Fela Anikulapo Kuti did not create music to be comfortable or convenient. He created it to confront, to question, and to awaken. Decades after his passing, his voice remains as relevant as ever—not because the world has changed enough, but because it has not. His posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award is more than an honor; it is a quiet acknowledgment that truth, when spoken boldly, has a way of enduring.
Fela’s life reminds us that legacy is rarely recognized on schedule. It unfolds over time, carried forward by the courage to stand firm and the clarity to speak without compromise. In honoring Fela today, history is not revising its judgment—it is catching up.
Meet Emem Nwogwugwu.
She helps people build systems that serve the whole person and not just the bottom line. In our Founders Friday feature, Emem shares what transformation really looks like, how to stay grounded in chaos, and why presence is the real secret to a balanced life.
Born from family, built with purpose. Sisé is redefining how African meals are cooked and enjoyed, without losing the soul. Founded by two sisters from a lineage of incredible cooks, Sisé delivers bold, homegrown Nigerian flavours in under 20 minutes. Their mission? To make traditional meals accessible, joyful, and stress-free for modern homes - one meal kit at a time.
After 13 years of quiet growth and deep surrender, Elwoma returns with Throne of Grace, a worship album rooted in Hebrews 4:16 and birthed from a place of authentic devotion.
Thing and about thinking differently. About making bold decisions, developing clarity, and building discipline long before the money shows up.
In this post, I share 7 timeless money mindsets from the book, the kind that don’t just live in theory, but show up in your daily choices, habits, and circle.
When names are being listed, of women who through sheer determination, made indisputable feats in the Aviation industry, Kafayat Sanni will be mentioned with wide grins.
Like the women before her, Kafayat Sanni enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force in 2012, with big dreams, and a bigger confidence, to become a pilot.
Taking hold of opportunities, she worked her way to the top of the class.
Upon graduation from 401 Aviation school, Kaduna, Nigeria, as the overall best student, she was duly selected to continue her pilot’s training in the United States Aviation Leadership Program.
After 18 months of training, Kafayat, hungry for more, pursued an education in English, then an additional Vocational training in Colombia.
Upon completion, she returned to Nigeria to be decorated, alongside 12 young men, as the first female fighter jet pilot, on Tuesday, October 15, 2019.
Now, Sanni waits eagerly to be conscripted to the fight against the Boko-Haram sect. “I’m just going to join my male counterparts in the insurgency fight, and play my part”.
On what she would tell the younger girls, Kafayat says “never say no to opportunities”.
The fashion world mourns the passing of Iris Apfel, a New York icon who defied convention with her audacious and eclectic style for over eight decades. Apfel, who would have celebrated her 103rd birthday on August 29th, passed away peacefully on March 1st, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of vibrant self-expression and boundless creativity.
Apfel’s journey began not on a runway, but in the world of textiles. She and her husband, Carl, co-founded Old World Weavers, a haven for rare and antique fabrics. Their exquisite finds adorned the walls of prestigious spaces like the White House and the Met. But Apfel’s true passion bloomed beyond the realm of interiors. It blossomed on her own fearless form.
Apfel’s signature look is a kaleidoscope of color and texture. Oversized glasses frame a canvas of vibrant hues, where vintage treasures mingle seamlessly with high-end pieces. Costume jewelry becomes a statement, not an afterthought. Apfel wasn’t afraid to mix patterns, pile on the accessories, and wear what made her heart sing, proving that age is just a number when it comes to expressing personal style.
This audacious approach caught the eye of the fashion world. Collaborations with MAC Cosmetics and HSN cemented her place as a trendsetter, not just a follower. In 2005, the Met’s Costume Institute celebrated her unique flair with the exhibition “Rara Avis.” This ode to Apfel’s style later traveled across the country, a testament to her undeniable influence.
Today, Apfel’s vibrant personality and distinct aesthetic continue to inspire generations. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate her life as a champion of individuality, reminding us that self-expression is ageless and empowering. Her legacy lives on, a testament to the transformative power of personal style and the enduring spirit of a true fashion force.
