How Donald Trump Is Making Big Promises to Big Business

Business News

On a Friday in late September, Donald J. Trump took time off the campaign trail for a closed-door meeting at Mar-a-Lago with officials representing the vaping industry.The vaping emissaries talked about loosening regulations and told the former president he had “saved” the industry in the past. The group — including Mr. Trump’s 2016 campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, and another 2016 campaign aide, Michael Rubino — showed him mock-ups of mailers they were sending out through Election Day. Mr. Trump asked for input on what he could say on social media about a complicated regulatory issue.Within hours, Mr. Trump had posted about his allegiances to the embattled e-cigarette sector. “I saved Flavored Vaping in 2019,” Mr. Trump wrote on social media. “I’ll save Vaping again!”The head of the Vapor Technology Association, Tony Abboud, who was also in the meeting, quickly declared he was “pleased” that Mr. Trump was “continuing to fight for vapers.” The vaping industry has not been a significant contributor in the presidential race, but the Vapor Technology Association has been quietly sending versions of those mailers to voters in battleground states warning that Democrats want “to steal vapes from freedom-loving Americans.”As Mr. Trump seeks a return to the White House, he has come a long way from his 2016 campaign pitch that he was so rich he was incorruptible. Back then, he mocked the G.O.P.’s donor-lobbyist class and boasted in his announcement speech, “I don’t need anybody’s money.” Today, Mr. Trump is looking everywhere for cash: asking small donors online, pressing fellow billionaires over private meals in Trump Tower and lobbying for donations from industries regulated by the government.As he does so, he is sometimes making overt promises about what he will do once he’s in office, a level of explicitness toward individual industries and a handful of billionaires that has rarely been seen in modern presidential politics.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

‘Hijack ’93’ Movie Ending Explained & True Story: What Happened To The Hijackers?

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Directed by Robert Peters, Hijack ’93 is based on the real-life events where four teenagers hijacked a plane of Nigerian Airways. These boys were not criminals but merely victims of their own circumstances. The corrupt regime had pushed them to their limit, and they didn’t have an option other than to do something as extreme as hijacking a flight in order to make the authorities listen to their demands. So let’s find out which of the things shown in the film happened in real life and what happened to the hijackers at the end.

Spoiler Alert

Is it based on a true story?

The general elections in Nigeria had been annulled back in 1993, and the country stood on the brink of a civil war. “The Movement for Democracy”, a rebel group operating in the country, waged a war against the authorities because they wanted democracy to prevail and free and fair elections to happen in their nation. Moshood Kashimawo, a political leader from the Social Democratic Party, won the elections, but Ibrahim Babangida, the military supremo, annulled the election and then eventually took charge of things. The gap between the rich and the poor was getting wider. The people were fighting for the basic necessities of life, and the widespread discrimination made them so desperate that they didn’t mind taking extreme measures. The creators of Hijack ‘93 have taken creative liberties, and they have mentioned that the film is a fictionalized tale based on a real event. So, the hijacking did happen, and it is true that 4 teenagers took over the Airbus A310 of Nigerian Airways. The flight was going from Lagos to Abuja, but midway it was forced to take a halt at Niamey, the capital city of Niger.

Benneth Oluwadaisi, Kabir Adenuga, Richard Ogunderu, and Kenny Rasaq-Lawal were the names of the real hijackers, and their sole intention was to bring back the Social Democratic Party in power. It is true that there were some top government officials on the flight, which is why the gang decided to hijack that particular flight. As shown in the film, the hijackers were caught by the Special Forces army, and they served a 9-year sentence. 

What did the hijackers want? 

Four teenagers, Kayode, Owiwi, Omar, and Skipper, boarded the Nigerian Airways flight with the intention of hijacking it and making it land in Frankfurt. Somebody from the cabin crew had already hidden weapons and ammunition in the plane washroom. It didn’t take long for the local authorities to figure out that the hijackers were amateurs, and they had no clue about what they signed up for. The hijacking was an act of desperation. These young boys were literally fighting for their basic necessities. We got to know that the family of one of the hijackers had been killed, and he felt extremely helpless when he realized that nobody was going to help his cause. There was chaos in the country, and he couldn’t even go to the court of law to seek justice. The Nigerian people understood that the world belonged to the rich and powerful, and the underprivileged had no say in any matter. The only thing that could have given them respite was a free and fair election. They hoped that things would get better once the Social Democratic Party took charge of things. But the elections were annulled, and they lost the only hope they had.

