Never give up keep pushing,is the message that we were told by fitness model,Buntu Ndevu from South Africa. In an interview with Buntu he provided an insight on how his journey as a fitness model began . Buntu also tells us what it meant for him to work with Mzansi’s designer,Piliso on the collection African Oxygen.
Q:Hi Buntu can you tell us who you are ?
A: I am Buntu Ndevu, 31 years old very passionate with fitness and Modeling.
Q:What came first modeling or body building?
A: I have always been actively involved in sports from a young age.
I remember my first time at the gym, I was about 11 years old. And I would always be chased out of the weight lifting section.
The Fitnes instructors would tell me I will only be allowed once I turn 15.
I then had to lie and say I’m 15
That’s how much I love fitness.
Q:What are the advantages of being a body builder and at the same time a model ?
A: There are way more opportunities when combining the two together.
I never thought of myself as a model until I stepped out of my comfort zone.
Modelling changed my mentality, it made me to challenge myself and learn to work with people.
Bodybuilding on the other side is more of an individual sport. But with modelling one learns to balance and work with people and meet new people and that is the only way to grow as a person.
Q:In your journey as a model you contested in becoming SA’s Brand Ambassador Body Builder SA.What dis you learnt about yourself during competition?
A: I recently entered as an contestant for an SA brand pageant. The reason for entering was to challenge myself as well as to use it as a platform for inspire, motivate and possibly change peoples minds. I believe once you change the way you think you become a better version of yourself.
Q:What is your view of Africa’s modeling sector?
A:I am happy that modelling is growing, we need more men to challenge themselves. I was also one of those men who think male models are less masculine.
Q:You are among models who had an opportunity to work with Piliso and to wear his collection,African Oxygen?
A: Yes, and what’s funny is that I was never chosen I actually asked for a spot to be squeezed as one of the models.
As I always do, I challenge myself. Wearing high quality, tailored designer clothing has always been a dream. Its even more breathtaking when its a local brand.
Q:Which brands are you eyeing to work with?
A:let’s keep that as a surprise.
Q:Gym has been part of your life how many times a week do you work out?
A: I workout almost every day. Ranging from once or twice a day.
Training is so much like an addiction I sometimes force myself to rest and it feels crazy.
Q:Who is your Inspiration?
A:Its hard to say because I have always been inspired by hardworking individuals. Being surrounded my hardworking people pushes me to work even harder.
WORLD OF FASHION & MODELLING 