Thursday, January 25, 2007

NIGERIA'S TOP MODELS

Years after veterans like Linda Ikeji and Uri Jones paved the way, the modelling industry in Nigeria is booming.
Yes, there are Nigerian models repping us in South Africa, Europe and New York but there are some top notch Nigerian models who are choosing to stay in Nigeria and are enjoying lucrative careers. With companies like MTN and Celtel willing to pay top-dollar (or should I say top-naira) to models who feature in their advertising campaigns. I am sure this is enough motivation to keep these models in Nigeria.

Here are the Top 3 Nigerian models that are currently based in Nigeria.
Dolapo Olorunisola, Warebi Martha and Isio Wanogho. Coincidentally, all 3 girls were nominated for the 2007 edition of the Future Awards. Although the prize was taken by SA based, Doyin Haastrup, these ladies still need to be commended for their efforts.

DOLAPO
Dolapo featured in 2Face’s famous African Queen video


WAREBI
Warebi is currently considered the #1 model in Nigeria

ISIO
Isio recently hosted an edition of the Nigeria International Show – See HERE

*Thanks to Genevieve and Sleek mags for the pics

Very pretty girls! I hope the modelling industry in Nigeria progresses to include more reputable modelling agencies and better pay for these girls.
How do these ladies compare to international models?
Would you pursue a modelling career in Naij?
Let us know what you think?

37 comments:

Little Miss Media said...

yaaay!first!!!

Little Miss Media said...

yaaay!first!!!

Little Miss Media said...

hahahahaha!lovin the post as usual and YES i would strut my stuff in Naij if i was a few inches taller!!!

Nilla said...

I'm 2nd.

The link on the show Isio hosted didn't go through :-(

EXCESSIVE-DIVA said...

NICE WRITE UP..but only feeling the dolapo chic..ever since the african queen video..i can imagine that head in between my...oops..okay..comparing them to see if they measure up to the international models??NAH BLOOD..i dont think so..lets be honest the warebi girl would be told to lose some weight like A.S.A.P..and no she aint anywhere near fat..but sistah has them thick thighs and a little chubbyness going on the face and the isio is just forgettable at most..honestly.and i dont buy her bullsh*t that "its not because of lack of offers that she hasnt stormed the international scene..yeah right..is it boli and epa??
in modelling you either so striking in a way you make people sit up and notice(alek wek),or you just got as an ex who was a fashion thingy bob told me that "perfect thing"(kate moss),--no be me talk am oh...na the fashion world believ that hype,or theres just something about you.(naomi,erin,lily,).
these girls are just to me another set of lepa shandys tryna cut it,except warebi who isnt exactly 100% lepa.in an ideal world,i would wanna see girls like her on the catwalk..but we dont live in an ideal world.
and as for me i cannot pursue a modelling career my huge boobs would get in the way ojare..but if there was a market for jordan style modelling..i no mind.:-)
BUT...PROPS TO THEM FOR KEEPING IT TOGETHER IN THE TOTALLY UNAPPRECIATED MODELLING WORLD/PROFESSION IN NAIJA.

EXCESSIVE-DIVA said...

WAIT OH..IVE COME WITH MY WAHALA AGAIN..
ERRR..why the heck does that dolapo girl have her ribs sticking out??????????
i can imagine the furore this would cause if she had been on the cover of an international mag...DISGUSTING...but its what the fashion world loves..abi naijas too wanna go down the LOWEST B.M.I index route?
ANYHOOO..I STILL WANT HER HEAD IN BETWEEN MY...ooops dolapo if you reading this...ABEG..RIBS AINT COOL..UNLESS YOU EATING THEM WITH SOME MAD SAUCE..infact apart from her head...my vote goes to warebi...

..... said...

Great. There's a post on Bella naija 2day. I visited like a million times yesterday.

@ExcessiveDiva

You want her head where?

Luv your eye 4 details. I didnt notice the ribs too.

