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Before They Blew: Funke Akindele: The Making of a Nollywood Queen

Before she became "Jenifa," before her name was tied to box office records, Funke Akindele was just a young woman from Ikorodu with big dreams, a stubborn work ethic, and the kind of persistence that would eventually make her one of Nollywood’s most unforgettable stars. Her story didn’t start in front of flashing cameras. Funke studied Law at the University of Lagos, and for a moment, her future seemed set in a courtroom. But she couldn’t ignore the pull of storytelling. Her first real break came when she was cast in the United Nations–sponsored series I Need to Know , where she played Bisi, a curious teenager. The role lasted from 1998 to 2002, and while it made her recognizable, it didn’t make her a star. When the series ended, so did the offers. Funke was stuck in a difficult place, wondering if this was truly her path. Instead of quitting, she pivoted. She entered the Yoruba film industry where she found space to experiment and build. The budgets were smaller, the roles ...
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Hustle Spotlight: Wear’N’Smart and the Power of Dressing Intentionally

Fashion has always been more than clothes for Heritage. It’s been a language, a canvas, and eventually, a business called Wear’N’Smart—a brand rooted in confidence, intentionality, and the belief that what you wear shapes how the world receives you. Launched in June 2022, Wear’N’Smart designs stylish and empowering apparel for women of all sizes, ages, and backgrounds. The philosophy is simple: “Dress the way you wish to be addressed.” For Heritage, clothing isn’t just fabric stitched together; it’s an extension of self-worth, and she wants every woman in her designs to feel both beautiful and powerful. The seed was planted back in secondary school. Heritage was the girl with a pencil in one hand and a sketchbook in the other, always doodling dresses when the class got too boring. Over the years, those sketches grew into a vision. Why keep the designs tucked away when they could live, breathe, and empower? That was the thought that birthed Wear’N’Smart. Now, three years into this journ...

Passion Vs Paycheck: The 20's Dilemma Nobody Warned Us About.

Your 20s can feel like a constant hustle. Some people say, “Follow your passion. Do what you love. Don’t settle for less.” On the other side, reality keeps whispering: “Rent is due, food is expensive, and bills won’t pay themselves.” Adulting is more than just finding yourself. It’s about surviving, choices, sacrifices, and sometimes, the silent battles no one talks about. The hardest part? We weren't given a guideline on how to balance doing what makes us happy and doing what makes us financially stable. When it comes to choosing between passion and paycheck in your 20s, the truth is that it’s never black and white. It can be really messy, complicated, and comes with guilt, comparisons, and constant second-guessing. Let’s break it down. - Passion feels good, but it doesn’t always pay Everyone has passion for something, that thing that you really love doing and want it to have an impact in the society. Passion has a way of lighting you up. There’s something special about waking up...

Before They Blew: Bucci Franklin

Bucci Franklin: The Stage Was His First Playground Before Nollywood knew him as Bucci Franklin, the actor, host, and fast-rising star, he was just Buchi, a young creative chasing something bigger than himself. His journey into entertainment didn’t happen overnight, it was layered with persistence, small beginnings, and a drive to tell stories that mattered.  Bucci Franklin’s journey didn’t begin on the big screen. Long before Nollywood knew his name, he was the boy who thrived in school plays at Bereton Primary School and New Covenant Secondary. The stage was his first playground. By the time he got to the University of Abuja to study Theatre Arts, he wasn’t just another student; he was already sharpening a gift that had shown itself years earlier. His commitment paid off when he won the “Best Actor in Theatre Arts” award in 2007 — proof that even before the spotlight, he was already building something remarkable. After school, his path swerved into media. At Love FM Abuja, he beca...

Friendship in your 20s.

Friendship in your 20s feels like a breath of fresh air. Having people who get you , who hold you down, and who remind you that you’re not losing your mind, is honestly priceless. Because let’s be real; your 20s are confusing. Some days it feels like you’re drowning in responsibilities. Other days you’re stumbling through life with no map, no clue, and no Wi-Fi signal to even Google “how to be an adult.” But when you have good friends, the load feels lighter. They don’t have all the answers either, but they’ll sit with you in the chaos and remind you you’re not alone. Sometimes friendship looks like unlimited cocktails on a random Sunday. Sometimes it’s grabbing ice cream after a long day or getting dressed up for a Friday night at the club. Other times, it’s quieter. A sleepover where nobody sleeps, just endless gist, or someone checking in with, “Have you eaten?” These little rituals become lifelines. You start living from hangout to hangout because the world feels a little less heav...

