I Have over time, interviewed some of the finest celebs, major names in the fashion & style industry and even top models but this interview is one that i won't forget in a hurry...the simplicity, the down-to-earth nature and the straight-from-the-heart responses simply blew me away...
Meet USMAN OJIABARA...
What is your origin? I'm Nigerian-American. Both my parents were born in Nigeria. I was born in the United States but I'm full blooded Nigerian.
Which agency do you belong to? Perspective Artist Management
When did you start modelling? I started modeling about two years ago
Were you inspired by any particular models? Tyson Beckford, Tyson Ballou, Chris Collins, Gabriel Aubry and many more.
Do you think African models have the opportunity to succeed internationally? Yes. We live in a vast world where things are constantly changing and in turn that opens the door for many different types of models not just African.
What else do you do aside modelling? I am an actor as well as a model.
Do you have any other ambitions? Aside from my acting/modeling I yearn to do a lot philanthropic work. I help people less fortunate than myself. I want to be one of those people who doesn't talk about change but one actually goes out there and make a difference.
What have been some of the challenges for you? One challenge has been finding the "right" people to represent me. It takes more than just a name to make a star. There has to be trust and communication. I'm just happy now that I have the right people in my corner now.
What’s the fiercest or wildest photo shoot or job you ever did? Well I just did a shoot/video with my new management and it's such a different view of how I am took the public eye on a regular. I know people are gonna love it. Stay tuned.
Who is your favourite photographer? Jerris Madison (www.jerrismadison.com) because he truly saw in me what I could not even see in myself.
What's a routine day for you like? I wake up early to make my salat (prayer), check my emails for castings/auditions/go-sees/
What’s your workout session like? Intense in the beginning but easier toward the end depending on if its legs, chest, back or arms. My personal trainer, Lawrence West, really keeps me on my toes.
Any special diets or habits to stay in shape? I eat a balanced meal at least 3 times a day because I need to get my proteins, calcium, fiber, iron and all other nutrients needed to help me maintain a healthy body.
What’s your favourite African food? Obe din din. I can eat that soup with anything.
What do you hope to achieve with your career? I hope to be considered one of the best in acting and modeling. I want an Oscar, Golden Globe and many other prestigious awards. I want to work with some of the greatest designers to walk this earth. I just want to remembered at the end as 'Usman the true example of overachiever'.
Favourite designers: Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Salvatore Ferragamo, Armani, Tom Ford
Trendiest fashion tip: Trends change so my best tip is to always have on what makes you comfortable and confident. Everything else will work itself out.
Suits or African wear: Both. I love to wear suits but I love my African attire as well.
Boxers Shorts or briefs: boxer briefs
Cufflinks or buttons: Both
Tie/ no tie: Both because I can pull both look off
Leather watch or metallic watch: It depends on what I have on
Shoes or sandals: Shoes for sure
Roll-on deodorant or spray: Roll on. Preferably the gel kind.
Razor or shaving machine: Shaving machine because I have sensitive skin and razor are no good
Tattoo or piercing: none
Skinny jeans or baggy: Neither. I'm more like that happy medium with my fitted jeans
African beads or chains: Neither. I tend to keep it simple
Favourite colour of cloths: Blue
Favourite perfume: Diesel Fuel for Life
Meet USMAN OJIABARA...
Which agency do you belong to? Perspective Artist Management
When did you start modelling? I started modeling about two years ago
Were you inspired by any particular models? Tyson Beckford, Tyson Ballou, Chris Collins, Gabriel Aubry and many more.
Do you think African models have the opportunity to succeed internationally? Yes. We live in a vast world where things are constantly changing and in turn that opens the door for many different types of models not just African.
What else do you do aside modelling? I am an actor as well as a model.
Do you have any other ambitions? Aside from my acting/modeling I yearn to do a lot philanthropic work. I help people less fortunate than myself. I want to be one of those people who doesn't talk about change but one actually goes out there and make a difference.
What have been some of the challenges for you? One challenge has been finding the "right" people to represent me. It takes more than just a name to make a star. There has to be trust and communication. I'm just happy now that I have the right people in my corner now.
What’s the fiercest or wildest photo shoot or job you ever did? Well I just did a shoot/video with my new management and it's such a different view of how I am took the public eye on a regular. I know people are gonna love it. Stay tuned.
Who is your favourite photographer? Jerris Madison (www.jerrismadison.com) because he truly saw in me what I could not even see in myself.
What's a routine day for you like? I wake up early to make my salat (prayer), check my emails for castings/auditions/go-sees/
What’s your workout session like? Intense in the beginning but easier toward the end depending on if its legs, chest, back or arms. My personal trainer, Lawrence West, really keeps me on my toes.
Any special diets or habits to stay in shape? I eat a balanced meal at least 3 times a day because I need to get my proteins, calcium, fiber, iron and all other nutrients needed to help me maintain a healthy body.
What’s your favourite African food? Obe din din. I can eat that soup with anything.
What do you hope to achieve with your career? I hope to be considered one of the best in acting and modeling. I want an Oscar, Golden Globe and many other prestigious awards. I want to work with some of the greatest designers to walk this earth. I just want to remembered at the end as 'Usman the true example of overachiever'.
Favourite designers: Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Salvatore Ferragamo, Armani, Tom Ford
Trendiest fashion tip: Trends change so my best tip is to always have on what makes you comfortable and confident. Everything else will work itself out.
Suits or African wear: Both. I love to wear suits but I love my African attire as well.
Boxers Shorts or briefs: boxer briefs
Cufflinks or buttons: Both
Tie/ no tie: Both because I can pull both look off
Leather watch or metallic watch: It depends on what I have on
Shoes or sandals: Shoes for sure
Roll-on deodorant or spray: Roll on. Preferably the gel kind.
Razor or shaving machine: Shaving machine because I have sensitive skin and razor are no good
Tattoo or piercing: none
Skinny jeans or baggy: Neither. I'm more like that happy medium with my fitted jeans
African beads or chains: Neither. I tend to keep it simple
Favourite colour of cloths: Blue
Favourite perfume: Diesel Fuel for Life
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