantle of a father. Here the true metamorphosis begins from the shifting of his ideals to his daily sacrifices. Fatherhood comes with its blessings and its challenges. We sat down with Davon Kamar, a new dad, a Digital Marketing Strategist and Tech Project Manager on his journey into fatherhood.  

Who is Davon

Davon is a food and culture lover, a social enthusiast, a tech nerd, and a person who tries his best to understand this thing we call “life”  as each day goes by :)            

What are your greatest worries and greatest aspirations now that you’ve become a father

I want to be able to give my daughter the things that she needs to do well in life. Not just material possessions but also life lessons that only her father can teach and give her. 

How’s your wife doing and do you see her differently after she has given birth?

She’s doing well, it’s been amazing watching her and Aya. I think a bond between child and mother is truly magical and I’m witnessing it daily. It’s beautiful to see.

Do you feel like you’ve changed since you became a father, if so what is different?

Definitely, I see myself becoming more protective of my tribe. Also, a burning desire to want to make sure everything is set with me from a personal and financial perspective. I’ve always been a bit of a free spirit, and becoming a father has forced me to add some more structure to my life :) 

How would you raise a young woman in this current clime?

I think the best thing I can do is to not overthink things. I just need to be there for her, hear her, understand her, and protect her. 

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

I’m a big basketball fan. I was lucky enough for my parents to send me to the Philadelphia 76ers basketball camp. I was able to meet a few of the team’s players as well. It was also my first experience away from home. Was such a fun time!

What’s your worst childhood memory?

One time I had this balloon and it slipped out of my hand and flew into the air. I still think about it from time to time. Like man, I was crying so hard about that balloon floating off in the air haha.

What does success mean to you?

Success means being able to wake up every day with a  smile on my face. Life is flowing and I accept it. No worries, no stress, and no pressure to change much but just appreciate and accept the lessons and gifts each day brings me.

What does it mean to be a man?

Taking care of the home. Being a provider. Being a protector. Staying grounded. Showing emotion.

We sat down with Timini, winner of the Best Actor Award at the AMVCAs for his Role in the blockbuster “Elevator Baby.” We had the most profound conversation on the Life and Times of Timini Egbuson in the wake of his 33rd birthday and his 10th anniversary in the Entertainment Industry.

Who is Timini? 

Actor, Business Man, Voice-Over Artiste, Content Creator, Lagos Boy, and Hustler par excellence. With the Entertainment space as his playground, he has a few producing and directing gigs under his belt. Nollywood’s Boy Wonder has been grinding since the day he emerged from his mother’s womb. Who in all he has experienced, and very much like the rest of us mere mortals, is still figuring it all out. 

What Motivates Timini? 

A man greatly motivated by his surroundings, for him motivation sometimes comes from things as simple as people-watching, he likes to come up with little anecdotes from the few seconds of their lives his eyes are fortunate to capture. Or at more profound moments, he finds motivation from the things that he has personally experienced and witnessed first-hand. 

As well as things discovered and yet to be discovered. 

There is a great mystery to existence, and Timini aims to take a stab at trying to uncover some of it during his time here on Planet Earth. So we might have to look in Timini’s direction when we need solutions to the world’s greatest problems. He could just be the guy that finds the cure for COVID-19, for which we believe might be hidden in his charming yet mischievous smile.  

Timini Egbuson is a man greatly inspired by the chapters of life that are yours and mine. Our individual stories in this unending Book called Life. 

What are Timini’s Greatest Fears?

An enigma, in his own right, Timini showed us his vulnerable side, showing us that he is human just like the rest of us. By revealing to us some of his greatest fears which include failure, living a sub-par life; rife with underachievement, and being too comfortable in a particular mindset, place, or thing. As well as the loss of those near and dear to his heart, he mentioned how in his more silent moments, when he ponders on death he fears most for how his Mama, his siblings, and friends will take his loss. At this point, we knocked on wood, because the wall, as you know has ears

What does Family mean to Timini? 

Family to Timini is next after God, he holds his family in the highest esteem and with the purest kind of love. Being the last-born and baby of the house, Timini was not shy of mistakes although within the cover and protection of his family. Emphasizing their role as his sole support system at times from being a rock for him while he struggled for three years to get into uni. In helping him figure out his path after getting his degree in Psychology. 

To make him realize that rejection is simply apart of life and should never deter you from your goals. He says his family never fails to deliver on harsh truths that were albeit difficult to hear were instrumental to his personal growth. 

Defining Timini’s Style

When it comes to Timini’s style, a quick look at his StyleFile i.e. his Instagram, one can tell he is the King of all things Wavy. A trendsetter in the most devil may care kind of way, who wears what he wants, how he wants, and what he is most comfortable in. 

In this new year of life he hopes to evolve his style by being more avant-garde, donning more statement pieces and stepping out of his usual “boy-next-door” T-shirt and jeans look into more daring pieces from brands like MetroMan Co  and a host of other eclectic brands. 

 Three Words to Describe the Timini of Today and the Timini of the Future? 

Timini Today: Bold, Happy, Content. 

Timini of the Future: RICH, Fulfilled, and a Blessing. 

What’s next for Timini? 

