Happy Month of May!

Happy Month of May! It’s my favorite month. I wonder why? Hmm . . . might it be because I was born on Cinco de Mayo [May 5th]? YES! But, I am also happy when May comes around because it means summer is literally right around the corner. Now a tip for this month. I don't care where you are or how busy you are, DO NOT under any circumstances, especially for our USA based readers, forget Mother’s day. Start getting your gifts now, otherwise, you are bound to receive a scolding from mom. It will not be pretty trust me. [Big laugh here]

Okay back to my excitement about May, we here at Ladybrille could not help but put in our two cents to get you fashionably fit so you can flaunt that amazing body your mama gave you! In our May issue, the first step to flaunting that body is to know it quite well. Meet Dr. Ngozi Osuagwu, a gynecologist and our Ladybrille Woman of the Month as we learn about her journey into medicine and her insights/tips on taking control of your health.

Once you are equipped with that knowledge, stay tuned for our main feature, Mary Onyali, who will INSPIRE you to stay healthy. Two decades of representing Africa, this mother, wife, sister, daughter and athletic icon is still running strong with her new attempt at a sports apparel manufacturing venture in Africa! Yup, that's right, in Africa.

Alright, so you know your body intimately, you are inspired, worked up a storm and are looking so hot!, if you must say so yourself. What next? That's the easiest part of our job this month. Work it out on the streets of Accra, Lagos, London, New York, Capetown/Johannesburg, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco in the most upscale, contemporary African tradition meets Modernity fashion brand, Zulu Rose.

Have a happy, happy May!

Remain Blessed,

~Uduak

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M.A.C.keting 101 with John Demsey

We have been talking music biz but time to revert to what we love best, the business of fashion. Of concern to us is how you market and promote your fashion brand. Indeed, it is no secret that at the heart of a successful fashion business is its marketing and public relations. Simply put, to expand your business and generate profits, you must have effective business and marketing communications. If you have a unique service/product but fail to garner consumer interest or demand, you could be headed for financially troubled waters. So, how is it that some businesses have strong marketing success and others do not? With a limited marketing budget, how do you get your marketing dollars to work harder and to be efficient? How can your marketing/advertising/public relations be creative, authentic and yet sufficiently persuasive to attract attention? Is traditional word of mouth better than large advertising campaigns?

The best example that answers these questions and, at the very least, provides pragmatic tips on effective marketing, is the giant makeup company M.A.C (Makeup-Art Cosmetics). Founded in 1985 with a motto that reads, “All Races, All Sexes, all M.A.C,” this company changed industry and public attitudes by creating makeup for persons of color from all genres of life. Now, it is one of the most respected giant beauty companies in the world.

In this interview with John Demsey [now global brand president of Estee Lauder, parent company of M.A.C], Demsey gives us straight talk on M.A.C.keting as he reveals how the company through its marketing became the giant it is today.

LADYBRILLE.com: Hi John, could you briefly tell us the history of M.A.C?
Demsey: M·A·C Cosmetics was founded in 1984 by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo who recognized a void in the professional community and wanted to support the needs of the professional makeup artists. M·A·C Cosmetics were used behind the scenes by makeup artists whose client list ranged from supermodels, music idols and Hollywood actresses. M·A·C via a grass roots outreach became an industry insider brand. They opened free-standing stores on Bloor Street in Toronto, Canada and then opened freestanding stores in the West Village, Soho and a boutique at Henri Bendel -all in New York City. M·A·C continued to grow as mavericks in the beauty/fashion industry and the Estee Lauder Companies recognized this company as a great investment and acquired the brand in 1998.

LADYBRILLE.com: M.A.C., from the onset, is famous for manufacturing beauty products for all people. What about M.A.C's marketing philosophy sets it apart from its competitors?
Demsey: M·A·C's mantra is All Races, All Sexes and All Ages. We have always remained from the onset, faithful to this mantra which has proven to be an amazing and organic brand positioning. M·A·C developed a cult following among retail customers by first establishing its credibility with professionals and a core makeup junkie audience. We are more an attitude and headspace than simply a line of products. In many ways, M·A·C is branded from the inside out. We market to our staff, they represent our core audience-in fact our employees are our customers - developed by professionals for professionals. In fact, if our artists don't believe in a product, it won't sell.

