Kendra Oluchi Etufunwa

Kendra Oluchi Etufunwa is a Nigerian model and actress, best known for her lead role on the M-Net hit TV series Jacob's Cross.[1] She has been featured in top publications such as South African Elle magazine, Glamour (SA) and modelled in advertisements for brands such as Castle Milk Stout, Pepsodent and Knorr. In March 2012, the technology company Intel in Kenya and Nigeria, appointed Etufunwa as brand ambassador for their lifestyles division.[2] Kendra moved to New York City from South Africa in 2010 and walked the runway for Lily ghalichi’s brand “want my look” at the New York Fashion Week on 2012. She was also fortunate to meet with ‘A list’ cinematographer Emanuel Lubeski aka Chivo who chose her personally to shoot for his portrait series. Most recently she has worked closely as a brand ambassador for The New York Times travel show as well as an ambassador for the Iheart Radio Jingle ball concert. She also has her hands involved in New York City’s hospitality and nightlife as a consultant, one of which most recently is Ian Schragers new boutique hotel- Public hotel and the raunchy burlesque/club- The Box, both on the lower east side. Kendra is terrific in front of the camera and a pleasant delight with various productions, who consider her a chameleon and a breath of fresh air.

Kendra Etufunwa
Born (1993-06-28) 28 June 1993
OccupationModel
Actress
Events, fashion and beauty consultant.
Modelling information
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Hair colourBrown
Eye colourBrown/grey
AgencyBoss models (previously) Now -Ice models worldwide
Moonyeenn Lee Associates

Early life

Kendra grew up in the suburbs of Lagos, Lagos State in Nigeria, with her mother and sister. Kendra a daughter of a business woman and a retired banker. She studied physical and health education at Delta State University (Abraka Campus). Etufunwa went on to further her education by signing up for a two-year course in human resources at the London school of business located in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Career

During the 2006 Lagos auditions for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant, she was discovered by an agent and from there started her career in modelling.

Becoming one of Nigeria's most sought-after models, she landed modelling jobs for Diamond Bank, and was also selected to be one of 26 models who appeared on M-Net's Deal or No Deal TV game show. Her first appearance in print was sharing the cover of West African magazine True Love with English television presenter and former footballer John Fashanu.

In October 2011 the producers of hip-hop awards invited Kendra to present an award at the "Hip-Hop" world awards. Held in Nigeria.[3] On 17 May 2012 Etufunwa was announced as the ambassador for the International African Hair Expo.[4]

Johannesburg

In 2007 Kendra relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she was scouted and signed by Star Model Management now Boss models. She was a lead in the TV commercials; Clorets Gum, Cell C - mobile network and Knorr Cubes, Castle lite beer, Eclairs candy. She has worked on shoots for Cosmopolitan, Elle and appeared in an ad for Lacoste perfume that featured in Glamour (SA) magazine. Etufunwa has walked the runway on various fashion weeks held in South Africa and around the world,[5] most notable in a show for UK renowned designer - Karen Millen.

She also walked the Ramp for Lily Ghalichi's clothing line 'Want My Look' at the New York Fashion Week in September 2015.

Jacob's Cross

While on holiday the producers of MNET's Jacob's Cross TV series summoned Kendra to come in for an audition to play the part and supporting role of an angelic daughter by day, and an evil temptress by night.[6] Kendra's performance impressed the producers, and shortly after she was signed on for another season to become the lead actress.[7]

Television and movie

Kendra caught the eye of international directors of a Discovery production; Inside Story, following the story of a young girl who falls in love and has to deal with life issues and the contraction of HIV. Inside Story was released to a South African audience in December 2011 and an international audience in Washington D.C. in the United States in January 2012.[8]

Kendra is currently based in New York where she is an avid restaurant-goer/ Elite Yelper. She also manages, promotes and consults with restaurants and events. She is also a brand ambassador for different makeup and clothing brands as seen on her social media.

References
  1. "Kendra joins top film actors". Retrieved 2017-12-20.
  2. "Jacob’s Cross star, Kendra Etufunwa chosen as Intel Ambassador for Nigeria and Kenya", Ameyaw Debrah, 23 March 2012.
  3. "BN Red Carpet Fab: The 2011 Headies - Hip Hop World Awards - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. Retrieved 2017-12-20.
  4. Boniswa, "Africa International Hair Extravaganza Launch", Jucy. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  5. "FabroSanz Winter Collection fashion show", Yomzansi, 20 April 2012.
  6. "Kendra Etufunwa joins Siba in the kitchen" Archived 2012-03-08 at the Wayback Machine, Mzansi Magic, 29 December 2011.
  7. "All Access Interview with Kendra Etunfunwa". Archived from the original on 2012-07-01. Retrieved 2012-05-03.
  8. "'Inside Story' Makes World Premiere on World AIDS Day, Combines Entertainment & Education in Fight Against HIV/AIDS", Discovery Communications, 1 December 2011.
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