Fast-rising model and fashionista, Rahman Olatunde Akinsuyi, famously known in the fashion industry as ‘Ramzy’, is a native of Ondo State. Born in Lagos into a family of five, he had his secondary education at Dele College, Ondo State, before progressing with his education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he bagged a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. In this interview with QUADRI AKANBI, he speaks on his modeling career. Excerpts:
What gave birth to the name, Ramzy?
My friends started calling me Ramzy from the secondary school days because I had a similar playing style as Arsenal’s Ramsey…and because of the initials in my first name, Rahman.
At what age did you decide to be a model?
I had always had a thing for fashion since I was little, but I didn’t start modeling professionally until I got to the university. That should be during my level to two.. I was 20 years old then.
What is your advice to parents who do not allow their children to become models, especially the females, concerning issues such as nudity?
I feel parents shouldn’t be afraid of allowing their lads to model because of negative news flying around. I feel they should be more concerned about passing the right moral values onto their children. That way, these lads could filter between good and bad values when they get outside and make good life decisions for themselves.
What are your goals as a model?
My goal as a model has always been to strut to runways, both on the continent and the world at large. Lastly, touch people’s lives through my audience.
As a model, which model do you admire the most and why?
I have always admired Tyson Beckford since I started modeling. The major reason was because, back then, there were few top black models. He was one of the highest paid male models in the world as of then. So, he was a big inspiration to me.
As a model, how do you organise your daily schedule?
With me, modeling comes with me doing a lot of things also on the side. So, it is easy to lose touch with a lot of things, if not properly looked into. For me, I use my Google calendar to the fullest in organising my casting dates, shoot dates, and other personal duties.
If not modeling, what else would you do as a professional?
Modeling is a very flexible profession, and it gives me that flexibility to do a whole lot. Just for an example, when I’m not working as a model, I’m working as a realtor, and I also work as a project manager.
How do you handle feedback?
For me, I’m liberal enough to be able to take in feedback, be it positive or negative, because it is very essential for my growth.
What do you like doing in your free time?
I love surfing the internet for creative ideas and learning soft skills.
Do you think modeling is safe for teenage kids? What is your suggestion?
Just like every other thing that needs parental control, modeling for teenagers also needs parental control. Making sure the parent of such lads keep off with the child with the agency that is representing the teenager.
What experience do you have?
I have graced the biggest runway show in the continent from walking Lagos Fashion Week to walking Arise Fashion Week. I have also had campaign shoots for top brands in Nigeria.. so it’s been an amazing journey so far.
Tell me about a challenge you face when modeling?
One of the major challenges I had when I first started modeling was going to casting, because at that time, I was schooling in Ife and the majority of top gigs were in Lagos . So, it was difficult balancing school and modeling.
How well do you communicate with your colleagues?
It is important I communicate and keep up with my colleagues. If not, you would be starving yourself of real information and opportunities.
How do you handle a situation where your client asks for a nude posture?
As a model, you would be briefed on the nature of the job. It is left for you to decide if you want to do a nude shoot or not. But, ideally, you would be told the nature of the shoot, and it doesn’t just pop up out of the blues.
What advice do you have for young people who are just starting their careers, specifically concerning modeling?
I would say this is your best time to give it your all, as you still have age on your side. You would get to hear lots of “NOs”. Do not let that pull you down. You just have to put yourself out there and be visible.
What is your most embarrassing day as a model?
I could remember going to a for a model casting. We had thousands of models fighting for a couple of slots .. I got turned down by the judges, but I wasn’t going to back down. I went in again thinking the judges wouldn’t recognise me. I just went to make a fool of myself.
Who are your biggest influences?
This would be difficult to state specifically as I have a whole lot of people that influence me in all fields of life… But the number one person I can say is my mom
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself building my own family.
