Taking this back to the outset – could you tell us how it all started for you?
Hey there Fucking Young! It all started with recognizing my love for music by listening to my Mum’s old Soul/R&B albums. I first showed an interest in entering the industries (Music/ Modelling) when I was at school, starting with piano lessons and then teaching myself some of my Mum’s favorites which had been drummed into my head from early.
If you were to describe yourself in three words…
Big, friendly and giant.
How were you scouted? And what were your major feelings when you happened to gain your first contract?
The first time I remember being scouted was on a Saturday at my first weekend job in River Island when I was sixteen. I was scouted several times in my hometown but didn’t take it seriously until I was scouted online by a London Model Agency and was offered a contract and signed for the first time. I don’t really remember exactly how I felt but I know for sure I wasn’t confident back then, so probably nervous.
Who’s been the dream client to work with?
Working with Topman’s team didn’t feel like a job at all. The relaxed energy felt like being with friends. I’ve been on jobs where a lot of the teams and other models have come with an ever swoosh-bosh energy and I’m not really about that.
Favorite modeling experience so far?
I’ll never forget my campaign modeling for JD and The North Face. The feeling I got from receiving messages from people who had seen me on billboards in other countries for the first time was mad and unforgettable.
How’s it been for you since commencing?
To be completely honest, it’s been a journey, to say the least, including both ups and downs; but from this, I’ve learned that everyone’s journey is different, and if I’d have known this from the start, I would have trusted the process and the timing, as I do now.
Could you give us a fun anecdote about yourself?
I can be the most awkward man alive. I was on set speaking to some of the team and I asked someone ‘What is it you do? He replied, ‘I cast you for this job?’ Felt my face burn up straight away.
Essentials to bring along your travels for a last-minute job are…
First things first…I’m the most disorganized person there is, and everything is last minute, whether I known about it for a day or a month! But I always remember cocoa butter, because everybody needs cocoa butter and my curling cream for my hair!
I’ve noticed you’re into music. How would you describe your sound?
Eclectic. I have grown up around all different styles of music and what excites me musically changes weekly, even daily. If I was to summarize, my sound is new wave/alternative R&B, but I don’t like to pigeon-hole.
Who are the key influences that inspire you?
So many people right now but Little Simz, Rico Nasty, D’Angelo, India Airie, Fox, Kenny Beats, Etta bond and obviously my Mum! I like to listen to artists that are outside of my lane, it develops and inspires my own sound.
The biggest dream would be…
I don’t really dream. I feel anything can be your reality, within reason. The vision is to reach people’s hearts with my music and impact somebody.
Prefer music to modeling or vice versa?
Music is where it all started for me and that’s my passion.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano and Guitar are my main instruments, but my Mum and Auntie play the cornet, perhaps that something for the future! Right now, time is money.
Does this time of year affect your work?
Going into the studio and trying to lay down vocals in this cold weather has to be one of the most frustrating tasks, full stop! I don’t know why, but personally, my voice just doesn’t know how to act in these conditions. Warm-up is everything.
What’s been your proudest momentum thus far?
There have been many, but walking down Oxford Street with my best friend and seeing a huge poster of myself in a shop window is one of them. Unforgettable. Also showing my family my music and seeing their reaction is a moment of pride.
How important is culture to you?
Within today’s social climate I think I would be worried if there was anyone who didn’t take culture as a serious topic. It’s difficult to know how far to go and how much to keep close to your chest because I feel we all have to co-exist as humans. However, jumping on black culture because that’s what’s popping is where I draw the line. Leave it alone.
Do you feel the industry has made enough moves towards inclusivity?
There’s still work to do but we are heading in the right direction. Through my own experiences in the industry, sometimes being mixed race is difficult because you are neither white nor black, meaning you don’t fit into either mold, especially in the international modeling world. However, I am just happy that we are finally moving forward.
Could you elaborate on your experience with race and acceptance, across the scene of fashion and socialism?
Reiterating my personal experiences, I do feel the industry likes to pigeon-hole and being mixed race is neither black enough nor white enough to fit into either category. I feel there is only a place for us in a small market and that certainly isn’t high fashion. However, keeping it light-hearted, the fact that I am even here representing this part of the industry and being able to talk about my experiences is a sign of how far we have come.
Any major inspirations?
I am inspired by good people. Anyone who has come from a small town and has had the drive to get out and do it by themselves. Anyone who is not naturally confident or outgoing and pushes themself to be, in order to make moves. Single parents who have raised good humans, especially my Mum. People who, in spite of not being dealt the best cards, still make something of themselves.
How do you think you’d leave a legacy?
With the amount of people coming through today, it is about your individuality. No-one can be you better than you. That’s the only thing people CAN remember you for because repeating what someone has already done has you living in their shadow. Push boundaries, break the norm but be you unapologetically.
Biggest remorse?
Taking my education for granted. I wish I would have looked at learning with the mindset I have now, but you can never put an old head on young shoulders.
What’s the wisest lesson you’ve learnt being in the industry?
Don’t expect anything from anyone. No one on this planet owes you anything and you can’t rely on the universe, or anyone in it, to hand you an opportunity. At the same time, don’t be cynical because that can also block a blessing.
Any advice to give the young wave of aspiring models, wanting to venture into such field?
Take it as it comes, and it will all happen as it’s supposed to. Don’t compare your journey, just enjoy it.
