I started my journey as a model at the age of 15; I had to learn how to be independent….I am happy to say I have worked with practically almost all the directors in Nigeria…

Words by Sesan Adeniji

Without doubts, her tremendous rise as a commercial and hip-hop model leaves most of her contemporaries awestruck. Dedicated, focus and constantly learning from every setback and successes, this lady seems to blossom where most wither. Her journey up the hierarchy have seen her partake in advertorial jobs, get acting roles and also listed as video vixen in several top videos. In an industry where doubts and misconceptions plunges several creative minds beneath the mud, Valerie Odemokpa continue to flourish like a lotus flower.

“My full names are Odemokpa Valerie Sarah; I am 20, from Edo state, Auchi to be precise. I am a 300 level student of English, faculty of Arts in the University Of Lagos. I am a commercial and video model who also doubles as an actor.

I started my journey as a model at the age of 15; I had to learn how to be independent. I started with ushering and activation jobs. I registered with different agencies back then and I left all because I wasn’t satisfied with the outcome; I wanted more, I wanted big, so I became a freelance model and continue my journey.

In 2016, I turned 18, got admitted into the University Of Lagos. That same year, I became a video model; this was made possible with the help of a friend, MaryColette. She talked me into it, she was already a top model by then and I loved the idea of making more cash. I got in touch with Opeyemi, he handles models for Unlimited LA – the video director, and at first I was scared he was going to ignore me but he was really nice.

I had my first shoot with Unlimited LA in Ibadan, it was a wonderful experience, and I loved it-I got noticed by other directors after that shoot. I am happy to say I have worked with practically almost all the directors in Nigeria. My first ever blown video was ‘Sade’ by Mayorkun, directed by Clarence Peters. I respect all directors; it’s really not easy.

I also featured in ‘Make Sense’ – Shaydee ft. Wizkid. ‘Mind’ – DMW, ‘Yapa’ – Ceeza Milli, ‘Shula Lala’ – Harmonize ft. Korede Bello, and also in Yemi Alade’s Charliee. As an actress, I did play a role in Jenifa’s Dairy. I was once part of a Coca-Cola commercial and I have also done several editorial features. It has been a beautiful ride.

Well right now, I am focusing more on school – I got so hooked up with work and paid less attention to school, I had to learn how to balance both – it hasn’t been easy – well I will be done with school in a year and that’s a whole new journey.  I stand to achieve success in everything I put my hands into, I believe there’s time for everything and everything with fall in place, giving up is not an option’ – Valerie

Socials –

Instagram – @valeriemia_

Twitter – @slimmy000

Snapchat – @sily_girl66