#TDSVoices: African Models dominating the Fashion Scene Part II

It’s no secret that many lack the name recognition that their female counterparts command in the fashion modelling industry. But you also can’t deny the importance of the male model and their role in pop culture conversation. In an already competitive field, African male models have still managed to become fashion house-hold names. Here are some that have managed to make their mark in the international scene:

David Agbodji

IG: @davidagbodji 

In the world of fashion, this 6’11 model from Togo needs no introduction. He’s worked with an extensive list of brands, from Dsquared2, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Kenneth Cole, Hermès, and Banana Republic, to Vivienne Westwood, Kenzo, Dolce Gabbana, Calvin Klein, and Hugo Boss; to mention a few. When he isn’t in front of the camera, he’s behind it’ having taken a keen interest in a photography career.

[Image: Courtesy of Calvin Klein]

[Image: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana]

[Image: Miguel Reveriego/Antidote magazine]

IG: @septumpapi | Twitter: @AdonisBosso

What is in a name? New York Fashion Week loves this 6’2” model from Ivory Coast and we can see why. His impressive features have made him a must have for designers, having already worked with Kanye West, Kenneth Cole, Public School, DKNY, Diesel, Vivienne Westwood and H&M. He also has a passion for diversity issues, with a strong ambition to go beyond the fashion industry pre-existing stereotypes of diversity. And when he’s not on the runway, he’s volunteering at clinics working with special needs children. Could he be more perfect?

[Image: Courtesy of Adonis Bosso]

[Image: Dana Scruggs King/Playhaus Magazine]

[Image: Courtesy of H&M]

IG: @stanielferreira |Twitter: @Afrikan_boi

His beauty, yes we said beauty, speaks for itself. Ferreira, The 6’2” model from Guinea Bissau, is definitely the rising star of this list. Moving from West Africa to pursue his career hasn’t been a rosy affair, having been denied gigs in New York for three years. But he didn’t give up and now based in L.A, he’s worked with designers such as Pyer Moss, Jeffrey Rudes, Carlos Campos, Guess, Martin Rusch and Parke & Ronen.

[Image: Courtesy of Staniel Ferreira]

[Image: Courtesy of Staniel Ferreira]

[Image: Courtesy of Staniel Ferreira]

IG: @tidiou @sachambaye

This list couldn’t be complete without a sibling representation. The brothers from Senegalese decent prove modelling can be in the genes. Sacha took the lead into the modelling world, having worked with brands such as Forever 21, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry and GAP denim. Tidiou quickly followed suit, after Sacha introduced him to Select Model Management Agency, and has already booked shows and campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger and Versace.

[Image: Courtesy of maxresdefault]

[Image: Marcin Tyszka/Esquire Spain]

[Image: Courtesy of Koray Birand]

[Image: Courtesy of British GQ]

[Image: Courtesy of Tidiou M’Baye]

[Image: Courtesy of Tidiou M’Baye]

IG: @broderickhunter | Twitter: @BroderickHunter

Californian based Hunter has walked for the likes of Sean John and Phillip Plein but that’s not all. The half Nigerian was listed in Harper’s Bazaar’s top 22 hottest male models to follow 2016 and Buzzfeed’s top male models to follow in 2016. People’s magazine even included him in their Sexiest men of Instagram 2015. oh, and did we mention that the 6’2” works with several charitable organisations when he isn’t modelling, and even has several projects with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?

[Image: Mode Magazine]

[Image: Brent Chua]

[Image: Fidel Gonzalez]

IG: @tayoogunkoya

Nigerian born, 6’1” model is hard to miss. From his hazel eyes and distinct bone structure, to his mildly androgynous features, it’s easy to see why the international scene has welcomed him. Currently based in London, he made his debut in 2008 for Dior Homme in Paris before being featured in a United Colors of Benetton campaign. From there his star continued to rise, having walked for DKNY, Versace, Hermes, Philip Lim, and Lacoste.

[Image: Teddy Iborra Wicksteed]

[Image: Teddy Iborra Wicksteed]

[Image: Courtesy of Ty Ogunkoya]

IG: @salieujalloh22

Discovered in New York in 2008, the flawless, 6’2”, dark-skinned model with high cheekbones from Sierra Leone has worked with tops Fashion Week’s runways and coveted editorials. He’s been booked by fashion houses such as Moschino, Mar by Marc Jacobs, Dsquared2, Diesel, Givenchy, Sean John and Rag & Bone. He’s also had editorial spreads in GQ and Vogue.

[Image: Courtesy of DSquared2]

[Image: courtesy of Salieu Jalloh

[Image: courtesy of Salieu Jalloh

Tumblr: remi alade chester

Last but not least, we have Lagos’ own Remi. Born and raised in Nigeria, he moved to California at the age of 11 and was discovered in his junior year of college. His majestic face and sculpted body that equal pure potential have so far scored him opportunities to walk for Givenchy, John Bartlett, Victor Glemaud and Parke and Ronen. In addition, he’s also been featured in Vogue India, Prestige Hong Kong, Uptown Magazine, and Nom de Guerre, as well as, in campaigns for Nike, Adidas and Target, to mention a few.

[Image: courtesy of Remi Alade-Chester]

[Image: courtesy of Remi Alade-Chester]

[Image: Courtesy of Nike]

With diversity still being a key issue of concern in the fashion world, it’s promising to see a significant number of models from the continent not only representing but also adding their voices to the debate. We can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for the ladies and gents of the runway. If you know of an African model making waves in the industry that we’ve left off of this list, share with us in the comments below.