The Wonderful World Of Male ModelsInterview by Flo’o & H of Èché: Male ModelsMale models are a rare species, often been misunderstood unlike their ever radiating in the spotlight female companions. It’s often a notion that male models are not your average men; but this is not the case we are about to uncover. Owning a male only model agency is a top notch business, as it is not as easy as it seems. Flo’o and I painstakingly arranged meetings after meetings to do an expose on the wonderful world of male models; to give the society an in-depth into the classical world of these modern day Zeuses. We arranged them in three phases to cover the models of yesterday; narrowed it down today’s top male supermodel then we zeroed it down to the hot new faces of now. Nigeria truly is blessed with gorgeous men. A rare one-on-one with the masculine treasures; that make the Lagos modeling agencies, a thriving force of nature in entrepreneurships.…Set 1: Ex-Top Models in NaijaModel: Olatunji Alex OniAgency: Silver Models, DAKOVA, Frank Oshodi…Ex-Model turned Menswear DesignerA rare interview with Tunji Oni, an ex-model turned fashion designer. The first interview in a long time, conducted in a conversation style coined by new faces, Flo’o and H.Flo’o: {after listening to the ex- top model tell us what he has been up to since he stopped modeling} Alright Tunji, let’s get to know you better. When did you start modeling?Tunji: I started modeling at 1990. My first agency was Silver Models run by Alex Osifo. I learnt the trade for a year and a half. My first fashion show was for Jimi King. I was groomed by Andy Ogbechi.H: Why one and a half year?Tunji: I had to learn the trade.Flo’o: How many shows have you done and which one was the biggest inspiration?Tunji: I have done many shows…up to 110 at least.Flo’o: Up to 110. WOW! And inspirations?Tunji: DAKOVA and Frank Oshodi.Flo’o: What’s your style?Tunji: Anything that fits, if I don’t feel good in it, I won’t wear it.Flo’o: Explain why Nigerian male models are still underpaid in the industry in general?Tunji: I guess it’s their unprofessional style. When I was a model, I was in house model for DAKOVA. H e paid me N2000. That was a lot of money then. I also had the choice of making my own cloths free. I was the envy of everybody; because I had to look good, but I was simply been professional. When you are about to hit the runway that should be the only thing on your mind…Flo’o: Compare your time to now…Tunji: Well money wise, they are been paid…but respect wise, I don’t think so. When it comes to professionalism, that’s what’s missing…H: So to be a professional is very important…Tunji: Yes professionalism counts, I’ve worked out of jobs that didn’t feel right…H: How do you stay in shape?

Tunji: I used to play soccer and always kept my body good and in shape. Now I haven’t gone to the gym in a year, but I’m still fit. I had one of the best body in the business, I was only challenged by Otu’s abs…Flo’o: Best Female Model…Tunji: Linda Ikeji; she is disciplined. It will always make her stand out…Quotes: “I’ve been blessed as a model”First freestyle conversation:H: So tell us more about your modeling career?Tunji: I modeled till 2006, before stepping aside to focus on designing…H: You are one of the few model’s to have transited into another career that deals with modeling, the first ones been Modela, Linda Ikeji and Andrew OgbechiTunji {smiles} It’s great! I love been a designer. DAKOVA used to tell me Tunji you’d end up making cloths. My mum even said it. I used to manage DAKOVA’s factory, handle his workers and pay them, I had to limit myself to designers who carved the way…H: And model’s exposing their bodies in the name of fashion…Tunji: Don’t be exposing for exposing sake; always know what you are selling..H: Any regrets so far…Tunji: None at all; as I said: I’ve been blessed as a model…Flo’o: Favorite photo shoot…Tunji: I have had a lot…H: Best fashion photographer…Tunji: Kelechi Amadi Obi…H: Why; no like it’s anything…he seems to be every model’s best right now..Tunji: Yeah; I think it is because he is so in touch with what you want and is weird in a good way…Flo’o: What kind of person are you?Tunji: I am a fun loving person, water drinking, and church going. I take my time to make a decision; I’m like all in one…Flo’o: Favorite place…Tunji: My house and factory…Flo’o: Best movie in 6months..Tunji: The day the world stood still; is the one to come to mind now…I’ve seen a lot.H: So you get inspirations for cloths from films…Tunji: Yes I do….Flo’o: What kind of dresser are you?Tunji: I am a detailed dresser…Flo’o: What do you think about modeling agencies in Nigeria?Tunji: I think they need to do better; many of them are not professionals. An agency needs connection to run smoothly.Flo’o: So how do they go about it?Tunji: Agencies need to be registered. If something happens; who do you take to account. I believe many are not registered.H: What’s your take on a great runway show…what is the ingredient to a successful show?Tunji: The crowd, the cloths and always record it…

