Encomium
Why did you settle for summer 2014 for your ball?
The Black & White Ball, incorporating the Elegance and Style Awards and parading the spectacular fashion show requires many months of preparations and planning.
For one, it is a high-octane event that parades all the elements of a 7-star ceremony. That means from the invite to venue, guests to programme, even food and drinks must be first class.
Assembling all these ingredients require enormous time, energy and money. So, every year, we give ourselves enough time to stage a fabulous ball everyone talks about for a long time.
Our theme for this year is, “As long as it takes.” As long as it takes to surpass previous editions.
And fortunately for us, we are on course. We have on our side already Intercontinental Distillers Ltd., manufacturers of world class drinks. They were our partners last year, and those who attended the wondrous event remember with fondness how they enjoyed the products of IDL.
We are lucky to have as friends kind people and organizations who bend backward to lighten our burdens. And every year, they line by our side, and ensure that our guests – stars of movies and music, television and comedy, uncommon entrepreneurs, serious professionals and focused politicos –have a heart-thumping experience.
With what’s on ground, to achieve our objectives, we will be ready for you in summer.
In addition, we are very considerate and realistic. The months of June and July are very busy for our Moslem brothers and football fans.
From June 28/29, the month long Ramadan fast begins. And those who practice the religion of peace and obey the Will of Allah will be engaged in undertaking one of the most important pillars of their faith.
For football plaudits and lovers, the World Cup will kick off in Brazil on June 12 and end July 13.
Serious people who have any modicum of respect should not compete with these events.
When will I receive my invite?
For those we are honoured to have on our guest list, the stars of movies and music, television and comedy, entrepreneurs, professionals and politicos, they will have ample time to prepare for the most glamorous ball in Africa!
Apart from getting notifications via text, the invite will get on their table at least four to three weeks before the event.
So, if you are on our guest list, your elegant card will be delivered three weeks before the ball.
If not, you have to send a text message to 08055002034. But you have to be chic and glamorous to qualify for an invite (which comes at a token).
Your hype for the ball appears exaggerated!
Those who know us at ENCOMIUM, the magazine and events company, appreciate that we never fib, tell tall tales or exaggerate. We always deliver on our promises.
And hundreds who have attended any of our events have come to the conclusion that we colour the social calendar crimson and cheerful. From our gig to groove and ball, our primary objective is to pamper all to bliss and excitement.
The pleasure quotients of our events are unmatchable. From the venue to décor, food and drinks to entertainment content.
When we say it is an extravaganza, we mean it. We have pictures and videos, testimonials and journals to prove that we never exaggerate.
From 2009 when the ball was introduced till now, we have flown northwards.
The Black & White Ball, incorporating the Elegance and Style Awards and parading the spectacular fashion show is a roller-coaster ceremony with joyous and dramatic twists and turns…
When will you take the ball out of Lagos?
Lagos is the hub of entertainment and commerce with a large concentration of the most engaging and colourful characters in this land of the blessed and favoured. Staging a show in Lagos presents less logistic nightmares in terms of attracting A-listers.
What’s more, it is a beautiful city being upgraded by the cerebral and adorable governor of the good people of Lagos (Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN).
Again, our venue is planted in New Lagos where the well-heeled and privileged congregate. With expansive roads and more beautiful structures, it is a befitting venue for our ball.
The gem of New Lagos, the venue, parades two marquees on expansive acres of land.
For now, Lagos is the first choice for any serious event that has A-listers as guests.
In future, when we have enormous resources to move our guests around, we will consider other states.
Can I wear a regular black suit?
The dress code is explicit: ‘black tie!’ Black tie means very formal, and in the lexicon of style, that is a tuxedo.
Gleaming black tuxedo paired with white crisp shirt, black tie, waist coat or cummerbund, braces or suspenders, black socks and patent black leather shoes.
For those who prefer traditional garbs, it must be ceremonial. Full agbada or babanriga. Or the most regal ensemble of your ethnic group reserved for formal functions.
Anything else is bending the rules.
But if you don’t have access to the choice listed, a black suit will pass.
What does formal mean?
Formal means attires reserved for the most special occasions. And in this case, emphasis is on ‘black tie’ (as explained above).
Can’t ladies be allowed to do other colours (like at the Oscars)?
The event is themed. It is called The Black & White Ball. So, all the attires are monochrome (black and white).
But ladies can do all black, all-white or black and white.
Gentlemen who choose traditional ensemble can also pick white, black or black and white.
What kind of support do you need?
To stage an enjoyable event, we need a lot of support –in cash, products, expertise and just warm wishes.
Those who run organizations can co-sponsor and promote their products on our platform.
And many can key into our branded table of ten guests (planted in the hub of the ball).
Companies with products (as consumables or gift items for our guests) can also support in many ways.
And those with expertise that can elevate the ball are also invited to join us.
Others, the charitable and kind hearted, can put us in their prayers and thoughts, and send warm wishes our way.
For details of sponsorship and branded tables, kindly call or text 08055002034, or send a mail to[email protected].
I am a caterer, how can I be part of your ball?
For this year’s event, we already have Osho’s Celebrations, Bissy Cat, Hot Pot, Mark’z Catering Services, 12 Baskets, RL Desserts, Labash, Phoebe’s and Bonix.
We have worked with them for many years, and their support and services thrill us to no end.
Last year, they assembled a 7-course menu which many cannot get over. And for 2014, we have stepped up to 8-course dinner, and all the drinks under the sky. Taking an extra caterer now for a thousand guests is not practical.
But we thank you, and look forward to collaborating in future.
Who’s performing that day?
Our entertainment content is pleasure and fun on parade. We have the king adored by all, DJ Jimmy Jatt. That’s Africa’s best, on our side.
There will be a band, led by one of the leading musicians this side of the Sahara.
Our list of comedians is awe inspiring.
Don’t forget that we also have the awards and the fashion show.
It is an extravaganza!
You are talking about 8-course dinner. Is that possible?
Very possible! Last year, we experimented with a 7-course dinner, and it was heart-warming.
All through the evening, there was something to eat and drink. Good and sumptuous food and abundant drinks.
This year will be even better. We learn and improve all the time.
So, keep your fingers crossed, it is achievable.
I am a designer, can I participate in your fashion show?
If you are a serious and creative designer who can work under pressure, you can participate in the spectacular fashion show.
Kindly contact Foluso Samuel on 08055019960.
