Since his discovery in 2007 by Fingers School of Modelling director, Sarah Mpofu, one of the country’s first male models, Oliver Siamuloboka, has never looked back.
Report by Tinashe Sibanda
Popularly known as Oliver Keith, Siamuboloka graduated from the modelling school in 2008 and did a number of local projects before moving to South Africa last year.
He has done many commercials in SA and has worked with that country’s celebrities.
StandardLife&Style reporter, Tinashe Sibanda, (SLS) recently caught up with the well-built and handsome model (OS) and below are excerpts of the interview.
SLS: Which popular celebrities have you enjoyed working with? OS: I enjoyed working with Phila Mazibuko [Sphamandla from television series Muvhango], when we promoted a local product. I have also done charity work with him, along with almost the whole cast of 7 De Laan. I have also worked with actor Alfred Ntombela aka Shorty, who has played a number of roles in South African comedy.
SLS: What kind of projects have you been into? OS: I’ve been mostly involved in charity work. Together with Mazibuko, we worked in Walkaville on a programme called Celebrity’s 67 Minutes for Mandela, an initiative done annually for Nelson Mandela’s birthday. I have done many other charity projects for various communities.
SLS: What in your view are your best qualities as a model? OS: The qualities are brought out in commercial modelling — a personality that appeals to the next person, not only in terms of body structure but the mind and dignity. Business people wouldn’t want to associate their products, brands or labels with controversial personalities. People would rather buy a product that is associated with good behaviour and morals.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
SLS: How did you break through in such a competitive industry? OS: It was through the spirit of determination that inspired me and I thank Sarah Mpofu for that. She always taught me to have an impact on people without even saying a word. I have also learnt to maintain a good personality and keeping myself physically fit.
SLS: Who is your role model? OS: My role model is the woman who wakes up at 5am to fend for her kids and the man who works three jobs to make ends meet and feeds his family. My role model is someone who realises potential and doesn’t feel ashamed of whether or not his/her profession is deemed “useless” by the society.
SLS: What inspires you to keep going? OS: I’m inspired by one’s ability to understand that every profession and every career plays a role in society. There’s a misconception that modelling is not a proper profession. Politicians are masters at politics, scientists are masters at science and models are masters at the ability to showcase, sell and be brand ambassadors.
