I am non-conformist’----Toyin Adebola
HIS love and passion for music made him set up the — Toyin and Friends, a musical group , when he came back from the United States in 2005. Born on January 11, some decades ago, Toyin Adebola, who is from Ogun State, had his secondary education at Government Secondary School, Gwammaja, and ended up at the Government Technical College, Wudil, Kano. His tertiary education was at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he read technical education. The Chief Executive Officer of Lakeside Energy Limited, who started his musical career as a drummer in 1990, recently organised the Toyin and Friends concert. Themed Worship Unscripted, it featured a lot of gospel artists, including Cohbhams. He tells DAMILOLA ADEKOYA what fashion means to him.
Family background: I'm from a polygamous home. I'm the first born of my father. My father worked and retired as a staff of the Ministry of Education, Kano and my mother worked with The Nigerian Aviation Company (NACO), also in Kano until she retired about two years ago.
Fashion: It has different interpretations depending on who is creating it, but for me, I think fashion is an expression of who you are, well expressed in what you are wearing. I don't go with what's in vogue, for what is in vogue for me is what I am comfortable with!
Style of dressing: English; a shirt and a tie, that's me! But occasionally, I do some native stuff.
Uniqueness of style: Everything about me is basically different. My carriage stands me out. I also hate conforming to what's in vogue.
Favourite colour: I love brilliant colours, to be precise. I like black and red. I also like white and purple because they are sweet and strong. I love them combined not specific.
Favourite piece of clothing: A nice shirt and trouser.
Stylish icon(s): Maxwell, he dresses so beautifully. Most times, he's always on a nice shirt on trousers with jacket. When you see him, one has no choice but to love and respect him.
Role model(s): Rev. Sam Adeyemi, he is my ultimate role model and then musically, it's Fred Hammond.
Favourite food: Vegetable Salad.
Favourite designer(s): Base London, because they are not the regular designers. They have very unique designs of Wristwatches and Shoes and I love them because they are not very popular.
Most expensive item: My house!
Most cherished possession: God.
Describe yourself in three words: Passionate, powerful and simple.
Turn on: When everything is just in order
Turn off: Disorderliness.
Happiest moment(s): When I got a job in Conoil because I waited almost 15 years for that.
Embarrassing moment(s): When my visa to United States was turned down the second time.
Favourite food: Vegetable Salad.
Favourite designer(s): Base London, because they are not the regular designers. They have very unique designs of Wristwatches and Shoes and I love them because they are not very popular.
Philosophy of life: Life is like one's best currency. It's ones most valuable asset, so spend it wisely, do not waste time and be as productive as you can.
If you were given an opportunity to change something in Nigeria, what would it be? Our mindset, it is terrible!