Former Mr. Nigeria 2010 and 2nd runner up Mr. World 2010, Kenneth Okolie, is now a household name in Nollywood. He tells Ademola Olonilua about his style
Why did you opt for Nollywood instead of modelling?
After I won the Mr. Nigeria contest in 2010, I proceeded to Mr. World contest and that was where my passion for acting grew. I did not just want to be a model. I remember that during the Mr. World contest, they asked me to display my talent and I acted a monologue drama and I was given a standing ovation. After that experience, I decided to give acting a shot and it is working for me.
But people think you became an actor because other notable models have dumped the runways for the silver screen?
I don’t agree with that because when I went into acting, I did not know of any model that did the same thing. I did not do it to copy anybody. Like I said, my passion for acting grew after I performed well at the Mr. World contest. It motivated me. Also seeing veterans like Desmond Elliot and Ramsey Nouah also inspired me. I watched their movies and they encouraged me to work on myself.
When it comes to fashion, are you a trendsetter or you follow trends?
I tend to start my own trend and any time I dress, I try to make it simple and classy. I don’t use stylists when I have an event. All I do is call my designer and tell him what I want, depending on the occasion. I have a shoe-maker who does my shoes. By the time I put them all together, I look good.
Why do you always change your look?
Most times, the movie role I feature in determines the type of look I wear. Sometimes I have to be clean shaved and sometimes the movie requires me to look rugged but personally, I like keeping my beard. I make sure I keep my beard neat and trimmed all the time. I keep my beard because it gives me a manly feeling.
How true is it that women are attracted to men with six packs?
It is true. It is just the same way a man would like to see a woman with curves and natural endowments. I am a fitness freak, so I go to the gym a lot to maintain my physique. If that attracts females, I thank God for that and I think it is cool. To be sincere, it attracts women one way or the other but I will not say that I am a woman magnet.
How often do ladies compliment your body?
It happens a few times depending on what I am wearing. Whenever I wear a T-shirt, it advertises my physique and women often tell me that I look good.
Do you think there is any difference between fashion and style?
I think fashion is about the trend while style is how I pull off the trend. As for me, when it comes to my style, I try to keep it simple and classy. I like dark colours, I don’t like looking too loud.
People often say that the modelling industry is unfavourable to models, do you agree?
Yes, it is true. Models in Nigeria are not paid and recognised as they ought to be. The modelling industry in Nigeria is not what it is supposed to be. The models are underpaid and their worth is not acknowledged. Models are hangers for designers and for them to perform well to showcase a designer’s masterpiece, I feel they ought to be properly acknowledged. The industry is not favourable to them and it is really bad. It is something that should be looked into. To be fair, there are actually some designers that are supporting models but I feel more can be done.
What is your fashion weakness?
That would be shoes and wristwatches. My love for shoes started at a very young age. I have big feet and I wear size 47. When I was young, getting shoes for me was quite difficult. I barely found my size and anytime I did, it was always very expensive. I ended up buying a pair of shoes for the price of three. As I grew older, I discovered that there are people who could make shoes for me. I found out that it was convenient and affordable and I fell in love with shoes. If I have an event, I give them about three weeks notice and they come up with some creative designs. I always move around with my shoes. I have three in my car just in case I have an impromptu engagement.
What fashion item can’t you leave home without?
That would be my wristwatch. I love my wristwatch a lot and I do not mind saving a fortune just to acquire a particular wristwatch. I also doubt I can leave home without my shoes but my wristwatch comes first.
What is the most expensive fashion accessory you own?
Currently, it is a wristwatch. It was a gift from someone and it is worth at least N800,000 in the market. I don’t want to mention the brand or person that gave it to me.
What do you admire in a lady?
The first thing I admire is her hair. The next thing I look at is her outfit; how neat and well put together the outfit looks on her. Then I look at her shoes too. The hair is important because it gives a woman an elegant look. Like they say, the hair is a woman’s crown. Even if she is not so good looking but her hair looks neat, you might want to give her a second look. But if she is fine and her hair is tacky, you would look away.
How often do you buy made in Nigeria brands?
About 70 per cent of the things in my closet are made in Nigeria. My shoes and suits are made in Nigeria. The only things that are not made in Nigeria are my accessories and maybe T-shirts. Every other thing is made in my country. I am proudly Nigerian.
How has your job as actor and model influenced your style?
It has influenced my style a lot. It has even boosted my confidence. When you are in front of the camera, it builds your self confidence because when people begin to compliment you, it makes you feel good within. It makes you feel more confident. It makes you feel really important and motivates you to work harder. It also reflects in your style, in the way you dress because you want to look good every time. You don’t want to disappoint people that have been admiring your style. At the same time, you want to look good for the camera all the time because nowadays, everybody owns a camera.
Who do you think is more fashionable between Nigerian men and women?
There is no way Nigerian women can be more fashionable than the men. I am not being biased but it is the truth. Nigerian men wear lesser clothes than the women and we do not need too much colours, either on ourselves or clothing, yet we look good. When we talk about the corporate look, any man in suit looks good. Now imagine when the suit is well made, a bespoke suit, the man would look fabulous. In the fashion industry, they say less is more; men have less to play with but achieve more results. The women also dress well but it is nothing close to what the men do.
Many believe that homosexuality thrives in the modelling industry. Have you ever been wooed by a man?
No, I cannot recall any event like that.
How have you been coping with female fans?
The ladies are my friends. They come to me, greet me and we take pictures together. No one expects anything from anybody.
What is the craziest thing a female fan has done to you?
Aside from screaming my name from afar, running towards me and jumping on me, there is nothing else.
Last year you said you were single. Are you in a relationship now?
I have no comment on that.
