Presenting thatreofsunshine.com

I've been stalling on this for a while now, but I'm pleased to say the new That Ré of Sunshine website is up and running!  It's finally here folks! It's been a year plus since I got the domain name and started building it. All year, I've had readers of this blog ask when the new website would be launching. I was taking my time because I wanted it to be perfect but now I've realised I've just got to start and create "perfection" as I grow.

It's been almost six years since I started blogging. In this time, I have created seven blogs, two websites and been a contributor on several other websites.

I really should be happy about the launch of the TROS website, but in some way it feels as though a part of me just got taken away. Maybe it's because my blog is personal and the website is more of a formal platform with more content and several other contributors.

The blog will now become a sub menu of the website. So I can continue to share my adventures with you. (Ha ha! You can't get rid of me so easily).

Do tell me what you think of the website: www.thatreofsunshine.com

P.S. If it looks strange, it's because I'm still playing around with the layout.

Have an awesome weekend.

Ré

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Page from the teacher's diary

Playing happy feet with little miss sunshine 

"NEPA!" chorused the room of preschoolers as the TV screen showing Barney went off. Then the screaming began.

I was alone in the classroom with these little monsters, all the other teachers were at staff meeting. As I made to calm them down, I noticed the chief babbler, Anjola was missing. After getting them in their seats and colouring, my search for the missing child began.

"Anjie" I called out as I searched the lower cupboards and under the tables hoping to see her round animated face and short brown twists jump out at me. "Anjola" my jittery voice whispered as I stared door I had locked earlier. As I sank into one of the mini chairs, I text Mo: "I think I'm going to be fired, I just lost a kid".

"Princess open please" the class teacher Miss Rita called through the screen door. "What's wrong?" she asked when she saw the distraught look on my face.

"I can't find Anjola. I've looked everywhere".

"Up NEPA!" chorused the rats when the electricity came back on.

"Did you look behind the inner door?"

"What? No."

And I ran to look behind the door.

"Anjola"

"Eh" she said grinning from behind the door with her crayola smothered teeth.

"Don't say eh say Yes or Yes Miss Princess".

Usually I never lift the kids but I lifted this child and handed her to the matron at the door. "Please rinse her mouth" I said and snatch the left over crayon from her grubby little fingers.

Behind me I heard Miss Rita and the class one teacher laughing. "This ajebo girl wants to give herself a heart attack".

I stepped outside to catch my breath. These children always have it in for me. They find their way to the top shelf and hide items from my bag. They can make out when I'm meeting friends after work and always, I repeat always embellish my clothes with food stains or paint. Wearing clothes with sequin or beads are out of the question, the little 'Edward Scissorhands' will find a way to rip it apart. I wonder if they terrorise their parents the same way they terrorise me.

Memories of my first real job as a teacher's assistant in Lagos.

What's the worst job you've ever had? 

Giedré talks to me about hers. Watch below:



Time to share, tweet at me (@PrincessIre) or drop a comment below. What's the worst job you've ever had?

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Countdown to Christmas

Waiting for dinner at The Wick at Both Ends | Photo credit: Princess Abumere

It's only the 23rd day of June and I've found myself singing songs from Michael Buble's "Christmas" album. I especially like his version of "Santa Baby". (Maybe it's because he asks Santa for luxury gifts I'll never be able to afford on a journalist's salary . . . ). 

Speaking of Christmas, last year, I produced my very first TV package. I stood in the freezing cold for almost 5 hours filming the Christmas lights switch on at Sheffield city centre. Thankfully, my friend Julia was there to help me.  

Changes in spending patterns over Christmas 

With changes in the UK economy and the national debt being up to a trillion pounds consumer spending patterns continue to change. Inflation continues to rise despite fixed salaries and more people depending on welfare. Will this affect Christmas? Princess Abumere has more. 

I admit it's a bit dry, but remember it was my first package. Thanks for watching.  My countdown to Christmas continues. :-)

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Love at first listen: Mariechan Luiters

Mariechan (Image via Soundcloud)

Do you believe in love at first listen? 

I do, this was exactly how I felt when I heard “Let Me Live My Life” by Mariechan Luiters. No questions asked, I just fell in love with her music. I'm sure you are wondering who this is. Mariechan Luiters is a South African singer and song writer.  The singer is no newbie to the music scene. She's been right here for the past 10 years! She was a member of female pop group Jamali. The singer has officially stepped out on her own and released her debut single “Let Me Live My Life”.

