“On The Couch” with Laila and Falz: Young Nigerians now have a dedicated election season show
Airing every weekend on the "On The Couch Naija" YouTube channel
Over the weekend, clips from the most recent episode of “On The Couch” with Laila and Falz who hosted presidential aspirant, Olasubomi Okeowo, surfaced on Twitter. On the episode, Laila, with support from Falz, asks the aspirant a number of questions about his policies and promises as an aspiring President.
In a popular cut from the interview that has since gone viral, Laila asks Olasubomi how he intends to level the gender equality field, considering that “For every ten boys in a classroom in Nigeria, there are only three girls”. Despite the pertinence of this conversation in girl’s rights issues, the aspirant disagreed with these statistics. In Olasubomi’s terms, what matters is the workforce; “If a woman is right for the job, I will hire the woman. If a man is better for the job, I will hire him” he says. On Nigeria’s drug epidemic, Mr Okeowo declared is a result of depression and “not having a purpose”.
Shortly after the 30-minute episode aired on the show’s Youtube channel, an overwhelming rush of comments under the platform’s comments section spurred backlash for Olasubomi on social media. This reaction, according to Laila Johnson-Salami, a broadcast journalist, is why “On The Couch” was created.
In a conversation with the NATIVE, Laila explained the goal of “On The Couch” is to bring a fresh perspective to policy-making, “things you can’t find online”. This perspective is for the benefit of “Young Nigerians”, who are often disenfranchised from Nigeria’s political realm. Laila explains that she and her co-host, Falz, are “passionate about Nigerian politics”, and have created this platform as a means of contributing to the growing pool of mediums documenting Nigeria’s upcoming 2019 General elections.
“So why do you think Nigerians are under pressure”
“Because Nigerians are a people of wastage
”
— #OurFavOnlineDoc
(@DrOlufunmilayo) August 19, 2018
On Monday, the day after the episode aired, Olasubomi Okeowo, pulled out of the Presidential race and apologized to the show’s audience [the youths] for his distasteful statements. In a released statement, Mr Okeowo expressed remorse, explaining that his delivery did not match his intention. ” I will Honorably stand down to allow a more qualified candidate go for the post”. This sense of immediate action, according to Laila, is one of the core aims of the show. By bringing aspirants on and presenting questions backed by facts, the show intends to create awareness about the state of the Nigerian polity and how the aspirants engage with them.
So far, Laila and Falz have interviewed two aspirants, focusing exclusively on human management issues, as this is the core of all social issues. The idea, Laila said, was birthed by an event that reflects in the first two episodes: “Falz had asked me to visit an aspiring presidential candidate with him informally and as we got there, we decided to ask him questions in an interrogative manner to really ‘grill’ him. We spoke to him for about two hours, after which Falz said that we should make this a thing. So we started reaching out to several aspiring candidates and we got shooting”.
Beyond this season, the duo hope to extend the show beyond the election 2019 arena, as Laila rightfully put it “Nigeria’s Democracy turns 20 next year and it is absolutely imperative to incorporate the challenges and the way forward on the show, as we’re in dire need of action”, we need to stay engaged to create the urgency and accountability needed for real change.
The show will air every weekend on the show’s YouTube channel, On The Couch Naija.
Meanwhile, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the Voter Registration by till the end of August. You can still register to vote.
Check out the first episode of “On The Couch” here:
Featured Image Credit: Youtube/Onthecouchnaija
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BERA and Patoranking team up for “Fire To The Sun”
Studio monkey shoulder is funding ideas to bring music communities to life
N20 million up for
Following a successful first campaign, Studio Monkey Shoulder returns to Nigeria for the second year in a row. A brainchild of the Scottish Whisky brand Monkey Shoulder and online radio station Worldwide FM, Studio Monkey Shoulder is a grassroots music initiative created to fund trailblazers who are pushing sonic boundaries while also fostering real-world connections across different regions. Last year, Jazzhole received the Nigerian grant to digitally remaster rare archival recordings that preserve and celebrate Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.
