She is a Nigerian actress-cum-model making waves in the United States. Born of a Nigerian father and African-American mother, Kemi Shade has made a break into Hollywood with a number of upcoming flicks. Here, she opens up on her career, likes and dislikes including her ideal man. Enjoy:
Background
For most people when they meet me they always assume my name is pronounced the way it’s spelled. To set the record straight it’s pronounced (Kam-mie Shaw-Day). My names origin is Nigerian and means “Gods Gift.” Unlike all these other females claiming to be mixed with this and that, I know where I come from.
My father is 100 per cent Nigerian, born and raised and my mother is African-American. One thing that irks me is when people disregard the fact that I actually identify with where I come from. I embrace my African roots, and I am proud to say I represent Nigeria because the people there are all beautiful and I’m a true reflection of that! I’m 5’8, 34D -26-41, with honey caramel skin completion, freckles and natural red hair. My bubbly personality invites you to naturally gravitate towards me. One thing you all must know about me is my huge sense of humour, I’m goofy and love making people smile.
Likes and dislikes
I’ve never seen snow; I dislike bananas, mayonnaise, critters and insects, Jordan Sneakers, stinky smells and liars. I also am very adventurous, not many people know I like to be adventurous so something like skydiving, or flat water boarding is not so out the ordinary for me. Besides modelling, I am a full- time college student soon to graduate with my BA in Film and Television and minor in Pan African Studies. I also produce movies and write scripts. Furthermore, I act and have been featured in some short film, but my most challenging role presented itself to me in 2009 when I stared as a supporting actress in an upcoming film.
Besides modelling and acting, I dance. Dancing has always been a part of my life from cheerleading all through out junior and high school to working with the best choreographers in Hollywood right now for a music video I am in. I love race car-driving, because fast rides do something to me! I basically have a hunger for speed so anything fast that I can race whether it is on a go cart rack or in a video game. I also love cooking! I enjoy reading, shopping, exploring new places, dancing and acting.
Different from the pack
I truly am different in everyway. My exotic features from my red hair to every freckle on my face to my perfect smile and, of course, my amazing body, is enough to separate me from the rest. However, that’s not a great difference when it comes to the glamour world. Most girls I see in this industry only aspire to be video vixens, but I actually want to turn my experience into a career that is a positive representation of me that my parents can be proud of.
Cover girl
For 2010, so much has already started to happen for me, I’m on the cover of CREAME magazine which hits shelves this month, and have been featured on several online sites. I also have some upcoming printed publications that I’m currently shooting for so, get ready to start seeing a whole lot of me!
My ideal man
I look for the particular qualities in a guy. Honesty, maturity, genuine, God-fearing and someone who exudes confidence (not arrogance), and must have a sense of humour. Compatibility is key. We have to have something in common because I don’t believe in the opposites attract hype! There’s one thing I can’t stand, an unmotivated man that’s going nowhere with his life. I want a man that has his stuff together and is consistently working towards practical goals in life that can reasonably be attained. He doesn’t have to have everything, but if he shows me how much he appreciates me and treats me like his queen he’s definitely the perfect man for me! In addition to that he MUST be taller than me! Come on now, I’m 5’8 so anything less that 6’0 gets no play from me!
My perfect date
A perfect date is when my stomach is full, I’ve laughed all night and I was treated like a queen. I’m not that hard to impress, but I feel the first date is the most important to leave a lasting impression. I don’t like a guy that tries too hard or that’s arrogant and flashy because that’s HUGE turn off for me. When I go out on dates I prefer it be somewhere I’ve never been before. I’m the type of woman that likes to expand my horizon by trying new and exciting things which is a refreshing alternative to the ordinary.
