SA: Can you tell us who Shamz Garuba is?
Shamz Garuba is an actor, model, and creative director. He hails from Edo State and was born on the 12th of July. He majored in civil engineering at the University of Ilorin. He began modelling in 2016 and progressed into acting in 2022. He is a versatile creative who is constantly ready to bring his creativity to any project he is passionate about.
SA: Can you tell us about your early life and how it shaped who you are today? Any particular childhood experiences that had a profound impact on you?
Now that I think about it, I was a book-smart and introverted child growing up. Books served as my escape routes. My passion for the arts seems to have been inspired by my mother, who, I believe, found satisfaction in music and dance. I liked to make up stories and let my imagination run wild. But when I got older and tried to figure out what I wanted out of life, I found it difficult because I had a number of interests and was skilled in many areas (both creative and engineering work). I experimented a lot before realizing that creative work was the kind of stress I enjoyed.
SA: How did you get started in the modelling and acting industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion and entertainment?
As I previously mentioned, I’ve always imagined stories and characters, and I’ve always aspired to be like the Black actors I see in movies and on television. But I felt that it was incredibly unachievable. Modelling, on the other hand, was a career I never saw coming. It was birthed from an argument I had with my mom. “When you’re angry, you walk like a runway model,” she said, and the rest is history. The ability to express myself through fashion and self-development through acting has been my continuous inspiration in my career.
SA: Shamz, what were the initial challenges you faced when you started your career in modelling, and how did you overcome them?
Many challenges arose when I first began modelling. I was not as slender as the males in the European market, nor was I as built as the guys in the Nigerian market. I was the typical height, but in order to be taken seriously, guys my height needed to have a killer network and portfolio. Agencies can only perform to the best of their abilities, but each person must use their unique abilities to carve out a space for themselves. Rather than wait, I decided to take charge of my career. I observed what was lacking and took steps to see how I could dominate the market I was currently working in.
SA: Can you share a particularly pivotal moment in your career that significantly contributed to your growth?
For modelling, I would say it was my first-ever campaign for T.I. Nathan in 2019. It was also the first campaign I shot with my low cut. My acting is a natural progression from the growth of my modelling career.
SA: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered as an actor, and how have you overcome them?
A significant obstacle I’ve faced is being self-conscious about my performance and my ability to fully embody a character’s emotions. Although overcoming this is difficult, I’ve discovered that I should just let the character lead me wherever he chooses. This is only possible if one is well-prepared and has the ability to comprehend the desires, fears, and motives of their character.
SA: Who are your biggest inspirations in the fashion and film industries?
In fashion, I would say Pharrell Williams. In film, it has to be Denzel Washington, Idris Elba, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen.
SA: Which role have you played that you felt the most connected to and why?
So far, it is “Dear Diane.” I felt deep sympathy for Tokan, understood his decision, and could truly relate to everything he was going through. I can identify with his kind disposition and love of music in real life.
SA: As a model, you’ve worked with various international brands. How do you think African fashion and beauty standards can be better represented in the global industry?
Due to indigenous designers’ appearances at international fashion weeks and their stocking on international platforms and in stores, African fashion has already gained recognition on a worldwide scale. Positive PR and social media are key tools. If these resources are used effectively, a quality product will always make its way around the globe.
SA: How do you think African creatives can support and uplift each other in the industry?
One major way is via collaboration. Collaborations in the creative sector have the potential to be extremely powerful and transformative. It involves combining concepts, coordinating implementation, and working as a team to produce an amazing body of work, and there are countless advantages.
SA: How do you continuously evolve your craft in both modelling and acting?
I’m a sucker for research. So, I keep learning, observing, and witnessing changes and trends in the creative space. I keep looking for ways to grow, to be better than the person I was yesterday.
SA: What’s your philosophy when it comes to fashion? Is it more about self-expression, comfort, or making a statement?
My philosophy is more about self-expression and comfort. I exude confidence when I am comfortable with what I have on. I also like to showcase the kind of person I am through what I wear.
SA: How has your personal style evolved over the years? Are there any specific phases or trends that influenced your fashion choices?
