Lola Maja

Last updated
Lola Maja
Born (1978-01-26) 26 January 1978 (age 45) [1] [2]
Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality
  • Nigerian
Citizenship
  • Nigerian
  • British
Occupation
Years active1992–present [3]
Spouse
Tonio Okojevoh
​
(m. 2010)​
[2]
Children2

Lola Maja (born Omolola Maja; 26 January 1978), also known as Lola Maja-Okojevoh, is a Nigerian make-up artist; her specialties include special effects, [4] eyebrows and eyelashes. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of "Sacred Beauty" & "The SFX Store". She is known for working on several major fashion events and on major films such as The Figurine and October 1 , as well as several music videos. She has done make-up for celebrities, including Genevieve Nnaji and Tiwa Savage. She has also worked with major fashion magazines, such as Style Mania and FAB, as well as models like Iman and Tyson Beckford. [2] In 2015, she won the "Best Make-up" Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award for October 1. [5]

Contents

Background and early life

Maja was born in Nigeria, to a father of Yoruba descent and a mother with Itsekiri, Lebanese, Italian, Indian and Scottish ancestry. She is a granddaughter of the Nigerian founding father Akinola Maja and his wife Comfort, who was herself the Erelu Kuti of Lagos. At the age of 2, she and her family moved to the United Kingdom where she grew up. She moved back to Nigeria in 2010, after she got married. [4]

Career

Maja started working as a makeup artist when she was 14, whilst she was still in high school, and into college. At 18, she had to make a choice: either continue her degree or leave and take the role as makeup artist of the original team to launch Iman Cosmetics at their flagship counter in London. She followed her heart and launched Iman Cosmetics in 1997. [6] [3] She launched her own lashes range "Sacred Lashes" in 2010 and The SFX Store in 2016. [3] [7]

Maja went back to school to get a formal qualifications in "Beauty Therapy". She graduated from the London College of Beauty Therapy, then went on to St Mary's University College, Twickenham. Thereafter, she obtained a Teaching Diploma, after which she launched a Beauty Academy in 2013. [3]

Maja has a wide range in her make-up portfolio, from special effects to bridal, from beauty to creative fashion. She worked on the music video of My Darlin by Tiwa Savage, whom she transformed into an old lady in the video. She did Genevieve Nnaji's make up for the photoshoot of her clothing line St.Genevieve. [3] She also worked as a Beauty Editor for major fashion magazines like Style Mania, FAB and Noir. [3] [6] Her make-up work has appeared in popular magazines, like: TW, Genevieve Magazine, True Love, Elan , Black Hair & Beauty, Colors , Pride , Sideview, and Trendsetter. [6] She has worked with supermodels like Iman and Tyson Beckford. [2] Other celebrities she has worked with include: Alek Wek, Ernie Hudson, Joe Estevez, Joe, Dru Hill, Ojy Okpe, Fifi Ejindu, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade, Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw, Tiwa Savage, Omawumi, Waje, Toolz, Toke Makinwa, Eku Edewor. [3]

Maja did the make-up for five of Kunle Afolayan's films, [8] including The Figurine (2009) and October 1 (2014); [2] the latter for which she won the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award for "Best Make-up". She was also the make-up artist for the third and fourth season of the television drama series Shuga . [3] Maja has also worked on several music videos, such as: Wizkid's "Tease Me", Banky W’s "Lagos Party", Omawumi’s "Today Na Today" and Dr SID’s "Something About You". [2] Maja is also a regular guest on television lifestyle shows & radio, where she talks about beauty, fashion and makeup advice while commenting on the latest trends in fashion. [6]

Personal life

Maja met her husband, Tonio Okojevoh, at a cousin's wedding whilst she was still engaged to another; an engagement which didn't work out. She became friends with Tonio and after six years, he proposed, without prior dating. [4] Maja has stated that she and her husband were celibate before they got married, a decision that her husband initiated, as his promise to God. [9] Tonio and Lola got married in 2010; together, they have two children, Tega and Tallulah, born in 2011 and 2013 respectively. [10] She once shared that whilst she was in labour with her first child, listening to "Bumper to Bumper" by Wande Coal helped to ease her labour pains. [11] [2] She has also made it known that she won't be having anymore children. [9]