This year, the competition, in continued partnership with legendary DJ and Worldwide FM founder Gilles Peterson, once again invites the country’s most innovative and ambitious grassroots music communities – everything from from independent record stores to DIY music venues, online radio stations and collectives – to apply for a £10,000 grant (₦20 million) to bring their hugely imaginative music projects to life.
“I am thrilled to see Studio Monkey Shoulder grow in its second year in partnership with Worldwide FM. It’s been a privilege to work with the communities we supported in 2024, seeing their projects thrive and come to life,” Peterson stated in a press release. “I am excited to uncover more amazing community-driven projects in Nigeria and witness the talent that comes with it as the project evolves in year two.”
The winner of this year’s grant will join an international creative network that’s designed to elevate community voices and bring their stories to a global stage. Applications for Nigeria’s Studio Monkey Shoulder Fund open on April 28th and close on June 1st.
For full details and to apply, visit this website
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Fanti Carnival Returns to Lagos This Easter with a Vibrant Celebration of Afro-Brazilian Culture
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the...
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the streets of Lagos Island alive with colour, music, and culture. With roots dating back to 1890, the Lagos Fanti Carnival is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant cultural traditions, celebrating the deep ties between Nigeria and Brazil through a dynamic fusion of Afro-Brazilian heritage and modern creativity.
This year’s edition is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, in partnership with Robert Taylor Media and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos. Together, they aim to honour the legacy of the Afro-Brazilian community in Lagos — descendants of formerly enslaved returnees who shaped the city’s culture, religion, and architecture.
The carnival procession will kick off at 12:00 PM, starting from Old Defence Road and will end at the JK Randle Centre, with accreditation beginning at 10:00 AM. Attendees can expect a stunning showcase of traditional costumes, Afro-Brazilian drumming, dance, and performances from local creatives reinterpreting heritage for a new generation.
Whether you’re drawn to the dazzling pageantry, the live performances, or the chance to connect with a rich cultural history, the Fanti Carnival is an unmissable event this Easter.
Tickets are now available, and more information can be found via the official Fanti Carnival website or their social platforms.
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Vlisco’s “The Garden Of Sisterhood” Campaign Comes To Life in New “MAYANGA” Video
A celebration of creativity and cultural
Dutch textile brand Vlisco recently unveiled its latest campaign ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood,’ as part of its women’s month celebration. The campaign, which looks to extend Vlisco’s rich legacy in African fashion and its ongoing celebration of creativity and cultural storytelling, takes inspiration from Congolese musical icon Fally Ipupa’s latest single, “Mayanga.” The song’s accompanying music video was shot in the Ivory Coast, and seamlessly balances Ipupa’s signature soulful Rumba music with intricate floral motifs and soft, elegant colour palettes that celebrate the strength and individuality that blossoms through community.
In addition to Fally Ipupa, Vlisco also tapped up Ivorian fashion designer Loza Maléombho and Nigerian director Daniel Obasi to contribute to ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood’ campaign. Maléombho’s unique designs and Obasi’s striking storytelling helped contribute to actualising Vlisco’s distinct aesthetic and vision of merging heritage, creativity and fashion.
In a statement discussing the collaboration with Vlisco, the Congolese superstar described it as a beautiful experience. “They understood my vision of working with talented artists and honouring the beautiful women who wear Vlisco fabrics. By creating exclusive designs for me and the remarkable women in the cast, Vlisco really brought our artistic vision to life, harmoniously fusing music and fashion,” he said.
Similarly, Marlou van Engelen, the creative director of Vlisco, expressed that it was an honour working with Fally Ipupa. “His song ‘MAYANGA’ perfectly reflects our admiration for the women who shaped us, inspire us, and mean so much to us. For us, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about the stories told through our beautiful prints. And I believe the best stories are always told together,” she said in a statement.
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