udging by her passion and enthusiasm whether on stage performing or just talking music, you can tell that  Mayowa Sobomowo or Myoa as she is known on stage is set to go places. Just back from Hollywood, California, where she’d relocated to (from the UK) in 2007 to study music and hone her bustling music talent, Myoa already has cherished memories of performances at top music stages. Beginning notably with her performance as a soloist at the Gospel Art Show in London in 2006, Myoa has gone on to perform at the bi-weekly Live Sets at Café Audery (Hollywood), Artist Development Showcase at the Musicians Institute (2008), the Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles (2009), the Noen Venus Art Theatre, Las Vegas (February 2010); not forgetting that once in a lifetime opportunity she got in 2007 to sing alongside legendary Stevie Wonder at his Benefit Concert at the Staples Centre Nokia Theater, Los Angeles. Born of Nigerian parents in Lagos, Myoa also recently performed at the Bold & Beautiful Fashion Forum at the Eko Hotel and Suites and at the Opa Williams Tribute at the Oriental Hotels (2010), Lekki in what even she described as “a glorious home-coming.”

Of those recent performances in Lagos, Myoa who describes her music as Soul R&B (though with influences from other genres) says she was particularly thrilled by the audience reactions. “The reaction was amazing and I think it was borne more out of the fact that I offered them a breath of fresh air. It was not what they were used to, yet it was enthralling and engaging.” Charming, lively and very sanguine, you could indeed feel her confidence as she spoke about her exploits. The first of three girls, Myoa spent her formative years in Lagos and only moved to the UK at 16 to study for a degree in Accounting and subsequently a Masters in Business Management. Her uncommon desire for music since childhood, which saw her playing active part in her church choir (New Eden, London) would however keep haunting her, such that she at some point found herself at a cross-road. “As a child, I always wanted to be an accountant because of my father; he’s a very hardworking chartered accountant and I really look up to him. But on the other side, I was also always thinking, “I wanna sing, I wanna sing….” That was as far back as when she was 10. Myoa was also fortunate to be blessed with a dedicated music teacher, who took her up and helped nurture her budding talent, such that in a short while, her song was adopted as her school’s marching song. “I used to write songs a lot back then; it was a burning passion. And I’m so grateful to my parents and sisters, who have been more than 100% supportive.” 

She reveals that she went ahead to study Accounting and Business Administration in spite of her glaring bias and wiring for music because “I’d always wanted to be an accounting person; that was why I moved to England, and it was fine! But I was always singing by the side. I think it’s good to have your degree because it will help a long way in whatever you choose to do. Besides, I really never knew I would eventually go fulltime into music. I was just doing it for the love of it.”  

Taking the giant leap out of her comfort zone 

Soon after rounding off her Masters Degree course, Myoa got herself a lucrative job in the UK. But deep down, she wasn’t fulfilled. “Something in me was just kind of empty. I would come to work sometimes and I would just be singing. I just felt there was something different for me. So I would go home, pray and say, “God what is the next level of my life? What am I really supposed to be doing?” And then slowly I began to feel that burning thing in me, and decided I was going to study music.” 

So in 2007, she got everything including her visa, quit her job and left the UK for the United States of America. “I decided to go fulltime by enrolling at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. I applied for a degree in vocal performance and recording and production, to be precise.” In addition to a remarkable proficiency and skills on the drums and keyboard, Myoa also undertook lessons in production, recording, stage performance and the business side of music. By this time, she was also doing lots of performances – having put together a band….

This is My Story

My name is Yetunde Makinde (not my real name) and I was 18 when I met my boyfriend Mike, whom I eventually married at 25. We met at a church function in Kaduna, where I was in school. My parents, both deceased, were staunch Catholics and I was raised as one; although I was more fascinated by the Pentecostal way of worship. When my parents died in a nasty road accident, I changed my denomination. I was so traumatized by my parents’ death that I left Kaduna and moved in with an aunt in Abuja. I eventually trained as a teacher. Mike, my boyfriend and I kept the relationship going and though he didn’t like the fact that I left Kaduna, we still saw as often as his job as a banker brought him to Abuja. He was there for me and made sure I lacked nothing. He would send me money and stuff. He wanted me to start a trade and leave teaching but I told him teaching was the one thing that gave me joy. One day when he came to visit in Abuja, I visited him in his hotel. He sulked throughout that week-end and when I got him to open up; he said he didn’t like the fact that contrary to his opinion, I remained a teacher. 

Well I Never!