Filmography

Film and television

YearWorkRoleNotes
2009 The Figurine make-up, hair, special effects, cameo
2012Turning Pointmake-up, hair, special effects
2013 Flower Girl make-up, hair, special effects
Shuga (season 3)make-up, hair
2014 Render to Caesar make-up, special effects
October 1 make-up, hair, special effects
2015Shuga (season 4)make-up, hair
Fifty make-up, hair, special effects
2016The C.E.O.make-up, hair, special effects

Awards and nominations

YearAward ceremonyPrizeResultRef
2015 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards Best Make-up ArtistWon [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Manuel</span> Canadian TV host, Creative Director, make-up artist, and author

Jay Manuel is a Canadian TV host, creative director, make-up artist, and author. He is most recognizable as the creative director on the popular reality television show America's Next Top Model for the first eighteen seasons. Manuel also was featured as the host of Canada's Next Top Model.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genevieve Nnaji</span> Nigerian actress, producer, and director (born 1976)

Genevieve Nnaji is a Nigerian actress, producer, and director. She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, making her the first actor to win the award. In 2011, she was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contributions to Nollywood. Her directorial debut movie, Lionheart, is the first Netflix film from Nigeria and the first Nigerian submission for the Oscars. The movie was disqualified for having most of its dialogue in English. After having spent decades in the movie industry, she was profiled alongside some celebrities and business executives in 2020 in two new books by publisher and Editor in Chief of Yes International! magazine, Azuh Arinze.

Dame Patricia Ann McGrath is a British make-up artist. She has been called the most influential make-up artist in the world by Vogue magazine and other commentators. In 2019 she was included in Time's 100 most influential people list. She is the first make-up artist to be made a Dame Commander of the British Empire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waje</span> Musical artist

Aituaje Iruobe known professionally as Waje, which is the first letter from each word in the phrase "Words Aren't Just Enough," is a Nigerian singer. She first gained recognition after being featured on the remake of P-Square’s "Omoge Mi". Waje was also featured on the duo's 2008 hit track "Do Me". She contributed vocals to Banky W's "Thief My Kele" and M.I's "One Naira". In 2016, Waje was one of the four judges in the inaugural season of The Voice Nigeria. In 2018, on the final season of the Africa Magic telenovela, Battleground, Waje reemerged.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mavin Records</span> Nigerian record label

Mavin Records is a Nigerian music corporation record label founded by record producer and recording artist Don Jazzy on 8 May 2012. The label's inception came to fruition following the closure of Mo' Hits Records, a record label owned by the aforementioned producer and D'banj. The label is home to recording artists such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, Magixx, Boy spyce and Bayanni and Lifesize teddy. It also houses producers such as Jazzy himself, Altims, London, Baby Fresh, and Andre Vibez. In 2014, DJ Big N became the label's official disc jockey. Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Reekado Banks and Iyanya were all formerly signed to the label. On 8 May 2012, the label released its compilation album Solar Plexus. In January 2019, Mavin Records secured a multi-million dollars investment from Kupanda Holdings, a subsidiary of Kupanda Capital and TPG Growth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiwa Savage</span> Nigerian singer (born 1980)

Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has been called the Queen of Afrobeats. Savage sings in English and Yoruba; her music is a blend of afrobeats, R&B, afropop, pop and hip-hop. Savage's contributions to the Nigerian music industry have earned her several achievements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nigeria Entertainment Awards</span> Nigerian Award Ceremony

The Nigerian Entertainment Awards were established in New York City in January 2006. The awards recognize the contributions of African entertainers with a special focus on Nigerians.

The 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was the 8th edition of the ceremony. It was held at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York and hosted by Basketmouth.

The 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards took place on 31 August 2014, at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. The eligibility period was from March 2013 to March 2014. In April 2014, the NEA reviewing committee began collecting submissions for the 2014 edition. The deadline for submission was April 30, 2014, and the nominations were announced on May 29, 2014. Tiwa Savage and Davido received the most nominations with 5 each. Don Jazzy, Flavour N'abania and Wizkid all got four nominations each, while Olamide, Patoranking, Chidinma and Oritse Femi followed closely with three nominations.

