From catwalking at the ramp to the acting stage.South African model has been trending on social media for his editorial modelling as his pictures as photogenic,commerical and runway model are being liked by many.In an interview with Terrence Maphumulo he provides an adventure about his biography in the Modelling industry in addition,we learn more about his other talent in the arts industry (acting).And how he has managed to work close with some prominent people in the world of fashion .
Q:Has the industry been welcoming to you ?
A:The industry has been more than welcoming to me , because from the start of my career until now . All that I have been meeting in the industry are helpful, talented people . People that I share a lot of similarities and I definitely want to see my self grow and collaborate with as we share our crafts. In that regards I will say ,yes the industry has positively been welcoming.
Q:Which brands are you aiming to work with in the fashion industry ?
A:Thebe Magugu a renowned International fashion designer (The brand recently dropped something at the Vogue recently) ;Rich Mnisi another talented SA designer;Laduma Maxhosa I am sure every single model would love to work with Maxhosa’s brand.
These three brands are part of our best South African designers . In terms of commercial brands I am open to work with any brands.
Q:Who has been supporting your journey in the modelling sector and how have they been doing so?A:I would like to thank my mother, who has been there on my side since the first day I emerged in the industry . MY mother has been there when I am having difficulties,she has been my ear when I needed advise on what steps to take next . Also starting model at an early stage, I started when I was dependent on her to get me through financial and emotional ,to help me see me grow.
Q:Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A:A renowned actor, shooting block bluster movies.I see myself as one of the greatest actors in Africa to look out for .
Q:Take us to your journey in the industry?
A:My journey started in 2011,in Campus when I entered a pageant and I emerged victorious. And then I got an opportunity to be scouted a model scout who was judging the pageant recruited me to shoot at their studio and signed me at the agency . Although it wasn’t as easy when I started off,as I started to be booked big campaigns in 2016 .
Q:What is one misconception that had been labelled over male models and the modelling industry ?
A:One main misconception labelled against male models is that in order for you to get books or more bookings ,you have to be overly friendly with designers,clients or curators etc. Which through experience ,I learnt that it was false. You are just required to be professional, be on time when needed and do your job to your best. This will be forever easy for you to get your next booking. The misconception has been around however it doesn’t happen that way .
Q:We celebrated Africa Month last month ,how are you celebrating Africa day ?
A:I celebrated Africa day by dedicating much of my time ,in learning and expanding my knowledge on other African tribe’s about their roots . This is what I try by all means to only mingle but to have conversations with my fellow African brothers ,who are in here to know more about their culture roots . For I have my brothers from Zimbabwe to Congo etc .
Q:Which African tribe’s roots are you planning to learn about their culture?
A:Nigerian (Igbo tribe) I am fascinated by the difference tribe’s they have which is more similar as in South Africa. I discovered that they have different tribe’s within the nations just like us and they have so many language. I hope to learn their language fluent at sometime.
Q:What are you two rules before you stand behind the camera?
A:First rule is grooming, I must make sure I am well groomed ,a day or two days I must make sure I am well groomed.I understand my inter versatile, I have to be on point all the time
2:I should take my job serious but not myself. modelling is very close to acting.
If a client tells me to embody the body of a 16 year old I should , which means I take my job seriously
Last year the winner of the pageant was Jo dey Alabi from Abuja who became the second Abuja male model to win the title,since the the pageant was established .He took over from Emmanuel Umoh, who made history as he became the first Mister Ideal Nigeria to win the Mister Africa International title.Other Kings who have won the title since, the pageant was introduced are:-Prince Ehirim
Mr Ideal Nigeria is a prominent pageant in the West Africa,some regard the pageant as one of the continent ‘s biggest male pageant.The winner of the pageant is given an opportunity to represent,Nigeria in international pageants these being,Mister Africa International and Mr Universal Ambassador.While runner ups respectively ,participate at Mr Tourism World and Man of The Year pageant.
Modelling Sector:pageantry,commercial, editorial,photogenic,fitness,fashion and promotional .
Knowing who you are, your roots it’s one of the most important things especially in the African society.Inspired by the first African tribe’s that dwelled in Zimbabwe,the paintings and other archaeology evidence.Zimbabwean model Simon Peter Tenga teamed up with a term to create a project which highlights the roots of Africans in other words they are telling African story using the modelling platform .
On the 25th of May,the African continent which holds more than 52 nations and whose residents are across the globe,celebrated Africa day .Africa day celebrations were marked by, people cooking African delish dishes, wearing of African prints. In an exclusive interview with Ayotunde Twitch the co-founder of Mister Africa International he shares with us, how the modelling industry has evolved in Africa and in addition, he shares with us on how he marked his celebrations of his African roots.
WORLD OF FASHION & MODELLING 