Ameyaw Meets
Meet the Rippest Cover Fitness Model, Obi Obadike
Standing at an impressive 6.2 ft and weighing 200 lbs with 2 to 3 percent body fat, world renowned cover fitness model, Obi Obadike continues to enjoy his status as one of the most ripped fitness models in the world. The Knoxville, Tennessee-born fitness cover favourite moved to Southern California at age 2 and has […]
Standing at an impressive 6.2 ft and weighing 200 lbs with 2 to 3 percent body fat, world renowned cover fitness model, Obi Obadike continues to enjoy his status as one of the most ripped fitness models in the world. The Knoxville, Tennessee-born fitness cover favourite moved to Southern California at age 2 and has lived there for his whole life. Both of Obi’s parents were born in Nigeria and he has been there to visit family at three or four times in his life.
Fitness has always been a part of Obi’s life as he grew up playing basketball, football and running the tracks. He attended Cal State Fullerton on a track scholarship and while there, he broke every major track school record there. He was the school record holder in the 100, 200 meters and 400 relay. He also attained athlete of the year honors at the school and won all Big West Conference Honors two years in a row. “My love for fitness and staying in shape came from playing competitive sports in school. I enjoyed lifting weights ever since my senior year in high school and I got really addicted to working out,” says Obi.
His commitment to staying fit definitely paid off as he is regarded today as one of the best black fitness models in the industry. Obi is the first black model to land a cover for a major Canadian fitness magazine in Inside Fitness; he was the first American fitness model to grace the cover of the only natural bodybuilding and fitness magazine in Australian Natural Bodz; he landed more international supplement ad campaigns than any fitness model or bodybuilder in 2009; he was one of top three most published fitness models for 2009; he became the first American male fitness model to grace the cover of a middle eastern bodybuilding magazine; he was the first American male fitness model to land a European sports ad meal campaign; the first American male fitness model to be featured in Oxygen, Australia; Part of the first African-American male and female on a U.S. fitness cover together among several other accolades.
Jamati Online caught up with the celebrity fitness model to find out more about his work, and to pick up some tips on staying fit and in shape.
What exactly does being a fitness model entail?
Being a fitness model is about always being in shape for photo-shoots, magazine opportunities and fitness auditions. If you are not in shape at all times you will lose out on many fitness modeling opportunities. As a fitness model, because the job requires you to be fit you generally should follow a healthy diet and consistent training program. Most of regular society wants to have a fitness model body because it is an attainable look as well as a physique that is inspirational to many.
How long have you been doing it and how did it start?
I’ve been involved in sports modeling since 1994 but I broke into the fitness modeling industry in April of 2008. I got my first start through the help of Fitness Icon Clark Bartram who is considered one of the greatest fitness models ever. He shared with me many of his contacts in the industry and gave me mentorship on how to attain success in the fitness industry. With his help and my hard work I’ve been really blessed to have attained more success than any fitness model in the industry the last 2 years.
Why did you decide to get into fitness modeling?
One of the things that I observed in this fitness industry is that there were no African-American male fitness models really on fitness covers and I wanted to change that and be the guy that could break that cycle and open doors for other black fitness models. I am the first black male fitness model to land multiple fitness covers in a year and I’ve landed more international fitness covers than any other black fitness model. I’ve broken many color barriers in this industry and I believe I will be responsible for making the road much easier for many ethnic fitness models coming up in this industry. So the two reasons why I got into the industry are this: in addition, I wanted to use my success a top fitness model and writer to help educate people to get into better shape all over the world on health and fitness.
Why did you give up sprinting?
I gave up sprinting at a really tender age of 24 because I had so many hamstring injuries in college and after college. I really believe I was talented enough to compete at the world class level but I had so many leg injuries that prevented me from competing at that next level.
What have been some of the major projects that you have done?
The biggest project that I did in 2009 was being featured in the national Weider X Factor commercial which is currently playing all over the United States and Canada. That was a very big fitness commercial to land in the United States. Honestly the biggest projects I’ve landed have been big National commercials for companies such as Gatorade, Mcdonald’s, GM car commercial as well as many others. I’ve done more than 11 national commercials spanning since 1994.
How did you earn the titled The Most Ripped Fitness Model in the World?
