NexDim Star of the Week

Brenda Mengot is a UK based Cameroonian model and CEO of Dery Entertainment. Rumours have proliferated on several media outlets  about her dating English premier league  player, Aaron Lennon. NexDim had much concern about her reputation and the veracity of these rumours . We decided to book her for an up and close interview.

-Hello Brenda

Hi

-How you doing?

I’m okie,Thanks.

-Describe yourself to us?

I am down to earth and humble although people who do not know me in person would say I’m proud because of the way I talk or walk but its just something I grew up with. I’m very playful but serious when necessary.

-What part of Cameroon do you come from?

I’m mixed . Of very many parts, my dad is from the Southwest(Bayangi) and my mum is Half Bakossi and half Bassa.

-When and how did you find yourself modeling?

I started modeling at 14.  I was doing my Secondary school ,  4th year in a photo studio as that was the only place I spent time  for work experience. I didn’t even like being in a photo studio. One day an advertising agent came in there with his models to have a shoot for Nintendo but there was 1 girl missing and they asked me to fill in for her. At first I didn’t want to but I really enjoyed the attention, so I guess that did the trick.

-Much has been said about your label.Can you tell us about Dery Entertainment?

Well, Dery Entertainment is an expanding entertainment company that supplies models, dancers and make-up artists. At the moment that’s all we are handling but we aim to get into more talents like actors and artists. I decided to take over as C.E.O and talent manager because I am a model with a lot of experience both good and bad, there are a lot of things happening in the entertainment industry that young girls have to be aware about and that’s where I come in, The team does its very best to guide and lead our talents to the right path.

You are so beautiful. What’s your definition of beauty?

Am a little old school so I would say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Everyone has the ability to be beautiful, I don’t mean through surgeries cos that is just the physical appearance. Beauty is an addition of everything that makes up a person: your attitude, approach towards other people, intelligence. And that’s why there is no perfect person.

-What is a quintessence of a model and what are the ethics you think a true model should follow?

A model is traditionally meant to represent a product cos that is how the profession came about. But with our society today, little girls look up to such figures as their heroes and they want to be like them. This evolution has made modeling not just a “strike  a pose” affair but also setting an example for the next generation to follow. I think a model needs good morals and educational background just as every other person.

-What have you achieved so far as a model?. Any music videos, prints, billboards,magazines or adverts?

I have done a couple of music videos for artists like Sir-B, Material, Kanyba etc. I was cover girl for Continental magazine, and also did adverts for LEVI, EDF Energy, NHS cervical cancer and also fashions shows for a couple of designers. I actually worked with a Cameroonian magazine the last time I was in Cameroon, it was called Akwastar and I was one of the faces of the company.

-A general conception is Models are so vulnerable to giving what they have to get what they desire. What’s your take?

This is not just in the modeling industry, it’s in the whole entertainment industry. I have seen it happen a lot of times but it’s not right. No girl has to do anything but work hard and stay focused to get where you want to be. I am an artist and choreographer as well and I remember when I started getting into the industry, I got turned down a couple of times cos I wouldn’t play to the “rules”. I knew I was good and had potential so I never felt like maybe I have to do something extra to be recognised.There are also photographers who would tell you that you should do glamour modeling cos it suits you, and sometimes it’s not what you wanna do….maybe you are interested in fashion and you are fit to do it but the photographer just wants to take pictures of you naked. These are all experiences I had that made me decide to run Dery Entertainments.

-Describe the nature of your relationship with other models?

I am very professional in everything I do, so the only time we get to see is at an assignment or industry meeting. It’s a lot of fun hanging out with the other models but most of my closest friends are not models so I prefer hanging out with them instead.

- Brenda, We have been a little concerned with rumours circulating of you dating English footballer, AARON LENNON. Can you clarify millions of people across the world. Is the allegation true?

NO! It is definitely not true. Funny enough we are NOT even friends for someone to think that we are dating. We probably have crossed paths a couple of times as I know a few people that play for his team and for the English premier league, but I have never had anything to do with him in person.

-Did you feel embarrassed when you Google your name?

Yes, I do! People ask me things on my Facebook and Twitter and I answer them cos I don’t wanna seem stuck-up or rude and the next minute they put it on Google and sometimes even make up stories. I am not an outside world person and I love my privacy, I guess that’s the African part of me.

