Kell Kay, Piksy maximising on their brands

Two of the country’s popular urban music artists afro-soul singer Kell Kay (KK) and afro-pop crooner Piksy (P) are expanding their artistic latitude after venturing into modelling. The two heart-throbs are the official models for Lilongwe’s designer clothes shop Ranas Boutique. Is it their appealing looks that landed them the roles or anything beyond that? Our Staff Reporter Brian Itai caught up with the two artists and they shared what it means to play a model. Excerpts:

Q

: We have known you as music artists, there is also another side of you that we do not know?

K

K: Yes, there is. We do model for Ranas Boutique. They sale designer clothes for both male and female and they are situated at the City Mall in Lilongwe. We are like the brand ambassadors. We are there as models to help promote their brand. We are the face of the business.

Q

: How does it feel combining music and modelling?

P

: An artist has to try and remain relevant at all times. When you combine the two your fans will get to see you doing something new every time which is good for your brand either way. It does not even bring added challenges; it is something which goes hand in hand.

Q

, Certainly there are demands that follow when someone is doing this type of job. How do you keep yourself in shape?

P

: Keeping yourself in shape is a must. That means a lot of hours in the gym, jogging as well as watching what you eat. It does not come easy.

K

K: I try all the time to keep myself fresh and looking good so that I don’t disappoint the brand that I represent. A good shaven head always to go with the Ranas clothes I am wearing.

Q

: Before this deal, did you have any experience at modelling?

P

: I have been involved with Nzika Wear before. I have modelled for their clothes so this is not a new experience for me.

K

K: This is my first go at modelling. I have never had any such experience before. But I am enjoying it I should say.

Q

: You are among the hottest faces in the entertainment industry, do you think your looks influenced the decision to pick you two for this role?

K

K:  Hahaha! I cannot say. But maybe.

P

: Well you cannot rule that out. It must have been a ladies choice for sure (Chuckles).

Q

: Being what you are, famous good looking artists don’t you feel the attention of the opposite sex weighing on you as you go about your normal days?

P

: The attention has always been there and it has always been there. It’s something that I have gotten used to now. Laughs.

K

K: The attention has almost become a normal thing now. You have to learn to live it and don’t let it disturb you. They are my fans and I love it because I can’t do without them. At the end of the day your life has to go on as well apart from being an artist and a public figure.

Q

: How long is your contract with Ranas Boutique?

P

: It is an ongoing thing. There is no contract with a stipulated timeframe at the moment. We are now in our second year with them as official brand ambassadors.

Q

: What are other benefits that are coming along with this deal?

P

: We get free things from Ranas. Stuff such as clothes, perfumes and of course money. And the photoshoot sessions are also a plus to us since they are for free. It is a full package I would say.