My personal style has always followed a minimalistic approach. However, new trends emerge with every season, and I simply select what appeals to my minimalist style from each trend.
SA: As an insider, what changes would you like to see in the fashion industry? Any thoughts on inclusivity, sustainability, or representation?
The concepts of sustainability, inclusion, and representation in the fashion industry have become overly politicized and have lost much of their original meaning. All I want is for people to create, to be content with what they have produced, and to simply act morally.
SA: Can you share some of your favourite roles or projects you’ve worked on in the acting world?
This year, I’ve had the privilege of working on several incredible projects. All of my endeavors to date have been quite close to my heart when I think about it: A Night in 2005, Crime & Justice, Afrobeats Superstar, Red Circle, Olufemi, and Dear Diane—all excellent projects.
SA: What was your first movie role? How did this role challenge you, and what did you learn from the experience?
An interesting question. I played Rabiu Yunusa in Crime and Justice Lagos, which was my first ever role. Rabiu is a conceited, spoiled young man who believes he can have anything he desires. His actions serve as a cover for his anxieties and insecurities. This role challenged me because I was very scared and wanted to do it well. Fortunately, I was working with incredible individuals who allowed me to succeed. Onyinye Egenti’s direction felt like acting school. I walked off that set with a ton of knowledge that has aided me in my acting career thus far. For this reason, I am really appreciative of Crime and Justice Lagos.
SA: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self at the start of your career, what would it be and why?
Don’t overthink things, let go of your shyness, and pursue your goals wholeheartedly. I would share this with my younger self since I used to be frightened to ask for what I needed and to take advantage of opportunities that I thought would be good for me. To my younger self: remember that there are millions of “yes” answers out there; the worst you can receive is a “no.”
SA: Being a model, actor, and influencer can be demanding. How do you manage your time and maintain a healthy work-life balance? Are there any tips for staying organized and focused?
Having a plan is essential. I always have to-do lists and reminders. To be able to perform tasks well, I try to focus on one thing at a time. In conclusion, I schedule my time and usually refuse to accept everything that is offered to me.
SA: What’s your definition of success, and how do you measure it in your own career?
My definition of success is when I have accomplished my set goals, and I measure success by setting goals and trying to achieve them. Because if we really think about it, success is personal, and everyone has their own journey. Your own personal standard of success in your career is what counts. If you’ve succeeded, only you will know.
SA: When you’re not modelling or acting, what do you enjoy doing? Any hobbies, interests, or hidden talents that your fans might not know about?
Hmmmm. I love swimming, playing lawn tennis, and photography. Recently, I have been watching a lot of movies and TV shows. I love coming up with fashion looks to create or recreate. As for hidden talents, you guys will have to let me know if I can sing and dance if you ever catch me doing either. (Laughs)
SA: Your fans love your social media presence! How important is social media to your career, and how do you balance online engagement with your personal life?
This is good to hear. Social media is crucial to my profession because, to me, it functions as an online portfolio. Social networking is a big source of job referrals for me. I try not to overthink how I strike a balance between my personal life and my online activities. I simply post my work there, occasionally sharing personal information. Some days I spend observing, and other days, I interact with my social media family.
SA: What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received from a fan or industry professional?
I have received several noteworthy pieces of feedback, most of which are from Dear Diane. As an actor, I want the audience to feel as though they are witnessing a real event, so I’m grateful that many people find my delivery authentic and natural. These kinds of comments inspire me to fully immerse myself in every role I play and to truly feel the life of the character.
SA: Shamz, how does it feel to be one of the most sought-after models in Nigeria right now?
It’s a great feeling to be seen, but it’s not accomplished in a day’s work. It calls for a great deal of self-control, maturity, professionalism, and, most importantly, perseverance.
SA: Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations we should look out for?
For now, I can just mention the titles. My upcoming projects at the moment are Afrobeats Superstar, Red Circle, Olufemi, Street, A Night in 2005, and Home With You.
SA: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your journey, and how do you apply it to your life and career?
I have learned that there is actually nothing in this life, so while we are here, let’s just be kind to the next person and do things with the right intention.
Thank you, Shamz!
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