Stalline Kofi: The Confidence Code
Zimbabwe’s underwear model breaking taboos, loving his melanin, and rewriting what African masculinity looks like
Stalline Kofi doesn’t ask for space — he takes it. In a country where seeing an African man in underwear still sparks whispers of “taboo” and “culture,” the Zimbabwean model walks onto set with the calm of someone who already knows the outcome: he belongs there.
We sat down to talk about the cost of confidence, the noise of criticism, and why melanin isn’t a limitation — it’s the selling point. From dodging labels about masculinity to rejecting bleaching, Stalline isn’t just modeling briefs. He’s modeling what it looks like to choose yourself first.
His message is blunt and freeing: “When you’re different, you stop trying to fit in. That’s freedom.” For the next guy watching him, that difference might be permission to start.
Q&A: Underwear Modeling, Confidence & Culture
Q: what keeps you confident and not shy as a underwear model?
A: I believe doing things I like makes me confident. I know I’m a star and a star is always different. Being an underwear model makes me different. When you’re different, you stop trying to fit in. That’s freedom.
Q: What criticism have you received from the public and how have you overcome them?
A: As Africans we have certain cultures we respect and follow. It’s taboo seeing a man in underwear — people jump to “he’s gay” or “he’s disrespecting culture.” That’s the noise. I’ve learned this: be good or be bad, people will talk. What keeps me going is the mirror. When I look at myself, I love what I see. Criticism or not, I still love that man. That’s the whole game.
Q: Who’s shaping your eye for this? Who’s your reference point in underwear modeling?
A: Sergkorneff. His control, his posture, the way he makes simplicity look expensive. He taught me that underwear modeling isn’t about showing skin — it’s about showing presence.
Q: Beyond the photos, what does prep look like? Most people think it’s just gym and good lighting.
A: Discipline, honestly. Sleep, water, knowing your angles, and mental prep. You have to walk onto set already believing you belong there. The camera catches doubt. If you don’t love yourself before the shoot, the audience won’t love you after.
Q: Let’s talk skin. You’ve been vocal about men bleaching to book more commercial work. What’s your take?
A: As an African man I love my skin. Bleaching might look good for a week, but it destroys you long-term. I’ve worked with brands that specifically want melanin skin because it reads real, it reads premium. So it’s not about light or dark — it’s about confidence. Brands buy the energy you bring, not the shade you’re trying to be.
Q: Last one. You said being an underwear model makes you “different.” What do you want that difference to mean for the next guy watching you?
A: That you don’t need permission. If your difference makes people uncomfortable, good. That means you’re doing something new. Own it, refine it, and make them pay attention. The world doesn’t need another copy. It needs you.
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