The most influential and famous Black male models in the world include people like Abdulaye Niang, Adonis Bosso, and Alpha Dia. Others who deserve to be mentioned on the lineup include the likes of Alton Mason, Babacar N’doye, Cherif Douamba, and more. Meet 25 of them listed in no particular order below.
1. Abdulaye Niang
- Date of birth: September 10, 1997
- Age: 26 years old
- Active Since: 2016
- Signed to: Red Model Management
Abdulaye Niang is a Staten Island, New York–born model of Senegalese descent. During his formative years, AB, as he is fondly called, would discuss the possibility of going into modeling with his mum. However, he only started taking it seriously when he craved to escape from Staten Island’s suburbs.
After signing on with RED Models in 2016, the then-19-year-old hit the runway with full force and earned critical acclaim the next year working and walking for some of the best fashion brands in the fashion industry.
Some of the known names he has worked for include Off-White, J.W. Anderson, Pyer Moss, Fendi, and Tommy Hilfiger in campaigns for Loewe. During the popular London Fashion Week, the famous black male model hit the runway for Rihanna‘s Fenty x Puma collection, Tommy Hilfiger, and Coach.
Prior to that, AB has modeled for Lous Vuitton, Kenneth Ning, Sies Marjan, OVADIA & SONS, and Dim Mak Collection. We are yet to factor in the publications he has been featured in, including Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, W Magazine, and more. The New Yorker has done ad campaigns for the likes of Guess, Barneys, Gucci, and more
2. Adonis Bosso
- Date of birth: 10 July 1990
- Age: 33 years old
- Active Since: 2009
- Signed to: DNA Models (New York), Sight Management Studio (Barcelona), MP Paris (Paris), I Love Models Management (Milan), Stockholmsgruppen (Los Angeles), and more
Adonis Bosso earns the number two spot on our list of famous black male models. An Ivorian-Canadian, Adonis was discovered sometime in 2009 when he visited a modeling agency in the company of his girlfriend and was signed on the spot. Prior to this, his intention was to work in the childcare field taking care of kids with special needs.
He has modeled for brands including H&M, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani Exchange, Belstaff, TOM FORD, Gap Inc., Levi’s, Yeezy, Banana Republic, Vivienne Westwood, Thom Browne, and more. Fashion executive Nick Wooster takes the credit for bringing Adonis to mainstream recognition and he has since swept some prestigious accolades in his wake. In 2015, the famed model emerged as runners-up for the Model Of The Year Award.
3. Alpha Dia
- Date of birth: 1992
- Age: 32 years old
- Active Since: 2014
- Signed to: Modelwerk – Hamburg (Mother Agency), Next Model Management – New York, Marilyn Agency – Paris, CREW Model Management – Milan, Premier Model Management – London, Brooks Modeling Agency – Amsterdam, Two Management – Los Angeles
A 22-year-old Alpha Dia was working in a Hamburg-based bar in 2014 when he was discovered and launched his modeling career the same year despite not feeling confident about his physical appearance. The Senegalese model went to walk the ramp for the likes of Hugo Boss, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Kenzo, Givenchy, Fenty x Puma, Y-3, Paul Smith, Bottega Veneta, and Versace.
This famous black male model is also distinguished for the extensive work he has done with high-end designers such as Ann Demeulemeester, Roberto Cavalli, Christian Pellizzari, and Christian Dada.
He has graced the cover pages of Numéro Homme, MFF Magazine, GQ Germany, Another Man, and Document Journal.
4. Alton Mason
- Active Since: 2015 to date
- Signed to: State Management in New York and IMG worldwide.
Alton Devon Mason earns a spot on our list of famous black male models. It was while he was performing as a backup dancer for the musician, Diddy during the BET Awards 2015 that Alton was first sighted and was later traced through his Instagram handle in 2015.
His initial major modeling gig was witnessed in February 2016 at New York Fashion Week for Kanye West’s Yeezy Season Two collection. H featured in Gucci’s Cruise 2018 collection and 2017 Pre-Fall campaign.
Since then, the famed model has graced the runway for top-notch brands such as Heron Preston, Hugo Boss, Versace, Fenty x Puma, Michael Kors, Puma, Philipp Plein, Jeremy Scott, Tom Ford, Valentino, Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld, Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton, and Off-White. Some of the magazines he has been featured in include L’Officiel Hommes USA, V magazine, and more. After his gig at Chanel’s 2018/2019 Métiers d’Art, he earned pride of place as the first male model of black descent to work for the brand.
