Joe Okwesa+Zebramodels

It’s not easy keeping pace with Joe Okwesa. His mind is constantly ticking away like a battery operated clock; he never skips a beat. Despite the constant activity, at heart he is a perfectionist, persistent, always toiling away. Visit Zebralens

“Creativity is part of my life,” says Okwesa. “I just ask God to give me the direction and strength to keep coming up with new ideas for the business and that’s what drives me.”

Okwesa began his career as a photographer. He developed his interest in photography by attending Kilburn Polytechnic followed by a diploma from the New York Institute of Photography. His first professional experience was at the Central Office of Information (COI). He was able to hone his craft in this setting. His exposure at COI provided him with the platform to enter the media world and then after years of perseverance he made the bold move of opening his own photography agency and image bank by 1987. Okwesa has worked as a photographer covering a wide range of events: London Fashion Week, Royal Ascot, Salon International, Commonwealth Games and the Alternative Hair Show.

Originally set up as Joe Filmbase, the company has developed and Okwesa is taking on more managerial responsibilities beyond photography. Okwesa has rebranded and expanded his business by creating two separate units; Zebramodels agency which was set up to provide workshops, portfolio management as well as supplying models for the catwalk, commercial work (on television and film) and various media and fashion events. The second unit is Zebralens an image bank encompassing an average of 500,000 images of fashion, landscape and nature, African lifestyle and artistic photos known as “collector’s pictures.”His image bank includes photographs of celebrities and well known figures such as Tony Blair, members of the royal family and sports personalities.

What makes Zebramodels so unusual in the highly competitive modelling environment is its emphasis on multicultural models. Another unique aspect is the emphasis on online workshops, career advice using video clips and voice over’s and an e-magazine filled with useful information. There are regular updates on jobs, modelling techniques and tips on how to be professional. The agency also provides either one-to-one or group workshops giving advice on grooming, body language, photographic shots, video shots, basically the practical side of modelling.

Okwesa explains; “So many people appear on programmes like the Ex-Factor and make a nuisance of themselves because they have not been properly trained. I provide advice to aspiring models so they can avoid the pitfalls and present a professional image to prospective employers.”

Okwesa has been planning for about 6 years to do some fundraising for Leukaemia Research. He is connecting his interest in media and fashion to entertain, raise money as well educate others about leukaemia. The Zebramodels Expo 08 was inspired by personal reasons. Okwesa‘s brother Mark Anthony suffered a slow and painful death from leukaemia in 1991.The cruelty of the illness left a lasting impact on the Okwesa family. Zebramodels Expo 08 is an attempt to celebrate Mark Anthony’s life and raise funds for Leukaemia Research at the same time.

By Ona Amenechi

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