Me, myself, and I in the company of the ever-enigmatic @dwinthestoic who for me was a defining highlight of the #blacknight20 celebration commemorating 2 decades of Mode Men Magazine 20 anniversary event (Lagos Edition), held within the polished, understated luxury of The Wheatbaker.
In a performance that felt both intimate & arresting, the suave balladeer delivered soul-steeped renditions of “I Go Nowhere” & “Time Is Money,” drawn from his richly textured album Master of Ballad.
Each lyric lingered; each note found its mark. The applause was not merely enthusiastic, it was earned.
The evening unfolded like a carefully composed editorial spread: men in impeccably tailored black, exuding quiet authority; women radiant in verdant greens, with a sophisticated interplay of black ensembles adding depth to the palette. It was a room alive with style, but more importantly, with intention.
At the centre of this enduring legacy stands Abubakar Tafawa Balewa @the_shankstar grandson & namesake of the only ever Nigerian Prime Minister the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Under his stewardship, Mode Men Magazine, which I fondly call Triple M, has not only endured but evolved, asserting itself as Nigeria’s refined counterpart to global arbiters of men’s style such as GQ & Esquire. To sustain such editorial excellence for 20 years within the Nigerian terrain is, by any measure, an achievement of consequence.
Hospitality rose to meet the moment. A thoughtfully curated buffet complemented the steady pour of Johnnie Walker Double Black & Observatory 20 Years Whisky, details that elevated the experience from memorable to indulgent. Guests departed with well-appointed goodie bags; fortune tilted my way with a miniature Dior perfume, a small yet delightful victory.
Presiding over the evening with poise, wit, & seamless chemistry were the excellent duo of Frank Edoho & Stella Damasus, a hosting duo that brought rhythm & refinement to the night’s cadence.
This was more than an anniversary, it was a statement. Of longevity. Of taste. Of a culture steadily defining its own narrative, on its own terms. Salute.