A writer from a very popular site called criticalbench.com said I was the most ripped fitness model in the world. I’ve had many people in the industry that have said this and I guess this title has taken a life of its own, honestly which is quite funny. I think the reason why I’ve ever been called the most ripped or one of the most ripped is because of the conditioning I consistently bring which is usually at 2 to 3 percent body-fat for photo-shoots. I do believe that I come in leaner than most fitness models out there in photo-shoots and many people in the industry have observed that so I guess that is why I have been referenced with that title.
What else do you do besides modeling?
I am a certified personal-trainer and a fitness columnist for several different national and international magazines. I am a columnist for Inside Fitness, Australian Natural Bodz, Physique Magazine, World Physique Magazine, American Natural Bodz and African-American Golfer’s Digest.
What is a routine day like for you?
A routine day for me is waking up and eating breakfast while I check email from fans and clients for an hour. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., I am training clients and from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. I am training at the gym. At 7 p.m. I am eating dinner while attending to my online personal-training clients. Occasionally I may have fitness auditions or non-fitness auditions to go to during that timeframe of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How do you stay in shape?
I lift weights about 4 to 5 times a week and I perform my cardio about 3 times a week. My cardio consists of jogging about 3 miles a day at an 8 minute per mile pace. I alternate each week where I train 4 times a week one week and 5 times another week. I am very consistent in my routine and while I am weight-training it is always done in a super-setting method which allows me to burn calories at a rapid rate while training anerobically.
Do you use supplements?
I do use supplements to workout but it is very basic. I take a Whey Protein drink once a day and I take K-4 Kre-alkalyne for muscle growth, strength and endurance purposes. The international ad campaigns I’ve done were just for exposure and modeling purposes only. I am very cautious of what supplement companies I endorse in terms of being in ad campaigns that I don’t believe in. I am a clean athlete who has never taken a drug or steroid in his life and I am very proud to say that.
How challenging has it been for you to get on magazine covers?
I’ve been blessed to have been on covers all over the world. Honestly as a black fitness model it is very difficult getting on fitness covers in the United States. Unfortunately there are still some publishers that refuse to put a black male fitness model on their cover for fear that sales will drop. I would say there are at least 4 magazines in the U.S that have never even done it. In 2010 it is quite sad that there is still a little bit of discrimination in the fitness industry against ethnic fitness models. When I came in this industry it was quite simple and I wanted to be the fitness model to change all of that and to use my success to open doors for other fitness models of color. I really believe my success in this industry will eventually make it easier for other black fitness models that aspire to be a cover model. I do hope that 10 years down the line that this won’t be a discussion and that all fitness models will get the opportunity to grace a cover based on merit as opposed to ethnicity. I am really the only fitness model that has talked about this discrimination publicly in-depth in interviews.
What is the difference between a fitness model and a bodybuilder?
The difference is that a fitness model has a physique that is more athletic than a bodybuilder and is always in shape. A fitness model has no offseason and is built like an American football player or sprinter. Their physique is much more attainable and is more relatable to the mainstream of society. A fitness model is like a typical Men’s Health body. A bodybuilder has much more muscle than the average guy and is not as athletic as a fitness model. A bodybuilder has an offseason and is really only in shape only around competition time which would be one to two times a year whereas a fitness model is usually always lean and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Are some particular body types easy to stay ripped or anyone can have one?
Everybody’s body is different in terms of how ripped they can get. Some people have such a fast metabolism and can eat anything and at times will never gain weight. And there are some people who have to eat healthy 7 days a week to get ripped. Honestly your God-given genetics dictates how hard you have to work out in the gym and how healthy you have to eat to accomplish your fitness goals.
What kind of food do you eat ,and what would you recommend?
I eat lots of chicken, turkey, brown rice. The main thing I tell people is to have a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Make sure you consume your carbs and fats within moderation so you don’t gain weight. Eating healthy is very important in staying lean. Make sure you minimize alcohol, soda, cake, cookies, bread, etc which are all stuff that is advantageous to someone gaining weight.
What basic advice would you give to someone who wants to have the body of a fitness model?
