Modelland: Adam and Alberto say It as It is

Being a male model in Kampala is almost as hard as it sounds. Being a successful male model is even harder.

 Alberto Ntanda and Adam Riley Gashe are two successful male models. The two  friends talked to SatisfashionUG’s Kwynn about life as a models and if they can pose nude.

Kwynn: So tell me a little bit about yourselves.

Alberto: well Am Alberto Ntanda. A commercial and runway model signed to Eloquent Models. Pursuing Bachelors in Social Sciences at MUK

Adam: I am Adam Riley Gashe, a BTTM. Tourism and Travel student at MUBS a commercial and runway model.

Kwynn: How long have you guys been modeling?

Alberto: Well we started in our S6 vacation.  We didn’t have anything serious to do but had always had the interest to model…so we decided to give it a try.

Adam: (interrupts) plus we are fashion forward and believe we look good so we said…. ”Why not put this to work?”

They exude class 

Kwynn: so you have always wanted to model?

Alberto: Yeah, we have always had love for fashion, trends and all that stuff. We love looking good

Adam: Very true, smartness is sort of an inborn thing. I was uniform prefect at Greenhill Academy by the way…

Alberto: (interrupts) and I was always the smartest student!!!

(we all laugh)

Kwynn: So talking of smartness. Where do you guys buy your clothes from?

Adam: UUhhhm, anywhere to be honest

Alberto: yah, if we see a good outfit anywhere, be it in an uptown boutique, or even downtown…we buy!! At the end of the day after doing some mixing and matching no one will even tell where we bought the clothes. It’s about knowing what looks good on you.

Kwynn: Now talking about modeling, tell Satisfashion UG about your experience. Let’s start with the bad.

Adam: the bad?? let’s see, for some reason, most people think male models are gay…

Alberto: (laughing) yah, people think male models are…

Alberto: (laughing) yah, people think male models are gay. To clear the air, WE ARE NOT GAY. We love ladies!!

Adam: being into fashion  does not make us gay, homo issues aside, the other ugly issues about modeling is doing work and  don’t get paid. I mean, after wasting time and putting in a lot of work. We usually let this pass though because we know we are new at this. Better things ahead.

Alberto: (agreeing) yah, and male modeling has not really caught on in Uganda. It’s still a growing. And the professionalism is also just sinking in. Otherwise we love the experience.

Adam still models for Abryanz Collection

Kwynn: What are some of the gigs you’ve done?

Adam: I started off as a model for Abryanz Collection, the leading men’s fashion store in town. That isn’t small. I’ve done billboards and TV ads for Orange. Early this year I did a fashion spread for Buzz Magazine. Recently I did ads for Radiocity FM. You’ve probably seen those. I’ve also done a couple of runway gigs.

Alberto: I’ve done Abryanz Collection. I still do. I did billboards for Smile Telecom for their new campaign. I’ve also done work for Nile Special. I have runways shows in and out so I’m always busy.

Alberto posing next to a billboard ad he appeared on

Kwynn: Ok. So  how does it feel working with gorgeous girls as I see in some of your work like adverts??

(both laugh)

Adam: It feels good. We love being around hot girls and working with hot girls.

Alberto: And hot girls get everything easy.

Kwynn: (laughing) Well I can imagine. Don’t you have trouble handling the attention from the ladies?

Alberto: It is not what you’re thinking. It’s more about connections, you work with someone make friends and next time they are working on something else, they could probably hook you up. We keep it professional. It’s not bad for some one to like. It means that you are good at what you do.

Adam: Honestly, I keep the attention on the side and just work It’s strictly business.

Kwynn: Are there male models whose work you respect and look up to?

Adam: Yes that is Xeader And Hafiq!!!

Alberto: Yah, Xeader and Hafiq Mystery. They are the biggest names in the industry. When we are around them we even feel small…lol

Adam: (chips in) It always feels good sharing a runway with them. We feel honored!!

Kwynn: Besides modeling, what do you do?

Alberto : I study and work out at the gym a lot.

Adam: I study too, and yeah, am just improving my entrepreneur skills.

Kwynn: Do you ever have trouble balancing school and work? ?

Alberto: Not really, we know that at the end of the day school is first priority.

Adam: Events are usually on at night while photo shoots aren’t on everyday. 

Kwynn: Would you ever pose nude??

Adam:uuhhm,I donno. Hehehehe, maybe after all I have a great body.

Alberto: Hehehe, yeah I would. I mean it’s not like you are completely naked, at least you have on underwear. Besides, yeah am proud of my body so yes I would!! Victoria secret angels earn a fortune out of it.

Kwynn: If you were to thank any one that’s helped you in this industry, who would it be?

Alberto: Our agency, Jay Sewa, SatisfashionUG (wink wink) , Abryanz and all my friends.

Adam: Yah, basically all those guys and brands that give us opportunities, we shall keep representing.

Kwynn: Well thanks a lot guys, we at Satisfashion UG wish you all the best.

Alberto: no, Thanks a lot

Adam: yah, thanks!

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