Is it really worth it to venture into modeling in Uganda? Credible fashion shows take place only once in a blue moon and major brands are hesitant to use models as brand ambassadors. I assume that it takes some bit of patience for one to thrive as a model in Uganda.
We talked to award winning model Xeader Frederick on whether it’s worth it. Xeader is one of the most famous figures in the little modeling world of our town. He has major company endorsements under his belt such as Air Uganda and Rwenzori water.
Getting straight to the question. Is it worth it to pursue modeling in Uganda?
I would say professionally No! Not in Uganda, However casually yes.
Why is it so?
Uganda hasn’t yet gotten to that point where one can solely thrive on modeling as a profession. Aamito might have made it but that doesn’t mean that we are doing so badly. We are getting there.
Has Aamito’s triumph made things any better?
Yes a great deal. Aamito gave every Ugandan modelthat unique hope that success is not determined by what is happening in Uganda. You can be successful anywhere in the world for as long as you keep your eyes on the prize.
Talking about modeling for fun as you said. Is it much more fulfilling than trying to be professional?
To me yes I enjoy every bit of it because of the respect and the achievements I’ve made out of it. Nothing comes easy but if you let yourself have fun first then things become easier. And many of my model friends have the same story. You can’t expect much but when a job comes you do it to its very best. I’ve been doing this since 2009.
Do you have a day job? What do you do when the lights go off?
I have a lot on my plate. I run Kimara African Models, one of the major agencies in town. I’m also a procurement personnel at House of Graphics Uganda. That keeps me busy throughout the time when I have no modeling job.
I’ve heard sad tales of models not getting paid. How do u deal with it? Has it even ever happened to you?
In every business where service delivery is involved, such things happen. You just can not avoid them. It is always best to sign a contract before getting involved in any kind of business. With a contract one can negotiate payment terms prior. It has never happened to me. Being firm and having tough skin is the only way one can survive such barbaric tendencies.
Is there a possibility of taking legal measures in case a client fails to pay up?
Unfortunately this only happens when you have signed a contract which doesn’t usually happen for small jobs here. We are striving to professionalise how things are done in this business.
In that case,don’t you think its best to encourage young people to look else where. Modeling isn’t easy.
The sky is the limit for whoever embraces the talent with in them and even better when they promote it outside Uganda. It is really slow in Uganda but if you are up for it, endurance is the only way to go. In no time you can cement your name in Uganda and beyond.
Putting that aside, is it a requirement to have the body you have in order for one to thrive in this business?
Let me break it down for you. There is the X and the Y features required. X stands for peculiar and unique facial features such as the bull dog jaw line.
Y stands for an athletic buffed body, The body must be proportional from the shoulders to the legs and not body builders size.
A flat tummy is a must while a toned one isn’t a must. However If one posses both of these features its of great advantage over & above other models. At least a toned body chest, back, arms, flat tummy, thighs and height not less than 5,7 works for runway models. However for commercial modeling anyone can be as long as they look like what they are selling.
You talked about Kimara modeling agency. What does it take for one to join it?
At Kimara quality service delivery is key. We select the best talent there is. We always give our clients an experience and make sure they look forward to working with us again. We believe its better to be overrated than getting under paid. Clients know your worth in fact if God had a showcase in heaven he would contract us. (Are you serious?) We also link and encourage our models to work with other agencies in Uganda and beyond because exposure and networking is key. One needs to send us a private message on our facebook page with photos of themselves if they want in. We can always take it on from there.
Before I let you go I’ve always wanted to ask you. How was it shooting Ekky’s music video?
It was a very humbling experience working with such great talent. She had the best team on board from the directors to the crew. The set was also breathe taking, It’s one of my best experiences on set. Just so you know, the little kids were also from Kimara Models.
I hear that you are starring in another music video for a big female artiste. Do you care to share?
Hahhhhaa I won’t share that one. All I’ll say is that she’s one of the most celebrated female artistes in Uganda. The video will be released soon.
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