AFTV MAGZINE CHAT WITH IVORIAN MODEL ROLAND CEDRIC ABOUT MODELING AND HIS FUTURE PLANS AS A MODEL.

 Exclusive Interview with Ivorian model 


Cote d'Ivoire popularly known as Ivory Coast is one of the most richest countries when it comes to the modelling industry in Africa.
With its location being in the West part of Africa its been difficult for ,Ivory Coast model's talent to be noticed by international modelling agencies and fashion show organises as they have to compete with big names from countries such as Nigeria and Ghana.
Roland Cedric(RC) who are Ivory Coast model caught up with Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) a journalist and reveled what policies can be made by the Cote d'Ivoire government to help Ivorian models to be in the international level of the industry.

TR:Can you introduce yourself to the readers?
RC:I 'm Roland Cédric from Côte d'Ivoire and i live in Abidjan. I study civil engineering. I'm also a model and i'm 1. 96 m

TR:Briefly how did you break into the industry?
RC:I will say that it's by being hardworking and through the advices of people around me that i made a success in modelling.

TR:Is modelling industry in Ivory Coast tough and why?
RC: It's not really difficult but there are some criteria to fulfil such as having the appropriate outline and working hard. The only problem is about recovery because the incomes are not sizeable when considering the efforts made.

TR:With Ivory Coast modelling industry what polices do you think should be implied to improve the industry ?
RC: According to me, the participants of ivorian fashion should try to imitate other African and western countries by adding something new according to our culture.

TR:What are your main objectives as a model?
RC: As a model, my principal goal is to show my talent around the world and be the pride of my country and particularly Africa.

TR:Ivory Coast is situated near countries such as Ghana and Nigeria who are well known for having well established modelling industry.How is the competition between the countries stated above with your country's industry?
RC: Ghana and Nigeria su

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GHANAIAN TOP MODEL LEO KWO.

Is it fair for African designers not to go with their own models inEurope when exhibiting their brands but when when western designersare to showcase in Africa they bring their own models? This is one ofthe questions asked by Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) to award winning Ghanaian model Leo Kwao(LK),who also explains how the government in Ghana is keen in workingto empower models.

TR: Leopold Kwao what defines you?
LK: Believing in oneself and perseverance to know that all is
achievable, by this theory definition I move by the slogan. BELIEVE!

TR:You are a Ghanaian model what does it mean being a model in Africa?
LK:Being a model in Africa makes me feel very privileged to be part of
an era where models blend theoretical knowledge with technical and
serve as big time inspiration to most people not only in the fashion
industry.

TR: How has the Government of your own?
LK:The government of Ghana is putting initiatives in place to help
promote made in Ghana patronage of made in Ghana goods.

TR: Being a Brand Ambassador of Bushaiweave and also having worked
with a number of fashion houses such as award winning designer
Abrantie the Gentleman, Figs Fashion. Working with reowned award
winning houses as a model what have you benefited?
LK:As an brand ambassador of one of the top fashion brands in Ghana,
Bushaiweave and working with quite a number fashion houses such as
Abrantie The gentleman, Kustomlooksgh, Niposkin, Visibleproof,
Figsfashion, Kwku.K etc. has given me a lot of experiences and made me
understand that the ability to do something for the community that has
brought about cooperation amongst people to speak a language by
showcasing creativity and expressions in wearable forms.
Passion simply is the key to thrive.





TR: In 2017 you won an award as Male model award can you briefly tell
us more about it?
LK:This award was from the category of the most influential Male model
of the year at the 2017 edition of the Universal Merchant Bank Ghana
Tertiary awards. The UMB Tertiary awards was a scheme that was made to
not only award but encourage the young individuals to continue pushing
their efforts in the industry. Here models presented series of proof
of being models and some community services they have embarked on.

TR: What’s your take that African designers don't usually go with
their models when attending international shows in Europe but when it
comes to Europeans when showcasing their designs in African shows they
usually bring their own models?
LK:Traveling globally to confidently rock and exhibit the flying
colours of Africa in fashion I believe has always been the dream of
every model. There should be encouragement of the government to
support models and designers who are lifting the continent high.

