After a decade and half, Africa’s Next Super Model competition has become a reference point having changed the face of the industry with Okorodudu’s creative ingenuity and entrepreneurial acumen. Okorodudu, a change agent, told Sunday Sun recently, in an interview that scouting for raw modeling talents from the remotest places in Africa and refining them to compete with super models on the global stage is her desire.
What was on your mind when you started Isis modeling agency?
I travelled with Lexy Mojo Eyes who had invited me for the Ford Model contest in New York. I was already planning to come to New York. So, I flew down and after the Ford Model contest, I told myself that I can do this. I can relate to that because even in the university, I was always trying to do fashion. When I returned to Nigeria after graduation, I took part in Miss Nigeria beauty pageant where I was the first runner up. That was how my love for modeling was birthed. Upon my return from the event in New York, I decided to do a modeling contest. That was during the ASUU strike in 2007. I had also launched a fashion outfit, House of Jola. While at that, I approached a bank for support, but the woman who was in charge told me that my choice of name, Nigeria’s Next Super Model, wouldn’t fly except the American version. As such, they couldn’t support it. I wasn’t disappointed; instead I was determined to prove her wrong. We have transcended into Africa’s Next Super Model contest.
What drives your passion?
I do not want to sound immodest, but I can safely say that this show has become Africa’s most prestigious modeling competition. It is a passion matched with hard work and tenacity of purpose. My goal is to take Africa to the world stage. I will harness raw talents from the remotest areas and give them a lifeline to compete with the world’s super models. I want to make impact on the lives of young African men and women. I want to be a change agent, turning nothing to something. I am glad watching my models flourish in their natural talents.
Most times, great looking models in Africa have been discovered in refugee camps. Is there any particular reason?
Yes, great looking models have been discovered in refugee camps. On the 18th of this month, I will go to Kakuma refugee camp with the chief executive of Select Global Model. There are many young men and women out of refugee camp doing very good. They are changing the lives of their families, taking them out from the refugee camp. I have models who have done some of the most amazing shows and campaigns in Europe. Imade Ogbe, the model in Nigeria’s Next Super Model 2011 got a car and is still working up till now. She is doing well in New York, and then, of course, has transformed her family. Recently, I booked her for Victoria Secret with Isis Models. It is not just refugee camps. I also have Omolola who was first runner up to Ibukun. Ngozi Anene, Victoria Daropale, both are booked for Prada directly. Omowunmi Shodeko also closed a Louis Vuitton deal last season. One of our major feats is taking a young Nigerian girl, Ngozi Arimoku, from the street of Sapele and having her modeling in London.There are many Nigerian girls doing so well. There are two other Nigerian girls who came to five in Africa’s Next Super Model in Rwanda. Nigerian boys and girls are really doing well in the industry. My pride is that my booker today has the largest number of male models and when it comes to campaign, they are doing well. Aisha Bello who won the 2009 edition is doing great too. I am proud that I am the prodigy of some of these models. I have actually been able to change the lives of a lot of people. I can’t count the number of top stars in Nigeria who came out from Isis Models. I have the largest number of models. You will find some of the best models out there.
What were the challenges you encountered in the early days and how did you surmount them?
It was basically because people do not understand what modeling is all about. It was so difficult to get my story out then, but when the social media came, the young boys and girls were on Instagram. People began to see my work. We have the largest number of African working models and all of them are engaged with campaigns from all the top brands.
What distinguishes Isis modelling agency from other modeling agencies?
It is my tenacity to succeed. I work a lot, sometimes, I book directly. A lot of my models, when they debutted I booked them directly. I also have some great partners in the industry. I like to work with the bosses and those that can understand. And then, of course, I take care of my models. I pay their school fees from the beginning. I was just paying all the tickets. I always try to see how these models can work. I have model apartments, so when the teething period comes, it will be easy for them before they can start renting their own places. These are some of the things that set me apart from the fact that I check their mental status.
What difficulties do aspiring models encounter in this subsector?
There are three sets of models. Back in the days, it used to be difficult for black models. And it’s just indicative of how things have changed in the world. And I’m glad to say that I’m part of this journey. The modeling industry is tough. There are some that are not working really, but maybe to keep their visas working and they know they have to do something, like take small jobs. Then, there are models who make mega money. Then, there are Instagram models. They do e-commerce. They only post. There are models who are making so much money that have no time to post. Then you have the second tier models who do make certain amount of money. You have some models who are really not working, but they are on Instagram, and showing everything. So my advice to them is to get a second income. That’s why some models are influencers, others are making big money in the industry. While others are struggling, trying to sell on online. But right now, when I see a model, I tell them the truth. If you cannot make money from the industry or don’t have what it takes to be in the top tier, I will advise you. A lot of them of that I have advised have gone to other agencies and eventually they are no longer working.
Can you tell us the process of securing modeling assignment?
I have a company called Misha in Nigeria that constantly helps to get jobs for my models, even at this critical time. Even in Europe and South Africa, there’s what they call castings. And through the process, once or twice as the case may be and after that, if you’re lucky, you are confirmed. What I look for is the model that can make that money and change the lives of her family. So, you have to have a good clean skin. You have to be of good manners with no issues. Recently, we got a young Nigerian boy, Sheyi, who is going to do St Laurent. He was scouted on the street. He had gone to Paris, but had to quickly return to finish his school certificate examinations. He is getting ready for life changing opportunity. I am so happy.
What should the continent expect in this year’s edition of the show in Kenya?
Africa’s Next Super Models 2023 promises to be a landmark event that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and raw talent of African models. It will showcase the immense potential that lies within the continent and reinforce Africa’s position as a global fashion hub. This is our second season. The first edition of the show was in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2022. Last year was the debut of the Africa’s Next Super Model show with 15 agents from all over the world. It was breath-taking. This year’s show is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya. About 31 agents have indicated their interest to attend the show. The event will include an intensive training programme, grooming sessions, runway shows, and industry networking opportunities, all aimed at preparing the models for successful careers in the fashion industry.
What gives you fulfillment in this job?
My fulfillment comes when I see these young men and women do well and are able to change the lives of their families. I’m happy because, most importantly, that my husband, Air Vice Marshal, Terry Okorodudu (Rtd) has been my backbone with the help of God. He has continually pushed me. Now I have grandchildren. I want to leave a footprint knowing that in the next 100 years, someone who’s actually still modeling, that is if artificial intelligence, AI, doesn’t take everything away, can say, there was one woman who left these footprints. We have over 100 models that are waiting. My joy also comes when I see my models’ statements. I am overwhelmed by their success stories, going from nowhere to somewhere. Sometimes, I just cannot believe their transformation when they paint them. I still wonder and never would have imagined that I could be part of the success story, but I am humbled realizing that this small seed I planted has grown to such heights. It tells me that we have our due seasons in life when things happen to us. But when you think of refugee, I was also a refugee or what do you call what I went through? I was also a refugee. When I was a little girl and the Biafran war came. I remember when the bombs were coming down, and we were going into the bunker. Who didn’t remember? And we became refugees. The only difference between these models who are discovered from the refugee camp from my own refugee experience is that I came from somewhere. I lived in Biafra at that time, but we didn’t know where we belonged, whether we belonged to Nigeria or whether they belong to be Africa.
