Hanging out with Uk Top Model, Ibukun Jegede!
Born on the 4th April 1987 to Engineer and Mrs Jegede who reside in Lagos, Nigeria. Ibukun Jegede started modeling at the age of 16 after being called by a modelling scout on the street in Lagos. In 2007, he relocated to the UK to pursue his degree in Information and Communication Technology at Nottingham Trent University before he discovered the British modeling industry awaits him. In this exclusive chat with Habeeb Lawal, Ibukun pours his heart on some deep rooted issues.
I’m a professional model. I am a very quiet person, love my privacy at some point and verey easy going.
2.How did the sojourn into the world of modelling begin?
It started back home in my country Nigeria. I was on the street some years back in Lagos and a guy called Bobby from Golden age modleing agency introduced me to the industry. I later took it up from there.
3.And what would you say gave you the big break?
That was when i won Britain’s Next Top Model of Colour in 2008 at the Chelsea stadium.
4.How did you feel when they announced you winner? Did you have the slight idea you would win?
To be honest, I havent mentiopned this out since 2008. I actually thought I will take 2nd place because the judges made good comment when i was called on stage. I thought an Italian model will win but was eventually me. I was shocked when I heard my name as the winner
5.And post TMC, how has life been? celebrity status and all?
Life has been good. It opened a door for me in the industry. After TMC i went to several countries for paid work such as Spain, France, Senegal, Nigeria and all. The celebrity status made me understand who my true friends are. It can also be challenging cos all eyes watching..
6.What are the challenges? It cant be all rosy…
OK. Let me go to the point. People hate unnecessarily even when one is humble or proud. People awaits one’s downfall. They expect you to look fresh all the time which makes most celebrity live a fake life but I wont please everybody
7.Good. So who is a celebrity then?
A celebrity is someone who has acheive something and being clebrated by the public.
8.Whats a typical day in the life of Ibukun Jegede like?
after waking up in the morning, I say my daily prayers and commit the day to God’s hand. I go to the university for lectures, go for modeling jobs, hang out with my good friends, and end up in the gym before preparing for the next day
I have modeled for designers such as Paul Smith, Hugo-Boss, Timberland, Fred Perry and DKNY.
10. Supermodels are known to be endorsing one product at one time or the other. Which product campaign are you on at the moment?At the moment, I am endorsing a magazine based in the UK, USA and Nigeria. It’s called Podium International Magazine…
11. You are well known amongst nigerians in the diaspora, but not so known back home. Aren’t you bothered about establishing a name back home in the nigerian modelling industry?
To be honest with you, I believe in working and earning money rather than the fame.. I believe when a model works hard, fame will definately follow. I think its also because I am not based in Nigeria due to the fact I am still at the university here. . I am looking forward in working in Nigeria sometimes this year for a month before I fly back to the UK.
12. Who are your influences?
13. The craziest thing a fan has said or done to you…
I was infront of a shop and some random girls came to me saying I saw you on the front cover of a newspaper yesterday. Before I knew it, they touched my manhood, slapped my bum and ran away.. I felt embarrassed but Im totally used to it now.
14. Your height and weight.
I am 6.2 feet tall and also 85kg.
15. Your biggest ad spread so far….
I think the face of Mahogany Model Management and face of Podium International Magazine.
16. Biggest desired goal of yours that is yet to be accomplished.
My biggest desired goal is working as a supermodel in the USA and owing my modeling agency for models of colour.
17. You are into charity. can you tell us a bit about it and what inspired that?
I am currently working on a charity program coming soon in the UK sometimes in october. I love children and dislike seeing them suffering. My close friends do tell me I love people more than my self. so I guess its something in me trying to help people. I have chosen a motherless babies home in Nigeria and willing to help them when I have raised enough money in the UK…
18. Future plans.
My future plan is to work as an international business man, own a modeling agency to help models of colour and also have my own charity foundation.
19. Aside modelling, what do u do?
I am currently a student studying Information and Communication Technology. I am also a politician with the Labour party and member of Nottingham East Constituency Labour Party
20. Final words to fans.
I want to thank everyone who has been in support. Without your love, I wont be motivated to work hard. Thank you Thank you Thank You…
Posted by Habeeb "UnderDaRock.com" Lawal
on Apr 6 2010. Filed under Fashion, Interviews, News.
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Is he based in Naija now or still in the UK? Nice interview, would've loved to see more pictures
Good interview and response. Please can I have His contact details? He sounds like an humbly man.
You’re highly matured. Keep it up!
Jane
Nigerian models are HOT!!!!!!!!!!
We meet on a website bout five years ago to this day we are still friends!! im so proud of what he is doing!!! even tho we have never met in person, i feel his spirit, so keep on doing what your doing!!! love and happiness to you from your USA friend!!!!