With what we saw in Hijack ‘93, it became clear that the hijackers were not bad people. They even felt guilty for making the passengers go through the entire ordeal. Owiwi lost his temper when the plane landed in Niger, and just to make the local authorities believe that he meant business, he threatened to kill one of the passengers, though everybody knew that he was not going to pull the trigger. Captain Kenneth Dokunbo, commander of the special forces army, took charge of things, and that’s when they got to know that the son (Lee Zhang) of the Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria was also on the flight. The commander knew that if they conducted a rescue mission, they would be able to take over the hijackers, but they couldn’t risk the life of Lee Zhang. The hijackers released women and children eventually, and they were ready to surrender too, provided their demands were fulfilled. Firstly, they wanted to be tried in a court in Niger only, and secondly, they wanted to talk to a journalist and make their story known to the world. Even the law enforcement authorities were a bit surprised when they heard the demands of the hijackers because, generally, whenever such an incident happened, the criminals always asked for money or some materialistic things. It became clear that these young boys only wanted justice. They only wanted the world to understand that what they were doing was an act of desperation. They were not hardened criminals, but their circumstances put their lives in jeopardy probably because they were made to believe that that was the only way out for them. 

What Finally Happened To The hijackers?

The army decided that they first needed to take out Lee Zhang so that they could conduct their rescue mission. Lee Zhang ate his food, and then suddenly he fell sick. People told the hijackers that he needed to get off the plane, as otherwise he would succumb to his illness. His food was poisoned intentionally by a person on board, and then later on, the doctors stabilized his condition after giving him an antidote. 

In Hijack ’93’s ending, the army caught the hijackers, and one of them got gravely injured during the shootout. As requested, the hijackers were tried in a court in Niger only, and the world did come to know about their motives and intentions behind hijacking the plane. More than anything, the incident drew the attention of the entire world towards widespread corruption in the Nigerian government. In real life, there were no casualties reported during the hijacking, and each and every passenger was rescued at the end. It is often said that to make the deaf hear, one has to raise his voice and do something so audacious that it can’t be ignored. The hijackers were found guilty by the court of law, and they had to serve a nine-year sentence, but more importantly, the world came to know about their deplorable living conditions. The injustice, social inequity, and other corrupt activities were brought to light and even if nothing much changed after that, the boys knew that they had done whatever they could to fight for their cause. 

Related

Meet 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora

Arts & Culture, Books

A group of African women writers in the diaspora is significantly contributing to children’s literature. These authors draw upon their diverse experiences and backgrounds to create stories that resonate with young readers. Each writer brings a unique perspective shaped by their journeys across continents, addressing themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
Their works not only entertain but also educate, providing children with insights into the richness of African heritage and the complexities of life in a globalised world. Through their narratives, they foster a sense of connection and understanding among children from various backgrounds, encouraging empathy and curiosity about different cultures.
Read also: 8 countries with the highest share of female managers – ILO data
Here are 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora, compiled by BusinessDay.
1. Vese Aghoghovbia

Vese is a Nigerian writer focused on empowering young people to love and believe in themselves. She founded Philly & Friends, a children’s brand supporting underprivileged children globally. Recognised as a Top 100 Female Entrepreneur by Natwest & The Telegraph, Vese also won the 2021 Consumer & Luxury Rising Star award from the Black British Business Awards.
A Chartered Engineer with over ten years in strategy and operations, she has worked in FTSE-100 firms and the Baby & Child industry. Vese has spoken on platforms like the BBC and contributed to HuffPost Parent and Mother Mag. She lives in England with her family.
2. Olamidotun Votu-Obada