Set 2: Present Day Top Male Models in Naija.

Models: Francis Nwodu & Damola AdebowaleAgency: Blackdove.Flo’o: Describe yourself, who are you?Francis Nwodu from Imo State is 20 years old, 6’2 tall, fair and last of five kids, three guys, and two girls. In his words, he describes himself as pretty.H: Do they encourage you?Francis: Yeah, my mom and one brother in particular, my dad…nah{ laughs}Flo’o: Why did you choose modeling?Francis: Actually I didn’t choose it, a friend of mine did. Thisday was my first casting job and my first professional job.Flo’o: What is your chase, in modeling?Francis: To be in Milan. {Gives a hi-five to fellow model: Damola, before continuing} on the runway wearing Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton….Flo’o: When did you start modeling?Francis: I started May 2008.Flo’o: Please do share some secrete that keeps you admirable.Francis: Every morning I do fifty push ups and press ups and then I go play basketball.Flo’o: So you play basketball?Francis: Yes, basketball is it for me, before modeling.Flo’o: Aside basketball, what else do you do?Francis: I sing rock.Flo’o: Do you play any instruments?Francis: I play no instruments. I just sing rock.Flo’o: What’s your most rewarding experience as a model?Francis: My most rewarding experience is Thisday.Flo’o: Who is your mentor?Francis: Tyson BeckfordFlo’o: Do you plan on doing this for a long time?Francis: As long as it takes, until my time fades away?Flo’o: Are you controversial or do you steer clear of it?Francis: I am a little controversial.Flo’o: In what aspect are you controversial?Francis: I rather not talk about that.Flo’o: Who is your hottest female model and why?Francis: Isio Wanogho, because of her eyes and Oluchi because of her height.Flo’o: What do you think of homosexuality as it concerns the modeling world and show biz all together?Francis: Apart from style night, I have had many chases. They are everywhere, it’s not right. It’s crazy.…At this point, Top Super Male Model Damola {Adebowale Iyiola Adedamola, who has been hi-fiving his friend over some questions that they both had similar thoughts on, answers the same question}Damola: It is very crazy, me am always a victim, I don’t understand….I love girls a lot though!Flo’o: So what’s with the hair do?Damola: It’s kind of new every three months, now I am wearing corn rows, Alicia Keys style.Flo’o: When did you start nursing this ambition of been a model?

Damola: I always wanted to be a model, even when I was a kid. My mum is in full support of it.Flo’o: what do you think about our society, people not been in support of modeling, show biz and other vices related to it.Damola: Our society is coming up, this is the millennium, things are moving fast.H: So how did you get to this stage on your frame?Damola: I am not the normal Nigerian model, I’m like foreign.H: Who groomed you both?Both of them: Andy Ogbechi.Damola: The international look is my style. You gast trim and be like Damola. I like my body.H: Six months from now?Damola: I will be in Paris definitely.Francis: I will be in Milan most definitely, for Prada.H: Aside modeling, what other skills you got?Damola: I am an all round man. I love basketball a lot, I used to play and I still play basketball. And musically I am working on my 3rd single.H: What’s your style?Damola: I love pant trousers and slim fitted shirts.Flo’o: would you encourage your brother, sister, or child to do same {modeling}?Francis: I would encourage my son, but I won’t encourage my daughter.Flo’o: What would you like to be remembered for?Francis: It should be my smile….Flo’o: What do you think of modeling agencies in Nigeria?Francis: They are coming up. I only like coming up ones.Flo’o: What’s your ideal modeling agency?Both of them again: Black Dove.Damola: Beth is also good. So is Apple House.Francis: So is McDonamisFlo’o: Who in your view is Nigerian most outstanding male model, not just for the present, but one who will be relevant in ten years from now?Francis: No one in mind.Damola: Andy Ogbechi.Flo’o” Most people say, modeling is a fake business: what is your take on that?Both of them, with H: It is so real, those who say it is fake, have no passion.H: What’s your take on menswear?Francis: I love menswear, it is so stylish…. {They both hi-five again}H: Would you think of yourself as a future designer?Damola & Francis: I am no designer.H: What book are you reading now?Francis: I don’t read books {he answered so quickly, as if it’s a crime} I listen to music. Rock in particular: Avril, Nickelback, the fray and Etcetera.Damola: {quickly jumps in as if his case is better} I am reading New Testament by Grisham…oh excuse me…The Testament, by John Grisham. I also listen to Toba Gold’s “Femi” and “Facebook” and Tuface’s new album.H: Who is you best menswear designer?Both again: Emmy Collins.H: Suit or Blazer?