Justina Miles, the viral ASL interpreter who stole hearts with her performance alongside Rihanna during the Super Bowl, has made it to the cover of Vogue. In a recent interview, she opened up about her journey and representing the deaf community on a global stage.
Justina Miles has been partially deaf since she was two years old, but that has never stopped her from pursuing her passion for music. “I blast my music because I like to feel it,” she said. Her love for music led her to start recording and signing videos to songs on TikTok, which went viral several times after artists like Lil’ Kim reposted them.
The National Association of the Deaf discovered one of her clips and immediately knew they had to have her for Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance. Justina sent a tape signing to the National Anthem and “What’s My Name?” and was booked for the Super Bowl.
“I wanted to match Rihanna’s power. My hope for the Super Bowl was to pop off hard enough for them to see, ‘OK, Deaf people are just like us.’ I feel like I did,” Justina said in her Vogue cover interview.
Justina’s performance at the Super Bowl was one of the most talked-about moments of the event. She brought a whole new dimension to the performance and made it possible for the deaf community to enjoy the show in their own way.
Justina’s journey is an inspiration to everyone who dreams of achieving their goals, no matter what the obstacles are. She has proved that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for what you do, anything is possible.
In conclusion, Justina Miles is a true inspiration to the deaf community and the world at large. Her journey is a reminder that we can all achieve our dreams if we work hard enough and stay true to ourselves. We can’t wait to see what she does next!
Silas Adekunle is a name that resonates with excellence in Robotics. He has achieved so much in his career as a Robotics Engineer and has become a global sensation. Born in Nigeria, he moved to the UK at about 11 years old, where he spent most of his childhood and teenage years obsessed with science and technology.
Silas Adekunle’s love for robotics began with playing with Lego robot kits and watching YouTube videos to get ideas for simple robots he could build at home. This passion has since grown into a successful career as he built the world’s first intelligent gaming robot, Mekamon, at the young age of 24 in 2016. The robot sold 500 units that same year, proving to be an immediate success.
Silas Adekunle’s success didn’t end there. In 2017, he signed an exclusive deal with Apple, and the tech giant now sells the robots at $300 a pop. He was named on the 2018 Forbes Europe 30 Under 30: Technology list, and he holds a First Class Honours degree in Robotics. He also has an honorary degree from the University of the West of England.
Silas Adekunle’s success is not limited to his career as a Robotics Engineer; he has also been recognized as a leader in the technology industry. He was named on the Financial Times’ Top 100 Minority Ethnic Leaders in Technology list, proving that he is not only a trailblazer in his field but also a leader and role model for others in the industry.
Silas Adekunle is giving back to Nigerian society through his Nigerian-based startup, “Àwárí,” which targets kids and teenagers by exposing them annually during summer breaks to Robotics. The startup is named after the Yoruba word, which means seek and find. By exposing young people to robotics and technology, Silas Adekunle is inspiring the next generation of Robotics Engineers in Nigeria and beyond.
In conclusion, Silas Adekunle is a remarkable individual who has achieved incredible feats in his career as a Robotics Engineer. He is a true inspiration to young people all over the world, and his story is proof that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible. We can all learn from his example and strive for excellence in our own lives, whatever our chosen field may be.
Hilda Bassey Effiong, the 27-year-old Nigerian Chef and owner of MyFoodByHilda Restaurant, has made history by breaking the world cooking record. Her non-stop cooking marathon is lasted for an impressive 100 hours, 40 minutes, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record set by Indian chef Lata Tandon in 2019. Hilda’s remarkable achievement has not only captured the attention of Nigerians but also garnered global recognition.
To attain this coveted world-class record, Hilda must comply with several conditions, some of which include standing throughout the four-day cooking period, consuming only food, water, fruit juice, and glucose, and not being allowed to take any stimulants or energy drinks to artificially enhance her energy levels or physical strength. Furthermore, Hilda must cook around the clock without any sleep for four nights and is only permitted a mere five-minute break per hour.