Olamidotun is the founder and lead author of Inspire HQ. She is a senior executive, social entrepreneur, children’s book author, speaker, and podcast host. Olamidotun created the Be Inspired Book Series, which includes titles such as Be Inspired By MKO, Be Inspired By Fela, and Be Inspired By Me Picture Book. In 2024, Be Inspired By MKO was presented to the Canadian Prime Minister, her books promote diversity and inclusion. Her books have received several awards, including two acknowledgements from the Ontario Government in 2024, and Olamidotun was listed as one of the “50 Most Inspiring Women” in 2019.
With a background in Business Economics and International Financial Economics from the University of Warwick and the University of Reading, Olamidotun has worked in management consultancy and business advisory, collaborating with NGOs and serving on boards in Africa. Olamidotun is a Canadian Nigerian and lives in Ontario with her husband and three daughters.
Read also: These 8 countries have female leaders running the government
3. Ariyike Lawal-Akinbobola

Ariyike is a Nigerian author, television presenter, talk show host, model, blogger, and lawyer based in Canada. She is also known for her occasional acting roles. Her children’s book, The Beautifully Coloured, has become a bestseller on Amazon. The book promotes kindness, diversity, inclusion, and positive affirmations for children.
Ariyike has worked as an associate producer and TV presenter for Spice TV, a fashion and lifestyle channel on DSTV. She hosted Spice TV’s flagship programme On the Couch and has been involved in producing and presenting fashion news. In addition, she has presented several other shows, including Sugar and Spice, Urban Spice, Instant Beauty Queen, and Project Swan. Ariyike also hosted Spice TV’s gadget show, Spice Toys.
4. Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi

Louisa is the co-founder of Kunda Kids, a black-owned publishing and media production company focused on teaching children about African history and culture. She and her husband, Oladele, launched Kunda Kids in 2020 after struggling to find books that could teach their son about ancient African history. Today, Kunda Kids works with over 20 writers, illustrators, and animators.
Louisa has authored over 50 children’s books and created the 3D animation Kunda & Friends. Through Kunda Kids, she seeks to address the underrepresentation of African culture in children’s media and promote global citizenship. The company’s mission is to inspire and educate children, helping them embrace their identities and dream big. Louisa is from Uganda, she lives in the United Kingdom with her family.
Read also: 8 remarkable African Queens who shaped history
5. Dora Owusu
Related News
Dora is from Ghana and now lives in the United States with her family. With a degree in Social Work, she has a deep interest in African and African-American history, which inspired her to write stories for children. Her books include Princess Nana Afia: The Majestic African Hair Show and I’m Wrapped in Pride with My Kente!.
Her work focuses on connecting people of African descent to the African continent. She encourages children to embrace their natural hair and see characters that reflect their identity. Dora’s stories aim to create a sense of belonging and pride in African heritage.
6. Ekiuwa Aire

Ekiuwa was born and raised in Benin City, Edo, Nigeria, and moved to Canada in 2007. As a mother, she noticed a lack of resources to introduce African history to her children, which motivated her to write. Her first picture book, Idia of the Benin Kingdom, was inspired by this need.
Initially driven by the desire to teach her children, Ekiuwa’s mission now extends to preserving African heritage through her books. She also speaks at seminars, libraries, and classrooms, sharing her knowledge with others. Ekiuwa lives with her husband and two daughters in Ontario, Canada, and remains committed to making African history accessible to all children.
Read also: 5 African Queens who have held Miss World title
7. Lara Oseghale

Lara was born and raised in Nigeria. From a young age, Lara’s commitment to her family led her to seek wholesome and durable resources for her children. However, she struggled to find books and toys that aligned with her values. This inspired her to create her line of faith-based resources. Her venture, Curious Berries, aims to provide high-quality, engaging materials for families like hers, focusing on promoting virtues that are often overlooked.
Lara’s passion for numbers led her to study accounting at the University of Reading, where she graduated with a first-class degree. She later earned a Master’s in finance from Imperial College, London, and became a chartered accountant. Beyond her career, she enjoys travel, cooking, and dancing. Through her venture, Curious Berries, she continues to inspire children to be confident, kind, and connected to their faith. Lara lives in the UK with her family, focusing on her faith and devotion to them.
8. Tolulope Adejumo