I would tell that person that you are not going to have a fitness model physique overnight. It takes hard work and dedication over a period of time to develop a body like a cover fitness model. Some people can attain that physique faster than other because of their genetics. If you eat right, train consistently then within time you can develop a fit lean fitness model physique but what I tell many people who email me is to be patient because it won’t happen overnight. Many people develop a better body after 30 because of the muscle maturity that they can attain after 30 years old. Everybody’s body is different in terms of how ripped they can get. Some people have such a fast metabolism and can eat anything and at times will never gain weight. And there are some people who have to eat healthy 7 days a week to get ripped. Honestly your God-given genetics dictates how hard you have to work out in the gym and how healthy you have to eat to accomplish your fitness goals.
Obi’s Tips to Staying Fit:
Basic exercises:
3 sets of 15 push-ups which works your chest, shoulder and triceps
3 sets of 15 repetitions of chair dips
3 sets of 15 exercises of sit-ups which works your abs
Some other exercises you can do is a basic bench press which works your chest, standing dumbbell curls which works your arms and lunges which works your legs.
The Do’s in Staying Fit:
Drink lots of water
Eat small meals a day which speeds up your metabolism
Be consistent
Believe in yourself
Remember that weight-training and cardio goes hand in hand
The don’ts in Staying Fit:
Don’t eat late at night
Don’t over-consume carbs
Don’t take shortcuts while working out
Don’t use the scale to measure yourself, use the mirror
Don’t over-train
Ameyaw Meets
Oprah Winfrey & Blitz Bazawule answer my questions about ‘The Color Purple’
In April, I had the opportunity to join a Zoom Q&A session with Oprah Winfrey and Blitz Bazawule, courtesy FilmOne Distribution. The conversation was around the bold remake of ‘The Color Purple’ scheduled for release this Christmas! (more…)
Ameyaw Meets
Asari Music highlights new single ‘Like Dat’, balancing college with music and more
Week-in week-out I get to interview one of the many faces in showbiz and this week on Ameyaw Meets, Asari Music is the one. She’s a young, upcoming and very talented Ghanaian-American singer – who in case you haven’t heard, is out with the hottest song you might hear all week. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
I single-handedly popularized Shea Butter in the United States – Margaret Andega
According to Margaret Andega, a Kenyan entrepreneur in Atlanta, she was the driving force behind the commercialization of Shea Butter in the US during the late 90s. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
He went from cooking on Instagram to owning a food truck in Atlanta and more… the story of Quabena’s Kitchen
The COVID-19 pandemic birthed many opportunities for people all over the globe. For one Ghanaian living in the US, the pandemic reconnected him with his passion which has now become a full-time job.
Quabena’s Kitchen shared with me his story about how he went from cooking for family and friends, to sharing content of his cooking on Instagram page at the height of the pandemic, which has now transformed into a thriving catering business in Atlanta, Georgia.
Quabena’s Kitchen services now include a food truck providing Ghanaian and West African delicacies to Africans and non-Africans alike, with ambitions of a restaurant on the cards!
Watch this exciting story on Ameyaw TV below:
Read Also: The chef behind Fufu Pizza is about to open Afro-Fusion Cafe in Atlanta
Ameyaw Meets
The chef behind Fufu Pizza is about to open Afro-Fusion Cafe in Atlanta
US-based Liberian professional chef, Chauncy Yarngo caught the attention of the world with his amazing creations such as fufu pizza, fufu taco, plantain burgers and more. (more…)
Fashion
Why Ghanaian-American Jeffrey Ampratwum is the menswear expert to watch in fashion!
At the start of the Victoria era, early 19th century – the English began to tone down the royal style dressing of the French army, namely those adorned in prestigious regalia and heavy embroidery. It was a sign of English nationalism and sparked a new wave of appearance in men. A few decades later, the suit was born and heavily influenced those in Italy and America. The British and the Americans have a rich revolutionary history, of course, and coincidentally the British colonized the African country – Gold Coast – until 1957 when they declared their independence and changed their name to Ghana.
As part of an independent Ghana, a host of individuals began to exercise new freedoms and venture out of the country into new territories. Many Ghanaians set their eyes on American travel and a wave of trail blazers left the country and settled in the infamous New York City. For most, it was an opportunity to plant new seeds in the hopes that their children would be afforded even more opportunities for a prosperous life.
