Almost Summer

By Bola Babs
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
bola@nigeriahorizon.com

I breathed a sigh of relief as I looked up at the almost summer skies.  I am optimistic that summer is just around the corner, but I must tread softly, for I am afraid that as soon as I start to whisper the word summer, the changing skies would go right back to winter again, setting back my age-long countdown.  Okay, so it’s been sometime since I found something to write about, I blame it on the ever-changing Canadian weather and lifestyle that doesn’t leave any room for some sort of inspiration and motivation.  Moreover, a cold gloomy weather doesn’t do much for the mind, but be rest assured that the gentle appearance of the summer breeze is beginning to whisper excitement and liberty into my ears, and here we are again.  Oh…and by the way, just in case you are yet to notice. These are simply just excuses – excuses and more excuses. I apologize!  

Although, I can’t help but comment on how much Toronto has grown over the past years.  Where did all these people spring out?  Where had they been hiding these past months? From the cold and deserted arena to the now bumping shoulder to shoulder, I bellowed apologetically my excuse me’s, as I made my way through the almost intimidating crowd of people.  Suddenly, it dawned on me that it took only a tiny flicker of the sun’s exposure before Torontonians came out in their 'trillions'.    Like pets in a cage (winter), they are anticipating been let loose, so they can roam the streets chanting free at last (summer).

As a matter of fact, I must prepare your mind to expect the unexpected this season.  Fashion this season is going to be downright colourful.  The new emerging era of Canadians who have in past decades detoured away from colours in comparison to their American counterparts are breaking their age-long silence.  They intend to go all out, flashing every colour you can possibly think of under the rainbow.  This summer will be all about yellow, pink, orange, lilac, cream, and the all time favourite and classic -white and of course the very symbol of ‘environmentally friendly’ - green, which overtime will eventually replace the traditional and classic colour- black.

Regardless of what direction Torontonians are going this summer, fashion wise, I am so looking forward to displaying my traditional attire in all its flamboyant colours, because this is the only season I feel more comfortable wearing my selection without wondering how ridiculous the attire looks in winter, underneath the winter jackets and snow boots.  (I mean this is not Eddie Murphy’s ‘Coming to America.’  This is Nigeria Horizon’s “Living in Canada.”)  Lo and behold! I walked into H&M sometime ago and picked up their fashion magazine and right on the center page was the head caption, advertising a whole selection of wears tagged, “African Queen”.  Though it was quite flattering to see the headgears and outfit showcased by the models, my immediate thought was…”Oh No.  You’re not!” Wasn’t African Queen my duet and debut album in collaboration with 2face?  Whatever happened to copyright laws? Similarly, If I recall correctly, I think my verse was something like this, “I’m the African Queen, the girl of your dreams…” Yeah right! Truthfully, I asked myself, “Where is my face in all of this representation, Where is the master mind, and the originality?(check out my graphically induced image at the top left corner)”  At that moment, I recalled a recent dialogue with some colleagues of mine, suggesting I venture into modelling, almost as if I had being oblivious of the possibility.  Though I appreciated their encouragement, I shook my head at their ignorance.  If they only knew what it took and most often entailed and if they knew me well enough, I bet they wouldn’t have uttered the words, “Bola, why aren’t you modelling?”

Besides, this was one look I would have been comfortable showcasing on the runway, because like many others who are daughters of the great ambassadors and descendants of African Queens, this would have been an opportunity to represent for once, the true motherland beauty in all its uniqueness. I know I would have embraced such a rare opportunity to show how it was done, the originality and the brains behind it, but once again, my headshots have been overlooked on the modelling casting roaster, preferably for the upcoming snoop doggy music video, because at this time I’m not what they’re looking for.  In other words, classy and trashy are two separate yet distinct choice of words.  Okay.  I agree. I don’t leave in denial of the fact that I am no Alex Wek or Tyra Banks …but African Queen? African Queen??? Couldn’t that have been my speciality? 

Anyhow, that will not deter me, nor will it crush my exuberant spirit this summer.  I am ready for the best of the season and while at it, I intend to showcase myself on the streets of Toronto. I will catwalk the entire community and use the street pavements as my customized runway.  Just maybe I might get discovered on Candid Camera!  However, I would not overdo it by wearing “Aso Oke” in this summers’ expected humidity.  To cut a very long story short, I am getting all geared up for a beautiful, colourful and unforgettable summer…so ladies join me and please I beg to differ, let’s not overdo it!  So while we at it, don’t forget to tune into my page – just keeping it real - classy, sophisticated and undeniably elegant!  The natural you, the inner you, the epitome of beauty – Body & Soul with Bola!  And yes…It is after all - almost summer! I think.

Other articles by Bola Babs

The Birth of Body & Soul
When Beauty Says..
BET
The Term is 'Make-up' not 'Mask up'
Women and Attitude