Tolulope also known as Tolulope Solutions, is committed to intentional parenting and stewardship. She shares her faith through her book, Memory Verses with Soteria, a 30-day journey for children that combines scripture memorisation with affirmations and fun. In this devotional, children follow Soteria, a young adventurer, as she explores the Bible, making learning Scripture engaging.
Tolulope’s work goes beyond her own family. Through mentorship, she guides the younger generation towards faith and purpose, helping them anchor their lives in Christ. She believes that by sharing her devotion to God, others will be inspired to live a life aligned with their calling. Tolulope is a Nigerian living in Canada with her family.
Read also: 10 Countries with remarkable female representation in National Parliaments 
9. Oge Mora

Mora is a Nigerian-American children’s book illustrator and author. Her work has garnered significant recognition, with her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, earning a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, and being named a New York Times Notable Book and Editors’ Choice.
Oge is also the author of Saturday and has illustrated several other works. Her illustrations have been featured in major publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She was also listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 – Art & Style (2021). Her story continues to inspire readers and fellow creators in the world of children’s book publishing. She lives in America with her family
10. Evelyn Olutola Logan

Evelyn Olutola Logan is a Nigerian-American author who writes about the simplicity and experiences of life. Her debut book, On the Streets of Ondo, draws on African folktales and traditions, introducing readers to the stories passed down through generations in Nigeria. She shares her childhood memories of growing up with a diverse group of family members and community friends, capturing the essence of Nigerian-American life.
Evelyn introduces children to Nigerian culture, storytelling, and traditions, sparking curiosity and a love for learning about Africa through her writing. Evelyn enjoys connecting with young readers and hearing their interpretations of her stories. She lives in America with her husband and their children.

Chisom Michael
Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

Meet 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora

Arts & Culture, Books

A group of African women writers in the diaspora is significantly contributing to children’s literature. These authors draw upon their diverse experiences and backgrounds to create stories that resonate with young readers. Each writer brings a unique perspective shaped by their journeys across continents, addressing themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
Their works not only entertain but also educate, providing children with insights into the richness of African heritage and the complexities of life in a globalised world. Through their narratives, they foster a sense of connection and understanding among children from various backgrounds, encouraging empathy and curiosity about different cultures.
Read also: 8 countries with the highest share of female managers – ILO data
Here are 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora, compiled by BusinessDay.
1. Vese Aghoghovbia

Vese is a Nigerian writer focused on empowering young people to love and believe in themselves. She founded Philly & Friends, a children’s brand supporting underprivileged children globally. Recognised as a Top 100 Female Entrepreneur by Natwest & The Telegraph, Vese also won the 2021 Consumer & Luxury Rising Star award from the Black British Business Awards.
A Chartered Engineer with over ten years in strategy and operations, she has worked in FTSE-100 firms and the Baby & Child industry. Vese has spoken on platforms like the BBC and contributed to HuffPost Parent and Mother Mag. She lives in England with her family.
2. Olamidotun Votu-Obada

Olamidotun is the founder and lead author of Inspire HQ. She is a senior executive, social entrepreneur, children’s book author, speaker, and podcast host. Olamidotun created the Be Inspired Book Series, which includes titles such as Be Inspired By MKO, Be Inspired By Fela, and Be Inspired By Me Picture Book. In 2024, Be Inspired By MKO was presented to the Canadian Prime Minister, her books promote diversity and inclusion. Her books have received several awards, including two acknowledgements from the Ontario Government in 2024, and Olamidotun was listed as one of the “50 Most Inspiring Women” in 2019.
With a background in Business Economics and International Financial Economics from the University of Warwick and the University of Reading, Olamidotun has worked in management consultancy and business advisory, collaborating with NGOs and serving on boards in Africa. Olamidotun is a Canadian Nigerian and lives in Ontario with her husband and three daughters.
Read also: These 8 countries have female leaders running the government
3. Ariyike Lawal-Akinbobola

