Delectable Joy Ubeku is arguably one of the leading International Models cum actress doing Nigeria proud. In this exclusive chat with Sahara Weekly NG, she opened up on her life and career…excerpts.

What inspired you/ why did you choose to pursue a career in modeling?

I have always wanted to be a model but I never gave much importance to it, So after my first beauty pageant, I had the confidence and push realize my dreams through modeling

In your own experience as a model for all the years you have been a model,  how can you describe the African modeling industry?

Compare to ten/five years ago I’ll say the improvement is fascinating.

You have won special  awards over the years in the modelling industry and also walked on international fashion shows,  but what does winning those awards and participating on those international shows mean to you?

It’s an indescribable feeling, But in all, I’m thankful!

Describe the feeling of working with international fashion designers and also having an opportunity to walk on international fashion shows?

I remembered walking for this Designer after being rejected by one, and the same week she had massive orders for that same outfit, And that feeling supersedes all the racism/rejections I faced while on that journey..

Shows you have walked on.

BAFS Malawi, International Fashion Week Dubai, International Fashion Week Milan, Seychelles Fashion Week, Accra Fashion Week, Runway Ghana, BG Fashion Show  KDV fashion show to mention a few.

How  many brand names have you modelled for? 

LK( Malawi ) Deshe collection, (Ghana) House of Micky(Ghana)Unik fashion(Togo) Allan David collection(Ghana) Obaa Tuntum (Ghana) house of maysan,(Nigeria) Monsio Couture(Liberia) Dreams by nanna Nilson Bennetten collection(Ghana) apompidouecofashion(Italy) Chona Bacaoco (Milan) Ali Asaad(Syria/Dubai) Rozeen dow (Palestine) Roupak Jamshidi (Iran) Hanan Al Bitar (Syria/Dubai) Rimma Banetti (Russia) Said Omari ( Syria / Dubai) Aizada Akmatalieva(Dubai) Vision care (Seychelles) Aniella chetty (Seychelles) Mshade (S.A) Del Afrique (Nigeria) Sitgon Afrique (Nigeria) Lindiwe Gigaba(S.A) Sulungile mokoena(S.A) Johanna didon(Seychelles) Unalisa(S.A)

Mervin Cedras (Seychelles) mokoena(S.A) Johanna didon(Seychelles Mervin Cedras (Seychelles) to mention a few.

Your last show and how was the experience? 

My last show was in Malawi and it was amazing, in all the countries I have visited Malawi is one peaceful place I’ll love to visit again and again!

Future plans?

Two things I wanna do, Continue making movies and also launching my clothing line.

What advice would you give African women who have a passion for modeling and are trying to make it in the modeling world? 

Don’t let your race, color, height, religion, or anyone stop you. Be prepared for whatever that’s gonna come your way cause it’s definitely going to come( criticism, rejection, racism etc) Always remember black don’t crack.