Adama Jobe

Tell us briefly some background: How did you start modeling? Was there a special meeting that led you to where you are now?

I am originally from The Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa. Located in the west coast of Africa, it is where I was born and where I grew up. It is also where I had my first modeling job, a billboard commercial for a telecommunications company. Prior to that, I had no interest in modeling at all, partly because I knew too little about it and mostly because I didn’t think I had it in me. I was pretty shy, although many people around me told me I had the looks for it. 

A few months after that commercial job, my family and I moved to the Netherlands. A continent away from home and I was to start university here. I had forgotten everything about modeling, it felt like a one time thing but, as it turns out, being in another part of the world didn’t mean I couldn’t still be a model. In my first year here, many people would come up to me and ask “Hey! Are you a model?”, I usually laughed it off and say “ No I’m not”.  

One sunny day in the city of Heerlen in the dutch province of Limburg, I got the same question. This time is was from Natascha Scheffers, owner of Models Rock Agency: my mother agent. That serendipitous meeting was the beginning of journey in this job that I love so much today.

What would you like to know more about?

I wish I knew more about politics. I think it is very important because it is at the heart of many issues we face in the world today. Many young people like myself tend to ignore it and consider it something for the older generation when it isn’t. I want to educate myself on how laws are made and the relationship between governments and the people of the world. 

It can be complex and boring sometimes, but I really wish I knew more about it. 

What‘s your favorite thing to do when you are back home?

I derive a lot of satisfaction from doing the little things. Being a model can be pretty intense. Between flying around for weeks in a row and working long hours, it is pretty relaxing to be home. My favourite things to do include cooking, reading, doing literary work, dancing and of course doing home workouts. Basically the regular things whilst I regain my energy to get back on the road. I also spend time with my family and friends. I don’t like missing my mum, but sometimes I go months without seeing her. It can be tough so when I’m back home, I make sure we spend enough time together doing simple things. 

Do you have any rules you wouln’t break? Do you stick to rituals?

I make it a point to not miss my skincare routine every single day. It obviously doesn’t always work out because sometimes I’m just too exhausted, however I’m very strict it with it. A model’s business card is her face/skin, it has to be on point. Other rituals include my daily stretches and meditation. They keep the balance in my life, just a few minutes in the day to be in touch with myself, I think it’s pretty important. 

Favorite designer/brand/product?

My favourite designers are David Laport, an incredibly talented Dutch designer whose pieces fit perfectly with my style and Binbuba’s Creation, a Gambian designer who makes the most beautiful African couture dresses. 

Are there any places that you would love to visit?

There are so many places I wanna see, the list is endless. My wanderlust grows each day and I guess it’s one of the best things about this job. Being able to see the world as I work, there’s nothing better. The three places that currently top my bucket list are Thailand, Jamaica, and Seychelles.  I am a lover of tropical places!