Obasanjo’s Internet – Anike Flexx

Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide? Can you imagine all the different ways in which we all use the internet? Obasanjo’s Internet is our interview series where we speak to some of our internet favourites on how they relate to the internet and what it means to them and their work. This week, Creative Director, Anike Flexx, talks to us about how she uses Obasanjo’s Internet. 

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

On days that I don’t forget, I pray and then on most days I go straight to my phone, check my social answer messages, then I do some skipping and then I start my day.

How do you use the internet for work or pleasure?

For both, I guess. Yeah, because my work requires a heavy amount of research and the internet is like my primary source. But once it comes to pleasure and I enter Tikok. 

What moment or episode in your life would you say captured the essence of the internet?

To be honest, there’s so many moments. I would say my life my whole life. But the most recent will be 2022 I guess because that was when I started to work professionally as a creative director. And so I somehow started to explore the depths of the internet and research and properly translate my ideas into decks and presentations and stuff like that. So I mean, since then it hasn’t stopped.

Your favourite social media platform and why? 

It has to be TikTok? That’s the only correct answer. Because TikTok is just, it’s just easy, it’s just TikTok, you know. You can use it for anything entertainment, to educate yourself. I’d like to say Twitter but Twitter is intense.

Do you remember the first time something you posted went viral? What was it? How did it make you feel?

You really rate me o. Viral is a big word. I don’t think anything I’ve done has gone viral per se, but I’ll say I’ve gotten a bit of traction on some stuff. The most recent one was the tweet I made about handling the creative direction for Minz’s debut album, and I’ll say it felt good because, you know, it feels good to be appreciated for hard work, I guess.

What’s the most outrage you have ever generated over something you posted? How did you react to it?

I don’t think I give enough on the internet for outrage, to be honest. Make everybody hide their craze.

What rules do you live by on the internet?

Actually, I tweeted something today. I said, “The internet is not a real place and it’s not real life” and I think people take it too seriously, you know. I see it as a tool and a means to some end. I don’t really take the internet too seriously and I don’t give too much on there as well.

What is your guiltiest online pleasure?

There’s a guy on TikTok who makes signposts for literally anything and I sleep on that guy’s page. And then pimple popping videos as well. There’s one more, but this one is a recent one – removing ingrown hairs. I started to do that in real life for somebody and then I found out that there’s a whole section for it on TikTok. So I sleep there.

Would you say you have an online persona?

I would say yes. It’s a quiet and private one because, like I said, I don’t give too much of myself on the internet. I prioritize my privacy over many other things.
What’s your favourite emoji and why?

So the red kissing lips because I pout a lot and I believe it’s a reflection of me in some way.

And then the girl behind the laptop as well because I’m always locked in.

Are you particular about your feed?

To be honest, no. Take me as I am o. I’ve actually considered remodelling my Instagram but I don’t know, I guess we’ll see.

Youtube or TikTok? Which do you prefer and why?

That one is tough o. That’s unfair. For work YouTube, for leisure, Tiktok cause it’s easy. But overall, TikTok wins. 

Which Nigerian creator do you think the world needs to see and hear more of?

Wow. Imagine me not saying me. Anike Flexx please. 

Who is the coolest person you follow and the coolest person who follows you?

I’ll say two people who follow me; TG Omori and Tay Iwar. The coolest person I follow? There’s this babe, Peggy Gu. 

What is your favourite Nigerian podcast?

I don’t really listen to podcasts but whenever I listen, it has to be I Said What I Said – the only correct answer. I think that’s the only podcast in my Spotify library right now.

Have you ever hooked up with someone you met online?

No and no. Thanks. 

5 people you’d love to see answer these questions

Mo of Mo Studio, Joel, Ngozieme, Prince Akpa, SBB.

Read previous Obasanjo’s Internet entries here