Two Lagos-based models setting fresh beauty standards
Coco & Gideon New models Coco Anetor-Sokei and Gideon Mustapha are making waves on Nigerian catwalks. After studying journalism in Accra, Coco has been modelling professionally for just a few months. While science student Gideon began balancing the demands of the classroom with the catwalk after he was scouted last year. Nataal caught up with the two to talk about beauty standards in Nigeria and the rising presence of albino models. DEBBIE SHASANYA DEBBIE SHASANYA How have you found modelling so far? How did you start modelling? COCO ANETOR-SOKEI GIDEON MUSTAPHA I enjoy being a muse and part of a vision. I like working I was scouted at a pageant show in Alausa. It’s been a with different models and artists, it fascinates me that no two great process of self-discovery for me. It turns out that I actually creatives approach things the same way. like working out and exercising, which at first felt like punishment. DS What was your experience of growing up in Nigeria? DS Do you see specific standards of beauty, living in Lagos? CAS For the most part I was sheltered. When people would GM Looking good matters everywhere, regardless of who you sing the ‘oyibo pepper’ song, I usually just sang along are — and we are all beautiful. because I never really thought about why they were singing it. DS Has the rise of albino models paved the way for aspiring I knew I was different, but it didn’t click that I was albino. albino models? DS How would you say albinism fits into current standards GM Seeing the likes of Shaun Ross succeed has been of beauty in Nigeria? positive. I guess we are trending right now, which feels CAS I’ve only ever been ‘beautiful for an albino’, and that’s relatively good because visibility can add worth and face value. because I don’t have the freckles that a lot of albinos in DS What was your experience of growing up in Nigeria? Nigeria do. But albinos are albinos. When someone refers to me GM It has been glory all the way. I give thanks to God that as pretty, it’s often followed by how ‘clean’ I am. I have been surrounded by people who love me. DS From the annual Mr & Miss Albinism to the catwalk and DS Have you ever dealt with any negative attention? social media. Do you think attitudes are finally shifting? GM There have been minor incidents. When I’m walking CAS I can’t speak for the rest of the world, but definitely not through the streets of Lagos I get people calling me here in Nigeria. The problem isn’t visibility but ignorance. afin or oyibo, which are Yoruba and Igbo words for an albino/ DS Did you ever see any albino personalities in the media white person. that helped you accept your own albinism? CAS I’ve always been very okay with being albino. People like (Clockwise from left) COCO wears NACK Tunic. COCO wears XII top. Diandra Forrest, Mirian Njoh and Mpho Mofokeng have GIDEON wears NACK top. Styling JIDE ALI. Photography assistance JAMES UKPAI. Models COCO played a huge role in boosting my self-confidence. I see them ANETOR-SOKEI. GIDEON MUSTAPHA at LED MODEL MANAGEMENT. Production GENERATION X. Thanks to AWCA CREATIVES. living their best lives and I think, ‘I can do that too’.
UPFRONT
Words DEBBIE SHASANYA
Photography NOMA OSULA
35
