According to cocoalounge, Dawn Okoro knows how to make a paint brush bleed; and this young Texas native of Nigerian heritage is working her way into the pages of art history one stroke at a time. I felt a swelling of  pride in my chest, and as google would have it, I found her website and set up correspondence immediately.  The result is what you have below. An artist, a lawyer and an activist; she has many awards that attest to her prowess and a collaboration with Erykah Badu on the non-profit  organization B.L.I.N.D.

She is our new year’s gift to you, our devoted readers. Do enjoy the interview and have a wonderful new year everyone.

Dawn Okoro (Pix by Michael Shane Photography)

WRT: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you were born, your childhood, education etc?
DAWN: I was born in Houston, but raised in Lubbock, Texas.  I earned by bachelors degree from University of Texas located in Austin, Texas.  After living in Austin for several years, I moved to Houston, Texas temporarily to obtain my law degree from Texas Southern University.    

WRT: Painter, lawyer and activist. How do you combine the three? 
DAWN: I want to create paintings that people enjoy, but I also hope to use my artwork to bring awareness to certain social problems.  I will graduate from law school in May of this year.  Upon graduation, I plan to focus more on my artwork, however, I am interested in the area of art law, and I may do some freelance work in that area.  Art law involves many different subjects such as business contracts, copyright, and property issues.  

WRT: Why the focus on the female (form)? 
DAWN: I think I focus on the female form so much because I am partially influenced by the “supermodel” era of the 80’s and 90’s. 

WRT: Don’t you feel this limits your creativity, sometimes?
DAWN: I don’t feel this limits my creativity at all.  However, i may incorporate some male forms into future paintings. 

WRT: A lot of artists have made the move from traditional mediums to digital, will you join this migration or do you have any reservations? 
DAWN: I am very open to creating work in a less traditional medium.  I look forward to branching out into other mediums as I gain the inspiration and resources. 

WRT: Where do you look for inspiration? Music, other artists? 
DAWN: I am definitely inspired by music as well as other artists.  I am influenced by Andy Warhol for his incorporation of pop culture and heavily saturated colors.  I am also very influenced by photographers like Richard Avedon and Steven Meisel for their abilities to tell a story and create a strong composition. 

WRT: You are well known in the United States and even teamed up with Erykah Badu on a project. When will you stage an exhibition of your works in Nigeria?  
DAWN: I would love to have a show in Nigeria.  Hopefully this will happen a few years down the road. 

WRT: Most people think that, in an artist’s life, his/her childhood is the most important part. How did those years affect you? What kind of pictures do you see when you think about your childhood?  
DAWN: Growing up, I spent a lot of time watching television and flipping through fashion magazines.  Popular culture and consumerism has a heavy influence on my artwork. 

WRT: Artists in an ideal sense can be the voice of the people, or a certain group. Who do you feel you speak to, or for?
DAWN: I am not sure that I am the voice of anyone except myself and my own experiences right now.  Maybe after some time passes, I may be able to look back on things and see more. 

WRT: What’s next for you?
DAWN: My work is going to be on exhibit at the Texas Biennial from March 6th through April 11th in Austin, Texas.  I am also working on a series of paintings to be shown at the California African American Museum later this year.

 WRT: Thank you for your time, Dawn.
DAWN: Thank you!

ZARA is a refreshing Nigerian artiste living in the United States; she stepped into the Naija (Nigerian) music scene with a sound that is 100% hers. The creativity in her music boasts an understanding and range that is more veteran than debutante. With a combination of afro-themed beats and a caribbean vybe laced with heavy yet playful lyrics, Zara’s down-to-earth but confident charisma and charm is what sets her apart from the pack.

She has worked with other talented artists and producers - Majjit, Eldee, Keno, Oladele, AshThomas, Seven, Blinx, TK, KidKonnect,Blak Jesus, PoshEnt.,IceBerg Slim, One, Zaina of the “naughty girl” banger, as well as other earth-shattering collaborations in the works.  In the words of Zara, “Naija, y’all ain’t ready!”….better yet, the possibilities are endless.

When prompted,she says: “Gosh darnit! LIFE is ma first influence. My environment, My behaviors, my personalities, My family, My FRIENDS, My Xperiences, my EMOtions all influence me. Musical influences would be appropriate too, so I’ll stick to genres instead of artists. Reggae/Dancehall sounds, UK Garage/Drum n Bass, Traditional Nigerian Music, American Hip Hop n RnB, POP, anything my ear catches and loves.”

Link:  http://www.myspace.com/zwagger

Simi is an up-and-coming artiste, who’s been “making music” ever since she could spell her full name “Simisola Adeola Ogunleye”. The youngest daughter in an artistic family, Simi was an undiscovered gem until she joined the teenage choir church at Daystar Christian Centre. She would eventually join a teenage gospel-hiphop group.

As an amateur artiste on the Nigerian gospel scene, she spent her teenage years polishing her dance and vocal skills with her band – making beautiful music with stunning choreography. The band also produced and released some roof-shaking songs. In 2007, Simi decided to go solo.

Simisola’s inspiration is first and foremost from The Word. She’s determined to prove to the world that gospel music can be as beautiful and invigorating as secular music. Her role models are artistes like Asa, Cobhams, Natasha Beddingfield and T.Y Bello. Her mum Jedidiah Ogunleye, as well as her church ministers, Rev. Sam Adeyemi and Pastor Nike Adeyemi, have also been strong rocks of support in her life and career. Simisola is destined for greatness and the sky is just a stepping stone.