The 2010 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was the 5th edition of the ceremony and was held on 18 September 2010. The event took place at BMCC Tribeca Performing Art Center, New York City. Omawumi and Dagrin led the nomination list with 5 and 4 awards respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shizzi</span> Nigerian record producer and DJ

Oluwaseyi Akerele, popularly known as Shizzi, is a Nigerian platinum record producer, disk jockey and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kemi Adetiba</span> Nigerian filmmaker (born 1980)

Kemi Adetiba is a Nigerian filmmaker, television director and music video director, whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Sound City TV, BET and Netflix.

<i>Road to Yesterday</i> (film) 2015 film by Ishaya Bako

Road To Yesterday is a 2015 Nigerian road romantic drama film directed by Ishaya Bako. It stars Genevieve Nnaji and Oris Erhuero in lead roles, with Majid Michel and Chioma 'Chigul' Omeruah in supporting roles. The film, which is co-produced by Genevieve Nnaji, is the actress' first effort as a producer.

Rachel Akosua Funmilola Garton, professionally known as Lola Rae, is a Ghanaian singer. She gained recognition following the release of her debut single "Watch My Ting Go", which received critical acclaim and thus earned her a nomination for the Most Promising Female Act to Watch at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

Kelechi Amadi-Obi is a Nigerian creative photographer, painter, artist and the publisher of Mania Magazine. His work in photography and visual art has earned him international renown featuring in many international exhibitions including Snap Judgment: New Position in contemporary African Photography, International center of photography New York (2006) He has been described as one of Nigeria's groundbreaking celebrity photographers who has "helped put Nigerian photography on the world map.". Vogue calls him "a major force in the creative scene in Nigeria."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandra "Alexandrina" Don-Arthur</span> Ghanaian makeup artist

Sandra Don-Arthur also known as Alexandrina in the showbiz industry is a professional makeup artist and Vlogger from Ghana. She is the founder and C.E.O of Alexiglam Studio, a Ghanaian makeup and beauty company that provides beauty services to women in Ghana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dumebi Iyamah</span> Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer

Dumebi Andrea Iyamah is a Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She is the founder and CEO of the fashion label Andrea Iyamah that caters to bridal, swimwear and ready-to-wear lines. She is known for her take on women's fashion and swimwear, which has been worn by celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, and Issa Rae.

Sir John Barnett, known professionally as Sir John, is a make-up artist, activist, influencer, and executive. He is best known for being a creative collaborator and make-up artist of Beyoncé. Among those he has done make-up work for include Naomi Campbell, Serena Williams, Chrissy Teigen, Priyanka Chopra, Margot Robbie, Zendaya, Naomi Osaka, Mary J Blige, Iman, Celine Dion, Viola Davis, Erykah Badu, Joan Smalls, and Kat Graham. Sir John is a creative director for L'Oreal Paris USA and the Chief creative officer of CTZN Cosmetics.

Ojinika Anne Okpe, also known as Ojy Okpe, is a Nigerian model, film producer and TV anchor on Arise News, who hosts What's Trending with Ojy Okpe and co-anchors the Good Morning Show.

References

  1. ↑ Lykon, Tolu (26 January 2013). "FAB Celebrations: Happy Birthday to phenomenal makeup artist, Lola Maja Okojevoh!". FAB Magazine. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Esho, Wemimo (25 February 2015). "Lola Maja: 5 Things you'll love to know about her". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Chilling With Lola Maja". Genevieve Magazine. 8 July 2015. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 "My husband and I never dated–LOLA MAJA OKOJEVOH". The NATION. 19 April 2015. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  5. ↑ "List Of The 2015 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCAs) Nominees". DStv . StarGist. 13 December 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Lola Maja-Okojevoh Profile". Nolly. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  7. ↑ "Lola Maja-Okojevoh: On Being Nigeria's Special Effects Queen – THISDAYLIVE".
  8. ↑ "Lola Maja-Okojevoh". IMDb .
  9. 1 2 Ndimele, Manuel. "Lola Maja Explains Being Celibate For 6 Years With Hubby". naij.com. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  10. ↑ "Make-up artist and beauty therapist, Lola Maja, welcomes baby girl". *parent company of the website*. *website name*. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  11. ↑ "'How Wande Coal helped me get over labour pain' – Lola Maja". Nigerian Entertainment Today . The NET NG. 15 November 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  12. ↑ "AMVCA2015: Sacred Lola Maja wins Best Make-up Artist". Africa Magic . 9 March 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.