Hilda’s remarkable achievement has captured the attention of Nigerians and garnered global recognition. Her impressive feat holds valuable lessons for us all.
Persistence & Determination: Hilda’s success highlights the importance of persistence and determination in achieving any goal. Her unwavering commitment to the challenge’s strict conditions demonstrates her resilience and focus.
Positive attitude & Mindset: A positive mindset is essential for success. For her to commit to 100 hours indicates that she saw the glass half full rather than half empty. Even the most challenging tasks become achievable with a positive mindset.
Self Belief: Believing in oneself is the first step towards achieving any goal. When we have doubts, it is our responsibility to face our fears and do what we have to do.
Showing Up for Oneself: Success attracts attention and support, and showing up for oneself is the first step in garnering that support.
The Power of Support: The power of a supportive community should not be underestimated. When pursuing a goal, don’t hesitate to reach out for help, as kindness and support from unexpected places and people can be truly transformative.
I am inspired and proud of her achievement. It’s clear that setting a lofty goal and working tirelessly towards it can lead to tremendous success. Hilda’s example shows that with persistence, a positive mindset, and the support of a community, anything is possible. Above all, we all have to cultivate the habit of showing up for ourselves – it is the first step towards achieving anything meaningful.
If you’ve just launched an e-commerce website, do these 5 things consistently to grow e-commerce sales.
Every now and then I get asked by new online business owners what they can do to boost sales. In the past 12 years of my e-commerce business experience, these 5 suggestions are a great way to start.
Market to your ideal customer. Create a customer persona and always tailor your marketing efforts to meet the needs of your audience, your ideal customer.
Use high-quality, visually appealing product images. Visitors rely heavily on product images to make purchase decisions. Use high-quality images, and 360-degree videos where possible.
Deliver great customer service. Give excellent customer service by responding to customer inquiries promptly, being clear about your policies, and doing all you can to exceed their expectations.
Optimize your website for conversions. Make it easy for customers to navigate your website and find what they are looking for. Minimize distractions like pop-ups and ensure your checkout process is seamless.
Engage on social media consistently. Create compelling and engaging content that can help with visibility to your target audience and in turn improve visits to your website. In addition, run effective social media ads.
Remember, giving great customer service (tip #3) is critical, which can lead to increased sales and revenue over time. Try implementing these tips on your own e-commerce website and see how they can help you grow your sales!
Working out can be a challenging task to follow up with especially if you’re really busy.
However, it’s very important to live a healthy lifestyle. This encompasses the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects of our lives.
Today, we would be discussing physical fitness for busy individuals.
PLAN: This the only way to incorporate working out into your daily schedule. Find a time that works for you. It could be in the morning or in the afternoon.
GET A GOOD ACTIVEWEAR: Having activewear that boosts your confidence and looks good on you is a plus. This encourages you to workout and feel good while at it. Visit the Brief Essentials website to get the best workout clothes. Also, find out about the latest activewear collection here.
OWN A WATER BOTTLE: Drinking at least 2.5 L of water is required to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It can be very difficult to keep up with it but owning a bottle makes it easier. You can get a small and portable bottle for when you’re out and also have one at home. It’s dependent on where you spend most of your time.
WALK: As simple as this sounds, not everyone gets up to 6000 steps in a day. If you struggle with working out, taking walks is a great way to stay fit. Plug your ears and listen to music or your favorite podcast. Walk to that supermarket down the road. Keep walking!
MEAL PLANNING: Meal planning helps with keeping up with a meal schedule. It helps us eat a well-balanced meal that works with your schedule. If you need help with creating one, consult with a nutritionist/dietician.
NO PRESSURE
These tips are in no way to add pressure to you. A healthy lifestyle should be an easy day to day journey. Find what works for you and find a way to include it into your busy lifestyle.
Brief Essentials, the best place to buy lingerie, underwear and shapewear in Nigeria, launches its new seasonal activewear collection – BE Active (Brief Essentials Active).
