Chat Room - Women Times

Lerato Makume on Building Brands Rooted in African Culture in Her Role as a Marketing Director

by Women Times on June 23, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Johannesburg, South Africa

For marketing director Lerato Makume, the future of branding isn’t about copying global trends. It’s about looking homeward. In her current role leading brand strategy for a pan-African consumer company, Makume is proving that culture isn’t just a campaign theme but the foundation.

“African culture is not a niche,” Makume says. “It’s 54 countries, thousands of languages, and stories that have been selling long before billboards existed.” That philosophy drives how her team builds campaigns, product names, and even packaging. Instead of retrofitting Western concepts, they start with local insight: proverbs, aesthetics, rituals, and everyday behaviors that already resonate.

Under her leadership, recent campaigns have leaned into indigenous textiles, isiZulu storytelling formats, and community-driven activations. One recent product launch used oral history techniques to introduce the brand in rural markets, with elders narrating the brand story in local languages. The result: higher recall, stronger trust, and sales that outperformed projections.

Makume argues that “rooted” doesn’t mean “traditional only.” She blends modern marketing tools with African context. Data analytics inform which cultural insights scale. Digital platforms amplify stories that once lived only at community gatherings. The goal is brands that feel familiar at home and compelling abroad.

Her approach is also shifting internal culture. She’s pushed for marketing teams that reflect the markets they serve, and for creative briefs that include cultural consultants alongside designers. “If your boardroom doesn’t look like your customer, your brand won’t speak their language,” she notes.

Industry observers say Makume’s work offers a blueprint for companies trying to build long-term equity in Africa. Authenticity drives loyalty, and loyalty drives growth. For her, success is measured not just in market share, but in whether consumers see themselves in the brand.

While African consumer markets grow and global brands compete for attention, Lerato Makume’s message is clear: the most powerful brand story is often the one that was already there. You just have to listen, respect it, and build with it.

News Entertainment

Tems Lights Up Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening with Crimson Gown and “Me & U” Performance

by Women Times on June 22, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Grammy-winning artist Tems brought global attention to the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening this weekend, delivering a show-stopping performance of her hit single “Me & U” in a breathtaking crimson gown.

The event, which marked the official public opening of the cultural and civic space on Chicago’s South Side, drew world leaders, activists, artists, and community members. Tems took the stage as one of the featured performers, celebrating art, leadership, and the next generation of changemakers, core themes of the Center.

Dressed in a floor-length, sculpted crimson gown with dramatic detailing, Tems matched the magnitude of the moment. Her stripped-back, soulful rendition of “Me & U” drew audible reactions from the crowd, blending Afrobeats intimacy with the gravitas of the historic occasion. Clips of the performance quickly spread online, with fans praising both her vocal delivery and the symbolic power of her look.

The Obama Presidential Center is designed as more than a library — it’s a space for civic engagement and cultural expression. Tems’ appearance underscored the role of African artists in shaping global conversations around leadership and identity.

For Tems, the performance adds to a year of milestone moments that continue to position her as one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural exports. From the Grammys to global stages, she has consistently used fashion and music to tell stories that resonate far beyond the music itself.

News

From Grid Gaps to Green Power: How Nkechi Okenwa Is Redefining Renewable Energy in Nigeria

by Women Times on June 22, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Lagos, Nigeria

In a sector long dominated by men, Nigerian engineer and clean energy advocate Nkechi Okenwa is rewriting the script. Through innovative solar solutions and intentional mentorship, she is not only expanding access to renewable energy across underserved communities but also building a new generation of women leaders in Nigeria’s power sector.

Okenwa, founder and CEO of a Lagos-based renewable energy startup, has made it her mission to tackle two of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges: energy poverty and gender imbalance in STEM. Her company designs and installs affordable off-grid solar systems for rural clinics, schools, and small businesses — places where unreliable national grid power has stalled growth for decades.

From the outskirts of Oyo to communities in Kaduna, Okenwa’s projects have brought clean, consistent electricity to locations that national infrastructure has yet to reach. The systems power vaccine refrigeration, light up classrooms after dark, and keep small enterprises running without dependence on costly diesel generators.

Beyond the technology, what sets her work apart is the model. Each installation is paired with local training programs where women in the community learn basic solar maintenance, installation, and system monitoring. The goal: create jobs and ensure the solutions last long after her team leaves.

Redefining leadership in a male-dominated industry

“Nigeria’s energy future cannot be built with only half its talent,” Okenwa says. At industry forums and university panels, she speaks openly about the barriers women face in engineering and energy — from limited funding access to stereotypes about technical roles.

