Nigeria: black models are now popular
Audio 02:30
Models from Beth Model Management agency, run by Elizabeth Elohor.
© RFI / Liza Fabbian
By: Liza Fabbian
6 mins
In Lagos, Elizabeth Elohor is the head of the continent's largest modeling agency.
In recent years, the big names in fashion and international agencies have turned to her to recruit African models, more and more in demand in the fashion world.
Publicity
From our correspondent in Lagos,
About fifteen young girls barely out of adolescence walk hesitantly on their high heels.
All aspire to become top models and have just joined the Beth Model Management agency, run by Elizabeth Elohor.
This former beauty queen started her business in 2004, but it got off to a tough start: “
Agencies overseas limited the number of black models they could recruit.
They took one or two, maximum.
It was really difficult to place a black model internationally and it took a really long time to launch my agency.
But there has been a change in mentality over the past five years.
"
A sector that has been structured over time
But in recent years, the fashion sector has been structured in Africa.
Fashion weeks organized on the continent not only give visibility to emerging designers, but also to young models who are increasingly in demand.
► Also to listen: Senegal: slow fashion at fashion week
“
I also think that at one point the big brands also realized that their customers were also black.
But I think they figured it out because the fashion industry was growing in Africa.
And because all these African fashion weeks are now internationally recognized.
"
Fifty-one Nigerian models discovered by Beth Model Agency are now signed abroad.
With real
success stories
, like that of the much requested Mayowa Nicholas, who notably paraded for the lingerie brand Victoria Secrets.
"Modeling has completely changed my life"
In the offices of the agency, we also meet Olaniyan Olamijuwon.
At only 21, he walked for the biggest designers in Paris and Milan.
“
After signing a contract with Beth Model Management in 2018, I took part in the Elite Model Look competition, which allows models from the continent to be spotted internationally.
After that, agencies based in Europe started approaching me.
Modeling has just completely changed my life.
Now it is I who financially support my family.
It made my life easier.
"
In recent months, the health crisis has complicated things for African models who can no longer travel.
Marius Isikalu is one of the collaborators of Beth Model Management.
“
We had models who were to participate in parades, we had models who were in Nigeria just to renew their visas before returning to Paris or Milan.
But we had to cancel a lot of things because of the lockdown.
And one of our biggest challenges today is making sure that international agencies don't separate themselves from our role models, because a lot of people depend on them.
"
The vast Nigerian market also offers many outlets for aspiring models.
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