The Wonderful World of Minotaur

Ten days ago I turned 28. It feels surreal that it’s been ten years since my 18th birthday. As much as I love the concept of ageing, the concept of time still baffles me sometimes. How quickly it passes. Where does it go?

Every other year I felt like I could still pretend adulthood wasn’t real. But something about 28 feels more serious – more permanent.

I decided to do something fun to mark the end of my 27th year – a little Q&A with myself about my favourite things from 27:

Favourite book?

Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi

I really love the way Akwaeke tackles taboo subject matters in such a gripping way. The plot twist in this book was fantastic and even though the ending left me wanting more it was more because I was being greedy than because it ended poorly. She wrapped it up really well. Definitely a book I would recommend to everyone. 

Favourite film?

Blink Twice

The first time I heard about this film, I assumed it was a comedy because Channing Tatum was in it. Then I watched the trailer and realised I was very wrong. Then I watched the actual film and it was so insane and twisted, I wish I could experience it again for the first time. 

Honourable mention is Sinners, which is also one of the best horror films I’ve watched since Jordan Peele’s Us. (Sidenote: I am NOT a horror person but I do enjoy Jordan Peele films)

Favourite TV show?

Rivals 

The British humour got me hooked from the first episode. From the forbidden love to the corporate rivalry, this was an all-round great watch and it made me want to read the book. I’m very excited for the next season. 

Favourite album?

Morayo by Wizkid

Imagine my GOAT not making this list? Morayo was a work of art. The production was phenomenal. It was some of the best writing from Wizkid in a while. Definitely the best Wizkid album in my opinion and shows clear evidence of growth in his career. I wish it was promoted more because the world needs to witness the greatness of this album. My top 5 songs are: Troubled Mind, A Million Blessings, Bad For You, Break Me Down and Apres Miniut (always subject to change). 

Favourite song?

Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish

This is such a feel-good song. Billie Eilish is such a fantastic artist and it’s hard for her to make a song that isn’t good. Something about this one just really stuck with me and I can’t go a week without listening to it. 

Favourite genre?

Amapiano 

This genre has held the top spot for me for almost 3 years now. This past year, it was very nearly pushed out by a resurgence of my love for R&B but it maintained that top spot. Music that never fails to make me happy and dance, even though I can’t. 

Favourite playlist? 

In a trance

Aside from my amapiano playlist, this was probably my most played playlist of 27 because it is an R&B playlist. Perfect for working, relaxing and singing in the shower. 

Favourite restaurant?

Aviary, Finsbury Square 

I had their Sunday roast in January and absolutely loved it. Bonus points because it was a bottomless wine Sunday roast and bonus bonus points because their sticky toffee pudding was divine. 

Favourite food?

Garlic bread 

I always have a food I hyperfixate on for a while and I think garlic bread is the one that kept coming back. Specifically M&S garlic bread but also Nando’s garlic bread. 

Favourite plate?

My friends and I had a brunch in the new year when I got back from Lagos and Tadi kindly decided to cook everything. I still think about that spread. 

Favourite snack? 

Anything Biscoff 

Biscoff biscuits, Haagen Dazs biscoff ice cream, Kit Kat Chunky biscoff, Biscoff ice cream stick. I can’t even explain my Biscoff obsession but it’s just so good!

Favourite drink?

Tropical Vibes fruit punch 

The best mixer but also just a great juice. Perfect amount of sweetness to it. 

Favourite concert/festival?

DLT’s The Recipe 

A festival that has everything included in the price? Sign me up! Unlimited food, drinks, rides AND some of the best R&B acts out right now? A time was had!

Favourite artist I saw live?

Jazmine Sullivan

The headliner at DLT’s The Recipe, Jazmine truly stole the show. I’ve been listening to her for years now and hearing her live was a dream come true. Her live vocals somehow topped the recordings – which I didn’t think was possible. 

Favourite hairstyle?

Boho braids

Whether it was the brown braids I did in summer 2024, or the blonde braids I did in December 2024 and April 2025, it’s such a beautiful hairstyle. High maintenance, but still beautiful. 

Honourable mention is ponytails, but that’s just unmatched. 

Favourite accessory?

Sunglasses!

For some reason I developed a sunglasses addiction this year. Fuelled by Uche Natori, I just kept buying more and more sunglasses, building a collection of stylish shades. Some of my favourites include the Lexxola Carmen and Dezi Afters. 

Favourite outfit?

For me, a last minute outfit means planning it only a day or two in advance. This is partly because I like to have a Tse Oma custom piece to make me stand out. I’m slowly building my collection of Tse Oma customs and I have a lot of favourites but I think this one takes the cake: 

Favourite TikTok I made?

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdkQ4mT2/

There’s not much else that really encompasses me as a person than this video. If you know me, you know my superpower: I can fall asleep anywhere, anytime. No questions asked. So my friends and family found this video particularly hilarious because, That’s So Mino. 

27 had its ups and downs, but looking back at these little joys reminds me how rich life really is when you pay attention. Here’s to more faves in 28!