Her response has been action. Through mentorship bootcamps and internship pipelines, she has trained over 200 young women in solar design, project management, and energy entrepreneurship. Several of her early mentees now run their own micro-installation teams across the South-West.

Industry observers note that Okenwa’s approach is shifting perceptions. By placing women at the center of design, deployment, and leadership, she’s proving that clean energy expansion and gender equity can advance together.

A vision for Nigeria’s grid-free future

With Nigeria’s energy demand projected to double by 2030, decentralized renewable solutions like Okenwa’s are gaining traction as practical alternatives to centralized grid expansion. She argues that women-led, community-based energy models can deliver faster, cheaper, and more sustainable results, especially in rural areas.

For Okenwa, the work is personal. “When a girl sees another woman climbing a rooftop to install a solar panel, her idea of what’s possible changes,” she says. “That’s the reimagining — not just of energy, but of who gets to lead it.”

As Nigeria pushes toward its renewable energy targets, leaders like Nkechi Okenwa are showing that innovation is not just about new technology. It’s about who gets to build it, own it, and benefit from it.

News

Hilda Baci Named Official Guinness World Records Icon: First Nigerian to Receive the Honour

by Women Times on June 20, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Nigerian chef and restaurateur Hilda Baci has made history again. Guinness World Records has named her an official “GWR Icon”, making her the first Nigerian ever to receive the global honour.

The announcement was made this week, cementing Baci’s place among the most influential record-holders in the world. GWR Icons are selected from thousands of title holders and recognized not just for breaking records, but for inspiring millions and redefining what’s possible.

From cook-a-thon to global icon

Hilda Baci shot to international fame in May 2023 when she attempted a 100-hour cook-a-thon in Lagos. After days of non-stop cooking, she officially broke the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, with a final time of 93 hours 11 minutes. The feat trended worldwide, drew support from celebrities, government officials, and everyday Nigerians, and put Nigerian cuisine on a global spotlight.

Since the record, Baci has become a symbol of endurance, ambition, and African excellence. She has used her platform to promote Nigerian food culture, mentor young chefs, and speak on resilience and goal-setting.

What “GWR Icon” means

Guinness World Records created the Icon status to celebrate record holders whose achievements go beyond the numbers. Icons are chosen for their impact, inspiration, and ability to motivate others to challenge limits. Previous Icons include David Rush, Dr. Roberta McGrath, and other global figures known for extraordinary dedication.

With this honour, Hilda Baci joins that elite group and becomes the first Nigerian to be recognized in this category since GWR began highlighting Icons.

News of the honour has ignited a fire celebration across social media. Fans called it “a proud moment for Nigeria” and “well-deserved recognition for hard work and consistency.” Many noted that her cook-a-thon did more than set a record — it united Nigerians and showed the world the power of African determination.

For Hilda Baci, the journey from a Lagos kitchen to becoming a Guinness World Records Icon is proof that big dreams backed by hard work can change the game. As she puts it, the goal has always been to inspire others to “cook up their own dreams.”

News

Why Adetutu Laditan Is Building Infrastructure for African Creators Through Woof Studios

by Women Times on June 18, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Nigerian media entrepreneur Adetutu Laditan is on a mission to fix one of the creative industry’s biggest pain points: access. Through her company Woof Studios, she’s building the physical and digital infrastructure African creators need to compete globally — without leaving the continent.

For years, African storytellers, filmmakers, and digital creators have battled poor studio access, high production costs, and limited distribution pipelines. Laditan says Woof Studios was born to change that. “Creators shouldn’t have to choose between quality and location,” she told reporters. “Africa has the talent. We’re building the rooms, the tools, and the systems for that talent to scale.”

From content creator to infrastructure builder

Laditan first gained attention as a digital content creator and strategist. But after years of watching creators struggle with unreliable studios, expensive equipment, and zero post-production support, she shifted focus. Woof Studios, launched in Lagos, now operates as a full-service creative hub offering sound stages, podcast rooms, editing suites, and production support under one roof.

The goal is simple: reduce friction. Instead of booking three vendors across Lagos traffic, a creator can script, shoot, edit, and distribute from Woof’s facility. The studio also offers training, equipment rental, and access to international distribution partners.

Why infrastructure matters now

With Afrobeats, Nollywood, and African digital content exploding globally, demand for professional-grade production is higher than ever. Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify are actively seeking African stories. But without studios, stable power, and skilled crews, many creators burn out before they break through.

Laditan believes infrastructure is the missing bridge. “We talk a lot about African creativity, but not enough about African capacity,” she said. “Woof is about building capacity — so a creator in Lagos or Accra can deliver work that competes with London or LA.”