Francis: Blazer!Damola: Blazer is my style.H: Tie or Scarf?Francis: Bow Tie!Damola: London Slim Tie for me!H: Where is your favorite photo shoot location in the world, if you were to pick a spot?Francis: MiamiDamola: Brazil….or Italy.Flo’o: Where in Italy?Damola: Anywhere, so far say na Italy.H: What’s your ideal car?Francis: Hummer Jeep. No one can take it from me.Damola: White Range Rover Sport…or Infinity.H: Who will be in the front seat with you?Damola: Christina Milian in front, Amina Balogun behind. But my dream date is Bawo Trope.Francis: Alicia Keys and Bawo in front.H: Who is the most seductive female model in Nigeria?Damola: Waribi Matha.Francis: Isio Wanogho.Flo’o: What magazine covers appeals to you?Damola: Ebony, Mode Men…FM&BFrancis: FM&B and VogueH: Your mentors, asides Andy Ogbechi please!Both: Tyson Beckford!H: What’s your ideal advertising package, promo…locally and foreign?Damola: {Locally}Fanta, Zain and Glo. {International} Malta Guinness and Prada.Francis: {Locally} Zain, Coca- Cola and MTN {International} Lipton and PradaH: What’s your style?Damola: Simple and Stylish.Francis: I have the perfect body, the perfect hanger.Both of them: Designers want us because of our body frames.H: If you could be a designer face, who would it be?Francis: Emmy CollinsDamola: MudiH: What’s your best fashion show ever?Francis: Thisday, Style Night, Ibrahimovic, NTFS, Akwaba.Damola: Thisday, Style Night, Mon Ami and SleekH: Who are you wearing now?Francis: Shirt by Police from Milan, my muffler is Versace, my jeans are Prada, my shoes are Nike, Watch is Swatch and my boxer is Calvin.Damola: My shirt is Ed Handy by Christian Autiger, boxer is playboy, belt is D&G, my braids is by Psalms 23, Surulere, shoes is Calvin Klein, jeans is Levi, Watch is Blinkstar, Chain is Chris Aire.H: What’s the worst thing about modeling?Both: Castings, but we always get picked no matter what.H: Any freebies. Best designer give away!

