Ayoola Bakare Cover Zen Magazine Africa for June/July

It’s been almost 4 years since Ayoola Bakare first graced our cover back in January 2013. It was my first time of hearing of her from Princess, our ever so amazing beautiful director. Back then, the headwrap look was just bursting, widely worn across stylish women, on and off the camera. Ayoola was young, starting to break out into the industry, finding her feet and her unique style of modelling. “My main priority is to be a positive role model for younger girls and women,” she told me at the time when I first interviewed her. 

In the years since, she graduated from University; did campaigns for top brands like Magnum, Lusters Hair Products, Motions Hair; has worked with some of the best photographers in the industry including Asiko, Fireshone photography, Ademola Odusami, Obi Somto Photography; and is a Prince’s Trust Young Ambassador. And, amidst all this, Ayoola has started to get into the production aspect of creative projects. With a vibrant background in modelling, dancing and acting, this month’s cover girl Ayoola tells us all about her modelling journey since we last saw her and what’s the good and bad side of modelling. She also gives insight into how to become a model, and more on her modelling dreams this year. Check out the cover below: 

 

Also in this inspirational issue, you’ll learn more about 4 amazing African models, first off is the beautiful Alyssa Traore, (Dutch, Ivorian) lives in Amsterdam, Nana Keita (Malian), in New York, Anais Mali (French, Chadian), and Uju Marshall (Nigerian); and our carefully curated list of 20 African female designers who make it their business to put African fashion on the global map. 

 

Make sure you don’t miss our fabulous interview with South African music star Nadia Nakai. Not only does she keep it real with us but she also tells us about the collaborations that mean the most to her. Elsewhere, we talk about the growing number of domestic violence cases on the rise. Why do women or partners stay in an abusive relationship? Is it because of love or comfort? We will really love to hear all your views, opinions and points on this topic as the cases of woman being abused has risen since the start of this year. Check out our contents for the month ahead:

As always, my amazing editorial team and I give you the best editorial work this month with designs from Queen E. Collection. I can go on and on about this issue but I won’t; I will let you surf through all our amazing contents below and don’t forget to comment after the post and share the link story. I thank you all so much for always being there for us. Summer is around the corner and no dulling for me oo. Need to find a beautiful nwanyi “Woman in my dialect” to make Mrs. Zen. I am getting too old for this single life. Here’s wishing you all reading this and your family, a beautiful and productive month.

 

As always, we welcome your suggestions and comments about Ayoola’s cover look. Which stories are you itching to read this month? Please drop us your comments in the space below. Check out a plain look of the cover below.

Photographer: JC Hermier
Makeup and styling: Princess Amayo Ironbar