<<Print>>Kenyan based reporter Ryan Kohls catches up with our August cover star Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi in Nairobi.
Born and raised in Nigeria’s capital, Lagos, Oluchi never dreamed of being a model. But in 1998 she was encouraged to enter a modelling contest. At the age of 17, Oluchi won M-Net’s “Face of Africa.” The victory transformed her life. She won a modelling contract with Elite Model Management and was whisked away to the runways of New York.
Since then, Oluchi has graced the pages of top fashion magazines, walked for Victoria’s Secret and worked with the who’s who of designers (Galliano, Dior, Chanel, Armani).
She also started her own modelling agency, O-Models, in South Africa. After fifteen years at the top of her game, she’s ready to give back. This year Tyra Banks’ “Next Top Model” franchise will reach Africa and Oluchi was handpicked by Banks to host the show. For years the idea of bringing the show to Africa was discussed, but a slew of logistical hurdles stood in the way.
Now, the stars seem to have aligned and the show has been given the green light. Auditions are currently taking place across nine African countries, and filming is set to begin soon:
Ryan Kohls: Africa’s Next Top Model has been in talks for years. How did things align to make it happen now?
Oluchi: It took great determination and vision. When you go to South Africa, the fashion industry is a lot more structured, but the industry is still very small on this continent. Africa is a very interesting, complicated continent. I feel like everything that happens on a global scale takes forever to happen in Africa.
RK: I read that someone in New York told you that you wouldn’t be able to find enough beautiful women in Africa. Did somebody really say that to you?
O: (laughs) Yes. People have said to me, ‘You’re crazy. You’re going to go scout for women across Africa? I don’t think you’re going to find beautiful women.’ I’m here to prove them wrong. What do you think? Do you think I’ll be able to find beautiful women?
RK: Well, I was shocked by that comment. Africa is known for its beautiful women. Ethiopia, for example, is famous for that. I noticed that country was not on the list for your talent search. How will you make sure all of Africa is represented because many women won’t be able to fly to the destinations?
O: The countries we chose were based on the places where we could get the most support. We can’t go to all the countries because of logistics. But the competition is open to everyone. If you have what it takes you should send in your application and picture. If we think you’re really amazing, we’ll set up a Skype interview. I would love to go to Ethiopia, I’ve never been. My husband was very upset with me that we’re not going to Ethiopia. But maybe season 2. We’ll see how things go and take it from there.