5. Babacar N’doye
- Active Since: 2018 to date
- Signed to: New York Society Management, Elite Paris, Milan Elite, London Elite, Elite Spain in Barcelona
Babacar N’doye said he was just 16 when he was discovered by a female talent agent while standing beside a fried chicken shop. He later became a signee of Elite Models London and walked in Christopher Bailey’s concluding presentation for the iconic British brand Burberry in 2018. 2019 saw him walk for more fashion brands than any other male model
Some of the top brands that the Dakar, Senegalese-born model has worked for include Casablanca, Isabel Marant Amiri, Christian Dior, and more. He has also graced the cover pages of several publications
6. Cherif Douamba
- Active Since: 2019 to date
- Signed to: New York IMG, Premium Models in Paris, d’management group in Milan, Supa Model Management in London, Francina Models in Barcelona, and Nest Model Management (Berlin)
Cherif Douamba was a 5th year Law, Business, and Management student when he was discovered in 2019 – a profession he intends to fall back on after modeling but this appears to be very far off. A model scout discovered him via Instagram and the Ivory Coast-born model did his first gig with Zegna’s AW19 collection.
He then went on to become one of the most sought-after black male models in the world. He has walked and campaigned for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Jill Sanders, and Dior, to mention a few.
7. Ismael Savane
- Signed to: New York Soul Artist Management, Success Models in Paris, IMG Milano in Milan, Supa Model Management in London, Uno Models in Barcelona, Nest Model Management in Berlin, and Men Model MGMT in Paris
It was all thanks to Ismael Savane’s statuesque physique and strong bone structure that the Ivorian model was discovered at a young age. He went on to have a hectic spring/summer season, working and walking for brands like Philipp Plein, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Emporio Armani, Moschino, and more
8. David Agbodji
- Date of birth: May 8, 1987
- Age: 36 years old
- Active Since: 2008,
- Signed to: New York Next New York, I Love Models Management in Milan, Next London, Unique Models (Copenhagen), Mega Model Agency (Hamburg), Next LA, and Elite Toronto
When he was younger, David Agbodji preferred attending art classes to modeling, however, his perception of the runway changed in 2008 as he got his first experience on the ramp. Two years later in 2010, he became The Face Of Calvin Klein and has since worked with several other fashion brands.
A print model, David has graced the pages of VMAN, 10 Men, Harper’s Bazaar, British GQ Style, Hercules, MFF Magazine, and more. Today, he is ranked among the most famous black male models in the world.
9. Jeranimo van Russel
- Signed to: IMG New York, Success Models in Paris, Elite Milan (Milan), RICHESMGMT in London, Sight Management Studio in Barcelona, Kult in Hamburg, MIKAs (Stockholm), Kult Australia in Sydney, and RICHESMGMT in Amsterdam
Jeranimo van Russel’s best features are his infectious smile and boyish good looks which led Prada to hand him his debut modeling gig for FW19. Going forward, the youngster has been associated with the big names in the modeling world including Boss: Spring/Summer 2021 at Milan Fashion Week in 2020. He is also associated with brands like Dolce and Gabbana, Emporio Armani, DSquared2, Louis Vuitton, Nanushka and more.
10. Corey Batiste
- Date of birth: 30 January, 1991
- Age: 33 years old
- Active Since: 2010
- Signed to: VNY Models in New York, New Madison in Paris, Why Not Model Management in Milan, The Squad in London, Sight Management Studio in Barcelona, Elite Copenhagen in Copenhagen, and VNY Models in New York
Corey Batiste was writing his last semester exams at John Jay College in Manhattan when he was discovered in 2010 and inked his first deal the same year with the New York Fall 3.1 Phillip Lim show. He has walked for the likes of DKNY Jeans, Michael Kors, and Lacoste, and is currently the face of Kenzo.
In 2011, he walked the ramp for a Dolce &Gabbana fashion show in Milan, he also graced Hermes, John Galliano, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Giorgio Armani runways. His amazing skin and exceptional bone structure led the model to grace the cover pages of GQ Style Germany, NY Times Style, Vogue Hommes Japan, and Wonderland Magazine,
11. Jeremiah Berko Fourdjour
- Signed to: HEROES Model Management in New York, New Madison in Paris, Elite Milan in Milan, Supa Model Management in London, Sight Management Studio in Barcelona, Nest Model Management in Berlin, CDU MODELS in Tokyo, Supa Model Management in London
Of Ghanaian origin, born and raised in Italy, and From London, Jeremiah Berko Fourdjour is listed among the most famous black male models worldwide. He has been active in the industry for many years and has worked in the Prada 365F/W 2019 Campaign: Anatomy of Romance in 2019.
The same year, Jeremiah joined other male models at Helmut Lang: Spring/Summer 2020 at NYFW and also participated in Coach 1941: Spring/Summer 2020 at NYFW the same year. His other gigs include First Light in 2020 and GCDS: Fall/Winter 2021 hosted at Milan Fashion Week in 2021.
12. Khadim Sock
- Signed to: I Love Models Management in Milan, Premier Model Management in London, Next Paris in Paris
It was Khadim Sock’s tall, rangy gait and striking features that earned him a spot among the most famous Black Male models in the world. The Senegalese just has a way with clothes and everything he wears looks so good.
