I Like Unusual things—ZETA Nebolisa

By Morenike TAIRE

In the modelling industry in Nigeria, this is one face you cannot miss in the crowd. With her trade mark skin cut, Zeta has plied her trade with zeal and an air of professionalism. She is the Ambassador for the Circle of Beautiful People in Africa, an online networking group, and was the NMA runway model of the year 2009. The 6ft 3in model has statistics 36-28-37.

What made you go into modelling?

I just like the idea of looking weird and being able to wear the best clothes for the fun of it. Not that I’m a fashion freak, I just like things that are not usual.

How long have you been at it, and has it been what you expected?

It’s been five years now. It’s been harder than I thought but that makes it more interesting.

You thought it was all fun?

Well, I’m having fun, but it is business.

The issue of the model in Europe who collapsed on the runway as a result of hunger has been an issue. What is the situation like with you here in Nigeria?

There are some designers who say and insist that you have to have some boobs to wear my outfit. Some would say, where would she fit in? So it has been a 50/50 thing for me.

What’s your idea of a plus size model?

A plus size abroad, falls within sizes10, 12, 14 but here, that size is medium. When you’re size 12, you’re not a plus size but abroad, you are.

Have you been under any pressure from the industry to be a particular size?

Yes, of course. Pressure from myself. As a model, you just need to keep fit. You have new models coming up. They really want to make it so they can knock you out of the business.

So you agree that being thin is more attractive?

No, it’s not attractive. It’s what the industry demands.

So what do you do to keep fit?

I jog, you know, when I’m not feeling so lazy. I don’t watch what I eat. Like now, I have craving for starch but my mind tells me, watch it! I just have to be very careful.

Is ‘thin’ in your family?

We’re all thin, yeah.

You’ve done some international jobs, right?

Yes and it’s fun. As ambassador of Beautiful People in Africa, I come in contact with a lot of people. When I won Best Runway Model for NMA, it was awesome. The others from other countries were all super models. So, I was just feeling really cool about myself

And how does the rest of your family feel?

It’s just my dad who feels I should be doing something else and he’s done everything possible to make me do something else but I keep insisting this is what I want to do. I think it’s ok.

Are you also thinking of going into business?

The business I’ll do will be centred around fashion. I’m not going to disclose it right now.