Both: Chris Aire, customized t-shirts, Will G, same….H: How do you feel around your friends that are not models?Damola: You have to define yourself, not been a commoner…Most guys feel intimidated when I am around their girlfriends.Francis: You need swagger….some people think I am too fast.H: As a model scout, I meet guys who think its all about the money….Damola: As a model, passion should come first.Francis: Yeah, it has to be passion first.H: What’s your most daring photo shoot?Damola: The one I was semi naked.Francis: Not planned for though, my pants went down and It was caught on camera. I deleted it…H: Would you be a model in your next life?Damola: Yes, I have a passion for it. I have had from when I was a kid.H: Who challenges you as a model?Damola: Aside Andy, Shawn Bolaji. He inspired me a great deal, when I was about to quit modeling. He challenges me to become a better model; Kewe is another model who inspires me: though he is my son {I call him that}H: What’s your take on nudity?Francis: it’s normal for a model.Damola: As long as they pay.H: Artistically, what would you do about those pictures that are perfect, but make you look like a glorified faggot?Damola: Example!H: Like a designer, puts an apple in front of you and another male models mouth like a kiss, and a female model is far away clothed and looking else where. Bear in mind both male models are naked. Only the apple separates your lips….and the pay is N100, 000,000!Damola: F*** IT! Hell NO! I will not.Francis: For Sure!Flo’o: One Million Dollars!Damola: Ah, $One million…I will do it.H: After modeling, what next?Damola: Event PlanningFrancis: I will probably work in a bank, you know signing paper…H: Very boring….Francis: I’ll just be signing millions….H: Favorite fashion promoter?Francis: Èché is putting on his swag, but Andy got swag!Damola: Èché is trying, but I prefer Andy.Flo’o: Your favorite artiste is….Damola: D’Banj and Tuface are my favorite. Danny Young also.Francis: I like Durella. I love D’BanjH: Who are you listening too now?Francis: I am listening to Mode9, and L’il Wayne feat Babyface.Damola: I am listening to Toba Gold and Tuface.H: You hottest video at the moment?

Francis: I like Durella’s video.Both: Hair braider by R. Kelly is the favorite hottest video now.Damola: Dare’s video.

Set 3: New FacesModel: Flo'oAgency: Èché: Male ModelsI’ve worked with a lot of people, but I have not really been in an agency until August 2008; when I met Èché: Male Models, creative director: H. We met on the streets, as the creative director is also the head model scout and scouts for male models on the streets.I am not just a model, am also a singer, a guitarist and an actor. I've done minor acts in some Nollywood films as well as playing Osagie in “Secret and Scandals” a soap opera on Television, and not too long ago I played a role of a village wrestler in a “Spring Bank Promo”…….But before then; as a musician I had done a track called, “Thank God” in which I featured “Crucifix” as a performer. I have also performed at “The University of Nigeria Nsukka” as well as in a street carnival in the hood “Ikate”; that was in 2006. I also did something with “The Musketeers”, early last year: It's called “Country Talk”. I also did a street fashion show before Christmas, a gift from myself and H: my creative director called “Tali Eniola street Show”...But I still work on myself everyday as a model, singer, actor, guitarist, writer, “yes, am also a writer. I contribute to “FM&B” and am a writer and editor for “The Wazobia Gazette”. With the Gazette as we call it, I and H: I can do everything I love and care about, and still be a complete musician. H’s job as my creative director is to create the flow in which my career goes; he makes sure it aligns with my dream. At his agency, he creates a business for all the models within it and makes sure we become top- super-sexy-distinctive models, while becoming great entrepreneurs in the process. I am “The Wazobia Gazette's “hook editor”. A hook editor is a musical editor. At the gazette, we try to make each page sing to you. In it we promote; our agencies and advertise our models.…Yeah, I own an agency. It’s called Papi’s Angels. I am that kind of person; you could lock up in a house and then, watch me evolve. I am the most focused and disciplined showman I know. I work on my skills as a singer daily and am dangerously committed to my craft. I even coined my own genre. It’s called “Countryrocksoulraggahop. H is my technical adviser, some say he is my manager, He is my creative director and business partner. We both run his agency together. I am the head top model and Agency promoter for Èché: Male Models. I’m in charge of advertising and together with H; we run my own agency, which is strictly for video models. He is its creative director and fashion photographer; the same thing he is now with his own agency. He is the only model scout in Lagos; that I know that shuttles three countries as a male model scout and fashion photographer, and still makes out time to know these models personally. He is a rare and passionate model; a talented Superstar. You need to know him well, to understand him. His complexity will amaze you.

H: Who is Flo'o?Flo'o: Flo'o na pikinH: Identify Papi Flo'oFlo'o: {while stringing his guitar passionately} Oh no, identify Papi…Papi na papa. Flo'o na him rugged and swift.H: What kind of performer are you?

