Singer and Copyright Society of Nigeria director, Azeezat, tells ‘Nonye Ben-Nwankwo about her fashion and style
You used to have an identity hairstyle but you have ditched it for a while, why?
Change is the only constant thing in life. I want to believe that era is gone. Some other people wear such hairstyles to attend events. I saw actress, Belinda Effah, rocking that hairstyle at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award months ago. I love the hairstyle so much but I just feel that the era is gone.
Is it gone for good?
I can never say never. I might bring it up again.
How did you come up with the concept?
I was hungry for something to stand me out. I was in search of something outstanding, something nobody had worn. Eventually, I got an inspiration in a magazine. One lady, Onidiri, had it, so I decided to try it out.
Would you remember if some people used to ridicule or laugh at you because of that style?
Somebody actually called my mother and asked her what kind of rubbish I was doing. They even attached it to some things. But I didn’t care, I was doing what I was doing and my mum understood. I didn’t really care what anybody felt.
So is the afro you are carrying now your identity?
I had always wanted to wear afro for a long time. It had always been on my mind, so I decided to do it. I think I might wear this look for a while. There might be some kind of transformation; I am already thinking of one or two things to make my afro stand out.
What do you like wearing?
I love to be simple and glamorous. I love to look chic. Every occasion would determine what I would wear anyway. But then, I still love to be outstanding. Fashion is always work in progress. I am still trying to do a lot of mathematics to come up with something different. I love to get that wow from people.
How daring can you be when it comes to fashion?
Ah! I used to be very daring in the past. I think I would just leave that style for the younger generation.
Since you are daring, that means there is nothing you cannot wear…
I cannot just wear panties and bra.
But those are undergarments; people don’t really wear them as clothing…
Of course they wear them unless you have not seen them. But even at that, there are some clothings that would just remind you of panties and bra. For me, I cannot wear such.
Some ladies are daring enough to wear shear or transparent dress over their panties and bra, can you rock that?
I wish I could. Actually, when I see such, I get excited. It is in vogue at the moment. If there is a way I can deceive people and make it look as if I am naked underneath, that is the one I can pull off.
Would you remember if you have made a fashion mistake?
I have made fashion mistake so many times, there is no need to count them. I have stayed a long time in this industry. Back then, my hairstyle wasn’t an easy one to make. I wouldn’t always have the time to make it very well. I would go for an event and somebody would capture it and subsequently, they would say stuff about my hair. I just had to let go of the hair because it was becoming too much trouble.
Your husband doubles as your manager; does he dictate to you what to wear?
He is my first mirror. He would make suggestions and I would adhere most times. He doesn’t restrict me from exposing my body. He doesn’t tell me that my clothe is revealing. His own is that I have to look good. He is my gate keeper.
So he doesn’t mind you showing off some flesh?
There was a time he would have preferred I show more flesh. He is okay with that.
Do you suggest to him what to wear?
Oh yes I do that. I tell him what I like and I even go as far as getting those things for him as a gift and so he wouldn’t have a choice but to wear such.
Are there times you repeat dresses to events?
There are times I wouldn’t have a choice. I would just put a spin on it. I would accessorise it differently from the way I wore it the last time and nobody would tell I had worn it before.
What is your favourite accessory?
I love earrings. I have them in different shades, sizes and designs. I just love them as crazy as they can be.
Are there times you envy light skinned ladies since it is somehow believed that fair complexioned ladies look beautiful?
No way! I love my colour. I appreciate the fact that I am dark. It must be as a result of my upbringing, I don’t envy people. I just learnt recently to take care of my skin more even though I am dark. Now, my skin glows and looks more supple and cleaner. I have never considered bleaching. I have used products that made me lighter but I had to stop as soon as I noticed I was getting lighter.
Are you a pants person or would you rather wear dresses or skirts?
I love to be simple. If I can wear jeans, I would. But then, I also look forward to wowing people. I love short dresses as well and I wear jeans when I can. I also wear native when an event calls for it.
Do you have tattoos?
I don’t have and I will never have. I don’t like it. One day, somebody opened the Bible and showed me a place where God said He doesn’t like it. It just cancelled whatever thought I had of getting a tattoo.
But as an artiste, it is allowed…
No way! I fear God more than I fear music. We are not saints but we try to do the best we can. I only have the piercing that my mother gave me when I was born; I don’t have more than one on each ear.
Are you a shoe freak?
I love shoes but I am not a shoe freak. I wouldn’t use the money to build an estate to buy one shoe, no way. But when I see great shoes, I appreciate them. I get one or two pairs when I can anyway. If I have three pairs of shoes, they must be good shoes but I will not sacrifice so much money to buy a pair of shoes.
Have you ever considered cosmetic surgery?
Never. Why would I want to go under the knife to enlarge my breast and bum when there are padded bras and panties? I will never go to the extreme. Use padded bra and panties and you are good to go.
Do you use padded panties?
I use padded bra. I am looking forward to buying padded panties one of these days. But it will just be for the heck of it. I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.
How long does it take you to dress up?
I am a female. But then, I don’t think I take as long as some people. This industry has taught me to learn to be fast. I can rush into the bathroom and be done with my dressing in less than 10 minutes. I enter my car with the make-up bag and I do my face in the car.
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