Check out her Myspace page:  http://www.myspace.com/symplysimi

The well attended, publicised and  sponsored event was totally marred by poor organisation, an incompetent host and badly behaved University kids (mostly University of Lagos). The show started by chasing all the guests out of the venue (for tagging) and subjecting them to arduous scrutiny.  Ashionye Ugboh and some dude (that kept ranting randomly  and throwing nonsensical jives about random stuff) anchored the event. At some point, someone was called out on stage to receive an award and he could barely stand on his feet. One of the award winners looked around the crowd (with his hands shading the lights) and said ‘Shit men, I don Kpeff !…’ and walked off the stage.

The event saw the likes of Deputy Governor of Lagos State: Mrs. Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Ovation Publisher Dele Momodu,  SoundCity head Tajudeen Adepetu, 9ice, ID Cabasa, Funke Akindele and Hubby, Mr. Solek, Frank Papas, Dj Zee, Dr. Fresh, Ela Joe, Sauce Kid, Toba Gold, Denrele Edun, Princess, Karamel, D1, MP, Tony Tetuila, etc.

Click on any of the images below to view/download pictures from the event.

The show, which was anchored by IK (formerly known as Wild Child) saw wonderful performances by Mo-Hits All Stars, P-square, 9ice,Naeto C, M.I., Banky W,Gordons, Basketmouth, Julius Agwu, Okey Bakassi, A.Y., Ali Baba, W4, Tuface,J-Martins, Kaffi and crew, Body Mechanics,Wild Child, IK, Phoenix Child, Kelly Hansome, Crazy Legs, Helen Paul, Karamel, Simeone, Shank, El-dee the don, Sound Sultan and many others…

Click on any of the images below to view/download pictures from the event.
 

Click on any of the pictures below to view/download pictures from the event.

At s.h.a.r.e, they understand that every individual has something to say, and so they try to create avenues for self-expression!  With their MONTHLY events (ranging from those of a professional nature, to social events, to personal ones), and of course, their blog, S.h.a.r.e is the network for anyone who wants to meet people, make contacts, network and express themselves!

Click on any of the pictures to view/download pictures from the event.

Kayode Onimole surrounded by crashercomics.com’ cartoon characters

WRT: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you were born, your childhood, education etc?
KRO: My name’s Kayode Onimole, most people call me KRO…no, not that type of crow…they’re my initials, the R is for Richard. I was born in Jos Plateau state, One of the most Awesome states in Nigeria! I went to school there till the end of my junior secondary years, and then I moved to Lagos, I completed my secondary school and got admission to probably the greatest University in Naija. The Obafemi Awolowo University. I have a Masters and a bachelor’s degree in architecture and I’m currently working as a full time architect and part time cartoonist/writer in Lagos. 

WRT: Is the lead character of your web comic ‘Kokoro’ modelled after you?
KRO: Actually all the characters in the crasher universe are modelled after at least one aspect of me. The part of me that just wants to sit in front of a TV, playing video games forever is Kokoro. The part that can’t cook is Risi, the voice of reason is Benedict etc etc

WRT: And the professor….?
KRO: Apart from me I modelled the looks of the Professor on a couple of teachers, a friend of mine and one of the Muppets from sesames street. But for his personality, I just made up the most sadistic yet friendly figure of authority I could think of.

WRT: Digital art has evolved much over the last few years but I don’t think it has caught on that much in Nigeria. Do you see it growing in the future? Or what should be done to improve on the situation?
KRO: Actually I think digital art has caught on a lot in Nigeria. Ask any artist looking for a job out there he would tell you that he keeps being asked the same question:” what computer software are you proficient in?” If you’re talking about comic books and animation they are a whole lot of talented guys out there. Within the next four to six years the flood of animation and comic works would be insane!
WRT: What are your long term artistic plans? I know at present you are working as an architect in a studio - what’s next for you? Is there any reason you haven’t attempted to pursue a more commercial avenue for your art?
KRO: Well I hope that one day crasher gets popular enough to generate enough income and I would do it full time seven days a week rather than as a part-time thing where I update it twice a week, as I’m doing now. Pursuing a more commercial avenue? I’ll say this; there’s nothing like doing something you love doing, getting paid to do that will be the ultimate high!

There was a surprise party (MAMA win celebration) thrown for the one and only Kokomaster, D’banj yesterday at Aqua 27. Aqua 27, owned by Folake Odutola, is a classy lounge, bar and restaurant located at Chase Mall - Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Victoria Island and was opened on the 31st of August this year. The party was well attended by the likes of 9ice, DJ Humility, Tha Prince, Special Ed., ID Cabasa, Wande Coal, Banky W., Dare ‘Art’ Alade,2phat etc.

Click on any of the pictures to view/download images of the event

Suga Diezel

Suga Diezel is undoubtedly one of the most promising talents in modern day hip-hop, soul and UK urban music. Hailing from Streatham, South West London Suga Diezel, also known as Suga D, Kubla Khan or the Black Fonzerelli, is set to make a considerable impact on the mainstream and underground scene with his debut album ILLUMINATED (2009 DAVALI).

Suga Diezel born to Nigerian parents had his listening party titled ‘Champagne & Cherry’ at the Posh Cafe, Mega Plaza. Fcaes at the event include: Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Okey Bakassi, Noble Igwe, AJibola Olubiyi of Swe Bar, Louise Priddy, Richard Nnadi of Kay’s Place, Kemistry etc

Click on any of the images above to view/download pictures from the gallery