Modeling is fast becoming big business in Nigeria, and the male folk are not leaving it to the women. They are making waves not only in Nigeria but beyond the African continent. The world of fashion is filled with nuances and subtleties. With each year, we get a feel of new movements or witness old trends make splashing comebacks, leaving room for new discoveries in both talents and looks. Here are a few of them who are holding their own on the global stage.
Every year, Modaculture takes a close look at 9 Nigerian male influencers who are shaping the world of fashion in Nigeria. In 2021, the power list, curated by Enioluwa Adeoluwa, featured names like Tope Okunuga, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Jeho Created, Olupekan Tijesunimi, Noble Igwe, etc. This year, we return to present the 2022 list of 9 powerful Nigerian male influencers.
Letting your personality radiate through your fashion and style is a sine qua non for fashion icons, and Enioluwa Adeoluwa has shown us time after time he’s the go-to guy for quirky, yet eye-popping looks that ooze elegance and splendour. Looking for something minimalistic but instantly striking? Igee Okafor is an unending source of inspiration. Fashion, they say is a form of self-expression and Steve Onoja is uninhibited in letting his stylistic vision speak.
One look at Kuyet Bamai’s works, and you can instantly get a sense of well-defined peculiarity. He is just as audacious as he is inventive, making every look appear as though it was made just for him. If there’s one thing this ex-reality TV star and model is constantly associated with, it’s unapologetically serving looks. Prince Nelson Enwerem has carved a niche for himself only a few can match. If heralding a new era of self-discovery and artistic credibility through fashion is regularly ascribed to your name, then you must be a Denola Grey.
Umpteen times, he has shown us there are no limits to being creative and stylish. For many young Nigerians, defying the tenets of traditions is a gateway for self-expression and actualization, and Christopher Ebodiwe is showing us you can attain this through fashion. For many, he is the godfather of contemporary fashion in Nigeria, for others, he is an innovator dedicated to pushing the limits of art and fashion, but no list is truly complete without the inclusion of this fashion icon--Noble Igwe.
Read also: Men's Moroccan Fashion
Men’s Spring/Summer 2025 fashion week ignited the runways of London, Milan, and Paris in early June. Top modeling agencies scouted the globe for the next wave of male style icons, who commanded the spotlight as they showcased the season’s hottest menswear trends.
Below, we’ve hand-picked twelve male models who are breaking boundaries and runways.
Nigerian Models Making Waves:
- Remi Chester Alade
Remi Chester Alade is a six-footer who is signed to Gadal Model Management. He has worked with fashion icons like John Bartlett and Victor Glemaud. Particularly known for his well chiseled body, polished skin, impressive height and stunning jaw, he has modeled for the likes of Equinox, Levi, and Givenchy. He was also highlighted in Beyonce’s ‘Formation’ video. - Victor Ndigwe
Victor Ndigwe won the 2014 Elite Model Look Nigeria. He is said to be the first male Nigerian model to walk the runway in Paris, London and Milan’s fashion weeks. He walked the runway for Milan fashion week in 2015, Paris fashion week in 2016, and strutted the runway for London fashion week in 2018. He was named by Vogue in 2016 as ‘One of the male models to look out for.’ He has worked with several reputable international brands, such as Brioni, Hermes, Belstaff, A Cold Wall, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain and Missori. - Toyin Oyeneye
The 6ft 3inches tall, Oyeneye is signed to Beth Model Management and Ice Model Management in Nigeria and South Africa, respectively. He has walked the runways of prestigious shows such as South Africa Men’s Fashion Week, Lagos Fashion & Design Week and Music Meets Runway. He has worked with several brands like Nivea Men, Adidas, Spree, and Ackermans. - David Obenebo
This model is 6feet tall. He won the Elite Model Look World Final in 2016 and is signed to several modeling agencies both at home and abroad,. They include agencies such as Beth Model Management Africa, Elite Models, Kult Models, Wilhelmina New York and MP Stockholm. He has worked with international brands such as Givenchy, Balmain, Issey Miyake and Versace. - Akintayo Ogunkoya
Called Ty in the modeling world, Ogunkoya is 6ft 1inch tall and has worked with international brands like Armani, Abercrombie & Fitch, Benetton, Dior, Hermes, Levis and Scotch and Soda. He has walked several runways in London and is indeed one talented model to look out for.
