Otu Ukpana
When the list of models who have been consistent over the years is compiled, Otu Ukpana is one name that would certainly make that list. He has won almost all the awards that are available in the Nigerian modeling industry. In this interview with Senior Reporter, Ifeoma Ononye, he speaks about his style.
You and your reverend father twin brother turned 38 on Wednesday, December 4, how do you feel adding another year?
To start with, I don’t feel old at all. However, we thank God for the gift of life, which is the greatest gift any man can ask for.
What have you been up to with your career lately?
I’m trying to wrap up my art photography and exhibition project, which I’ve been working on for a while now. What is slowing me down is finance. For now, I don’t have any investor, so it’s just my little savings that I’m using to push the project.
What does style mean to you?
The word style is a very relative word; it varies from person to person. So for me, style is comfort and what makes me comfortable is jeans and T-shirt. I’m a very casual person. I don’t like feeling constrained at all. Style is wearing what makes you comfortable.
How long have you been keeping your dreadlocks or were you born with it?
I’ve been keeping my dreads for almost 13 years now.
How do maintain it and how much time and money does it take to maintain it?
I wash my hair every three weeks in the saloon and I do inter-locking once every three months to take care of the under growth. My dreadlocks are really long now so it’s not that expensive to maintain.
Your dread is like part of your Identity. What will it take for you to cut it?
I can’t really say for now. I can wake up tomorrow and remove it. I made the decision to grow my dreads so it can take the same process to it. I act as the spirit directs.
What do you like wearing?
Like I said earlier, I am a jeans and T-shirt person. My favourite colours are brown, black and blue. I am not particular about label so long as it fits.
Are you also into perfumes?
Yes. My favourite fragrance is Black by Kenneth Cole.
How true is it that you love is outfits that cling to your body?
This is very true. To a certain extent I have a great body, so it doesn’t hurt to show it off.
What’s your favourite fashion item?
That’s very hard to tell. I don’t attach too much sentiment to material possessions. However, my greatest asset as a model is my modeling portfolio of 15 years.
Which men’s fashion in vogue that you don’t you like?
Carrot Jeans.
Would you say being a model has made you more fashionable?
Yes, it definitely has. It has exposed me to trends, although I don’t follow trends. Models don’t follow trends, they create it.
What is your dream car?
A 1965 Mustang Shelby. I love American classic and muscle cars anytime any day. Sometimes the sound of the engine gives me goose bumps. That’s how passionate I am with American classic and muscle cars. I’m glad you asked this question, it has rekindled my passion for classic cars.
How do you maintain your six packs and generally keep fit?
I exercise thrice a week, at least to keep fit. I have eight tummies programme that I do to maintain my six-packs. The idea and philosophy behind it all is, no pain, no gain!
The post I like to show off my great body – Otu Ukpana appeared first on Daily Independent Newspapers.