One of these children of the diaspora is Bronx-born Jeffrey Ampratwum. The only child to Kate Bampoe and Eugene Asante-Ampratwum Mpere, who met in the Bronx after immigrating from Ghana. The dynamics of having African parents and being raised in a heavily eclectic environment gave rise to Jeffrey’s style and prose. More importantly, we can honestly say that there are only a handful of Ghanaian-Americans living in the states that can exhibit a special presentation that reflects both their African heritage married with the esthetic of their nationality. We recently caught up with Jeffrey to discuss how his early influences provided him with a framework to now become such a strong force in the menswear industry in fashion.
AD: Jeffrey, Ɛte sɛn?
Jeff: Haha, Eye.
AD: I had to test your Twi really quick! You know most Ghanaians who are born in the states don’t have a clue about the language unless it’s spoken fiercely in the home.
Jeff: You are 100% correct with that. Ha. But for me, I was lucky in that my mother took me to Ghana before I even knew how to use words. So, in actuality, Twi was the first language and vocabulary I learned, and in essence, English is my second language. So, I’m really decent when it comes to using Twi. I’m a cheat code! But keep that quiet. Ha.
AD: How much of the remnants of the Ghanaian culture factored into your approach to your style and presentation?
Jeff: When I was younger and in school, particularly in the Bronx – it wasn’t always your proudest moment to be from Africa or to say your family was African. Part of the silly embarrassment was perhaps from the narratives that were spinning on television. Americans were being indoctrinated with visuals of “feed the children” which only highlighted the extreme poverty in a few Africans countries. The images and broadcasts were all the same, for decades. So called philanthropist and humanitarians took camera crews into ravaged areas and televised starving children for us to see here in the states. I believe that had a profound effect on young boys and girls born from African parents.
However, as for me – I always looked at being dark skinned and being deeply rooted into my African culture as a super power. I liked the idea of being different, even though all the kids in all my classes were also children of immigrants. They just couldn’t grasp the concept of it at that time. So, from there, it was showtime. My Uncle, Joseph Ken Mintah – was the pioneer as the first in the family to travel to the states – he had extreme style. My mother also is very detailed with her sense of jewelry and fragrances. I adsorbed it all.
AD: Did you start dressing in traditional African attire? What do you mean exactly?
Jeff: Not exactly! But, being an only child really allowed for me to sit deep in thought for long periods of time. Being left-handed allowed for me to be extremely dexterous and detailed. And being raised solely by my mother further allowed me to pay attention to the importance of clothing and accessories – as she dressed herself each morning. It was the ultimate cocktail and I was already drunk with creativity. I started customizing all the clothes I had. By no means were we wealthy, so I had to manage just a few outfits for school.
My styling began when I would turn 5 outfits into 15 – so essentially, a 5-day school week became New York Fashion Week for me. I would airbrush my sneakers, turn Old Navy sweaters inside out for a fleece appeal, and cuff my jeans in 4 different ways depending on my footwear. This soon became a bad habit and made me late for school many mornings.
AD: You see, if you are late to school in Ghana back then – you might as well have sat by the road to hide from both your mother and headmaster! What was college like for you then?
Jeff: Right! Ha. It grew legs during my undergrad. Now all the pretty girls were around, I had more freedom to come and go, and more importantly – I had a stage to showcase my style. I joined a student club in the SEEK Program, and soon became the President and started hosting a string of events based around fashion. 4 years and a bachelors degree later, there were 6 fashion shows and 3 beauty pageants under my belt. Huge successes. I started to doubt my real educational reason for attending college, which was to become a dentist. Fashion was dancing on one shoulder and dentistry on the other. But somehow, I figured out how to still involve the two. My best buddy, Kenny – whom I met at the college on the road to become dentists – made it through. So, I live vicariously through him. And now, coincidentally – together we’ve developed a brand – a service of bespoke mens luxury shoes and women’s handbags, and ready to wear womenswear shoes as well. Named, Kenjeffreys. It is serendipitous because all of the products are sourced and handcrafted in Haiti and infused with Ghanaian culture. As Kenny is from Haiti, we properly employ artisans within the community and focus heavily on our social impact.