Warebi it is for me. met her once and she is HOT!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I prefer Isio out of the three because she seems to have both beauty and brains. Now about her getting offers elsewhere...

Dimples said...

Oh nice posting Bella….Oh I think this babes are FAB…I take off my hat to them…men for anyone to be so proud to strut what they have…”then men go on soun..”
Excessive-Diva…besides me being a bit worried with where u wanted to put Dolapo’s head….I choose to differ…in this age of various Fashion Show Associations wanting to get rid of skinny ass size 0 models on the runways that are more or less sending our young ones in the verge of anorexia and bulimia… So sister abeg now chill for Warebi..she’s not really that BAD!!!

I think Dolapo is very pretty…cos that chic can rock the “gorimapa” look very well…Iso too never seen her before…but na wa for that her pose..seems like I can hear “Tyra pick me!!!”
Now to ur questions Bella:
How do these ladies compare to international models? With A LOT of work…they might just get there…see Oluchi now..a couple of years ago she was a Surulere gal…now see where she is
Would you pursue a modelling career in Naij? LOL!!!...yeah if they are looking for the next Toccara Jones (ANTM Season 3)..oh maybe Bisola Edun from Taé can hook a sister up!!!

Have a FAB day all!!!

EXCESSIVE-DIVA said...

@DIMPLES...if you noticed..i said in an ideal world..i would love to see a girl like warebi on the international catwalk..but in reality,she would most definitely be told to lose weight(even though she is nowhere near fat,but in fashion world believe me she is a bit bigger than most,i been backstage at a fashion show b4..and to God who made me..those girls are SKINNNY)im a size 8/10 and i felt like a whale..thank God i gat no body issues..its enough to make some wanna live on cotton wool soaked in water for a lifetime.!! BUT she still gets my vote.:-)

Dimples said...

OK Excessive-Diva...everything is fair and square in Bella Naija's world...lol

Take care of u

angie said...

I think the 3 models look hot in their own way.
Hmm abt being a model in naija, if the pay is really really good, better than my job, mayb i will consider it.as long as i dont have to appear nude or half - nude.I ain't displaying my boobs for no amount...lol

Anonymous said...

The answer is no.. I'd never consider being a model in nigeria(if i were a model)... the pay is shit and it's almost completely unappreciated and there isn't really much room to grow.. i'd move away somewhere else.. make a name for myself and rep nigeria in the meantime. will they make it on the international scene? in america's next top model... maybe... on Dolce and Gabbana's runway... perhaps not.. Excessive Diva is right.. they'd be told to loose at least 15 pounds.. except maybe the African queen chick.. she looks like she has the most potential to make it internationally.. her look is more unique.. she's not just a pretty face... i think she's got "IT". The babe must be on a serious diet sha... her ribs dey poke through no be small... the other 2 models should apply for Miss Nigeria... they'll probably win that

Favoured Girl said...

All three babes look hot, and kudos to them for doing their thing. Modelling is not for me sha, I would find the pressures to look perfect all the time too much. But if they enjoy it why not? I think Isio gets my vote....

Yankeenaijababe said...

Now that's a preety face........l love the one with the sunshine cut better. l think it's really cute.

Dammie said...

They've all got distinctive looks, which does it for me!!....i think they r alll hot!!

I noticed the ribs, immediately!!!, but it's that pose.

Anonymous said...

I work at an agency here in lagos with very high end corporate clietns. I can tell you that they pay models shit!!! With the sort of figures i'm forced to negotiate with these girls, i'd never let my ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend talk less of someone I care about do anything with modelling.
Most of these girls are forced to have other jobs, go into acting, etc. or just go the sugar daddy route to survive. You cannot use modelling to put food on your table in this lagos O!
As for staying in Naija, i think it's cos they don't have solid offers elsewhere. I'm yet to come across any of these 'models' who won't jump at the chance to relocate abroad and work.
You think they're not envious of their counterparts who are making waves in NY and SA or even the likes of Oluchi and Agbani, don't be fooled by their propaganda.

