Who’s that girl?
Nigerian TV personality Adora Oleh is almost unrecognizable in this fierce look for Blanck Digital Magazine‘s new issue. Adora fronts the first of the four covers.
Adora who is seen with a Cleopatra-inspired hairstyle, flaunts her bod in a strapless black-and-white stripped swimsuit.
The serial entrepreneur and host of “The Adora Oleh Show” speaks to the publication on the skin lightening debate in the entertainment scene, her future aspirations and of course, fashion.
On her lowest point so far: “I try as much as possible to stay positive about most things, which is always easier said than done especially when faced with a major challenge.
Working in my chosen industry and getting where I have is a real blessing for me, so I’m definitely experiencing a lot of highs, which is great; But during the start of my work in Nigeria, there was a definite transitional period that I went through; but anything that doesn’t break you will male you.
Also, because I always knew that I wanted to work for myself and produce my own TV show under my own production company, I mentally prepared myself.
I knew, even before starting out it was not going to be easy, there were definite challenges along the way at every stage, but I think they are necessary to keep me humble, so I can value the good times and keep me appreciating what I’ve got.”
On if she thinks fashion is overrated: Humm…yes and no. I think haute couture fashion can be overrated at times, but as a self confessed fashion fan, fashion is fabulous and always will be to me.”
On if her lighter skin has given her an edge in the media world: No, absolutely not, there are certain attributes and qualities that will help you get ahead in this business, but skin colour is not one of them. Being in television, it’s important to take care of yourself in terms of grooming, but at the end of the day, it’s all about your personality that is what sells you.
On if she would have “improved” her skin, if she were born dark skinned: “It’s interesting you say “improve it”, because it implies that being darker skinned is not perfect within itself. If I were darker skinned, I feel there would be nothing to improve; my personality, drive, ambition and goals would still be the same. Being born and raised in England during the “real” supermodel era, dark skinned supermodels were the epitome of beauty and glamour, all my friends and I wanted to be Naomi Campbell.
On what she thinks of those who lighten their skin: “I don’t want to judge anyone, the last time I checked I was still a human being; I have concerns and issues just like everyone else. Life is short, I say live and let live.
On the on-going colour debate in the entertainment scene: “As a race, we haven’t overcome our issues with the light-skin vs. dark skin mentality, so the debates and stereotypes will continue. As a community, we need to stop criticising our own and stop making assumptions on what we think is fact based on someone’s position and complexion or skin tone. We have a bad case of Colourism in our society that will only do more harm than good to the younger generations coming up behind us.”
To read the full interview, click here
Also in the issue is an inspiring campaign on skin colour and race themed “My Colour Is Beautiful” featuring models from 8 racial groups around the world with their unique skin tones and flawless beauty.
The essence is to further drive home the message that real beauty is skin deep and happiness can only come from knowing that we all the same but uniquely different.
Credits
Adora Oleh
Story: Franka Chiedu
Photography: Andrew Hiles
Stylist: Tokyo James
Hair: James Oxkley
Make Up: Sylivia Makowski
Diamond Jewellery: Thelma West
My Colour is Beautiful Campaign
Story/Art Direction: Segun Garuba
Photography: Ola Ajani
Hair: Mariam Sanusi
Make Up Artists: Olubunmi Ogedengbe, Dara Odunlami, Leslie Monica, Kam Lota
Models: Karen Bengo, Rae (Lennis Model Management), Sandra (Lennis Model Management)
Manna (Models), Heidi, Rosemary (Lennis Model Management), BB (Lennis Model Management)
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