Though a University of Ibadan-trained veterinary doctor, Segun Akinlolu, popularly known as Beautiful Nubia, is a poet. He started writing songs at a very young age. His Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band is Nigerias foremost contemporary folk and roots music group. In response, he established EniObanke, a music production and marketing company under which his first album was released in 1997. All subsequent recordings have been on the label and the company recently commenced the first ever folk and roots music festival in Nigeria, the EniObanke Music Festival (EMUfest). He tells DANIEL ANAZIA what fashion and style mean to him. What is your view of fashionAnything that is comfortable. Many people think because of the way I dress, I dont like high quality things. I do, but I also try to live within my means. Style essenceI dont dress to impress anybody. I love being comfortable in whatever Im wearing. I like African prints and designs because I want to promote our culture. Favourite piece of clothingIm somebody that is stereotyped; I like experimenting even in music. But I would say wearing adire makes me who I am. I have done the agbada, buba and sokoto twice, though I do wear the Western clothes such as jeans. Favourite colourI dont have any; however, I like bright colours. Black makes me cool and Im not crazy about brown. The only time you can see me wear brown is when I wear trousers and its rare. I love grey and wouldnt mind a touch of yellow and purple. Favourite foodAmala served with Ewedu soup. Im a typical Ibadan brought up. Also, I love beans and dodo (fried plantain). If you were not playing on stage, what would you be doingReading and writing. I read a lot. When I was growing up, I had a diary and I wrote in the dairy that my desire in life is to become a world famous musician, an accomplished writer and a doctor. Im a Vet doctor; I have a few books that Ive written and Im known more abroad as a poet through my music. I also love sports. Choice travel/holiday destinationI love anywhere there is ocean line, anywhere there is water, birds and nature is at its best. There are so many places like that around the worldCanada, US, Europe, Nigeria, Zimbabwe. I love nature because it helps to understand your being as a human. Turn offI detest dishonesty in all ramifications and I hate greed. I always talk about these in my music. Until we all turn around our natural tendency against corruption, the issue will remain a challenge to us as a nation and people. Turn onI like people who are open and honest; people who take things the way they see them; people, who give up their comfort for others to benefit. Philosophy of life Life is a very short period. Though its my mantra, I urge everyone to enjoy it. What would you like to change in Nigeria, if given the opportunity Our slave mentality attitude and the level of corruption in the country. As a nation we are blessed, and we are beautiful people. If we learn to make sacrifices, render selfless service for other people in our society, we will get to that point of strength again where we can stand anywhere in the world and raise our heads in high.
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