Ariyike is a Nigerian author, television presenter, talk show host, model, blogger, and lawyer based in Canada. She is also known for her occasional acting roles. Her children’s book, The Beautifully Coloured, has become a bestseller on Amazon. The book promotes kindness, diversity, inclusion, and positive affirmations for children.
Ariyike has worked as an associate producer and TV presenter for Spice TV, a fashion and lifestyle channel on DSTV. She hosted Spice TV’s flagship programme On the Couch and has been involved in producing and presenting fashion news. In addition, she has presented several other shows, including Sugar and Spice, Urban Spice, Instant Beauty Queen, and Project Swan. Ariyike also hosted Spice TV’s gadget show, Spice Toys.
4. Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi

Louisa is the co-founder of Kunda Kids, a black-owned publishing and media production company focused on teaching children about African history and culture. She and her husband, Oladele, launched Kunda Kids in 2020 after struggling to find books that could teach their son about ancient African history. Today, Kunda Kids works with over 20 writers, illustrators, and animators.
Louisa has authored over 50 children’s books and created the 3D animation Kunda & Friends. Through Kunda Kids, she seeks to address the underrepresentation of African culture in children’s media and promote global citizenship. The company’s mission is to inspire and educate children, helping them embrace their identities and dream big. Louisa is from Uganda, she lives in the United Kingdom with her family.
Read also: 8 remarkable African Queens who shaped history
5. Dora Owusu
Related News
Dora is from Ghana and now lives in the United States with her family. With a degree in Social Work, she has a deep interest in African and African-American history, which inspired her to write stories for children. Her books include Princess Nana Afia: The Majestic African Hair Show and I’m Wrapped in Pride with My Kente!.
Her work focuses on connecting people of African descent to the African continent. She encourages children to embrace their natural hair and see characters that reflect their identity. Dora’s stories aim to create a sense of belonging and pride in African heritage.
6. Ekiuwa Aire

Ekiuwa was born and raised in Benin City, Edo, Nigeria, and moved to Canada in 2007. As a mother, she noticed a lack of resources to introduce African history to her children, which motivated her to write. Her first picture book, Idia of the Benin Kingdom, was inspired by this need.
Initially driven by the desire to teach her children, Ekiuwa’s mission now extends to preserving African heritage through her books. She also speaks at seminars, libraries, and classrooms, sharing her knowledge with others. Ekiuwa lives with her husband and two daughters in Ontario, Canada, and remains committed to making African history accessible to all children.
Read also: 5 African Queens who have held Miss World title
7. Lara Oseghale

Lara was born and raised in Nigeria. From a young age, Lara’s commitment to her family led her to seek wholesome and durable resources for her children. However, she struggled to find books and toys that aligned with her values. This inspired her to create her line of faith-based resources. Her venture, Curious Berries, aims to provide high-quality, engaging materials for families like hers, focusing on promoting virtues that are often overlooked.
Lara’s passion for numbers led her to study accounting at the University of Reading, where she graduated with a first-class degree. She later earned a Master’s in finance from Imperial College, London, and became a chartered accountant. Beyond her career, she enjoys travel, cooking, and dancing. Through her venture, Curious Berries, she continues to inspire children to be confident, kind, and connected to their faith. Lara lives in the UK with her family, focusing on her faith and devotion to them.
8. Tolulope Adejumo

Tolulope also known as Tolulope Solutions, is committed to intentional parenting and stewardship. She shares her faith through her book, Memory Verses with Soteria, a 30-day journey for children that combines scripture memorisation with affirmations and fun. In this devotional, children follow Soteria, a young adventurer, as she explores the Bible, making learning Scripture engaging.
Tolulope’s work goes beyond her own family. Through mentorship, she guides the younger generation towards faith and purpose, helping them anchor their lives in Christ. She believes that by sharing her devotion to God, others will be inspired to live a life aligned with their calling. Tolulope is a Nigerian living in Canada with her family.
Read also: 10 Countries with remarkable female representation in National Parliaments 
9. Oge Mora