Meet Nigeria's Top Male Models Dominating in 2025
Other Notable Models:
- Ferreira
Ferreira has been featured in Joe’s Jeans and Pyer Moss Campaigns. He’s been seen in Paper and King Kong Magazine editorials and he’s hit runways for The Blonds, Carlos Campos and Rideau. - This heartthrob
This heartthrob is both a footballer and model. He is one of the most sought after men in the industry. After becoming the face of Burberry in 2011, his career took off. He’s modeled for American Eagle, Gap, Espirit, Forever 21, H&M, Moschino, Dolce and Gabbana, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger to name a few. - Bosso
Years ago, “It boy” Bosso was signed on the spot the same day he escorted his girlfriend to an agency. He is a fixture with one of the most notable brands in the industry: Dolce & Gabbana. What’s most refreshing about this model is his recognition of the need for diversity in his industry. You can spot him in the Rihanna Takes Flight Harper’s Bazaar editorial. He’s also walked for streetwear brand Hood By Air and for Jeremy Scott. More recently, you can catch him in Theory, Levis, John Elliott, Express and Ikiré Jones campaigns. - Tall, dark and handsome model
To describe this model as tall, dark and handsome would be an understatement. His bone structure and skin are the stuff dreams are made of. - Hamid Onifade
Hamid Onifade has hit runways for Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Banana Republic, and John Elliott + Co. - Model who is literally everywhere
I implore you to get familiar with this model because he is literally everywhere! He has walked in shows for Michael Kors, Commes des Garcons, MSGM, Zegna, Kenzo, Margiela, Fendi, Missoni, Ferragamo, Marni and Hermes. He’s also been in campaigns for Gucci, Balmain, Barneys and Benetton. - Model oozing “Black Boy Joy”
This model oozes “Black Boy Joy” and is a newcomer to the industry. His resume already includes walking for Gucci and a Pacsun feature. Agencies: St. - Calvin Klein muse
This Calvin Klein muse, artist, photographer and model has always had an interest in sports and art. It comes as no surprise that his career has gone as far as it has. - Cabral
Cabral is a man with a 16 year career under his belt. He’s been the face of Benetton and an Alexander Wang/Puma collection and walked for Ozwald Boateng and Dries Van Noten. Mario Testino has shot with him on a number of occasions. Few are the brands he hasn’t worked with. - Ty
Ty is another model who was placed on the map by a Benetton campaign. He is distinguished by his cat-like green eyes and messy afro. - Newcomer model
Despite being a newcomer on the scene, this model has already walked for Fenty, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Theory, Y-3, Lanvin, Fendi, JW Anderson and Comme des Garçons. He’s been in an Adidas lookbook, as well. - South Korean model
This South Korean model is regarded as the first black model to walk on runways in his country. This didn’t come easy and neither has being biracial in a nation like the one he was born in.
African Male Models on the International Stage (Spring/Summer 2025):
Read also: Costs of African Mail Order Brides
- Craig Shimirimana
Craig is a Burundian and Belgian and signed to Rapture Management based in Antwerp. It was Craig’s time to shine for Men’s Spring 2025 season as he walked for up to 11 shows, including Amiri, Prada and Dries Van Noten. - Douta Sidibe
Douta is Senegalese and French model, and was scouted in lockdown by Sahalim from The Claw Models. He started Spring 2025 Menswear in Milan Men’s Fashion Week as he walked for 3 shows; MSGM, Gucci and ended with Fendi. After Milan Fashion Week Paris kicked off as he walked 6 shows Wale Bonner followed by Homme Plissy, Issey Miyake, Hermès, Dries Van Noten, Amiri and ended Paris Men’s Fashion Week with AMI. - Jum Kuochnin
Jum is a South Sudanese model signed to 4 agencies and based in London. He walked for 9 shows from London with Craig Green, Milan at the Jordan Luca show, Paris at Y-3, Undercover, Hermès, Hed Mayner, Auralee and Amiri shows. - Lebo Malope
Lebo is a South African model who has been rocking runways from the time he stepped in Europe. He’s signed to The Claw in Milan and Paris, Models1 in London, Bravo Models in Tokyo and Kult Models in Cape Town. He walked for 9 shows and opened 1 show in London for Craig Green, Milan at the Gucci show, Paris, where he opened Wales Bonner. He also walked the Y-3, Sacai, Louis Vuitton, Kolor, KidSuper, and ended with AMI shows. - Zaram Obasi
Zaram is a Nigerian model signed to mother agency Peng Models as well as Elite Models and PRM Agency. He walked for 9 shows; started with London at the Qasimi and Craig Green shows, Milan with Moschino, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana and Paris at the Wales Bonner, Sacai, KidSuper, and ended with AMI shows.
Our male models stand out based on our looks.
Read also: Elevate Your Style with African Attire
