Humility opens doors of success –Bunmi Ademokoya, Most Outstanding Model

Bunmi Ademokoya can be best described as an international model having won the Best Model of the world in 2007. Penultimate Sunday, she added another feather to her hat. She bagged the Most Outstanding Model of the year 2012. She tells Adaeze Amos in this interview her modelling experiences outside the country and the qualities of a good model.

You were just given the Most Outstanding Model of the year (2012) by Isis Modeling Agency; do you think you deserved this award?

I think I have done much job outside the country in particular. I have represented Nigeria well; I have represented both the agency and the manger of Isis Modeling Agency. I’m based in South Africa and I have been with Isis Modeling Agency, Johannesburg, South Africa since 2007. I think for all my hard work, I was presented with this award and a brand new Chevrolet car.

Apart from modelling, what else are you doing in Johannesburg?

I’m studying Law at the University of South Africa. I’m combining education with modelling. Apart from the fact that I’m doing well as a model, I still believe that education is power. It is good for one to have a back-up plan.

How did your journey into modelling start?

It all started in 2007 when I became the first runner-up in 2007 Nigeria Next Super Model by Isis Modeling Agency. I was 18 years old then. In the same year, I was enrolled in the Best Model of the World and I won. I became the Best Model of the World 2007.

The pageant took place in Istanbul, Turkey. That was the beginning of my journey to stardom. We were over 70 countries that contested. I represented my country Nigeria and I won the diamond studded crown. I made my country proud. I later left Turkey for South Africa because of language barrier and to pursue my university education. I signed into Isis Modeling Agency, Johannesburg in 2007 and I have been with Mrs Joan Okorodudu, the owner of the modeling agency till date.

When you became the best model of the world, what was the prize?

I was given a cash prize of $5,000.

What lapses in modelling would you wish to talk about?

Models are paid little or nothing. It’s a peanut. I have been to casting where models were paid a paltry sum of N30,000. I mean casting for major brands. There is no improvement on this. Since 2007 when I left the country till date, I learnt the same thing still obtains. No improvement. Another major problem confronting the modelling world is that we don’t have an association. It is because of this that makes every skinny girl out there feel and see herself as a model. If there had been an association, there would have been room for screening.

How about the attitude of some models?

That reminds me about those that are not professionals who even think they know it all. I’m an international model, so I know what I’m saying. I’m talking from experience because I have worked in Paris, America, Bulgaria, just name it. Our models should try to be professionals.

How can they be professionals?

They should strive to go to casting on time and not to come late. Take your portfolio along, go with the right clothes which, of course, are leggings and black tank-top so that your casting director can tell your statistics. Avoid butt pad or padded bra to shoot up your boobs. Carry your heels along and the colours of the three shoes you should go with are black, silver and gold because any cloth can blend well in such colours. Also remember to be humble. Humility pays; it opens doors of success.