By Osagie Alonge
Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere is gradually working her way up from being a TV presenter to creating some diva image. She’s definitely stunned and shone on the red carpet and would make any shortlist for hotties this year.
But away from the red carpet for a minute, the dark-skinned beauty has released recent photos themed around the Afrobeat centric feel. Yes, she’s looking like one of Fela’s dancers
We got the STV presenter talking and she let us in on the style which is far more than just a concept, her love for Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, her upcoming website and a little more…
With other female celebs going for more ‘modern’-styled concepts in their photoshoot, what made you go for this concept?
I’m quite different and I like to see myself as a non-conformist even though I appear otherwise. I’ve looked around and quite frankly, everyone looks the same. I’ve got split personalities and one of them is a traditional young lady of Yoruba heritage who is unapologetic of her roots hence the name ‘Rashida’, I thought to explore these personalities through pictures and when I thought of the image for Rashida all that popped into my head was a Fela dancer!
So I gathered pieces from my ‘soul sister’ and very good friend Ugoma Adegoke of Zebra Living, talked to the amazing Obi Somto about the concept and we were both excited to shoot!
Are you a fan of Fela or Afrobeat?
I am a humongous fan of Fela! When I was much younger, I fantasized about being one of his dancers; (weird right) I would watch the way they swayed their hips, clapped, wriggled and chanted glorious responses to any of Fela’s statements. I admired and still admire the Kalakuta Queens and the Afrobeat Legend Himself. He was and still is an icon worthy of continuous reverence!
I heard, you are launching your website soon, what’s that all about? Will it be personal or feature other stuff?
My website would certainly reflect all my personalities and alter egos; it would exhibit everything I stand for… My spontaneity, My emotions, philosophies and my take on various subjects. It will feature other things I don’t want to let out of the box yet *wink*
Photo Credit: Obi Somto