The collection debuts with a launch of active training sets, leggings, sports bras, tops, bike shorts and several other body sculpting products – such as waist trainers, neoprene arm and thigh shapers, belly binders, resistance bands – including accessories that can enhance and aid your weight loss journey.
Brief Essentials has remained at the forefront of the NIgeria’s underwear, lingerie and shapewear market, delivering comfort, support, quality, convenience and value – which has helped many people – from petite, missy to plus size and full bust women – find the support they really need.
Our customers want to achieve their fitness goals in cuteness, comfort and style, and the BE Active range is delivering on all these counts as with all that Brief Essentials stands for and represents.
BE Leggings
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT
The launch is in line with Brief Essentials Mission of promoting “Health and Wellness” in a fun and fashionable way.
The active range within the collection is made with quick-dry, four-way stretch fabric which provides compression, yet without sacrificing comfort or freedom of movement.
The body shaping/sculpting products are made with exceptional craftmanship to tone, sculpt and enhance your results on your fitness journey.
Take the Waist Trainer with Triple Belts for example, the core is made with latex and comes with 3 additional removable Velcro belts for anyone that requires more reinforcement.
There are also the training sets; Flex, Core and Vitality – featuring matching bras and leggings made with a 4 way stretch material, mesh for breathability, high waist design to keep away muffin top distractions among others. All leggings and bike shorts feature high waist thick band for your support and comfort.
Bike Short with high waist thick band
Whether you’re working out or you are in need of super stylish and fashionable athleisure wear or activewear accessories, the BE Active collection will meet your needs and your budgets.
BE Waist trainer with triple belts
BE Active by Brief Essentials is available online at https://briefessentials.com/active as well as in the Brief Essentials HQ, situated in Lagos, Nigeria.
Are you looking to start a new business? Do you want to expand your streams of income? We at The Brief Network will show you 5 businesses you can start with little to no capital.
Thrift Store:This is a business that requires little capital at the first start. People want affordable and beautiful clothes to wear and you can expand as you get more profit and more customers. Models are not needed and fliers can be created with graphic design apps.
Personal Shopper or Cook: There are people that do not have the time or energy to cook. Capital is not needed to start this, you can go door to door or create a media flier and advertise via social media. They pay you to shop for them or cook for them.
Teach a Skill: Do you possess a very creative skill? You can teach via WhatsApp, Instagram, Zoom and any other webinar platform with zero capital. You get paid by those that want to learn.
Be an Event Planner: This requires acquisition of certain skills and creativity, however, you can start an ushering agency as part of the business which will yield extra income. It does require a bit of capital for further trainings and certifications.
Laundry Service: If you’re someone that enjoys washing or you have a washing machine at home, this is for you. No capital needed to start, just wash and get paid. You can then expand as time goes to get a bigger washing machine or eventually own your Laundromat.
There are definitely more businesses that you can start and you can let us know in the comment section.
Share this with your friends, you might just give someone a business idea.
In January 2016, Paystack was founded in Lagos by Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi.
Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi.
Paystack developed technology that enabled businesses accept payments via credit card, debit card, money transfers and mobile money through their websites and mobile apps.
Over 60,000 businesses in Nigeria and Ghana make use of Paystack. The growth and success of this technology in Africa is therefore not hidden from the eyes of bigger industries.
Stripe was founded by Patrick and John Collison about 10 years ago. It was involved with Paystack 2 years ago in an $8 million series A founding round.
Stripe recognized the importance of Paystack especially in this era of growth in the internet economy in Africa.
“Paystack is a growth engine for modern businesses in Africa, and we couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Stripe, whose mission and values are so aligned with ours, to nurture transformative businesses on the continent,” – Shola Akinlade.
The acquisition of Paystack will bring about more resources for a better platform.
This includes newer products, supporting more businesses and filling the gaps in the African e-market.
This is a big win for the Nigerian tech world and this is huge inspiration for all those in the tech world.
