My Fela Experience

During the Easter celebrations, I was opportune to attend the Fela Broadway Show that took place at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotel. From the almost Caucasian ensemble Afrobeat band, the lead actor who played Fela and the African-American ladies who danced in an enchanting manner, it was a delight to watch.

It was an exhilarating affair and a celebration of the live and time of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. I also got to know that the name Fela meant “one who shines with greatness”. According to the legend surrounding Fela, when the late Mrs Funmilayo Ransome Kuti had her first child, she named him Hildergaard.

The child died some few days later and upon consultations with a Chief Priest, she was told to give the next child an African name according to native laws and customs. This event led to the naming of “Abami Eda” as Fela.

Some Nigerians are of the opinion that the Fela story shouldn’t have been sold to the producers (Will Smith & Jay Z). Rather it should have been solely produced by Nigerians alone.

I don’t share those sentiments. Most stories we’ve watched about great men and women have been told by foreigners. From Nelson Mandela, Evita Peron, Malcolm X to Martin Luther King we have been given an insight into the lives of these people and the events that shaped them into the individuals they eventually became. Besides I know most people including me will shy away from visiting the shrine, due to the heavy presence of touts and fumes of marijuana pervading the atmosphere.

The criticism surrounding Fela shouldn’t be based on who has the customary rights to produce the show based on native intelligence. Rather it’s about the world giving us the spotlight we earned to tell the story of this great African son who’ll forever be remembered. Fela on broadway is a story that needs and must be shared globally because he was a global icon.

Election Update

It’s time to vote and the turnout at Emmanuel Keshi Street, Magodo is a bit rowdy.

On The March Again

The picture above represents the neighbourhood this morning. Today we troop out to elect Nigeria’s president. On my way to the accreditation centre this morning, I met a couple of early morning jogging individuals. You can spot them out in the background of the picture posted above.

It struck me how important this year’s elections will be and how similar it is to being summoned for jury duties.

I roused my sister up this morning to exercise her civic duties as well. On my way, I met a man discussing with someone on the phone about how important it was to vote for change by coming out to fulfil this civic duty.

On reaching the accreditation centre, I saw people trickling in to vote. While the turnout for a vicinity like Magodo might not be large due to voters apathy, I was glad that others took this opportunity seriously. Accreditation was conducted within five minutes.

Think about it. For the past 12years, we have complained about the poor state of infrastructure within the country. We’ve also criticised the government of the day for not providing an enabling environment where entrepreneurial activities can thrive. Now the opportunity has arrived and some people choose to adopt a “Siddon” look.

No way am I going to adopt such a pessimistic view. I have a duty to perform and I’m going to do that today. What about you?

Paper Dress For Your Tush

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATTENTION: FASHION AND LIFESTYLE EDITORS

Editor’s Note: Photos and behind-the-scenes video are available at: http://www.toletta.com/paperdress

TOLETTA launches the world’s first couture paper dress made from disposable toilet seat covers.

MARCH 23, 2011 – EDMONTON, ALBERTA. Who says the fashion industry is in the pooper? Today, fashion designer Laura Dreger showcased her talents by making the world’s first couture paper dress from disposable toilet seat covers. Tissues courtesy of TOLETTA – Ottawa manufacturer of luxury paper toilet seat covers.

TOLETTA was recently featured on The Doctors TV Show and in Marie Claire Magazine.

The Doctors TV Show: http://bit.ly/hC55sF
Marie Claire Magazine: http://bit.ly/dxMz7x

“The dress took me over 100 hours to make and required more than 520 seat covers. When the idea was presented to me I said yes because I knew it would be fun and unique. Besides, it’s not every day that I get to be the first in the world to make a paper dress from disposable toilet seat covers.” Said Dreger.

Lindsay Goff, the campaign’s model, is a up and coming fashion model who is competing for Miss Canada 2011 and the face of Lady Venom Cosmetics. Gina Cicero, makeup artist and owner of Lady Venom Cosmetics, handled the art direction, make-up and styling. Amanda Diaz was the photographer, Brad Palomo handled the video production and Kristen Ernst did the hair.

“There’s nothing sexy about public toilets. But when you mix high fashion with a product like this amazing things can happen. As a professional make-up artist, I often work on a set and the only toilet around is usually a nasty public toilet. I carry tolettas in my Louis Vuitton Artsy bag because you never know what’s on that toilet seat. These cute little travel packs are a “must-have” purse accessory.” Said Cicero.

TOLETTA is a niche product that markets to women ages 20-45 who care about their personal hygiene in public bathrooms. A percentage of the proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research (pink packs) and Child Poverty Awareness (blue packs). Tissues are made from large sheets of 3ply toilet paper which are 20% larger and 42% thicker than other brands plus they’re flushable and biodegradable. Each pack contains 5 toilet seat covers and retails for $2.49 – $3.49 USD.

“Since our company’s launch in 2009, we have already sold more than 40,000 packs and have distribution throughout North America, Europe and Africa. We can now focus on selling into large retail chain stores thanks to our new exclusive distributor for North America – Perma Brands.” Said Caine Ruckstuhl, co-owner TOLETTA.

TOLETTA is available at http://www.toletta.com and can also be purchased from a growing number of retailers across Canada and USA including Amazon.com, Ricky’s NYC and AVEYOU Beauty Boutique. You can also find tolettas in select retailers throughout United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Nigeria, South Africa and Australia.

ABOUT TOLETTA
TOLETTA is the world’s first premium brand of purse sized travel packs of paper toilet seat covers. Tissues are flushable, biodegradable and made from large sheets of 3ply toilet paper. Each seat cover is 20% larger and 42% thicker than other brands. A percentage of the proceeds is donated to social causes (pink for breast cancer and blue for child poverty). TOLETTA is available in 10 countries. For more information visit: http://www.toletta.com

ABOUT PERMA BRANDS
Perma Brands Corporation is a leading developer and distributor of personal care, beauty, bath and gift items in North America. Providing a full range of services, Perma Brands works with retailers to source, supply, distribute and merchandise high quality products. Perma Brands wholesales to retail chains, beauty supply outlets and premium independent retailers. Other products distributed by Perma Brands include: Bentley Organics, Bella Brushes, Kent Brushes and Bronnley Soaps. For more information visit: http://www.permabrands.com

Interviews: Laura Dreger, Gina Cicero, Lindsay Goff, Amanda Diaz and Caine Ruckstuhl are available for interviews upon request. Please contact: caine@toletta.com

Editor’s Note: Photos and behind-the-scenes video are available at: http://www.toletta.com/paperdress