"Abandon fear, don't need a handout trophy"

The new song was written and co-produced with producer David De Mont. Mariechan wrote on her Facebook wall: "The song is about feeling liberated as a female artist who has to face many obstacles in the music industry, my personal life and social expectations". The lyrics of the song convey deep felt emotions. Some of which we can all relate to. Her voice easily sways you to move along to the instrumentals. The song which falls quite easily under the genre of soul music incorporates some elements of reggae. I quite like the sound of the drums and the bass. 

"Let me live my life - like I want to"

Great song from Mariechan. It's hard to believe she's been here for so long and I only just heard about her. “Let Me Live My Life” is a feel good song you should definitely have on your playlist. Recommended for cloudy days and moments when you need a push.

The song will be available on iTunes in a couple of weeks. Listen to it below and remember her name is MARIECHAN!

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The Martian Has Arrived, IBK Spaceshipboi

"Spaceshipboi, never under estimate that boy . . "

Last month, February 2014, vocalist Emuwawon Ibukun popularly known as IBK Spaceshipboi, released a visual audio album for his "I Come In Peace" album which was released late last year.

IBK Spaceshipboi maybe Nigerian but brace yourselves, he does not come forth with sounds of Afrobeat or typical genres that other Nigerian artists tend to work with. His new album made up of 8 tracks features genres such as gospel, jazz, rap and hip hop with a touch or two of traditional African instruments and sounds. The album features collaborations with Bez, Dami Kalejaiye, Olalekan Maxwell, Stan Iyke and TaiChy.

"He is supernatural always"

The "Spaceship Anthem", which is the first track on the visual album introduces you to who the Spaceshipboi is. "Light In Me" featuring TaiChy is a gospel rap track. Now, there are not that many doing this; I actually don't know of any Nigerian artist who has put out a gospel hip hop track with such style. My favourite line in  this song is "No disrespect to Biggie, that's a little smalls, cause homie I ride with the most glorious".

One of my best songs on the album is "Worship Medley" featuring Dami Kalejaiye. As you can guess, it's another gospel song. It's a really smooth song. I have never heard Yoruba language sound so sweet. This song actually brings tears to my eyes (every single time I listen to it). Dami is such a marvellous singer (with an amazing personality). I would really like to see this song performed live.

IBK showcases his personality in his various songs. His song "Loving You" has this Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke swing to it. I listened to the a cappella mix of this song before the original, I much prefer the a cappella mix of it.


I like how IBK switches from gospel to singing about love then about food and change. If you are in a public place don't listen to "This Time", because you'll find yourself clapping and shouting "This Time"! (This happened to me on the tram the other day). This song is such a Jazzy record. You can't help but snap your fingers to this.

"I'm on mission, changing the world . . . "

I particularly like the sound of the first instrument that that plays on "The Mission". Not sure if it's a wood block or xylophone. This song featuring Olalekan Maxwell has an influence of traditional Yoruba folk music. IBK is soldier of change, spreading the message of love and courage. I've seen him perform at a couple of Bez's concerts, I'm glad to see he featured Bez on "Sticks and Stones. The song also features Stan Iyke. This song is dedicated to the ladies, it's clearly a contradiction to songs like "Birthday Song" by 2 Chainz and "Bandz a Make Her Dance" by Juicy J. "Baby keeping your body well na so . . .  Don't let nobody tell you, you are as good as the sex you are bringing".  Ladies, you don't need to be a hoe to make it. Three men have made a song about it.

And the album comes to an end with "The Heaven Experience". The name of the song already describes it, such angelic sounds and celestial harmony. This song also brings tears to my eyes. This is a song for the masters, such powerful music!

IBK's "I Come In Peace" album is lyrically rich with lovely music. It's fun, joyful and entertaining. The Spaceshipboi's voice is definitely out of this world! I love his voice. I can't sing (except for food).

I must commend IBK Spaceshipboi for being daring and stepping out of the commercial bullish*t music bandwagon. His "I Come In Peace" album is available on iTunes and Spinlet.