What’s next for Woof Studios

The Lagos hub is just phase one. Laditan plans to expand Woof Studios to other African cities over the next 3 years, with a focus on cities with strong creative communities but limited production resources. She’s also working on a creator fund and mentorship program to support emerging talent who can’t afford studio time.

For Adetutu Laditan, this isn’t just business. It’s about legacy. “When we build the right rooms, we change what stories get told, and who gets to tell them,” she said. “That’s the future I’m investing in.”

As African content continues to dominate global charts, Woof Studios may be the behind-the-scenes force making sure creators have a seat — and a studio — at the table.

Shakira & Uganda’s Ghetto Kids Steal Hearts on World Cup Anthem Set

by Women Times on June 17, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Colombian superstar Shakira has teamed up with Uganda’s viral dance sensation, the Ghetto Kids, for the official World Cup anthem — and the first photos from set are already breaking the internet.

The behind-the-scenes images, which surfaced online this week, show Shakira and the group of talented young dancers from Kampala’s slums rehearsing choreography, laughing between takes, and sharing warm hugs. Dressed in vibrant, colorful outfits that nod to both Latin and African culture, the team looked like one big family getting ready to give fans a global party.

Shakira is no stranger to World Cup magic. She gave us “Waka Waka” in 2010 and “La La” (Brazil 2014), turning football anthems into worldwide dance trends. This time, she’s bringing African energy front and center by working with the Ghetto Kids, a group that rose from dancing on Kampala streets to performing on international stages like Britain’s Got Talent and Ellen DeGeneres show.

The Ghetto Kids built their name during the COVID-19 lockdown with raw, high-energy dance videos shot in their community. What started as a way to stay hopeful in tough conditions quickly became a movement. Today, they’re celebrated for turning struggle into art, and their invitation to the World Cup set is proof that talent can come from anywhere.

In one photo, Shakira is seen leading a dance circle with the kids gathered around her, all smiles. In another, she’s bent down, chatting closely with some of the younger members. Fans say the images capture more than choreography — they capture mentorship, respect, and cultural exchange.

Social media has been flooded with reactions since the photos dropped. “This is what unity looks like,” a fan wrote on X. “Shakira lifting African kids onto the world’s biggest stage. We love to see it.” Others called it “the most wholesome collab of 2026,” with many praising her for consistently spotlighting African creatives.

For the Ghetto Kids, this moment is historic. From dancing barefoot in Kampala to sharing a set with one of the world’s biggest pop stars, their journey shows young people everywhere that dreams have no postcode.

News

What’s Next for Ini Dima-Okojie?

by Women Times on June 17, 2026

By Prosper Mene

What’s Next for Ini Dima-Okojie? The Nollywood Star Isn’t Slowing Down Anytime Soon

Ini Dima-Okojie has spent the last decade proving she’s more than just a pretty face on screen. From her breakout role in Taste of Love to commanding performances in Blood Sisters, The Smart Money Woman, and Shanty Town, the actress has built a career on versatility, class, and quiet confidence. But as 2026 unfolds, the question on everyone’s lips is: What’s next for Ini Dima-Okojie?

From Law to Limelight

Before the cameras found her, Ini was studying law at Covenant University, then later at New York Film Academy. That blend of discipline and creativity still shows in how she picks her roles. She doesn’t chase every script. She chooses stories that stretch her and shift conversations. Whether she’s playing a street-smart hustler in Shanty Town or a career woman navigating love and money, in The Smart Money Woman, Ini brings depth without the noise.

2025 Set the Stage

Last year was huge for her. She showed up on both big screens and streaming platforms, reminding audiences why directors keep calling her name. Her role in Blood Sisters had fans glued to Netflix, while her red carpet moments proved she’s also a fashion force. Off-screen, Ini has been vocal about women’s health, body positivity, and mental wellness using her platform beyond acting.

So, What’s Next?

If you’ve been watching her closely, the signs are there. Ini has hinted at exploring production. She’s not just interested in acting; she wants to shape stories from the ground up. In recent interviews, she talked about wanting to tell Nigerian stories that travel — stories with culture, humor, and heart, but made for a global audience. Don’t be surprised if you see “Produced by Ini Dima-Okojie” on your screen soon.

There’s also talk of her leaning into international collaborations. With Nollywood’s global reach growing, Ini is one of the faces positioned to bridge that gap. Her training in New York, plus her understanding of both African and Western storytelling, makes her a natural fit.

And then there’s advocacy. Ini has been open about her journey with cancer and recovery, and she’s used that experience to push conversations around early detection and self-care. Expect more of that in 2026 — projects, partnerships, and campaigns that use her voice for impact.

The Ini We Know

Whatever’s next, it will be intentional. Ini isn’t the type to rush. She builds. She evolves. She shows up prepared. Fans can expect more bold roles, more fashion moments, and more of that calm, grounded energy she’s known for.