Flo'o: You don come again. Me abi country boy. Anyhow you wan write am, make you do…am in the Country, a country boy from the country side, country performer. Whatever!H: what kind of model are you and why?Flo’o: Am more of a photography model, and that’s because I got strong facial features. But I do run-way, video and whatever there isH: Who is the biggest impact in your life presently?Flo’o: has to be HH: Thank You.Flo’o: You are welcome.H: How do you relax?Flo’o: Well if am not resting, am stringing my guitar, writing down rhymes or just being creative around my workH: Truly, Proudly Nigerian, Why do you choose to do Country Music?Flo'o: Na the country choose me. By Country music you mean Nigeria abi? na Naija choose me, it could have been Canada or anywhere else. but na Naija.H: What’s your style?Flo'o: You know I like to do everything. I like to freestyle. Maybe my style is no holds barred!H: Define Papi Flo'oFlo'o: They started calling me Papa in secondary school…but just before I got into my diploma, they started calling me Flo'o…Since then I just like evolved.H: What's your killing song?Flo'o: You have to give me a reason. Anyway, it depends on whom I am addressing…but it has to be “like my own way”.H: How have you enjoyed modeling since we met?Flo’o: it’s been a rocky good rideH: What is your best style accessory?Flo’o: Most of the accessories I wear are African. I get them from our local market; if you go Yaba you go see plenty. I also get some from Ghana and other African countriesH: As a model; what is the biggest challenge you’ve faced?Flo’o: Am more of a singer than a model, modeling is fun for me.H: Describe your focus and what’s has kept you focus as a model?Flo’o: My focus as a model is the fact that I work out and keep fit regularlyH: Imagination is a creative thing for a curious mind; what things do you like and hate?Flo’o: I hate when people say what they don’t do, but I like to see my sweat and ability give me plenty money. (Plenty plenty dough!)H: Who is your mentor and what makes your mentor stand out?Flo’o: truthfully am my own mentor, it all depends on me.H: Boldness is everything to a male model who wants to become a sought after; what inspires your boldness?Flo’o: The fact that I can do and be my best everyday…small-smallH: What’s the best thing you’ve done as a model?Flo’o: The show we put up for the street right in front of my house…I constructed the run way we (Èché: male models) walked on my self, hood style…that was 19 Dec 2008. H: What’s the worst photo shoot you’ve had as a model?

Flo’o: that should be sometime last year we had gotten some jeans from Yomi Casuals. I and another model went to a photo studio in Surulere (perfect look)...we had some crazy stunts pulling shots…but the pictures came out bad, twos too bright way too bright.H: Where do you get the drive to push yourself, doing all this, writing, modeling, acting and singing? Not to leave out the guitar…Flo’o: it’s just the passion I have for being creative. Am an artistic fellow, Ill do anything I love passionately until I get the best out of itH: Who are your mentors in music, modeling, writing and acting?Flo’o: music...I’ll say I got my foundation in music from being a chorister back in the day that thought me the: a, b, c of it all. I don’t know if I can pin point one individual as being my mentor musically, there are a whole bunch of them from different times. Akon use to inspire me a great deal, then 2face,asa ,nice. Owenu of cause back in the day, Majek, Dube. Even 2pac, 50 and many more even; Nate Dogg and enya, at a time was my greatest source of inspiration, but modeling wise you {H} is the person that pushes me to be the best. Acting for me comes natural; I’ll call myself a natural actorH: Who are your fans?Flo'o: [laughs] I wan know as I go be when Larry King dey interview me. Anyway, my fans na everybody. Every one that loves music will love my style.H: Chimaobimo is Ibo folklore. Why did you do this song?Flo'o: That's because I like my own way, so I went on the Ibo…rization of my own way. You no understand?H: Narrate its origin.Flo'o: It was after the three musketeers did Country talk, I kept the beat alive. So why did it come simple love for the country that's the simple origin!H: Two years from now where do you see Flo'o?Flo'o: On Tours! I will simply be doing tours after accomplishing a lot. I mean World Wide Tours!H: And Papi…Flo'o: Abeg---o, Flo'o is with Papi. What do you mean?H: And To your fans?Papi Flo'o: … (smiles, laughs, strings his guitar} it is so simple, just be the best, they will come looking for you {And fades with a sign out tune}NB: Please visit Fan Base Papi, a facebook group started for people who love the artist known as Papi Flo'o. Join for a free ticket to meet Papi Flo'o at an upcoming event; this valentine.