SA: Who is Frank Mensah?
Frank Mensah, often known as Dafy Mensah, is an ambitious and tenacious individual. I’ve been asked if Dafy is my real name. The answer is yes, but it’s just a shortened version of my real name, Dafliso. On stage, I go by the name Dafy Mensah, but on official documents, I go by Frank Mensah Dafliso. I’m an Akan/Voltarian. I was raised in the Koforidua New Tafo Akim town in the Eastern area. I attended the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana M/A JHS for my elementary education before moving on to the Ofori Panin Senior High School and finally the University of Professional Studies-Accra. I enjoy engaging and physically demanding activities like sports (volleyball, football), hiking, traveling, and sightseeing. I am friendly, but it takes a lot of scrutiny and assessment for me to decide who I can confidently call a friend. I smile a lot.
SA: How did your career as a model begin?
2018 saw the start of my modeling career with a pageant at my school called UPSA ROYAL. Prior to that, as I was growing up, I always liked to watch or see people on TVs, especially when there was an advertisement. I’ve always wanted to be a screen star, so when the chance arose in school, I jumped at it because I thought it would help me do one of the following things: 1: emerge. 2: be able to face the crowd, and 3: know how to communicate with the camera.
After that, I also entered a different contest called MR MODEL AFRICA in 2019. I must admit that platform did me more good than harm; in fact, that was when my career really got started because it gave me a good introduction to the modeling industry in Ghana and possibly elsewhere in the world. I will always be grateful for that platform.
When COVID came along and we were all bored, I once more applied for the Lawen Taylor Brand Ambassador search in 2020, which also helped me stand out more.
Therefore, I basically began by participating in various model competitions and working on my body because a model’s body is their greatest asset.
SA: How big a role does modeling play in your life?
Modeling makes me happy, in simple words, it makes me super happy.
SA: What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?
I give all successes the same amount of weight since they all have equal importance, regardless of whether there was any financial compensation from the start or not. I say this because I don’t love modeling because of the money. It’s the peace and joy it brings me. So far, so good. The success includes working with some of our favorite musicians from Ghana, including the StoneBwoy, Kidi, Adina, Kuame Eugene, Mona4real, MayaBlu, and Ms. Forson. I also appeared in a music video for Tiwa Savage from Nigeria. Also, I have worked on Steeve Kodjia’s French Deal Project. I’ve acted in a few local movies and done commercials for TCL Ghana, Golden Key, and Ebony condoms.
SA: What is the most challenging part of being a male model?
1. It comes with a lot of stress because people you don’t know will say false things about you, and you have to be resilient and strong to deal with this.
2. Maintaining a good shape at all times because it’s essential, unless you’re a plus-size model.
SA: Why or why not, in your opinion, is Ghana’s modeling industry growing?
In my opinion, Ghana’s modeling industry is growing, which is a good sign because more people now actually understand what it takes to be a model and are pursuing their dreams.
In addition, the creatives among us are working hard, which is also helping the industry grow because there is an increased demand for models.
SA: How has your personal style evolved since you became a model?
My choice of clothing, the places to be, the kind of associations I make, and the way I carry myself have all improved. I pay close attention to what I am doing, who I am with, what I am wearing, and where I am. I’ve also been able to improve my sense of style in terms of color combinations and what to wear, when, and how.
SA: As a model, If you could change one thing about the fashion and modeling industry, what would it be? What would you improve?
The way models are treated in terms of payment. I am not too keen about the money but models needed to be paid what is worth the job.
SA: What do you think about the state of fashion today?
Wearing good clothing is definitely popular right now. To see and experience today’s fashion makes me really happy. Emerging fashion trends and their creative effects. With the aid of social media, it is quite easy to make a concept trend, and in all honesty, people in the fashion industry are making progress.
SA: Is there anything you’ve always wanted to try?
Deep down I will love to try photography.
SA: What, in your opinion, makes a good runway walk?
A good runway walk is knowing what you are wearing and how best to walk in it by being yourself but also sticking to the basic runway rules.
SA: Which of your runway moments would you choose to relive if you could?
Ghana Menswear Week 2022
SA: What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever heard about yourself?
He is polite, has a nice smile and nice physique.
SA: Does height and physical features count as a male model?
Yes, it counts depending on the role, but basically all the above mentioned counts big time.
SA: How do you deal in uncomfortable situations in your working environment?
I have two ways of dealing with things like this.
1. Either I stay focused and ignore all uncomfortable factors and finish the work
Or
2. I call off the work or job, that is when I can’t absorb what’s making me uncomfortable.
SA: When entering a new modeling gig, describe how you build relationships with the creative team or your fellow models.
I am a really laid-back person, so breaking the ice is not difficult for me. To make coordination simple and to get to know the team members better, I simply try to engage with them and introduce myself. I also try to get to know their personalities.
SA: You’ve appeared in a lot of music videos; how did it start?
It started with a casting call from Lynx Entertainment and that was the beginning of me starring in music videos. My first feature was on Kidi’s music video “Spiritual.”
SA: How do brands reach you for work or business?
I can be reached on my Instagram, @Dafy_mensah. For certain jobs, I apply, receive an interview, and I am hired after meeting the requirements. Others also come from referrals from creatives I’ve previously collaborated with.
SA: Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to promote?
I have been in incubation for a while. I am trying to come up with something new so I am still in the planning process.
SA: Any last words you’d like to add?
If you want to be a model, or are a creative in any other way, please put in the work, work on your body, and stay focused. It’s not an easy road, but if you don’t let people get into your head, you will go far. Remember that fame will come before money, but that does not mean you have arrived; you still need to work so that the money and the fame synergize.
Thank you, Dafy!
Follow Dafy on Instagram
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