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#IresPlaylist: The Sushi Playlist

All I could think was who would eat avocado, crab and mango in the same mix. But I was too polite to say "no thanks". I had just gone to do a recee at the Avenue Suites in Lagos and coincidentally, their sushi bar had just opened that week. I was with FS1 and she was no sushi virgin, but I was. I did attempt to say no but the folks around were excited about the chef's skills and the fact I was the only who had never tried it. As I swallowed the roll, I felt a claw in my throat (of course this was a figment of my imagination). I had to shut my eyes to figure out what I was tasting, the poor chef said my facial expression made him think I was going to spit it out!

Learnt to make sushi yesterday with some friends. It was so much fun. Tasted wasabi for the first time, once again, my facial expression was a killer.

I've been asked repeatedly to kindly put my playlist together in a blog post. Finally got round to it. Decided to call this week's playlist the"Sushi playlist". Enjoy!

Yung L - Fever



Warm Water (Snakeships Remix) - Banks



Jerk Ribs - Kelis



Rather Be - Clean Bandit 


Look Right Through - Storm Queen



Dream - Danny K 

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Keeper Of The Sun

The condolence register at the Sheffield Town Hall

Since moving to the Steel City I've hardly felt the sun. Most days it's grey; sometimes the sun does come out and on those days I feel as though it's saying to me: "Hey Ré I'm here, smile, go out and do something". The other day I realised I had started acting as cold as some of the city folk. And that's not who I am. I am warm, loving, I am the daughter of the sun! It seems I might have finally found a heart warmer; God bless TemiDollFace and IBK Spaceshipboi for this.

Now what this two did was write, produce and release an inspirational song titled "Keeper Of The Sun". Their new song is a tribute to late revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela. The song starts off with chants of "Mandiba Mandela", at first you are not sure what turn the song is going to take. Then the dolly (Temidollface) comes on with some enchanting lyrics. The hook of the song is one of those that ropes you in and you don't even realize your fists are pumped and you are singing along. I was very allured by IBK's verse, I felt like it was reminding of the greatness I was born into.

As most of you know I am obsessed with the star at the centre of the solar system. I believe I am from the sun . . . well that is a story I will tell you another day. 

"Seek in yourself what you see . . . "

"I am the future and  I am the one
As long as I see a ray,
I know there's a sun . . .  "

After listening to "Keeper Of The Sun" I concluded I did not need to feel or to see to the sun to remember to smile or be kind. I looked into my mirror and I saw myself Ré, then I looked closer and I saw the sun and the Madiba in me. I am a keeper of the sun. I am That Ré of Sunshine.

Listen to Temi and IBK's track below. :-) 

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Seyi Shay: Wanted For Ragga Dancing

It's 2014 and Seyi Shay has got something new coming out! The singer is set to release a video for her recent single "Ragga Ragga".  Get ready folks 'cause knowing this lady it's going to be HOT!

I remember the first time I heard about Seyi Shay, I was having dinner with the editor/publisher of Mannequin Magazine. She had barely sat down when she said excitedly: "I've got a song you need to listen to."

And she started singing Seyi Shay's "Loving your way" before showing me the video. After watching we admired her voice, how she could sing so smoothly even in pidgin English and her fashion style.

"Loving your way" was stuck in my head for weeks (more like a whole year and I'm singing it right now). Since that night I've listened to almost everything she's released. And thanks to my old job at Base I got to see the songstress perform live.

**Updated

The official "Ragga Ragga" music video is out! I must say Seyi Shay has started 2014 on a fabulous note. Check out her new video:

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Happy Mew Year!

Photo credit: Holly Golabek

Hello there beautiful people! Well if you didn't know, January 2nd is Happy Mew Year for Cats day!

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SpongeBob in Lagos

SpongeBob and Nickelodeon specialist Seun Oratokhai

Now when I heard the yellow sponge was in Nigeria I was very upset. I had been looking forward to meeting SpongeBob since 2011. I even told Dora yes Dora The Explorer; we had a lovely chat when she was in Lagos. Thanks to Nickelodeon Africa, I've met Dora, Boots and Diego. 

I'm very upset that SpongeBob Squarepants waited till I left Lagos to go on tour to the West African city. The Nickelodeon character and the Nick Africa team paid surprise visits to Beat FM, Classic FM, Cool FM and Rhythm FM on 25 October 2013 and got to hang out with the cool OAPs. 