LADYBRILLE.com: With the exception of the VIVA GLAM lipstick campaign, which we will get to later, what fascinates most is how the company's popularity grew, around the world, mostly through traditional word-of-mouth endorsement from industry and non-industry persons. Why doesn't M.A.C run huge promotional/advertising campaigns like its competitors?
Demsey: M.A.C Artists at the point-of-sale are the voice of the brand. We invest primarily in talent/people. While the traditional business model has been driven largely by advertising and promotion, our artists are essentially M.A.C's form of advertising and promotion. We also reach customers through creating an experience at the point-of-sale with dynamic retail events, high-impact, innovative visuals and continue to nurture strong ties with the fashion and entertainment communities.

LADYBRILLE.com:In a very competitive environment, how has M.A.C. been able to stay competitive and flourish even in economic downtimes?
Demsey: M.A.C. delivers superior quality and value - strategically priced at the lower end of prestige. Within every point-of-sale, the brand strives to deliver a unique, dynamic experience that continually evolves; continually surprises and keeps customers coming back via continual newness and excitement.

LADYBRILLE.com: Let's talk about M.A.C's strong sense of social responsibility in marketing and promoting its VIVA GLAM lipstick. Established companies generally fidget when asked to associate their names or products to a charitable cause [although this is now changing]. M.A.C. has acted to the contrary [even when it was unpopular]. Expand on the VIVA GLAM lipstick campaign?
Demsey: The heart and soul of M·A·C Cosmetics is the M·A·C AIDS Fund. It began in 1994 and has raised over $44 million. We are the only company that gives 100% of the sale price directly to the Fund. [Note the importance of this cause to the M·A·C staff as well as customers].

LADYBRILLE.com: Are contributions to charitable organizations an effective marketing tool?
Demsey: Definitely. M·A·C has increased its brand awareness around the world through our Viva GLAM lipstick campaign, which not only brings recognition to the M·A·C AIDS Fund but the M·A·C Cosmetics the brand.

LADYBRILLE.com: M.A.C. has effectively expanded its operations from Canada where it first started to the U.S., Far East, Asia and Africa. What tips do you have on how our readers can use effective marketing to expand their business operations?Demsey: Selective distribution. Know what you're about and don't try to be everything to everyone or be everywhere. Keep demand ahead of distribution.

LADYBRILLE.com: What could you point to as the biggest problems or issue in the marketing/ advertising industry today?
Demsey: Ideas. Today's consumers are more savvy and informed than ever - it is crucial to understand your customer base and to avoid getting stuck on the past or molded into a formula that no longer works.

~Interview by Uduak Oduok

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GT 'Truly' the Guitarman

We are almost at the end of what we hope was an exciting month filled with interviews from super talented musicians. But before we wrap it up, it would be remiss of us if we did not tell you of an emerging artist whose lyrics, smooth vocals and style sense is simply refreshing!

Known as GT the guitarman, Gbemi Olaolu Oluwatokunboh Akigbogun was born in England on September 8th 1984. At an early age, GT’s father abandoned the family leaving them to fend for themselves. GT’s mother, bearing the huge responsibility for two, worked quite hard to support the family leaving the young GT, for the most part, on his own. Luckily, GT did something positive with all the time he had on his hands. He redirected the negative energy and chaos in his life to positive music, picking the guitar as the instrument of choice

In 2003, GT began seeking a broader audience to display his talents and sensible lyrics. He performed with various groups at diverse venues, including churches. During one such performance, for a Valentine's Day event, in 2005, a famous Nigerian comedian, Omobaba, approached him and ultimately helped open doors for him to secure other singing gigs performing in front of a larger audiences. That same 2005, he met former Storm Records Artist Dare Art Alade. Alade introduced GT to Obi Asika, an Executive with Storm. Shortly after, he was signed onto the Storm label. Meet GT!