In the wake of the pandemic, the police brutality in the US and the Gender-Based Violence perpetrated against women and girls in our Motherland. Timini also showed a keen interest in the education of teenagers and young boys as most of this violent behavior that feeds into Rape Culture begins very early in a man’s life, and he believes that breaking these traits of “toxic masculinity” so deeply ingrained in Nigerian Culture would prove essential to the cause. He would like to donate his time and efforts to End Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria. 

With Elevator Baby premiering on Netflix today, the role for which Timini scored the Best Actor of the Year Award at the AMVCAs as well as one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films directed by Akay Mason. He urges his fans to go dust off their old Netflix accounts, or otherwise beg, steal and borrow any passwords whilst grabbing their favorite tv snacks, snuggled up in bed, or the couch with “beta” WIFI. To stream what went down between Abigail & Dare in that Faulty Elevator.#WatchTimini 

Art direction and styling: Goldie De-Iyamu 

Outfits: Metroman Co

Photography: Sope Adelaja

Written by: Bernadette David-Etim 

Interview: Folake Otudeko

Video: Ahmed Mosh

We all know Aristotle’s Quote ‘Anything worth doing, is worth doing well” and this applies to everything including Valentines Day. Hey.. It isn’t our favourite holiday but anything to make her happy right? 

If you follow these tips to the last LETTER or get creative with it, You’ll both have a great Valentine’s Day. 

Plan everything beforehand

Remember Romance

Valentine’s day for women is all about romance. Don’t be caught slipping as all the little things matter on that day from leaving notes, sending gifts, holding doors and chairs, being on time of your commitments. Go over and Beyond!

Be the Chef

If you can cook..Dude please save yourself from the cliche restaurant-hopping and whip up a nice meal for two. Remember to do all prep beforehand in good time before your hot date arrives. Start her off with an easy appetizer and wine while she watches you make the mains. You can never go wrong with store-bought desserts and ice cream.

Get Creative, Create an ambiance

Imagine the smell of  scented candles, soft jazz playing, tea light candles scattered throughout the room. Make the night truly special by creating a romantic ambiance right in your Man-Cave. Following number 15, get dessert and wine for the legendary ‘Netflix and chill’ moment after dinner and of course, get it on. Someone once said It hits different on Valentine’s Day.

Send a gift to work 

Women love their peers to know that they’re loved and appreciated. If she works a '9-5’, Sending a Valentine Gift to work is a dope idea. Think Roses and Dessert. Save the raunchy gifts and notes for later.  

Write her a love note 

Women, Scratch that everyone loves to be appreciated. You can do better than generic cards - take 10 minutes and in your handwriting, tell her what she really means to you and why you’d always choose her. Best believe she will keep this notes for your grandkids. 

Don’t overspend

'Thoughtful and Intentional’ should be at the back of your mind while you’re shopping for gifts for her. Don’t go overboard buying expensive and meaningless gifts. Think deeply and buy her gifts she will hold dear to her heart. 

Out of town? Plan ahead

If you happen to be out of town for a work trip or whatever reason around Valentine’s Day. Make sure to plan earlier for at least Roses to be delivered to her. Call her first thing in the morning and send multiple messages during the day. The dinner, gift exchange and unspeakable things can happen when you’re back in town.

Don’t do the same thing you did last year

Dude,  you always have to keep spicing it up. Fair enough you nailed it last year, she will definitely appreciate a new and different experience. She wants to know that you you’ve put some thought into it. 

If you can, Get out of town

Women love the idea of being whisked away on a romantic and relaxing trip to a destination of her dreams. Of-course, only if you can afford this. 

Send Her Roses

Yeah I know - Roses can be tacky but not today man. Even if they die 3 days later, buy them still. Every woman at the bottom of their hearts wants roses sent to them on Valentine’s day.  Red roses are a cliché; consider orange or those whitish green roses instead

Don't spend the night online

Valentine’s night isn’t night for scrolling aimlessly through instagram, twitter or checking your notifications every second. Dude put that laptop and phone down and focus on your woman. She will be grateful for your undivided attention. 

Be Intentional. 

The truth to long-lasting love, is the Intention. That complete focus and commitment to your partner. So as you pay attention to these steps check yourself too. Find the One you love and love her don’t go breaking girls’ hearts. Be a KING. 

MetroMan’s Debut Prive Collection “OGHOGHO” which means JOY. In Ancient Bini, a dialect hailing from the Former Benin Empire, which is now the modern Edo State in Nigeria. Ipso facto, this collection is centred around, and was created with Joy. A minimalist tone embodies the cut, choice of fabric and colour pallette of this collection in a true expression of what is deemed to represent the Homo Jubiláte (the joyful man.) The unique pieces exuding Afro-Modernity in Classic Style, which is manifested as an earthy palette of white, cream, sky blue, green and black colour-blocks, broken up with bold colour flashes of ocean green, burgundy and lime yellow. 

This resort collection is inspired by the ability to enjoy the richness of life and it’s experiences, and this plays a major part in the editorial shot in honour of the collection, Man and his relationship with Nature. We chose the serenity of the beach and the abundant foliage of a grass-field. This is the reason we worked with mostly natural linen fabric, lace and some silk-blend fabrics to embody the simplicity yet understated luxuriance that Mother Nature brings. Thus showing the interplay between Man and his understanding of the Dualistic aspects within his own Nature and his return back into his element.

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Photography: Jay Olowu

Models: Endia and Eviano

Creative Direction: Goldie & Bernadette