Following undergrad, I then began at FIT as student, really just trying to test my styling hand – and to learn more about the industry. While there, I came across extremely talented and knowledgeable fashion professionals that have really guided me. Namely, Sadia Seymour and Joseph DeAcetis. Both wildly experienced, patient and embedded with a wealth of information. Respectfully in womenswear and menswear. You cannot beat that, and I am grateful for it.
AD: That is strangely unique and admirable. Talk to us about how all those experiences and inspirations give rise to the Jeffrey or Che we see today and ultimately, where that places you in your field of fashion and menswear.
Jeff: Sure. Great point. I have been indoctrinated by the basic principles of creativity as an adolescent – with respect to clothing. That is extremely hard to shake. Innately, styling was my ultimate form of communication, seeing that I was a shy introvert. So now, I still revert back to those same feelings…. the feeling of home, warmth, memories, great food and innocent fun. My approach now is exactly the same in the sense that when I am dressing, styling or designing for someone – I am taking into account their entire repertoire and holding a mirror in front of them which reflects the items that they love most. It is a skill that perhaps only empaths are only able to exhibit.
Having the ability to read into thoughts and connecting with the motivating spirits that drives people – is a gift. I ran the New York City marathon three times, and the 2nd time I ran it in a tuxedo! It was my ultimate homage and pledging of allegiance to fashion. Ha.
I also believe my extensive traveling experience has aided to the arsenal. Recent trips to Ghana always resets a creative instinct with me, as I look around and arrive back to a place of self-awareness. It feels right. My cousin Harry knows where to be to capture the real essence of the land. And, coincidentally enough, I am often back and forth to the UK as well. Savile row in London, England -as you know – is a menswear connoisseur’s Disney Land. It is the traditional hub for the world’s best tailored-bespoke suits. Naples and Florence are a close second. However, sartorially, the British have etched their names in the fine-art making of the suit. I do though spend most of my time in Brighton, UK. It’s where my love is and also like a second home for me. The culture there is infused with various styles and the community is inviting. The Duchess of Brighton-Hove, Lady Donna and her amazing friends will assure that you have a great time!
AB: Finally, talk to us about your styling approach with respect to specific talent that you work with.
Jeff: Definitely. This is perhaps an area you cannot teach. It is learned with years of experience and even reading the room wrong most times. I tell my fashion students often that they have to continue shooting airballs at the basket. Get out the miss shots, now – and properly learn your subjects. For example, if I am styling a celebrity for the red carpet – several nuances are to be considered before arriving at a dress or a tuxedo. Such as, what stages in life is your talent currently in, how body conscious are they and what are they most nostalgic about. These (and some of my other secrets that I cannot give away) are the pillars to nailing great style, image and presentation.
My wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
Afronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
Stonebwoy performs ‘Activate’ with Davido at sold-out Madison Square Garden show
REPORT: Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch leads to arrests over ‘unregistered products’
I underestimated the extent of my influence – Serwaa Amihere apologizes
I underestimated the extent of my influence – Serwaa Amihere apologizes
Understanding Fri Data Abonnement
Implementing Performance Management Systems: From Evaluation to Excellence II
Alaye Geng and Kilimore Team Up for ‘Mad Vibes’ EP
Delta to serve Ghana with new Airbus A330-900neo
Buzz7 days agoMy wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
Buzz6 days agoAfronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
Buzz7 days agoStonebwoy performs ‘Activate’ with Davido at sold-out Madison Square Garden show
People & Lifestyle4 days agoREPORT: Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch leads to arrests over ‘unregistered products’
Buzz6 hours agoI underestimated the extent of my influence – Serwaa Amihere apologizes
Buzz6 days agoGhana’s New Train from Poland Crashes During Test Run
Buzz1 week agoFamily of accident victims refuses to press charges against Funny Face despite pressure
Gossip4 days agoWATCH: Irene Logan sings ‘At Last’ as she dances with her husband at their wedding reception
Buzz2 days agoKofi Kinaata Credits Samini’s High Grade Family for Musical Breakthrough
- Buzz1 week ago
I was battling Kidney Disease – Erico on Absence from music scene
Buzz7 days ago“Life has humbled me so much” – Mercy Johnson
World News23 hours agoKanye West reportedly planning to launch porn studio