LADYBRILLE.com:GT, I really like your style. I think it represents an R&B/ Neo-soul genre coming out of Nigeria that you don't really see as much. Tell us about your music background and why the Guitar is your choice of musical instrument.
GT:I've always been a great fan of good music as I grew up listening to the likes of Fela, Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Shina Peters and I have always thought it would be a dream come true if I could be like them. I started out singing with my sister who was a member of the choir. She would teach me songs they [sang] and we would sing them together and a lot of people actually thought we could make a good team. Later, I joined a couple of bands, but they were not as dedicated to music as I was so I [left]. Still years later, I developed an interest in the guitar after seeing a friend play. I tried saving to get a guitar but couldn't. A friend who saw how desperate I was to get one gave me his guitar. I taught myself how to play the guitar, met Storm Records and the rest [as they say] is history.

LADYBRILLE.com: [Speaking of signing with Storm], share with us how it happened?
GT: I was at home rehearsing when a friend of mine told me that he would love to introduce me to Dare Art Alade. I was so excited that I immediately left with my friend to meet Dare. I got there, did my stuff and he liked it and promised to introduce me to Storm Record's Executive. He [followed through] with his promise and took me directly into the office of my CEO Obi Asika. I performed my songs and Obi said,“Welcome to Storm.”

LADYBRILLE.com:How exciting!

LADYBRILLE.com: I understand you grew up without a father. Did that have an impact on your decision to be a musician?
GT: I remember when I was [quite] young, my father would tell me that I was cut out to be an Aeronautic Engineer. At the time, I liked the sound of it. I guess if he was around it would have been difficult being a musician. [While] living without a father figure had its own scars, it has taught me a lot, things like self-reliance. . .

LADYBRILLE.com: I love your recent releases "Dreamer" and "Truly." Where did you shoot the "Truly" video it looks like a place we'd like to visit!
GT: It was shot at Alpha Beach and yes it’s the place to be with your [loved one].

LADYBRILLE.com: We can't let you go without talking fashion. You have a very laid back style. Who are your favorite African fashion brands?
GT: Hmmm . . . I don’t go for the big names. I work with a guy called "Manymo" . . .

LADYBRILLE.com: We understand your album called "The Truth" is set to be released [soon]. What should we expect?
GT: A lot of people do too much talking but less action. I will just say keep your fingers crossed. I won’t disappoint you.

LADYBRILLE.com: Okay then! Thanks GT! Keep us updated on your progress.
GT: Definitely I will, thanks for having me.

You can purchase GT’s "Dreamer" or "Truly" on Itunes.

TRULY

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LADYBRILLE Welcomes New Additions

LODI, CA-April 28th, 2008--LADYBRILLE is pleased to announce the addition of two highly capable individuals to our team: Liz Johnson our amazing public relations intern and Niama Sandy, our very skilled contributor.

Liz Johnson, Public Relations Intern, is from the beautiful island of Trinidad & Tobago and embraces her Afro-Caribbean heritage. A graduate with a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University, in San Francisco, Liz currently works as a Senior Human Resources Manager in Central California. She enjoys writing poetry, songs, short stories and hopes to publish a novel in the future. She prides herself on being an excellent communicator and loves interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Liz brings her extensive knowledge and experience in communications and interpersonal relations to our team. She will handle any and all matters involving Ladybrille’s Public Relations. She can be reached at liz(at)ladybrille.com.

Niama Sandy, Contributor, is a New York native born to Caribbean parents. Niama is also a freelance writer whose work has appeared both in print and online publications, nationally and internationally. A lifelong patron of the arts from dance to music, Niama started writing at a very young age and knew early on that her writing was one of her greatest talents. A graduate of Howard University's School of Communications, Niama is committed to accurate and culturally responsible portrayals of persons of color in the media. Niama can be reached at niama (at) ladybrille.com.

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Is 9ice the Next Fela?

A self proclaimed “artist, poet and custodian of tradition and the Nigerian culture,” 9ice, like the great African musical icon-Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is dynamic, authentic and uncompromising, especially when it comes to his decision to sing in his native language. Influenced by the communication style of his now 75 year old step-mother who raised him, 9ice's signature is the ability to serve a healthy dose of musical proverbial sayings with deep layers of interpretation.

Born January 17th, 1980 as Abolore Akande, 9ice received his stage name because he became the go to “hook man” who would not go nine [9] days without working on a new song. At fourteen years old, the artist who had aspirations of being an attorney was already preparing for an inevitable music career with writing, composing, and singing his own songs. While he would later form boy bands/groups and even release a demo, it wasn’t until 2000, when he embarked on a solo career and released his Freshman album “The Certificate,” that most began paying attention to him.

