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