Uzo said...

I am proud of these girls for choosing to stay here in Nigeria. There are obviously levels to models now...I go to Bobby's signature on Allen and i see all sorts of models as well as their agents so it seems to be a blossoming trend.

Anonymous said...

I noticed the ribs, like dammie pointed out, its probably the angle....not a problem with me though...loll..not that I'm advocating the double zero but I love dolapo's look and I dont think she'll look as hot any other way!!

Anonymous said...

why didn't the magazine photoshop Dolapo's ribs out? that's shabby photograohy mehn!
The only person i know is Dolapo from the 2face video obviously *lol*

I was watching JDMA on Oxygen and omo it's hard being a model sha. They insult you and call you fat, you don't walk right bla bla and you still get paid crap cos your agency takes a major cut out of your pay. Worrahel!! It's hard to break in oh! Props to all the girls who want to do modelling, me i go face my book!

Unknown said...

I think Dolapo has an amazing face!

Anonymous said...

The girls are really pretty. I think what people dont really understand about people who are skinny is that they are not all anorexic. Have you heard of high metabolism.? Being skinny is just as bad as being fat because your always ridiculed and always told to eat. Speaking from experience, I have had to deal with self esteem issues growing up because people always felt the need to tell me that I am skinny and need to gain weight.. well its not my fault I have skinny genes and I probably eat more than everyone put together. The stereotyping should stop and let people love themselves for who they are...sorry yáll I just had to vent.

NigeriaPolitricks.com said...

Nice post!

belissima said...

I'll give all three A for effort. To me Dolapo and Isio both have the resonance look for the runway....although I do like Warebi's look I'm not sure it'll go far internationally... she'll get flak about her weight.

Remi Fagbohun said...

Being in the fashion industry over here, I have to say that Dolapo has the MOST international potential. Ignore the ribs jare, even with me and my size 4/6 sef, I can suck my tummy in to show ribs. Modelling tricks of the trade, nothing more!

Isio...may have something, but the braids took away from her ...

The reason why Dolapo gets my vote is that I can actually see her strutting her stuff on any runway over here, look at her cheekbones and her look... She has the "IT" factor and that will take her very far!!

Anything you do in this world is tough, make no mistake...but if you can take the criticsm positively and focus on it, the sky is the limit!! Even with book o, bukky :)

Aramide said...

Ah lovin the post oh....where have I been, I've missed out....lol @ Dimples....

I didn't know any of these girls before now though (never heard of them hmm :-/)...thanks to u!!

I know Uri Jones personally sha - haha typical naija = me, tryin2 claim fame with every opportunity. Sheesh!

Take care mami xx

Anonymous said...

I FAILED MY EXAMS AGAIN. AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I AM SUCH AN OLODO. HAS ANYONE HAD TO RETAKE EXAMS SEVERAL TIMES? BTW THEY ARE PROFESSIONAL EXAMS AND HAVE THE LOWEST PASS RATES BUT STILL HIGHLY DISSAPOINTED.

Anonymous said...

which warebi is fat???? y'all must be seeing double(Literally speakin)...nehow dey all got potential. d last chick shld lose d braids tho.

Vera Ezimora said...

I hope those girls reach their highest limit. They look great, and even though I have never seen them on the runway or anything, I believe they do a pretty damn good job.

As for comparing them 2 the models here, I really hope they do not get as vain as the ones here. There is so much pressure on these models to be thin. No, not healthy, but straight up thin. I love the way the Naija models look

Anonymous said...

U pples need 2 cut these girls some slack, i think ya'll are 2 hard on them. As far as i'm concerned i think they are doin okay 4 9ja level, u know how that country is expecially with u being a model some peeps might think there are messin around with someone 2 even get face time. We still have a lot 2 work on. as per the rib thingy i think is the angle 2. These girls are beautiful & i think we should encourage our own.

Anonymous said...

I have met Warebi personally and she is no where near fat! Don't be deceived by the pictures u see..

