Village Beauty

By Ibn Yahweh

Ebunoluwa, popularly known as Aanu is an undergraduate student in Classics department, University of Ibadan. She’s a Fashion entrepreneur, Anime and Movie lover. In addition, she’s also the village beauty for this week’s publication of ZHPO. The Village Beauty is an interview session focused on interviewing the beauty and brains on the University of Ibadan campus.

ZHPO: May we know you please?

Aanu: Good evening. I am Ebunoluwa popularly known as Aanu. I am a 200 level student of the department of Classical, Faculty of Art, University of Ibadan.

ZHPO: Wow! “Popularly known as Aanu” interesting! What makes you popular if I may ask?

Aanu: Mmm. I really won’t say I’m popular. I only meant it’s what majority of people refer to me as.

ZHPO: Hmmm… that’s great! How’s been your experience as a UIte? Has it been smooth? Or it’s been shege-filled?

Aanu: My experience in UI. It’s been a whole lot really. Adjusting in a new environment, having to deal with the work load, interacting with people of different background, beliefs and ethnicity. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions.

ZHPO: I can relate to that. Do you care to share these emotions?

Aanu: Ehn, I’d rather keep them to myself, thank you.

ZHPO: Alright then. So, what do you know about Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall?

Aanu: Nothing.

ZHPO: Haaa! Nothing? Ok do you know Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall?

Aanu: Yes, I do.

ZHPO: What’s your perception of the hall?

Aanu: My perception of the hall? Let’s see. I think Zik is cool. I do like the environment though. But that’s all about it really.

ZHPO: Wow! This is the first time I’ll hear someone say something glowing about Nnamdi Azikwe Hall? Have you heard of the aro tales?

Aanu: Yeah I have.

ZHPO: Do you care to share with us?

Aanu: My first experience was when I came for my PUTME. I was walking to the Indomie stand opposite Idia when I noticed some guys catcalling a lady from their room. She tried her best to ignore them but it didn’t seem to work. They passed demeaning comments till she cried. It wasn’t funny. I remember someone saying she was as flat as a pan…Wasn’t me but I felt it.

ZHPO: I understand this. I can relate to it. Let’s leave Zik for now. Do you have any outside-the-class engagements?

Aanu: Yes, I do. I have a movie series club that I attend on Thursdays.

ZHPO: What’s this movie series about?

Aanu: It’s a gathering every Thursday when we come to watch a movie, sometimes a documentary and we discuss it. The movies we watch are carefully chosen as these movies are shown with the intention of bringing to our notice certain issues that plague us. It could be about Africa and her people. It could be Music, even Philosophy. These movies touch some part of us in one way or the other. It’s a safe space for people to air their opinions. It helps others see through different lens.

ZHPO: So the movie series is about watching movies on narratives that plague people?

Aanu: Yes. From the Black movement to African philosophy, to mental health, to racism. Anything you can think of.

ZHPO: So people get to learn from each other?

Aanu: Exactly!

ZHPO: If I may ask, how have movies on the Black movements shaped your views about blacks?

Aanu: The first thing that got me was how little I knew about black people and their culture. It spoke of how behind I was even in this age of technical advancement – sad stuff. Movies on the black movement made me see things differently. For one, I began to understand people when they speak in certain ways. I understood the pain and hate they feel towards certain people. I understood how badly racism damaged we blacks. Knowing these made me love black people more. Imagine going through years of slavery and discrimination and coming out strong. It spoke volumes of how blessed we are…made me love my skin colour more.

ZHPO: This is great! Very great! It means you connect to movies. Alright then, do you have any side hustle, maybe as a student-entrepreneur?

Aanu: Yeah. I own a clothing brand. I am inspired by Japanese anime wears.

ZHPO: A clothing brand! Tell us about it.

Aanu: I’ve always been interested in fashion. Alte/street wear fashion precisely and I’ve always liked anime too. So I felt, why not sell something anime lovers would love to get. So, I created a brand where I sell unique and quality clothes and accessories inspired by people’s favorite manga/anime characters.

ZHPO: Wow! This means you created something out of your passion. So what attracted you to anime?

Aanu: My brothers are anime lovers so I got interested. I watched with them. The first anime that got me hooked was Dragon Ball. I loved it. Basically, I love anime because it’s something we can relate to. Unlike cartoons, animes are not really filtered; they show every side in every humans. From childhood, the love and friendship people share, to the hurts and betrayal as they step into adulthood to the rollercoaster that is life. It shows everything. Anime is beauty. It’s creativity at its highest, it’s loyalty. It’s everything. Personally, I gain a lot from watching anime. Some of the quotes that resonate with me are from anime

ZHPO: Ok the last question. What do you like and dislike about Zik Hall and what would you love to say to Zikites?

Aanu: I like Zik cafe; they have good customer service. And to Zikites, you all be good.

ZHPO: Thank you so much Miss Aanu.

Aanu: You’re welcome. Thank you for having me.