-Are you a sucker for ”America Next Top model” ? What’s your appraisal.

Honestly, I have never watched one episode of it. Not because it’s not good, but am  more of a film person. Horror, comedy and action TV programs are the only things I watch  on TV.

-What do you look ahead for Africa?

A continent that would come out of it’s corruption and let the younger generation implement more organization and equality in our society. The educational system in Africa is a lot higher than some other continents, I know this cos I schooled in Africa as well.That is the only hope I have for Africa.That the next generation of power would develop our continent more and take us out of the too many cultural beliefs we have.

-We have young modeling agencies in Cameroon like Freddash models. What do you plan to do in order to help the up and coming Cameroonian models?

I have actually been introduced to Freddash modeling agency and I had a look at their website. It’s really great to see that we have agencies like that in Cameroon. At the moment we have a lot of projects that would be done in Africa: Cameroon and Nigeria. I am more focused on Cameroon. Our team would be in Cameroon for December or early January for auditions for our TV show called  “Last model standing” which would be shot in Cameroon and other places and also aired in Africa, Europe and America. This is one of our biggest projects and we have  a few sponsors  helping out with it. This would be a great way of putting the faces of Cameroon models and the country itself out there.

-What genre of music do you often listen to?

I am into R n B, SlowJamz, Funky house, Bashments (dance hall), Afro beats (Nigerian hip hop) , Coupe Decale and occasionally, Makossa.

-Your favourite Cameroonian meal?

Hmm! I would say Fufu and Eru. I love it!

-It was sweet having you on nexdimempire.com . Hope you have a nice day and best wishes.We also hope to  have updates of your pending projects.

Thank you, it was my pleasure. I would keep you updated with the project.

Brenda Mengot

CEO Dery Ent

www.deryent.co.uk

NexDim caught up with this flawless beauty for an up-close and personal interview. What actually swept me off my feet was her eloquence and aura. She was talking in real ”pimped” language. She is called Joyce Thellma Mbassa, Miss Littoral 2010 and more to her credit.

Hello, Joyce.

Hello

How are you?

Am doing good.Thank you.

Can you briefly introduce yourself .

Yeah, My names are Mbassa Joyce Thellma Amah.  I’m 23, a student at the university of Buea in my final year studying Sociology and Anthropology with a minor in Management. My hobbies-swimming, dancing and Modelling of course!

Like Jamaicans say ; What part a Cameroon yuh come from?

Well, I have a kind of mixed culture. My dad is from the Littoral region and my mum from North-west region but since it’s custom to take daddy’s side, I’ll say am from the Littoral region of Cameroon… Perfectly Bilingual from Birth!!

Can you describe your journey to become a model?

My journey to become a model…Well,when I was a kid, I used to be very calm and quiet but I loved attention, I always made sure people look at me at significant moments. I always used to cry not all the time like most kids do but just when I was hungry or willing to ease my self or sick…growing up, I was always very careful when I walked through the house to make sure nothing drops or stains my dress… a teenager, I used to be the smallest of the group but the one with the loudest voice…after teen, I am the listening ear, the shoulder to lean on and the helping hand to all my friends. Of course I got my own limitations like being authoritative, a lil shy, quick tempered and others…Back in primary and secondary school, on the 11th February  and 20th May match passes, I was always given either the flag or the school board to hold…I always did playbacks, commonly called “staging” on cultural weeks either alone or as a group of which I was always the lead dancer n singer…academically, I was very competitive and always strove for one of the best positions in class…You realize I was a MODEL at each stage. Now as becoming a model like runway and Billboard adverts, it all began with Miss competitions.

What was your drive , what actually inspired you?

My drive and inspiration, I cant really tell. All I know is, I have always loved watching modeling programs over TV, had many fashion magazines and I always dreamt of becoming like one of those bling girls. But, Eva Longoria Parker inspires me big time! She’s just so ”oofff”  in all she does!

Is this something you want to do for life ?

Yes! Absolutely… I will like to do this for life but alongside pursuing my studies and working in a good biz firm coz you know Modeling is not really encouraged in our Cameroon society. You cant depend solely on it here to make a living unless u travel out and me, i’ll like to live in my country so it may just remain alongside…but life reserves alot of surprises,if i happen to “fallbush”, the story might change.