“Don’t you have any ambition?” he barked at me! “Don’t raise your voice at me” I said feebly and the next sound I heard was his palm connecting with my face! It was such an unexpected slap that I staggered and fell on the bed. I looked up in utter bewilderment as he warned; “Don’t ever answer me back. I can raise my voice as loud as I want and hit you if that becomes necessary!” It wasn’t for another five minutes that I began to cry. In a fit of rage, I lunged at him and tried to slap him back but that was a mistake because by the time he was done with me, I was all bruised up.  Blinded by tears, I raced out of the hotel room and took a taxi to my friend’s and told her my story.

“I don’t get it.” Hauwa said over and over again as if I hadn’t told her how and why I deserved to be so maltreated. “He beat you up because you asked him not to raise his voice at you?” “Where is he staying?” she demanded “That guy needs to be put on a leash, he is a mad dog. I can’t believe what I am hearing and you are not even married to him o” “Leave him alone!” I muttered; “We are done! Thank God I saw a side of him I never saw, imagine if I was married to him.” 

“Good idea, just dump that ‘yeye Ibo boy’. Don’t pick his calls and maybe it’s time to give that guy from your school a chance” Hauwa said, totally upset by what she’d just heard. In order to ensure that I severed every aspect of my contact with Mike, she got me a sim card but unknown to her, I bought another handset and maintained my old number too. I saw Mike’s missed calls and text messages and hissed at his audacity to even think I would run back to him after his brutal attack on me. “Idiot” I hissed every time I read one text after the other.

Often, the cure for dry, itchy scalp is straightforward and very simple. Ensure that your hair is clean. A build-up of oils or dirt can clog pores and make your scalp feel itchy. Look for a shampoo with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 to keep your scalp moisturised.

Consider your hair products. If your hair is clean, your itchy scalp might be due to an allergic reaction to a shampoo, conditioner or other hair products.  Eliminate other chemical causes. Hair dye and the chemicals used in perms can irritate the scalp. Talk to your hairdresser or stylist about soothing lotions or creams that can counteract the itchiness. Notice whether you have white flakes in your hair. Dandruff can be a cause of scalp itchiness, and you can easily treat it with over-the-counter shampoos.

Note whether you have been exposed to the sun recently. Sometimes, an itchy scalp is a sign of sunburn. This type of itchiness should go away once your skin recovers.

If your itchy scalp lasts for several days, or if your condition worsens, check your hair for the white or grayish eggs that can indicate lice. These eggs look like dandruff.

l came across the AskClara page in Genevieve and decided to write in. l am in my late thirties and l tell you, my whole front hair has fallen off (l very much doubt if the remaining strands number up to 20, no exageration). You talked about a good product which can restore the front hair, please where exactly can l get it? Secondly, l have acne prone face. Last time l was in Lagos (by the way l live in Asaba, Delta State), I went to a beautician on Allen Avenue and spent a hundred and thirty four thousand naira for facials and so many products. Nothing is working. l still have the pimples and spots despite using those products religiously. 

Receding hairline is generally associated with aging in men, but it can affect women as well, though it is less common. Causes for a receding hairline in women include pregnancy, hormonal changes or imbalance, genetic factors, overprocessing treatments like dyeing and perming and rapid weight loss.

How to treat receding hairline

Combine 10 drops each of Rosemary and Sage Essential oils in a glass jar or bottle. Seal the jar, and shake lightly to combine the oils. Rosemary and Sage are natural herbs known for their ability to promote hair growth, and strengthen the hair shaft. Allow the essential oils to mellow in the jar for about 2 to 3 days. Apply a few drops of the sage/rosemary mixture onto your receding hairline, and massage into your scalp. Leave mixture on overnight, and rinse off in the morning. *Use this treatment everyday for best results.

•Use hair strengthening, anti-hairfall shampoo and conditioner a few times a week. Try Nature’s Gate Biotin Shampoo specifically formulated for weak, thinning hair. 

•Wash your hair with the fortifying shampoo at least 3 times a week. 

•Massage the shampoo deeply into your scalp, and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing off.

•Apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner from roots to tips. Allow to absorb into your hair for at least 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse out. Try Jason Hair Strengthening Conditioner.

 How to get rid of spots

To really get rid of spots, you need to equip yourself with information about hormones, a skincare regime that cleanses away dirt and excess oil, tones and moisturizes. Begin with a cleanser that will work to clean out all the gunk clogging up your pores, but doesn’t strip your skin of its necessary natural oils. 

Listen to your body, you will find the long-term path to clearer skin.