As for modelling in Nigeria, i've had my fair share of the Agency crap, and very silly pay.. It's so bad, that corruption seeps almost everywhere into our economy, most times, for u to get shortlisted for a common ad, requires u knowing someone and d pay at the end of the day can not even buy the outfit or shoes u used for the photo shoot, or ur transport money. Not to talk of the time u spend waiting for the clients who need to INSPECT if u fit the profile or not; hiss, hiss!

So men, i duff my hat to those who have decided to make it a career. For me, it's just something i do as a past time coz really modelling at the moment, can't put food on your table. To Warebi and co, they are strong, it tell u.

Adaa

Anonymous said...

as a model booker for a well known designer,i can tell yuo all that the closest to anyone of them making it on the international level is the dulapo girl.
i see girls like this get turned back every day,every day.
as for the waribi babe,i agree with diva and overwelmed babe,in the real world,she is not fat,on the INTERNATIONAL SCENE she will be told to drop at least 15 solid pounds,you are so rite overwelmed.i cant start divulging things i see everyday,but its worrying.when girls are encouraged to live on the most ridiculoys things just so they can walk for cavalli or valentino or some other arsehole who gets off on women looking like boys.and diva is right,some live on cotton wool soaked in water.
as for bella,i was refered to your blog by a freind,im not nigerian,but i am feeling your blog.ITS FIERCE!!

Anonymous said...

EH WHAT MAKE U GUYS THINK WAREBI IS FAT EHN
AMONGS THE THREE DO U KNOW SHE IS D SKINNIEST? IF U MAY KNOW HER STATS ARE 32,25,36 AND SHE IS ALSO THE TALLEST WHICH IS 1.81 DOLAPO AND ISIO THEY GOT GOOG STRUCTURE AS WELL BUT WAREBI CAN GO FOR ANY THING,FASHIONSHOW,TV COMMERCIALS AND PHOTOGRAPHY AND 4 UR ALL INFO WAREBI AND DOLAPO ARE ALREADY WORKING IN SOUTHAFRICA WIZ ONE OF THE TOP MODELLING AGENCY THERE.AND 4 THE PAY I KNOW OF SOME PPL THAT WORKS IN AN OFFICE 4 30DAYS AND THEY PAY THEM 50K BUT IN A MONTH AT LIST THEY CAN GET 100K U CAN GO MODEL WHEN U DNT VE IT OR WHEN U DESPERATE AND U WANT THEM TO PAY U GOOD HELL FUCKING NO I KNOW THIS GIRLS TOO WELL THEY ARE MY FRIENDS AH AH

desmond said...

well i appreciate all comments but the truth here is that warebi is the girl to beat, have seen here on so many projects, nad she has all it takes, infact she is the no 1 model of the moment as far as nigerian models are concerned,she has the clout, the charisma, and the charm. desmond

Bella Naija said...

I just read through all the comments and nobody called Warebi fat.
To quote excessive diva "even though she is nowhere near fat...."
Maybe someone misread that.

Please read through the comments well before adding yours.

I like Warebi, I think she is a great model and I am aware of her success. that is y I featured her.
More grease to your elbow Warebi

Anonymous said...

my oh my, ds girls are hot whats d name of the other girl warebi right? use to see her on so many photo adverts , she has the face that commands attraction from customers, didnt know who she was , pls how can some one meet her is she in nigeria. she rocks , men and all the rest too.

Anonymous said...

yeah pls i think i am late on this stuff but my brother just told me about it,pls i like the warebi girl and i ve been wanting to meet her pls bella how i can see her my name is sandra and am 22 and i also will want to be a model so i will love to meet her alot of people say she so nice i used to think she is a snurb,but they said no pls i will like to meet her to ve a shortatlist wiz her.thanx she is and wil always be my number one bcos the rest are all snurbs most especiall the dolapo girl modelling i think is only not about catwalk and photography u can also be an ambassador and wiz the warebi character i think she win my vote sorry 4 been late and thanx to bell