TR: Can you highlight some fashion runways that you have walked in their ramp?
LK:It’s been awesome to look back to realize it been only a year I’ve
rocked on these platforms.
Mercedes Benz African Fashion Festival Ghana
Mens fashion week Nigeria
Glitz Africa fashion week
Accra mens fashion week
Accra fashion week
Neskael Corporate Fashion Show ….just to mention a few etc.

TR: Have you ever been approached by an international modelling agency
or regional agencys to join their families if yes which are they and
are you planning to join them?
LK:Though Passion Exhibit Modeling Agency is my mother agency. Yes I
have been approached by a number of Agencies such as Joran Model
Management in Rwanda etc.

TR: Your inspiration in the modelling industry?
LK:My inspiration comes from the lives others present and past have
touched through legacy’s they left in their fields of endeavors. As
human, your ability to lives a selfless and impactful life.

By Tapiwa

EXCLUSIVE:AWARD WINING ZIMBABWEAN DESIGNER ABIOT CHAT ALL THINGS FASHION WITH TAPIWANASHE.

Tapiwanashe Jor: Well known as the Nandi Fashion nowNandi founded by award winning  Zimbabwean designer Abiot(NI)father oftwo children.Last year he managed to travel across the African continent showcasinghis collections which has inspired a number of upcoming designers tolove their African culture.  Journalist Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) caughtup with Abiot and finds out what his 2018 Plans are.....

TR:When it comes in working  with the African prints in your designs
you are one of the best in Zimbabwe to bring incredible  collections
has the African designs became an impact in your brand?
NI:Felt like I'm an African and i have to stay connected to that and
give my fellow african something they call theirs or say ours

TR:Take us to the establishment of your brand?
NI: It's a very long walk full of ups and down  but through hard
working determination and help from family i have managed to be here
now.

TR:What type of designs does Nandi Fashion does?
NI: Nandi fashions now called Nandi  do specialise in African and bridal.

TR:2017 was a great year for you as your brand ,you were  recognised
during the Fashion Design Expo in Bulawayo as the Best Designer and
during Zimbabwe Models Awards also .Can you state for us the
collection that you showcased and its inspiration
NI: During Fashion design Expo I show cased A Black and African
mixture of shirts and kimonos both long and short with hoods and
didn't have hoods
I was inspired by the fabrics i used on that collection both print and
plain are african made

_I'm an African and i have to stay connected to that_Abiot

TR: During the fashion design Expo this year are you going to showcase
your designs?
NI: Ohh yes cant wait.

TR:The ZMA honoured you with an award also and you have been working
with several models as a brand who are some models whom you have been
working with?
NI: have worked with lot of models and feel honoured for that
I have work with :Rumbi C Cutness,Elisha,Sheunesu ,Tanny
Malcolm,Trevor and a lot more i have a team of models called 'Nandi'.
In 2017 i have all so managed to design and dress the movie actors of
Maroro.

_I have a good relationship with the models I have worked with so far_ Abiot

TR:Besides the models you have worked with, are there any  others you
would like to work with ?
NI: There are many I would like to work with.

TR:Speaking about models can you describe the relationship that you
have with Zimbabwe models and what challenges that you face in
selecting models to represent your brand?
NI: I can say I have a good relationship with the models I have worked
with so far and the challenges are when you are given new models to
work with and teaching them how you want things done your way.

TR:Abiot,The Nandi Designs have been showcasing their designs across
the region in 2017,in countries such as Malawi and Zambia who are rich
in terms of African materials.In your 2018 collections are you
planning to import any fabrics from Zambia and Malawi to use them for
your collection?
NI: Yes that is a big yes.

_Challenges are when you are given new models to work with and
teaching them how you want things done your way._Abiot

TR:There are lessons that you learnt from your journey in those
countries are we going to see u applying them in your work.
NI:I learnt a lot there and I am planning to apply it in my 2018 work.

TR:When should we expect your 2018 collection
NI:By the month of August.