What have you achieved so far as a model?

Hey… I’m still growing in the modeling world. hmm!  So far, Miss BINAM 2008, 1st runner up Miss Dynasty 2009, A Western Union Advert Bill Board contract for a year in 2009, Miss Littoral Lux 2010, Miss Beach 2010, and some pending contracts like Forever Living Products and Seme Beach Hotel Adverts…But my greatest achievement in all, is the acquisition of self confidence, respect of self and of others, alot of social maturity.

Tell us about Fredash Modeling Agency of which we know you are part.

Yep! Freddash Modeling Agency. It’s a young agency,with a bright future made up of great models both boys and girls! I have the honour to be among the 1st models in this great agency.We carry on our activities in a friendly and respectful environment.The CEO (Mr.Nemfor Alfred) and his team give us the necessary guides and advice on the field, photo-shoot  sessions are organized when necessary to keep us awake! The agency presents its models every month to varrying industries for advert propositions…I’ts good in there! Together,we all stand and we win!

What is your definition of beauty?

My definition  of Beauty…”Its the manifestation of the inner qualities of a person presented in a pleasing and attractive physical body”. Haha. Hope it’s clear!

Models are always known as ”people who give what they have to earn what they desire” . Are you a victim?

Oh! Yeah! Absolutely! “Models give what they have to earn what they desire”…They give a chance to the public to be aware of designers dresses and accessories,they guide people in their choice of shopping,they help promote business and present employment opportunities by advertising companies,they offer entertainment when they are on the runway…They desire to see people happy in the choices they make while they earn their living in a respectful way…So, am I Victim? NO! I am a Model.

That was a witty effort to escape the connotation of my question. Lol.

What do you think about the modeling industry in Cameroon.

It’s so low, the modeling industry in Cameroon. I’m just praying that one day, modeling will take a higher dimension in Cameroon because it pains me when I see foreigners on Billboards advertising Cameroon based Products when we are out here!!! Well,with agencies like Freddash Modeling Agency and others,it is promising!

Tell us about your first audition.Were you nervous?

Oh yeah… I am always nervous in all my auditions you know… It’s a feeling I cant take away but I try as much to hide it, I keep calm, drink some water and I keep on murmuring to myself “Joyce, all will be fine”…and it works!

Like magic I guess. Lol.

I learned you are a student , how do you cope with your modeling career and academics?

The Bible says “There is time for everything” I just try as much to give modeling its time and school its own…When there is a clash, I decide which is more important and urgent at that time and I carry on. One good thing is modeling sessions are nearly always on weekends and holidays! so it’s good for me!

Do you often watch America’s Next Top model? What’s your appraisal?

Oh yeah! America’s Next Top Model…I like it! It’s fun,it’s full of suspense, it reveals the girls’ real characters and their urge to win. It’s interesting and inspiring!!! It defines a model…though sometimes, my favorite is not theirs!

What african dish is your secret passion?

Miam miam…I like food! U are asking me to reveal my secret passion…It wount be secret anymore…Ok, I got 3…Ekwang,Ndole with miondo and water fufu with eru… Please don’t ask me to choose!

You may definitely like  Koki Corn or  Kwankalang. Lol. You surely have all Cameroonian dishes as your best.

What is your favourite genre of music?

I like music… all types but my favorite is particularly Old French Blues…It’s so relaxing.

What is your advice to Cameroonians who are passionate about modeling?

Bros’ and sis’ of Camer…If you are passionate about modeling, it’s good.We have some few agencies around now so get yourself into one and carry on your dream…It’s not easy though,just make sure you work hard and keep your dignity intact.It’s important.

Thanks for your time and Nexdim wishes you the best in your career.

Thank you Nexdim…It was my pleasure.I had a great time.

Do you have any last word to nexdimempire.com users?

One last word to nexdimempire.com users ? ” If you fail to check this website in any week, you must have missed some good things for that week…so you know what to do…Stay Blessed.

Joyce Thellma.

NexDim interviewed Fredash , a beauty photographer and CEO of Fredash Modeling Agency.

Hello. How are you.

I’m fine. Thank you.