Today, he is the hottest artist on Nigeria's music scene and is gaining momentum across Africa and internationally, winning numerous awards on his way up. With the release of his album “Gongo Aso” which drops May 1st 2008 and has been dubbed the most highly anticpated album in 2008, 9ice plugs into LADYBRILLE.com for a brief chat about his music, hits and upcoming wedding!

LADYBRILLE.com:Little Money, Talent Dey Waste, Gongo Aso, where do I begin? Your songs are the hottest hits all over Nigeria! To our audience who have never heard of you, introduce yourself and describe your music style?
9ICE: My names are Abolore, Adegbola, A'adigun Alapomeji Akande. I am from Oyo State, Ogbomosho, Ogbomosho North L.G.A. I am from a polygamous family of nine children and five wives. [I am] the eight child. I grew up with my step [mother] and I have lived days of my life in and every corner of Lagos state [Lagos State was the former capital of Nigeria. It has a population of approximately 20 million people].

My kind of music is Nigerian. And I call it World Fusion because it comprises of all kinds of music. I attended Abule Okuta Primary School [like elementary school], C.M.S Grammar School, Nigerian Opportunities Industrialization Center for Computer Studies, A' Level Program at Universal Basic College . . . and Lagos State University [LASU] Law but left LASU to pursue my music career.

LADYBRILLE.com: I think one of the things your fans love is that you rap and sing in your native language, Yoruba, but your beats are so universal. Some have even said it has a reggaeton feel to it. Even if you don't understand the language, you get the instruments and beats. Why did you choose to stick with singing in your native tongue?
9ICE: My language I believe is my culture, my future and my way of life. It embodies my tradition and custom which suggest the person I am, the way I relate to other people and my background. Music doesn’t have a language. So, my language is not a barrier [and] it instead gets me closer to my audience. [I]t is the best way to pass my message across to my people.

LADYBRILLE.com: What are your songs mostly about?
9ICE:My songs mostly talk about love, life, issues that bothers us and the way forward.

LADYBRILLE.com:One of your songs on your album is "Talent Dey Waste." It is my favorite especially where you say, "you want to sound like Wyclef and you can't sound like me." Classic![laughs] Share with our audience the point you are trying to get across?
9ice: I am simply saying you can only be yourself. Be original, be creative in your own way even though you have people that influence your kind of music. . . through listening to their songs you will or can develop your own style that fits your immediate environment.

LADYBRILLE.com:I am impressed with what you have done with fashion merchandising of your hit song, "Gongo Aso." It is common here in the West to see a hit movie have baseball caps, T-shirts e.t.c. but that is not really as common in Nigeria/Africa. How did that come about?
9ice: It was an idea brought to [reality] by my fiancée [Toni Payne]. . .she thought about the concept herself and she [executed] it. . .

LADYBRILLE.com: That explains it! [laughs] Most of our readers are familiar with your soon to be serial entrepreneur wifey Toni Payne. Tell us briefly how you knew she was THE one?
9ICE: We met at Gbenga Adeyinka [Top Nigerian Comedian] the 1st 10years anniversary at motherland 2006. . .and from there one thing led to the other and as days passed by things got better and now we are together. . .

LADYBRILLE.com: When is the wedding date and where will it be held?
9ICE: We are working towards that and as soon as we have a date you guys will be the first to know.

LADYBRILLE.com:Finally, let's talk about your collabo with Ruggedman, another respected artist in Nigeria. I love how you both reach in to Yoruba fashions with your Aso Okes designed in Agbadas and the accessories used. Tell us who did the styling for that video and the video concept?

9ice:The costumer was arranged by ruggedman. But the concept of the video was arrived at between ruggedman and the director. . . and to the best of my knowledge, I think the idea was not bad and the whole experience with ruggedman and the video was worth it.

LADYBRILLE.com: Yes. The concept was not bad, at all! Thanks 9ice for the interview.
9ice: God bless . . .it's my pleasure to grant this interview.

~Interview by Uduak Oduok

LITTLE MONEY


RUGGEDY BABA FEATURING 9ice

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