7 Wardrobe Staples That Will Save You Money Long Term

 Let’s be real, building a wardrobe that works for any occasion can feel overwhelming. But here’s the hack: Start with timeless, versatile fashion pieces that never go out of style. These wardrobe staples are the backbone of every stylish closet and will save you money in the long run. Here are 7 must-have wardrobe essentials for both guys and ladies:   • Basic Tops Plain t-shirts , polos , tanks , or neutral blouses are the foundation of endless outfits. Dress them down with jeans or layer them with a jacket or blazer. They’ll never go out of style. • A Good Pair of Jeans  A classic pair of dark-wash or straight-leg jeans will serve you for years. Fashion trends may shift, but well-fitted denim is always in style and works for almost any occasion. •The Go-to Outfit Saver For women, it’s the little black dress (LBD). For men, it’s a tailored neutral outfit (think chinos with a crisp shirt ). Both are timeless pieces you can restyle for dates, events, or casual outin...

Hustle Spotlight: E.S.S. and the Sweet Grind of Baking Dreams.

For Grace Fisher, popularly known as Feranmi, baking isn’t just a skill, it’s survival, creativity, and business rolled into one. She runs E.S.S. — Exquisite Sweet Street , and behind every cake box that leaves her hands is a story of resilience, swollen ankles, smudged frosting, and a determination to turn flour into more than dessert. Feranmi has always had that entrepreneurial spark. She laughs when she recalls selling things as far back as primary school. Baking came after secondary school, in 2018. Waiting for admission, she learned to bake, and soon enough, she was selling cakes and chin-chin. What started as a way to pass time quickly grew into a full-time hustle. But don’t be fooled. Running a baking business isn’t sugar, spice, and everything nice. Feranmi admits that it’s exhausting. “Baking is very time-consuming and stressful. Swollen ankles and back pain come with the package,” she says. And that’s not even the hardest part. The real beast is logistics. Working with third-...

Before They Blew; Adekunle Gold

Before the hit records, sold-out shows, and braids that moved like main character energy, Adekunle Gold was just Kunle, a soft-spoken creative with a deep love for art, design, and the kind of music that sits in your chest long after it ends. Now a staple name in Nigerian music and one of Afrobeats’ most beloved genre-benders, his story didn’t start with a viral hit or a sudden glow-up. It started slowly. The kind of journey that builds brick by brick with awkward auditions, Photoshop tricks, heartbreak, and a whole lot of believing in yourself before anyone else does. Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko grew up in Ikotun, Lagos Nigeria and life wasn’t always kind to him. Even though his home was deeply rooted in tradition, he was allowed to explore. He joined the church choir as a teenager and started writing music early. He wrote his first song at age 15. In 2008, he chose the name “Gold”, not just because it sounded cool, but because it felt destined. And to be honest, it was. Adekunle Gold isn...

10 Ways to Romanticize Your Life on a Nigerian Budget.

10 Ways to Romanticize Your Life on a Nigerian Budget. Nigeria is chaotic. From the hiked fuel prices, heat, NEPA, traffic and everyday wahala. But even in the madness, you deserve softness. Romanticizing your life isn’t about spending big. It’s about slowing down and making small moments feel special. Here are 10 low-budget ways to tap into main character energy, no matter your vibe or bank balance: 1. Romanticize the mundane Doing chores? Play your favorite music and take your time. Clean your room, fold your clothes, arrange your space — no rush. Even small things like making your bed or cooking can feel good when you’re present. Enjoy the little moments. They matter. 2. Curate your life’s soundtrack Create playlists that match your vibe. Whether it’s calm R&B, hype Afrobeats, gospel, or throwback jams, let the music fit your mood. Stuck in traffic, at the gym, or just doing chores? Plug in your earphones and let your soundtrack carry you through. Music makes everyday moments f...

📚 10 Childhood Books That Shaped an Entire Generation

How many of these iconic reads were part of your growing up era? Magical schools, middle school chaos, demigods, diaries, and dystopias. These books didn’t just fill our shelves, they shaped our personalities. They gave us worlds to escape into, characters to root for or obsess over, and quotes we still remember without trying. Some of us still remember where we were when we first got lost in their pages… or argued about the movie adaptations. Here’s a list of 10 unforgettable books that defined our childhoods. 1. ⚡ Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling The moment you got your Hogwarts letter (even if it was imaginary), your life changed. This series taught us about friendship, courage, grief, and the thrill of magical rebellion with small trauma. Every chapter felt like unlocking a new piece of your own imagination. Let’s be real: you probably still know your house and your Patronus. If you never waved a pencil and whispered “ Lumos ” or took a buzz feed sorting quiz… are you okay? 2....

10 REALISTIC WAYS TO SURVIVE NYSC CAMP WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND

NYSC Camp is one of those rites of passage almost every Nigerian graduate has to go through, whether you feel ready or not. It's a rollercoaster of drills and duties mixed with drama. The Camp is a strange mix of minimal sleep and maximum stress with moments that are low-key unforgettable. It can feel like organized chaos, but with the right mindset and a few hacks, you can actually turn this wild ride into something manageable or even fun. Here are 10 Realistic ways to survive NYSC Camp 1.) Become Besties With 4:30am The 4:30am trumpet isn't for the weak, it will yank you out of sleep whether you are ready or not. It’s a signal to start parade prep and the soldiers expect you out on that field fast, no excuses, otherwise be ready for frog jumps or public punishment that will humble you. Tip: Try waking up early a few days before camp to get your body used to it. Also keep your essentials close to you so you can freshen up as fast as possible and move. 2.) Essentials. Bring Eve...