Mora is a Nigerian-American children’s book illustrator and author. Her work has garnered significant recognition, with her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, earning a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, and being named a New York Times Notable Book and Editors’ Choice.
Oge is also the author of Saturday and has illustrated several other works. Her illustrations have been featured in major publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She was also listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 – Art & Style (2021). Her story continues to inspire readers and fellow creators in the world of children’s book publishing. She lives in America with her family
10. Evelyn Olutola Logan

Evelyn Olutola Logan is a Nigerian-American author who writes about the simplicity and experiences of life. Her debut book, On the Streets of Ondo, draws on African folktales and traditions, introducing readers to the stories passed down through generations in Nigeria. She shares her childhood memories of growing up with a diverse group of family members and community friends, capturing the essence of Nigerian-American life.
Evelyn introduces children to Nigerian culture, storytelling, and traditions, sparking curiosity and a love for learning about Africa through her writing. Evelyn enjoys connecting with young readers and hearing their interpretations of her stories. She lives in America with her husband and their children.

Chisom Michael
Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

Evolution of make-up art in Malawi movies: Memory Nkata Black’s experience

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

ARTISTIC — Nkata BlackThe film industry is yet to get there in the country but positive steps are being undertaken by filmmakers as observed by a number of movies on the market, some of which have gone on to earn nominations on the international stage.Recently veteran filmmaker Shemu Joyah excited the country when his short film, ‘Strike A Blow and Die’, which tells the story of one of the freedom fighters Reverend John Chilembwe, got a nomination in the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (Amaa).This is short film which only has two scenes off the full feature movie which had a big budget to be finished.In most cases, we talk about actors and directors when it comes to fil making and yet there are other equally important players, who are in the background.One of such is make-up artists, who add special effects to films. In their creative strides, these make-up artists for instance fashion wounds on a body of a person using their techniques.There were not enough make-up artists in Malawi that specialised in make-up for films in the past years but the trend has changed now where the market has a good number of make-up artists nourishing the film industry.Blantyre-based Memory Nkata Black is one of them and in recent years, she has established herself as among the top make-up artists that are serving the film industry.In her walks, she has done make-up for several films including award-winning movies, ‘Seasons of A Life’ by Joyah and ‘All We Have is Us’ by Ashukile Mwakisulu.Although she pursued beauty therapy, which has a module of make-up, Nkata Black describes herself as a self-taught artist when it comes to make-up for films.Born in Likuni in Lilongwe, Black, who is married and has three children, is the third born in a family of five children.Growing up, Nkata Black never envisaged that she would be a beauty therapist but she embraced it with time and now she is so passionate about it.Her beauty therapy modules she learnt consisted of make-up, massage and anything about beauty.“I am also an entrepreneur because I am also engaged in other businesses but make-up is something I revere,” she said adding that it was all about make-up but she has had to bring in special effects over the way.Before she ventured into beauty therapy, Nkata Black started acting in 2001 while residing in Zingwangwa, Blantyre.“At that time we used to go to Blantyre Youth Centre. I joined a youth group known as Afro Lifestyles and we used to do different programmes including producing adverts and that is when my passion for acting grew,” she said.Having gained the much needed experience and exposure, Nkata Black joined Wakhumbata Ensemble Theatre where she got exposed to stage drama.“I love stage drama but I was not comfortable and so, I shifted a bit to concentrate on radio plays and I recall we managed to produce plays like ‘Sizobisa’ and ‘Focal Point’,” Nkata Black said.Having had spells doing radio plays, the make-up artist then found prospects in the film industry as she went on to audition for Joyah’s ‘Seasons of A Life’.This turned out to be a breakthrough for her in the film industry as she found herself being invited by Joyah to do make-up in his movie.“This time, I had started school, I was doing beauty therapy but it was general make-up. In fact Shemu Joyah asked me if I could do make-up for his movie ‘The Road to Sunrise’, it was a challenge as I was not familiar especially with make-up for films,” she said.But the make-up artist challenged herself to partake in it and so from here, she started exploring make-up art for film through watching videos and reading.ARTISTIC — Nkata Black doing make-up for some of the films“I got a lot of information online as regards make-up art for filmmaking and this is where I mastered some tricks. I went on to do make-up for Shemu Joyah’s film which collected five nominations during Africa Movie Academy Awards (Amaa) and make-up was one of the categories that got a nomination,” she said.Since then Nkata Black has never looked back and has gone on to do make-up in different film projects including Mwakisulu’s ‘All We Have is Us’ and ‘Souvenir’ by Flora Suya.“I cannot remember some of the films and projects but I have done quite a lot,” she said.When she is watching films particularly Hollywood, she gets amazed at how make-up is utilised.“I try as much as possible to learn new things when I am watching movies. I normally watch films that challenge me, films that contain special effects in terms of make-up,” she said.Nkata Black said the country needs to revisit its beauty therapy modules and breathe in make-up for films.“This is not taught and all what is there on the ground is general make-up for weddings which does not go beyond such things like creating effects,” she said.ARTISTIC — Nkata Black make-up for some of the filmsToday Nkata Black can create anything you can talk of through the skills she has learnt online and that she believes she has more room for improvement.But what are some of the challenges that are there in make-up for filmmaking?“Most of the materials I improvise because we do not have them in the country. If you are to get the materials then you have to order from outside,” she said.The make-up artist said the industry is not valued and that it is overlooked.“When you are called for assignments, payment is not satisfying and there is little in terms of creativity on our part because there is little action or no action at all. Most of the films or even music videos, it is straight forward drama and so, there is no challenge at all,” she said.She however looks ahead with hope saying with time things will improve and that make-up artist will be given more opportunities to practice their trade.And so for Nkata Black, the sky is the limit and that Malawi has what it takes to excel in make-up art for films.

