Interview With Alioune: The Real Difficulties Of Black Models

Interview with Alioune – Supermodel, content creator, public figure and human rights defender. The modelling industry has changed, yes, but it is still difficult for black men like Alioune. He has got to where he is with a lot of hard work and sacrifice, although the road has not been easy, as he tells us.

Alioune Bandara

Alioune Badara, international black model. Successful thanks to his great and exquisite work, he uses his position of influence to advocate and give a place in the industry to his black colleagues who do not have the opportunity. The mission that Allah has given him.

• Alioune’s Instagram

The Difficulties As A Black Model

FIV: Not everyone has the same luck as you. How would you recommend other boys to start a modelling careers?

ALIOUNE: The best way is to submit your best digitals to all the agencies in your city. By doing so, make sure that they want you and believe in you, it’s very important for your career! 

FIV: Do you think it was more difficult for you, as a black man, to become a creative or a model?  

ALIOUNE: Absolutely! The first agency I ever went to told me they were interested by my look but they had enough black guys on their board. At the time I didn’t understand what it meant and kept trying to get signed. 

FIV: What did you learn from that?

ALIOUNE: As I evolve in the industry, I realize that believing in yourself and having the right team make a lot of difference. Because the industry is not meant for people of colors, so you have to create your own space and stay focused. 

From White Boys To Black Boys

FIV: Do you think the industry has changed in recent years? What changes have you seen?

ALIOUNE: It definitely changed for the better. When I started I only saw a few black male models and nowadays I have so many of my Senegales, Ghanains, and Ivoiriens brothers! It’s so beautiful to witness, and experience together. 

Mandela Said “It Is In Your Hands”

FIV: As a reference of the black community in the industry, how is to deal with it every day?

ALIOUNE: It’s a blessing, one that comes with immense responsibility. I always walk in every room with 1000 young Africans kids on my shoulders. As the great Nelson Mandella once said “It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it.” 

FIV: Then, we could say that you were born for this, right?

ALIOUNE: I take it as a duty to represent black excellence and share any knowledge I may have in my field for all of us to have a seat at the table.

The Importance Of Faith

FIV: How can you handle it?

ALIOUNE: That Allah has a mission for me and that I have to accomplish it no matter what. 

FIV: So, are you satisfied with what you have become and what you have achieved?

ALIOUNE: I wouldn’t say that I am satisfied but I am grateful to Allah for getting me here. I have so much more to accomplish and more life to touch in many shapes and forms. 

A Conversation With Him-Self

FIV: If you could give any advice to the you of five years ago, what would it be?

ALIOUNE: Be patient, ask more questions, and believe in yourself! 

FIV: We are delighted to have a man like you in our magazine. Visibility is very important and we are really delighted that you have decided to tell your story in FIV. Good luck Alioune!