 There are so many things unfolding in my life right now that I fear I may not have enough time to deliver. “Did I always know I could write?” I was asked. “No,” I said, “I didn’t know until I persistently put pen on paper.” Having said that, there are so many things each of us don’t know we are capable of doing until we keep at it – practice takes each of us closer to getting it right, not necessarily to a point of perfection. Is there any such thing  as that, really? “Congratulations,  a friend said; “It is when most of us are winding down that you are revving it up!” No one needs to shut down… It’s not about the time of day or year, it’s just a question of; “How old is your mind”? Each day, we are renewed or burnt to mental ashes according to our inner make up. Just look at the phoenix, it rises from its ashes…Why die before you’re dead?…

Passion is what you crave or long for. And only those who discover their passion reign in life.

Interestingly, everyone on this planet earth has passion for one thing or the other. 

Everyone craves for something; it is an inbuilt trait from creation. But when you fail to discover your passion, you will almost always not go far in life. 

I once read about a research that was carried out in America about people who died on Monday mornings. It was observed that the largest percentage of people who died every Monday morning died of heart attack. They died of heart attack because they all hated going to their workplace. They hated to go to work because they never found joy or fulfillment in their jobs. These people lack recognition for their passion. 

When your passion is not recognized, you remain frustrated and uncelebrated. If you have a gift and you are not exercising it, you are probably going to be poor. But when you discover your passion, it would not only make you stand before kings, it will also make kings stand before you. To reign in life, you need to discover that thing which you have a strong enthusiasm for, as you are only guaranteed to produce the best results doing what you are passionate about.

Passion is what you crave or long for. And only those who discover their passion reign in life.

Interestingly, everyone on this planet earth has passion for one thing or the other. 

Everyone craves for something; it is an inbuilt trait from creation. But when you fail to discover your passion, you will almost always not go far in life. 

I once read about a research that was carried out in America about people who died on Monday mornings. It was observed that the largest percentage of people who died every Monday morning died of heart attack. They died of heart attack because they all hated going to their workplace. They hated to go to work because they never found joy or fulfillment in their jobs. These people lack recognition for their passion. 

When your passion is not recognized, you remain frustrated and uncelebrated. If you have a gift and you are not exercising it, you are probably going to be poor. But when you discover your passion, it would not only make you stand before kings, it will also make kings stand before you. To reign in life, you need to discover that thing which you have a strong enthusiasm for, as you are only guaranteed to produce the best results doing what you are passionate about….

 There are so many things unfolding in my life right now that I fear I may not have enough time to deliver. “Did I always know I could write?” I was asked. “No,” I said, “I didn’t know until I persistently put pen on paper.” Having said that, there are so many things each of us don’t know we are capable of doing until we keep at it – practice takes each of us closer to getting it right, not necessarily to a point of perfection. Is there any such thing  as that, really? “Congratulations,  a friend said; “It is when most of us are winding down that you are revving it up!” No one needs to shut down… It’s not about the time of day or year, it’s just a question of; “How old is your mind”? Each day, we are renewed or burnt to mental ashes according to our inner make up. Just look at the phoenix, it rises from its ashes…Why die before you’re dead?….

My name is Bukola Oluonye and I am married to Edwin, who works as a pilot and together we have two daughters; 21 and 19. As for me, I’d say my first career is domestic engineering, meaning running the home. A lot of people don’t see running the home as a career on its own, but it is. If, however, you ask what I do for a living in the process, then I’d say counselling. I used to live in England with my two girls - I’d taken time off to go back to the University to study Psychology. So I counsel and in the course of counselling many people, I also discovered Forever Living products, which are aloe-vera based. I found out that this product works from the inside, right to the outside; so it kind of complements my domestic engineering, my psychology and my working inside out. I believe in working inside out and I believe in helping people do same. 

The Dilemma of Marriage

I feel obliged to come out and talk about my travail because I have come to realise that it is one thing people hardly talk about. I’m talking of the loss of identity and the seeming docility that come with marriage. While marriage is something every woman is supposed to look forward to, for me, it was my biggest trouble. I think it was hard for  me because I’m not really a conformist. I also think that because we weren’t truly educated about marriage in this society, a lot of us women don’t know what to expect. Straight from being young girls, we become mothers and then we become known as  mothers and subsequently lose our identity…. The fact that I wasn’t identified as ME anymore, but as Mama Alero or Iya Tosan really wasn’t interesting for me. Some other people, especially my husband’s friends referred to me as ‘Madam,’ which is a show of respect and which is actually supposed to be okay; but for me, it meant a loss of identity. And that can really get anyone thinking until one becomes aggressive, because one is losing self and self is very important in management, in work, at home and with people. That was my biggest challenge then; and it wasn’t my husband’s fault either. It was cultural.