”Fredash” . What are your real names

I’m called Nemfor Alfred.

When did you start professional photography?

”I started professional photography in 2003. I had always admired the art of photography and creativity.”

Tell us about your baby , Fredash modeling agency.

”Freddashmodels is a modeling agency founded in 2009 with just 5 models in its books. We are a still growing agency which from every indication will grow up to become the largest and most successful modeling agency in Cameroon, Africa and one of the top and most valued in the world.

Describe your journey to becoming  the  proprietor of a modeling agency.

” I indulged into modeling in 2007, I was a model my self, I went in for competitions all over the nation. I also worked with other groups of people who  trained models. I came to realize that we have lots of talents and beauty here in Cameroon and we have very few modeling agencies. So I decided start up  a professional modeling agency

What categories of models do you deal with?

”Freddashmodels operates  3 divisions namely the Female models, Male Models and teen models. Our models are trained to do adverts, parades, prints, and other commercials.”

What makes your agency special?

”We have a flawless and responsible attitude towards our models. Our company is determined to nurture and develop their long-term careers whilst ensuring that they do not run before they can walk. We treat all models as individuals and put their care, safety and happiness above everything. A model’s well-being is our unconditional interest.”

How many models do you have in your agency so far?

For now we have over 18 fully registered models.

How can you measure your success so far?

We sent in 6 of our models for Miss Cameroon regional finals and 3 made it to the national finals in Yaounde last April. We also went in for Miss BEACH competition that took place at SEME BEACH HOTEL and won the 1st and 2nd prize.

We had echoes of the Fredash VIP Show at Chariot hotel. How did it go?

”Yea. We had a V I P fashion show at Chariot Hotel on May 29th, it was very successful with 3 designers, about 5 artists and many more. We also had representatives from Marken Erickson from Douala and from many other companies.”

Have you been in contact or have you been collaborating with other modeling agencies in Cameroon?

”Yes. We have been in contact with other modeling agencies home and abroad and we intend to work in close collaboration with these agencies.”

It’s sometimes difficult dealing with females. How do you deal with your female models.

[laughs] Yea definitely. Sometimes it’s very hard to work with females. It’s just a matter of understanding  them and let them understand you. With that all will be fine.

Do their parents approve ?

I have talked to some of their parents and they are quite aware of it. Some of the parents came for our last show.

What are your future prospects?

”Our aim is to capture the advertising market in Cameroon and West Africa, be on Billboards, TV Commercial and many more.”

Thanks for your time.

I appreciate this opportunity.

http://fredashmodels.com/

The VIP Fashion Nite organised by Freddash Modeling Agency in partnership with Chariot Hotel was a picturesque and exciting  event which  saw the presence of models and fashion designers from all parts of Cameroon. The parades, fashion display, stunning performances of Dr  Sley and Steveslil, and merriment gave an extraordinarily fascinating flair.

NOTE: Freddash Modeling Agency shall be organising auditions from the 1st of June to the 15th at Freddash Photo Studio situated at Paramount Street, Buea. Casting shall take place on the 15th. Worthy of note is the fact that ”AUDITION IS FREE”.

For more info please  contact: princefreddash@yahoo.com or call +237 75133470, 96897534

Joyce Mbassa , currently Miss Littoral 2010  and a product of  Freddash Modeling Agency is the winner of the Miss Seme Beach Hotel pageant 2010 which took place at the sea side city of Limbe on the 23rd of May 2010.This event under the honorable patronage of the Ambassador of Ivory Coast  brought about 30 contestants  from Ivory Coast, and other parts of Cameroon.

Fon Tata Armand is a 20 years old model and footballer. He started playing football since the age of 10. He has  been a student at Brasseries Football School for 4 years and Ngalla Quan Sports Academy, Limbe and now playing professional Division 2 football in Cameroon. He is a very ambitious, hard-working person who believes in achievements and intends to have his way to the international scene with his talents.

His dream of becoming a professional model started at Catholic School, Buea where he became the ”Face” of the school in 1990. Armand was winner of Master Francophonie in 2007, participated at a Coca Cola Advert in 2007, Master Canal 2 International and models at St John’s Plaza. He is currently the coordinator of Freddash Modeling Agency.

CONTACT: http://www.fredashmodels.com/en/site/home