Bouqui, LadybrilleNigeria Style Star

Ladybrille®Nigeria Style Star is a feature we hope becomes a regular one. For us, fashion is intertwined in all aspects of the creative arts and our Style Star feature is all about showing the fashion nexus. We highlight Nigerian celebrity designers, actors, artists and other personalities, who from our research, have a strong style sense. We track these stars down and in a really relaxed, fun and straightforward way, learn all we can about their style sense and of course get tips on how to look and stay “fly” just like them!

Feel free to e-mail us at [email protected] or leave your comments with your recommendations of celebrities. Kicking things off for our first Ladybrille®Nigeria Style Star feature is Bouqui Folayan. Enjoy.

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Bouqui Folayan aka B.O.U.Q.U.I is a a gospel artist whose vibrant personality, inspiring lyrics and unique delivery are as memorable as her style sense. Whether she is rocking her signature mohawk in varied shades of red and blonde or spotting some funky shades, hooded jackets and tees, Bukky always keeps things funky, memorable and most importantlly fun. We caught up with our style star who has also just launched her new album titled “REDEFINITION” to see how she rocks out for Jesus!
LADYBRILLENigeria.com: How would you describe your style sense?
Bouqui: I think style is who you are and how you feel per time. . .so I would say that I dress the way I feel and because I am mood motivated, I would say that my sense of style emanates from my mood. But to total it up you can say modest, responsible, free spirited and fun, lovingly decent. . .

LADYBRILLENigeria.com: What’s your favorite music video to date that you feel truly showed your style sense?
Bouqui: Well I love “Morile” because not only did the story line show that we are having fun . . the dressing also said stuff about me. . . I love hooded tops with jeans.

LADYBRILLENigeria.com: Who does your hair? You’ve got the most splendid hair styles?
Bouqui: (Lol!) Thank you. . . My hair is BOBBY’S SIGNATURE, HE CREATES MY HAIRSTYLES HIMSELF.

LADYBRILLENigeria.com: If you were not a musician or you still are and decide to branch into the world of design, what would you be designing?
Bouqui: HOODED SHIRTS AND JEANS OR NICE STUDDED JACKETS OR TOPS WITH ACCESSORIES. I AM REALLY GOOD AT THAT . . . A LOT OF MY HOODED TOPS WERE BOUGHT PLAIN. . . I DESIGNED THEM MYSELF AND WAIST COATS.

LADYBRILLENigeria.com: Who is your favorite Nigerian deisgner?
Bouqui: I respect all of them. They are really creative. I am just looking for ‘me’ in one of them. . .

LADYBRILLENigeria.com: What is your favorite stylish store in Nigeria to shop?
Bouqui: (Lol!) In Nigeria . . . ? (Lol!) Nada. You just buy as you see. We really don’t have shops like Macys, Footlockers, JcPenny etc. in Naija. We just have shops that sell all and if you don’t get what you want with your money you’re going home sad. . .

LADYBRILLENigeria.com: Give us three of your favorite beauty tips?
Bouqui:
1. Wear what fits you, be carefully carefree.
2. You dont have to go with the trend to be trendy. Be creative.
3. NEVER make yourself uncomfortable to be fashionable. They will complain anyway. Just be yourself. Be confident.

LADYBRILLENigeria.com: Finally for anyone that ever finds themselves in the limelight (giving a speech, performing, etc.), what is your number one tip on how to make sure they look stylish?
Bouqui: Be comfortable. Dress according to the theme of the show so you dont stick out like a sore thumb. Don’t overdo or under do. When in doubt, wear black. (Lol!) Of course with silver or gold accessories. (Lol!) You can never go wrong . . .wedding, church, funeral, award night, performance etc.

HAIR AND MAKE UP is number one priority. No matter how nice your dress is or shoes are or purse, if your make up is crap or your hair OR THE BIG ONE, YOUR CONFIDENCE ( is not strong that is not good). PACKAGING IS KEY. . . YOU CAN SELL ICE TO AN ESKIMO IF YOU PACKAGE IT WELL. . . OR SAND IN THE DESERT OR CONFIDENCE TO BOUQUI. (Lol!)

Bouqui is currently touring in the USA for her new album, The REDEFINITION. If you are based in the USA, you can catch her Live in Arlington, Texas on October 31st and in Washington DC on November 29th, 2009. Visit Bouqui’s site for more info.

Morile

DJ Jimmy Jatt ft. Bouqui & other Nigerian Femcees

Ladybrille Magazine

Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.