Before They Blew: Tems

Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems baby, is a phenomenal singer, songwriter, and producer.  But who was Tems before the spotlight? She was just a girl in Chevron, Lagos quietly building her world one song and one beat at a time. She loved books, art and when she wasn’t making music, she was writing poetry. Her voice is unlike anything we’ve ever heard before. But before the world tuned in, she was a young woman with big feelings and even bigger dreams. Born and raised in Lagos, Temilade always stood out, not because she wanted attention, but because she couldn’t hide her light even if she tried. Tems left Nigeria for university, studying Economics in South Africa. A practical route, though it never truly set her soul on fire. After graduating, she briefly worked as a digital marketer. A 9–5, a stable routine, but if you know Tems, you know that couldn’t last. In her quiet Chevron apartment, Tems produced her own music; beats, vocals and ideas from scratch. She didn’t wait fo...

How to Study When Your Phone is Begging For Attention.

Studying is hard. Not because we’re lazy, but because there’s just too much going on. Group chats popping, YouTube calling, and somehow you’re on your third personality quiz of the day instead of actually reading that one topic you swore you’d finish. If you’re part of the “I’ll just check my phone for 2 mins” club, this is for you. Here are 5 realistic study hacks that can actually help you stay focused and productive, even if your attention span is currently on life support. 1. Set Smaller Goals A lot of us love to overcommit. You start your day saying “I’ll finish three chapters,” and next thing you know you’ve been staring at the same sentence for 30 minutes. Calm down. It’s not a competition. Set smaller, achievable goals, things you can smash in one sitting. Like reading two pages, solving five questions, or summarizing one topic. When you tick those off, it builds momentum and makes you feel like a productivity machine. Also, ditch the idea that you have to study for 8 straight ...

10 Tiny Habits That Could Improve Your Life by December.

Big life changes don’t usually start with big moves, they start with small shifts. The kind of things that seem too minor to matter… until you stick with them for a few months and realize: damn, I feel better. Here are 10 tiny habits that could drastically improve your life by December if you start now. Consistency > intensity. Let’s get into it. 1. Brush Twice Daily (Yes, Really) We’re starting basic for a reason. Poor oral hygiene doesn't just give you bad breath. It also affects your heart health, your confidence, and even your immune system. Morning and night. No shortcuts.  Floss too. An alarming number of people don’t floss. It’s bad for your oral health. You should floss every night before you brush your teeth. You’ll be happy with the results. 2. Reduce Your Screen Time by an Hour or Two Drop that phone; Our parents were right. It really is that damn phone. You don’t need to go full digital detox. Just take back one hour a day . That’s 30 hours a month, enough time to re...

Hustle Spotlight: Building a Business Without Begging for Respect.

Owning a business in Nigeria? Not for the faint of heart. Factor in economic instability, fluctuating costs, and the everyday chaos, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for stress. Unless you’re someone like Eniola. Meet the mastermind behind NIOLUXE; a vibrant brand known for beaded accessories, engraved jewelry, and curated gift boxes with intentional flair. But NIOLUXE didn’t always start out luxe. Image from Pinterest  Eniola’s hustle journey kicked off under the name “Beaded by Enny”, crafting intricate handmade bags and jewelry. But as the economy shifted and profit margins for beaded pieces started to shrink, she knew it was time for a pivot. “I really just wasn’t feeling it anymore,” she admitted. Beading was time-consuming and, frankly, wasn’t bringing in the kind of money to match the effort. So she diversified by leaning into products that could be created faster and scaled more easily. Then came NIOLUXE. Navigating Customers, With Boundaries Over two years in the game...

Pulse Pop Recommends: 10 Movies That Just Get Your 20s

Love, loss, ambition, confusion. Your 20s are a rollercoaster of becoming. You’re half grown, half guessing. These films understand the chaos, the heartbreak, the hope. Here's Pulse pop’s top ten movies recommendation to be seen in your 20s. Watch them and feel seen. 🎬 Frances Ha (2012) This is what it looks like to chase a creative life with no money, no roadmap, and nothing but stubborn dreams. Frances is chaotic, idealistic, and heartbreakingly relatable. This movie gets what it means to feel left behind while everyone else is “figuring it out”. For those still trying to find their rhythm in a world that won’t slow down, this one is for you. --- 🎬 Isoken (2017) Love, class, and cultural pressure collide in this beautifully modern Nigerian story. Isoken isn’t just an ordinary rom-com, it’s a soft rebellion against everything you're told you should be by a certain age. For anyone who's ever been asked, “So when are you getting married?”, this one...