From Sierra Leone to international runway experiences, embracing fashion, cinema and new ambitions. The journey of a woman determined to transform her passion into opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Some stories deserve to be told not only because of the achievements they celebrate, but also because of the courage it takes to pursue one’s aspirations despite the challenges along the way.

Abidemi Akannie’s journey is one of passion, determination and the desire to build a future through fashion and cinema.

A model, actress and beauty pageant participant of Sierra Leonean and Nigerian heritage, Abidemi describes an artistic journey shaped by creativity and the ambition to explore new professional opportunities.

Fashion as a form of self-expression

For Abidemi, fashion represents far more than an aesthetic choice. It is a language through which she can communicate her personality, express emotions and explore different aspects of her identity.

Elegance, femininity, boldness and confidence coexist in her vision, transforming the runway into a space for personal expression.

Among the experiences she remembers most vividly is her participation in Gambia International Fashion Week, which she describes as her first international runway experience.

According to her account, this opportunity strengthened her confidence and encouraged her to continue pursuing a career in the fashion industry.

Beyond glamour: discipline and resilience

Behind the polished images of the fashion world lie preparation, discipline and sacrifices that often remain unseen.

Abidemi speaks about the challenges of accessing international opportunities, particularly when coming from a country where connections to the global fashion industry can be limited.

Her experience highlights the importance of perseverance, professionalism and the determination to continue pursuing one’s ambitions.

From the runway to the screen

Alongside fashion, Abidemi has a strong passion for acting.

In her interview, she discusses her involvement in Nigerian and Sierra Leonean film productions, including Diamonds Are Forever, Delivery Van and Backstabber.

For her, cinema offers another form of artistic expression, allowing her to explore different stories, emotions and characters.

She hopes to portray strong, complex female characters and contribute to authentic African storytelling beyond conventional stereotypes.

Looking towards the future

Abidemi looks towards the future with ambitions spanning fashion, entertainment and cinema.

Her goals include collaborating with international designers and brands, participating in major industry events and further developing her artistic career.

Alongside her personal aspirations, she expresses a desire to support the growth and international visibility of talent from Sierra Leone.

Her story is that of a woman working to create her own opportunities through creativity, dedication and determination.

It is a journey still unfolding, where fashion and cinema become powerful ways of expressing identity, ambition and new possibilities.

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THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Abidemi Akannie discusses her journey, the challenges she has faced and her ambitions in fashion and cinema.

1. Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your journey in the fashion industry?

My name is Abidemi Akannie. I am a Sierra Leonean/Nigerian international fashion model, actress and pageant queen. My journey in the fashion industry started with a passion for fashion, creativity and self-expression. Over time, that passion grew into opportunities that allowed me to explore modeling, pageantry and entertainment.

One of my biggest milestones was being selected to walk at Gambia International Fashion Week, which became my first international runway experience. It was a defining moment for me, not just as a model, but as someone representing Sierra Leone beyond its borders. Since then, I have continued to embrace opportunities that challenge me, build my confidence and help me grow within the industry.

2. What does fashion mean to you, and how does it allow you to express your personality?

To me, fashion is more than clothing; it is a form of identity, storytelling and self-expression. It gives me the freedom to communicate who I am without necessarily saying a word.

I love that fashion allows me to explore different sides of my personality. I can be elegant, bold, sophisticated, feminine or daring, depending on what I wear and how I present it. As a model, I also enjoy becoming part of a designer’s vision and bringing their creativity to life through my presence and interpretation.

3. What has been the most memorable experience of your modeling career so far?

Walking at Gambia International Fashion Week has been one of the most memorable experiences of my modeling career. It was my first international runway experience and a significant opportunity for me to step onto a bigger platform.

Coming from Sierra Leone and having the opportunity to represent my country internationally was very meaningful. It reminded me that where you start does not have to determine how far you can go. It also motivated me to take my modeling career more seriously and pursue opportunities beyond my immediate environment.

4. How do you prepare yourself, both mentally and physically, before walking on the runway?

My preparation begins with understanding the assignment and the vision behind the collection. I pay attention to the designer’s expectations, the styling, the outfit and the kind of runway presentation required.

Physically, I try to maintain my fitness, posture and overall appearance. Mentally, I focus on confidence, composure and being present in the moment. I remind myself that I am there to represent not only myself but also the designer’s work. Once I step onto the runway, I allow my confidence and personality to speak.

5. What challenges have you faced in the fashion industry, and what have they taught you about yourself?

One of the biggest challenges has been finding and accessing opportunities, particularly coming from a country like Sierra Leone, where the international fashion industry is not as accessible as it is in some other parts of the world and also travelling procedures can be quite tedious and no consideration is in place for people like entertainers representing the country internationally.

There have also been moments when I have had to be patient, create my own opportunities and continue believing in my potential even when progress seemed slow.

These experiences have taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of consistency. I have learned that talent is important, but determination, professionalism and the willingness to keep improving are equally valuable. Most importantly, I have learned not to allow my circumstances to limit my vision.

6. What are your future goals, and where do you see yourself in the international fashion world in the coming years?

My goal is to establish myself as an internationally recognised fashion model, working with reputable designers, fashion houses, agencies and global brands. I would love to walk at major international fashion weeks, feature in high-fashion editorials and participate in campaigns for leading fashion and beauty brands.

I also want to create more opportunities for Sierra Leonean talent and contribute to putting my country’s fashion industry on the international map.

In the coming years, I see myself growing beyond being just a model into a recognised creative personality with an international presence across fashion, entertainment and film.

7. Have you ever considered pursuing a career in cinema or acting? If so, what kind of roles would you love to play?

Absolutely. Acting is already an important part of my journey. I have had opportunities to work in Nollywood and Sierra Leonean film productions, including Diamonds Are Forever, Delivery Van and Backstabber, which are available on YouTube.

I enjoy acting because it allows me to explore different emotions, personalities and experiences. I would particularly love to play strong, complex female characters, including women who are ambitious, intelligent, independent and emotionally layered. I am also interested in roles that tell meaningful African stories and portray women in powerful and authentic ways.

I would love to continue developing my craft and eventually work with established filmmakers and production companies internationally.

8. How do you think the worlds of fashion and cinema influence each other, and would you like to explore opportunities in both industries?

I believe fashion and cinema are closely connected because both are powerful forms of visual storytelling. Fashion helps create a character’s identity, communicate emotions and establish the atmosphere of a scene, while cinema gives fashion another platform through which it can influence culture and inspire people.

As someone who is passionate about both industries, I see them as complementary rather than separate paths. Modeling has taught me about presentation, expression and visual impact, while acting allows me to explore storytelling and character development on a deeper level.

I would absolutely love to build a career in both industries. My ambition is to become a versatile international creative, someone who can confidently move between the runway, fashion campaigns and the screen.