Sharjah book fair to host over 80 comic-related workshops

Arts & Culture, Books

The book fair has a range of activities to keep young minds occupied.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to ignite the imagination of comic enthusiasts and aspiring artists from November 6-17, 2024, at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” this year’s fair promises an exciting array of 87 comic-related activities and workshops led by talented illustrators and artists from around the globe.
Featuring an expansive lineup of 14 diverse topics, SIBF 2024 will enable attendees to explore various techniques in comic creation, crafts, voice acting, character development, 3D design, and more. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and explore innovative methods that breathe life into their creative visions. Whether it’s crafting compelling narratives or mastering the intricacies of character design, these workshops promise to inspire and empower the next generation of comic artists and storytellers.
A comic enthusiast’s paradise
Participants can immerse themselves in workshops such as ‘Giant Comics’, where they will create life-sized comic panels that can be displayed on walls or used as theatrical props. ‘Creating a Comic Book Cover’ will cover how to design an eye-catching comic book cover, providing insights into essential elements such as composition, character design, and effective title placement.
An expert conducts a workshop.

In the ‘3D Comics’ workshop, attendees will design unique comic characters using clay or 3D printing technology while discovering techniques for transitioning from 2D to 3D art. Additionally, the ‘Voice Acting for Comic Books’ workshop offers an exciting opportunity for participants to explore vocal performance, adding a dynamic dimension to their favourite comic characters.
Exploring deeper themes
For attendees eager to delve into the narrative aspects of comics, SIBF 2024 offers workshops that focus on storytelling and character development. The ‘Dialogue and Caption Writing’ workshop emphasises crafting natural dialogue and enhancing narratives through effective captions, allowing participants to write snappy, character-driven conversations. In the ‘Writing for Genre-Specific Comics’ workshop, participants will explore conventions across various genres — such as superhero, horror, romance, and sci-fi — learning how to utilise and subvert these conventions in their own work.
A participant sharpens her creativity at the workshop.