SpongeBob is such a star! He even made an appearance at the Eco Star Awards while he was in town. He also had a special meet and greet session with some of his fans at the Viacom Office in Ikoyi, Lagos where he danced and took photos with kids and parents present.

Now I understand why Ntokozo told me to stay in Lagos a little longer. *sniff sniff

Check out pictures from his media tour below:

The "Big Man" Osahon and Lil miss Seme

SponeBob and fans

Doesn't Seun look stunning! Love you mama! 

SpongBob at the Beat FM with Toolz, Jimmy and Koch

SpongeBob at Cool FM with Mercy, Mannie and Shine

I told you he was such a star! He even had a body guard!

SpongeBob and Bukky at Classic FM

 “Well, it’s no secret that the best thing about a secret is secretly telling someone your secret, thereby adding another secret to their secret collection of secrets, secretly.” - SpongeBob

Well my secret is I'll be going to Orlando to see my girl Dora and pay SpongeBob a surprise visit next summer! Sssshhhhhh don't tell anyone.

Happy November folks!

Princess Irede

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5 Things I recently did

Hey guys, the last month has been really eventful for me.  I'll give you a quick catch up of what this Ré has been up to.

1. I resigned from my job.

I miss my desk, I miss my Base fam . . 

Before you scream out loud, keep reading and you'll know why. Enough people have told me I must be crazy for doing this. Well my Base fam were very supportive. Gosh I miss that Base life. (I'm still a Base writer though :-), I couldn't leave completely).

2. I moved to a new city.

The Steel City

It was time for a new adventure . . .  Sometimes you've just got to make that move. I moved to a city in South Yorkshire, England. Loving it so far. Only thing I've got qualms with is the weather. I'm a summer girl; I love the sun.

3. I went back to school.

Looks like a church doesn't it? It's a lecture theatre. 

I'm currently working on getting a master's in Broadcast Journalism. Whoop whoop!

4. I finally found true love.

Brandon and I.  *Insert Beyonce lyrics here { . . . I'll be your baby, now promise not to let you go, love you like crazy}

Love my new MacBook Pro more than a fat kid loves cake!

5. I got a house plant.

Her name is Clara. She's a member of the plant family Cactaceae. Her spines are not as prickly as I thought they would be. She sure brightens up my place.

I'll be honest with you guys, I was afraid of leaving my job, I was afraid of moving to a new city and leaving my family . . . but  I'm happy I took this decision. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr.

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

My name is Princess Irede Abumere, I am a Mongo ma Ndemi native and my journey continues. xx

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The Memory Of You

Wasn't going to write this but hey, it wouldn't hurt right?

We haven't spoken in exactly a year,

Cause you're not here,

And I've got so much to share. 

Life has left us with our emotions bare,

But we don't care because of LOVE.

Because of LOVE 

The memories of you were made even stronger,

Friendship bonds were made tighter,

And our dreams soared higher.

The memory of you has taught me a few things:

The memory of you has taught me to smile,

I remember wanting to run into bed and hide after a hard day at work, but you would never let me,

That's when you remember you'd need to talk to me about something random and make me laugh.  

The memory of you has taught me to express myself,

I remember you constantly remember you telling me to say how I feel and not be afraid to say things as they are.

The memory of you has taught me talk,

I miss your random messages telling me to come outside so we could catch up on work gist, and chat about life, our dreams and future plans.  

The memory of you has taught me to believe in myself,

The memory of you has taught me to chase my dreams,

I wish you were here so I could tell you in person that I finally took that BIG step and my dreams are about to come true. 

The memory of you has taught me to observe and take life easy.

I've missed watching the joggers run past us and watching you pretend not to notice that the girls slow down every time they run past to stare at you. Oh, by the way, your brother told me you were working out. I knew it!

The memory of you has taught me to eat popcorn and not care.

Almost every time I'd catch you with popcorn I'd say I didn't want some because of it getting stuck in my teeth. Even after saying this I'd shamefully eat your whole bag of popcorn. 

The memory of you taught me so much;

To love and to care because that's what you did.

You maybe gone, but the memory of you continues to live in our hearts.

Sometimes when I get back from work, I stand outside for a bit waiting to see if your yellow face would emerge from the black gate.