Initially I was very submissive, you know very docile because I was scared of my marriage coming to an end. I conformed by force, stopped using my brain and literally depended on my husband to make or take decisions for me. The bad part  however was that resentment gradually set in, but I found out that it wasn’t necessarily against the person (that is, my husband), but the situation I found myself in…..

The Dilemma of Marriage

I feel obliged to come out and talk about my travail because I have come to realise that it is one thing people hardly talk about. I’m talking of the loss of identity and the seeming docility that come with marriage. While marriage is something every woman is supposed to look forward to, for me, it was my biggest trouble. I think it was hard for  me because I’m not really a conformist. I also think that because we weren’t truly educated about marriage in this society, a lot of us women don’t know what to expect. Straight from being young girls, we become mothers and then we become known as  mothers and subsequently lose our identity…. The fact that I wasn’t identified as ME anymore, but as Mama Alero or Iya Tosan really wasn’t interesting for me. Some other people, especially my husband’s friends referred to me as ‘Madam,’ which is a show of respect and which is actually supposed to be okay; but for me, it meant a loss of identity. And that can really get anyone thinking until one becomes aggressive, because one is losing self and self is very important in management, in work, at home and with people. That was my biggest challenge then; and it wasn’t my husband’s fault either. It was cultural.

Initially I was very submissive, you know very docile because I was scared of my marriage coming to an end. I conformed by force, stopped using my brain and literally depended on my husband to make or take decisions for me. The bad part  however was that resentment gradually set in, but I found out that it wasn’t necessarily against the person (that is, my husband), but the situation I found myself in…..

e open with your partner. Don’t get carried away. Discuss safe sex. This sage advice has been drilled into us for years. However, we all know it’s not so easy to stay rational when he’s peeling your clothes off and every cell in your body is cheering, “Hooray!” Hormones, emotions and alcohol (if you drink them) have a sneaky way of overriding “I shouldn’t be doing this.” That’s why advance planning is key.

Why You Should Play It Safe

On one of those websites, I read that 12 million people contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) each year. That’s nearly 33,000 people a day! It’s not just HIV you need to protect against. Human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are all highly contagious infections.

Unfortunately, women are far more prone to getting STDs than men are, and we’re more likely to suffer serious effects on our reproductive systems. So, insist on safe sex.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Dating coach Nancy Slotnick, and founder of Cablight.com, says “ladies need to keep their panties on until they’ve discussed sex with a new beau – and defined what the relationship holds for both of them.” So don’t make a decision on the spot. Figure out your boundaries and communicate them clearly.

However, slowing down doesn’t mean you can’t give him a taste of what’s to, come.

Slotnick says. “I always advise women to kiss on the first date! The sexuality and chemistry has to be there and then continue to build momentum over the next few dates.”

If your willpower starts to wobble, stick to public places only. Remember, the reason for waiting isn’t to play hard to get; it’s to figure out whether you guys are on the same page. 

Of course, not all relationships are meant to be long term. In “Sex and the City” terms, maybe you’re more Samantha than Charlotte. The wait may differ, but not the point: Make sure you’ve had a chance to actually talk about sex, not just do it. Which brings us to…

Let’s Talk About Sex

When you and Mr. Wonderful find yourself rounding third base and heading for home plate, you need to ask the serious questions – immediately. There’s no other way to get the information you want except to ask: 

“When was the last time you were tested for STDs?”

“Was it before or after your last relationship?”

“Have you ever had herpes or genital warts?”

“Are you sure?”

YES, ask them, at least, it will do your head, heart and body some good.

The last question may seem a little odd, but it’s an important one. Most doctors will not test you for STDs unless you specifically request it. Many people assume that when a clinician draws blood, it will be tested for infections such as HIV. No. And doctors usually don’t check for herpes unless there are visible sores. Make sure your future bed partner knows this.

If he affirms your STD fears, take a breather and step back. Chronic STDs like herpes, genital warts or HIV require a whole different set of safe sex practices and partner communication. It doesn’t mean the relationship has to end; just get educated before you go any further.

If he answers no, proceed to the next step: condoms! In the best case scenario, he has one. In the worst, he doesn’t. Take charge by offering up your own condom. Yes, please carry one when you intend to have sex. If he accepts, you’re golden. If he pulls the old “it just doesn’t feel good,” you stop, dress and discuss. This is the danger zone. Only drastic measures will work.

The good news is you might be able to help him to rethink his condom stance with options that will rock his world. And if you’re too embarrassed to bring all this up, you’re simply not ready to have sex. If you can’t talk about it… then sister, you shouldn’t be doing it. Same for if you can’t trust him to be honest about his medical.

* If in doubt please abstain!

Be safe and have fun!