If you have no idea who Gabu Fords is, here’s a little help for ya. Gabu featured in Cece Sagini’s video, “Ensobobosobo” (a Kisii wild fruit that is rare to find). Check him out at 1:12.
Gabu Fords is the literal definition of tall, dark and hella fine. Standing at 6′, his body is nothing short of a masterpiece. Yes, I did go through his Instagram account shamelessly, ladies… you should to. He has abs that look like they were chiseled by God himself because how can one human being be so fahn?
The 24 year old has clearly started off 2017 on a high note by signing to South Africa’s 20 Model Management. This didn’t just land on his lap as he had to do a few test shoots which impressed the South African agency. Gabu Fords’ bookings require him to be in South Africa quarterly a year so he’s unsure of permanent relocation at the moment. In the meantime, he’s mingling with other models in the model mansion that they live in (as seen on Style Yetu).
Prior to this major deal, he modeled commercially and on the runway for local fashion brands like Le Kasri bespoke, One hundred years, Kikoromeo and jewelry brand Nikuchanna. He showcased celebrated South African designer, David Tlale’s pieces at the last edition of ASFAs (Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards).
Gabu has clearly been doing his thing as he has also worked with Sephora (when it set shop in Zambia under the name ‘Color Cafe’. ). Sephora is a French chain of cosmetic stores founded in 1969. It offers beauty products including make up, skincare, body, fragrance, nail colour and hair care.
From his blog, Gabu Fords states that “modeling has allowed me to have great appreciation of different cultures and conflicting styles.” Modeling is his life and he’s tasted all sides of it; runway, commercial, editorial, ushering, fitness and photo modeling . He says, “However as serious as modeling can be, there is no denying that I use it to survive the reality of everyday life. I live, dream, breath, walk, talk and eat modeling.”
From a previous interview with So You Like Fashion, Gabu Fords said that he wasn’t into the modelling career until 2012 while he was still in campus. He started out the next year, in 2013, but it wasn’t until 2015 that his work as a model was felt, citing Osborne Macharia as the man who helped him (Gabu) with his breakthrough through his photography. His first modelling job ever was Ibuka Event ub 2013 and his first commercial job was with Equitel in 2014.
He says that he likes to think of himself as his own role model because every model has his own unique features and terms the male modeling scene in Kenya as “very competitive” and it’s somewhat “choosy” or “picky”.
He’s not only a model, he’s also a bare chest (countless heart eye emojis) bartender and is a journalist by profession. So how exactly does he keep his body chiseled? The usual. He works out in the gym, jogs, eats healthy and is dedicated to it all.
His word to anyone trying to get into the game? “If you want to be in the industry, you have to pay the cost of being in the industry. Make the necessary sacrifices you need to.”
South Africa seems to be raising the bar quite high when it comes to entertainment; be it music videos or audio production, award shows, fashion, etc. Hopefully this is the year that Kenya steps up and competes with African countries on the same level entertainment wise and more male models are recognized and honored for their gorgeousness, the same way we do the ladies.
Check out Gabu Fords below:
Photos @gabufords