Continue to rest in peace my friend, Aboyowa 'Abs' Harriman.

Love,

Princess Irede

P.S. I know I said I wouldn't forget but I almost forgot your birthday again this year, (*covers face in shame) but your mum reminded me. :-)

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The Maju Retro Cruise Party

I'm always busy or I'm always working. I'm always doing something though. . . If it's any consolation (for me) I'll be off on a new adventure pretty soon.

In the meantime the TROS (That Re Of Sunshine) team have been prepping for the MAJU collection debut. Whoop whoop!

The Retro Cruise Party

Female fashion brand Maju and multi-brand concept store L’Espace invite you to the Maju “Retro Cruise” party on Sunday 4 August, 2013 from 12 noon at L’Espace 19A Olosa Street, Victoria Island Lagos. 

Maju will be debuting her new collection: The Retro Cruise collection at Lagos' main fashion destination. The event is an opportunity for stylists, people who love fashion, and potential buyers to view the new collection.

With the Retro Cruise collection, Maju caters to the various fashion tastes of women. The creative team was inspired by the Summer season, sunshine and the beach. They have brought to play bright lovely colours in this collection. Summer is fun and the best way to rock this summer is with beautiful glamorous pieces by Maju. All pieces will also be available for purchase on site.

Bags from the Retro Cruise Collection

Maju is a female fashion label found in 2008 by Motunrayo Umaru. Maju’s creations are always upbeat with today’s fashion and some of her designs also carry a vintage look. Maju’s creations include accessories, purses, bags and clothes.

L’Espace is a multi-brand concept store located in Victoria Island, Lagos. Created by the CEO duo, Isoken Ogiemwonyi and Wonuola Okoye in December 2011. L’Espace is an expansion of their wildly successful ‘Le Petit Marche’ - a monthly fashion and lifestyle market founded 3 years earlier. The store has been named one of Lagos's main fashion destinations and has received notable recognition for its contribution to the Nigerian retail industry.

See you there. For more info, email: thatreofsunshine@gmail.com

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Dramatic Morning In Lagos

This morning I cried. No, it wasn't funny.

I was on my way to work in Ikoyi when a frustrated man deliberately hit my car. As a result of the traffic coming from the new Lekki bridge in the mornings and afternoons, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has now placed dividers at all the u-turns coming from Osborne road to Gerrad road to Alexander road up to the round about. So now to get to Park View in the mornings, I have to go all the way to the round about at Alexandra road.

I was on my usual route when this insane driver decided to over take me at the round about and rammed into my poor Vanilla (that's what I call my car). Before he hit me, I saw him speeding up from the side, I slowed down yet this crazy driver went bang into my car. I was so stunned by the force I stopped. The mad man came down, but I didn't. I looked into his car and saw three other dodgy looking men.

As he approached my car, he yelled "You hit my car".

"I beg your pardon". At this point I was looking for the police/Lastma. I spotted an RSS truck on the other side of the road. And immediately drove there leaving the man standing by his car.

The scene

 For the first time in the weeks I've been driving by the round about, LASTMA and the Police were no where to to be found. As I was still looking out for them, this guy pulls up in front of my car and reverses into my poor poor Vanilla. At this point I absolutely lost it and surprised myself with all the foul launguage coming from my mouth.

My baby :-(

Thankfully one of the guys from work (God Bless Chris) came to my rescue and asked me to leave the scene and he would handle it. At which point the guy stopped insulting me; so because he saw men, his tone changed and he couldn't remember to accuse me of allegedly hitting him. *sigh.

Now you are wondering why I was crying:
1. I don't know this man from anywhere so why would he delibrately hit my car?
2. If I was the one who hit him, I would have apologised immediately so why couldn't he do the same?
3. My poor poor V. I have had my baby for almost 7 years and cause I love her, I am really careful with her and I have not had to do any major body work on her.

Ladies, I'll advise you to be careful. This scenario where someone has deliberately hit my car has happened to me before. That day in Ajah I thought I was dreaming like today as well. There are mean people out there. I didn't come out of my car because I had been warned about groups of men in cars who have been going around Lagos bumping into cars of young women only to rob and kidnap them. Guys you be careful too.

If anyone can bring me ice cream at work today, that would cheer me up.

Thanks.

Re.

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