The modeling industry grew for the better when Chibuzo “Chibby” Obiefuna entered the scene. The success he has generated in only two years leaves something for others in the industry to admire.
Always having an eye for fashion and a love for fitness, Chibby Obiefuna seemed destined to light up the runway. Based out of California, Obiefuna’s life experiences paved the way for him to succeed as a commercial model. From his love of soccer and running track to participating in fashion shows in college, this life was made for him.
Since he was 14, Obiefuna had known that he had what it took to be a commercial model after he was approached in a Nigerian shopping mall by a modeling agent. It however wouldn’t be until 2020 that Obiefuna would finally give himself to the art.
After being left unemployed due to the growing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Obiefuna turned to his friends in the entertainment industry for help. Thanks to them, Obiefuna was able to get his foot in the door and secure representation with The Movement Talent Agency (MTA).
Having grown up traveling between New Jersey and Nigeria, theater, fashion and sports became ways for Obiefuna to express himself. The love he grew for these activities contributed to building areas of strength as a model. Obiefuna had the know-how to succeed in entertainment and the shift from a career in environmental health and safety was relatively easy.
The work began flooding in quickly and Obiefuna was cast in a commercial for Snapchat. This casting was the validation he needed to know that this was the career for him. His first principal commercial role was with Peloton, a workout equipment company. Already his love of fitness was positively affecting his career.
His love of sports continued to impact his career when he was cast as a basketball player for a music video for Silk Sonic. This was an exciting opportunity for him because he got the chance to meet and work with the talents of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak.
Obiefuna also had the opportunity to travel to Utah for five days to shoot prints and a commercial for Starbucks. An experience that Obiefuna describes as “exciting” because it was his first shoot out of state. Obiefuna recounts meeting and working with “some pretty amazing people” during the shoot.
His career grew more in 2022 when he was cast in the short film, Boys Like to Have Fun, set to release in 2023.
“I never thought I’d be doing a short film, or scripted roles, I really just thought I was going to be taking pictures and wearing clothes,” says Chibby Obiefuna.
Chibby Obiefuna’s career wasn’t just limited to appearing in commercials and short films. He also got to walk the runway and model clothing for the FIDM, Fashion Design Institute of Los Angeles.
In between these notable clients, Obiefuna works on small shoots for startups and upcoming brands, modern apartments and buildings and The Irvine Company.
Chibby Obiefuna is proud of the work he has accomplished in the two years he’s been a model and looks forward to the opportunities that await him in 2023.