News

Njideka Akunyili Crosby Creates First Official Joint Portrait of the Obamas

by Women Times on June 15, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Some portraits capture a moment. This one captures a partnership.

Nigerian-American artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby has painted the first official portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama together. The work moves away from the traditional, stiff presidential portraits we’re used to. Instead, it feels lived-in, intimate, and very much them.

Akunyili Crosby, known for layering photo transfers, charcoal, and acrylic to tell stories of identity and home, approached the Obamas the same way she approaches her family scenes. She didn’t just paint two figures. She painted a relationship. The result shows Barack and Michelle in a quiet, shared space, leaning into each other with the ease of people who’ve built a life together.

The portrait was commissioned to mark a new chapter for the Obamas post-White House. It’s less about politics and more about the 30+ years they’ve spent as a team. Akunyili Crosby said she wanted to reflect their balance, his calm, her fire and the way they hold space for each other.

For the Obamas, choosing Akunyili Crosby mattered. She’s part of a generation of artists redefining what “American portraiture” looks like. Her work already hangs in major museums, but this piece puts her in conversation with history. She becomes the first Nigerian-born artist to create an official portrait for a U.S. president and first lady.

The painting will join the National Portrait Gallery’s collection in Washington D.C., where visitors can see it alongside other presidential portraits. But this one stands out. Less ceremony, more connection.

Barack and Michelle first met as young lawyers in Chicago. Akunyili Crosby seems to have caught that same energy — two people who chose each other, then chose to change the world together.

Relationship Lifestyle

Mr Eazi & Temi Ajibade Open Up: Life, Love, and New Parenthood Unfiltered

by Women Times on June 15, 2026

By Prosper Mene

There’s something different when you hear parents talk after the baby arrives. The conversation slows down. The jokes land softer and the reflections cut deeper. That is the energy Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola-Ajibade are bringing back to the mic.

The couple, who welcomed their first child last year, have returned with new episodes that move past the headlines and into real life at home. No filters, no performance. Just two people figuring out marriage, fatherhood, and what it means to raise a family while the whole world watches.

In their latest conversations, they’re not just sharing “baby news.” They’re talking about sleepless nights, the small wins, the arguments nobody posts online, and the quiet moments that actually change you. Temi speaks about adjusting to motherhood while keeping her own voice. Mr Eazi opens up about learning to be present, about how fatherhood has shifted the way he thinks about legacy and work.

It’s not a podcast trying to teach you how to parent. It feels more like sitting in their living room while they work it out in real time. One minute they’re laughing about diaper disasters, the next they’re getting serious about balance, culture, and raising a child between two worlds.

Fans have been waiting for this. Since the baby announcement, people have been curious how the couple’s dynamic would shift. The answer, based on these new episodes, is that it hasn’t changed who they are — it’s just added more depth. Their chemistry is still there, but now it’s grounded by something bigger than both of them.

From viral wedding moments to building businesses and now raising a family, Mr Eazi and Temi have let people in at every stage. This latest chapter feels like the most honest yet. Less about the spotlight, more about the life happening off-camera.

The new episodes are out now on all major podcast platforms. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the “we’re expecting” post, this is it — raw, warm, and very human.

News

Ayra Star Unleashes Surreal, High-fashion Visuals in “Tornado” Video

by Women Times on June 12, 2026

Lagos, Nigeria — April 12, 2026 — By Prosper Mene

Mavin Records star, Ayra Starr has unveiled the visuals for her latest single “Tornado”, and she’s taking fans somewhere far from reality.

The video, directed with a cinematic, dreamlike approach, drops Ayra into a surreal world filled with distorted landscapes, floating objects, and shifting dimensions. From storm-lit cityscapes to abstract, color-bleeding scenes, the “Tornado” visuals mirror the song’s themes of chaos, change, and emotional whirlwinds.

Starring Ayra as both the calm center and force of the storm, the video plays with scale and perspective. One moment she’s towering over a miniature city, the next she’s caught in swirling debris that looks more like art than destruction. The aesthetic blends Afrofuturism with high-fashion editorial, a signature Ayra Starr has leaned into since her rise.

Fans online are already calling it her most ambitious video yet. Comments are flooding X and TikTok praising the VFX, styling, and Ayra’s performance: “She didn’t just drop a video, she opened a portal,” one fan wrote.

“Tornado” follows Ayra Starr’s continued run as one of Afrobeats’ most experimental voices. The single itself blends alté textures with her signature vocals, and the video doubles down on that boundary-pushing energy.

“Tornado” is out now on YouTube and all streaming platforms.