The ‘Exploring Themes Through Comics’ workshop teaches how to integrate meaningful themes into stories using symbolism, recurring motifs, and narrative structure for deeper resonance. For those interested in character dynamics, the ‘Heroes and Villains’ workshop highlights the complexity of crafting multi-dimensional characters, emphasising that even villains see themselves as heroes in their own narratives. Additionally, the ‘Superhero Comic Workshop’ combines storytelling with character design, giving participants the chance to create their own superheroes and develop exciting storylines that captivate audiences.
Workshops for all ages
The fair caters to comic enthusiasts of all ages, offering a range of engaging activities tailored for younger audiences. Children can unleash their creativity in the ‘Chibi Keychain Workshop’ by designing polymer clay keychains inspired by beloved manga and anime characters, and the ‘Polymer Clay Fridge Magnets’ workshop will invite young artists to create personalised fridge magnets, enhancing their artistic skills while providing a fun keepsake to take home.
The ‘Naruto Soap Making Workshop’ introduces kids to the fun process of crafting character-inspired soaps using moulds. The ‘Silver Superheroes’ workshop encourages children to craft superhero figures from simple aluminium foil, fostering hands-on creativity. Lastly, the ‘Design Your Own Bag Patches’ workshop offers a creative outlet for participants to personalise their bags by designing unique patches that reflect their individual style.

Sharjah book fair to host over 80 comic-related workshops

Arts & Culture, Books

The book fair has a range of activities to keep young minds occupied.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to ignite the imagination of comic enthusiasts and aspiring artists from November 6-17, 2024, at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” this year’s fair promises an exciting array of 87 comic-related activities and workshops led by talented illustrators and artists from around the globe.
Featuring an expansive lineup of 14 diverse topics, SIBF 2024 will enable attendees to explore various techniques in comic creation, crafts, voice acting, character development, 3D design, and more. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and explore innovative methods that breathe life into their creative visions. Whether it’s crafting compelling narratives or mastering the intricacies of character design, these workshops promise to inspire and empower the next generation of comic artists and storytellers.
A comic enthusiast’s paradise
Participants can immerse themselves in workshops such as ‘Giant Comics’, where they will create life-sized comic panels that can be displayed on walls or used as theatrical props. ‘Creating a Comic Book Cover’ will cover how to design an eye-catching comic book cover, providing insights into essential elements such as composition, character design, and effective title placement.
An expert conducts a workshop.

In the ‘3D Comics’ workshop, attendees will design unique comic characters using clay or 3D printing technology while discovering techniques for transitioning from 2D to 3D art. Additionally, the ‘Voice Acting for Comic Books’ workshop offers an exciting opportunity for participants to explore vocal performance, adding a dynamic dimension to their favourite comic characters.
Exploring deeper themes
For attendees eager to delve into the narrative aspects of comics, SIBF 2024 offers workshops that focus on storytelling and character development. The ‘Dialogue and Caption Writing’ workshop emphasises crafting natural dialogue and enhancing narratives through effective captions, allowing participants to write snappy, character-driven conversations. In the ‘Writing for Genre-Specific Comics’ workshop, participants will explore conventions across various genres — such as superhero, horror, romance, and sci-fi — learning how to utilise and subvert these conventions in their own work.
A participant sharpens her creativity at the workshop.

The ‘Exploring Themes Through Comics’ workshop teaches how to integrate meaningful themes into stories using symbolism, recurring motifs, and narrative structure for deeper resonance. For those interested in character dynamics, the ‘Heroes and Villains’ workshop highlights the complexity of crafting multi-dimensional characters, emphasising that even villains see themselves as heroes in their own narratives. Additionally, the ‘Superhero Comic Workshop’ combines storytelling with character design, giving participants the chance to create their own superheroes and develop exciting storylines that captivate audiences.
Workshops for all ages
The fair caters to comic enthusiasts of all ages, offering a range of engaging activities tailored for younger audiences. Children can unleash their creativity in the ‘Chibi Keychain Workshop’ by designing polymer clay keychains inspired by beloved manga and anime characters, and the ‘Polymer Clay Fridge Magnets’ workshop will invite young artists to create personalised fridge magnets, enhancing their artistic skills while providing a fun keepsake to take home.
The ‘Naruto Soap Making Workshop’ introduces kids to the fun process of crafting character-inspired soaps using moulds. The ‘Silver Superheroes’ workshop encourages children to craft superhero figures from simple aluminium foil, fostering hands-on creativity. Lastly, the ‘Design Your Own Bag Patches’ workshop offers a creative outlet for participants to personalise their bags by designing unique patches that reflect their individual style.