He was part of Balenciaga’s AW22 advertising campaign as its face and has walked the runways for major fashion brands. Before Balenciaga, he starred in the Bally campaign. He is associated with Vivienne Westwood, Balenciaga, Cos Atelier, and more
13. Malick Bodian
- Active Since: 2018
- Signed to: DNA Models in New York, Success Models in Paris, The Claw in Paris
Born and brought up in Senegal but living in Corsica, Malick Bodian was discovered at the age of 19 when a casting director sighted him in the street.
His career on the runway started with Valentino Fall in 2018 and he has been part of major ad campaigns including Dior Homme, Hugo Boss, Ferragamo, Valentino, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton. In fact, he made the record as the first male model of Black descent to ever grace a Givenchy Couture show. No doubt, this qualifies him as one of the most famous Black male models of or time
14. Momo Ndiaye
- Signed to: Fusion Models in New York, Metropolitan / M Management / Makers in Paris, Elite Milan in Milan, Supa Model Management in London, Nest Model Management in Berlin
Momo Ndiaye was just a 16-year-old boy living in Italy when the youngster was first scouted by a casting director. By the time he scored his first show with Martine Rose, Momo wasn’t yet a signee of any agency but that marked the beginning of greater things to come for the young Senegalese model.
A runway and print model, Momo is associated with big brands in the fashion industry having worked for the likes of Balenciaga, Givenchy, Amiri, Versace, and Moschino. His tall statuesque classic chiseled look is what sets him apart from the crowd and the camera loves him for that. From what is perceivable, it has become his ticket to a long career in the modeling world.
Some of the modeling shows that have featured the chiseled runway king include Alexander McQueen S/S 24 Men’s Lookbook, Balenciaga Haute Couture Fall 2023 Show, Giorgio Armani S/S 24 Men’s Show, Balenciaga Resort 2024 Lookbook, and Balenciaga Resort 2024 Show/Film. Others include Fear of God F/W 23 Show Los Angeles, Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2023 Men’s Lo…, Versace F/W 23 Show Los Angeles, Alexander McQueen F/W 23 Show, Men’s Fashion That Channels the Carefree…, The New York Times Style Magazine
15. Moustapha Sy
- Signed to: RAPTURE MANAGEMENT in Antwerp
Yet another Senegalese Black male model, Moustapha Sy is listed among the West African menswear stars with an astounding catalog of editorials under his credit.
He played a starring role on the runway of Givenchy’s fall-winter 2021 men’s campaign, he was part of the Spring Summer 2022 Eyewear campaign for the fashion house, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, and has opened for the campaign of several top brands including K-Way. Sy has been featured in presentations for the likes of MSGM, Louis Vuitton Tod’s, Études, and Officine Général
16. Najib Abdi
- Signed to: The Claw in Paris, The Claw in Milan, and The Ølz in Paris
Najib Abdi migrated to Paris as a child and has since been fascinated by modeling among other things. Also a talented storyteller a photographer, and a designer, the youngster has been modeling for several years with a high rate of success. Before becoming a model, he was into tailoring and photography, and in recent times, he has been lending a hand to iconic fashion photographer Ellen Von Unwerth
A signee of both The Ølz in Paris and The Claw in both Paris and Milan, the youngster has been featured in several runway and ad campaigns including Saint Laurent Spring Summer March 2023, Models.com December 2022, Purple Magazine September 2022, Saint Laurent S/S 23 Men’s Show Marrakec…, July 15th, 2022, and Jean Paul Gaultier (Shows) June 7th, 2022. Others include Saint Laurent S/S 23 Men’s Lookbook, July 2022, Rick Owens S/S 23 Men’s Show June 232022, June 14, 2022, Saint Laurent F/W 22 Men’s Lookbook – June 2022, Boys Night! – May 2022
He has also walked for the likes of Rick Owens, JPG by Olivier Rousteing, Wales Bonner, and more
17. Ottawa Kwami
- Date of birth: 25 March 2000
- Age: 24 years old
- Active Since: 2018– present
- Signed to: Yafan Models, Wilhelmina New York, Premium Models in Paris, Brave Model Management in Milan, Supa Model Management in London, Uno Models in Barcelona, and Nest Model Management in Berlin
Based in London, Kwame who was born in Accra Ghana was still a secondary school student when he was discovered by a photographer via Instagram. It was the photographer who later linked him up with Yafan Models which became his mother agency. His debut on the runway was witnessed during Virgil Abloh’s debut collection. He has worked with the likes of Louis Vuitton’s FW20 campaign, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, and Jil Sander, including Lemaire, Elie Saab Haute Couture, Kenzo, Amiri, and Thom Browne New York,
The famous Black male model has appeared on the front covers of several publications including lookbooks and magazine editorials. We have seen him in The Greatest Magazine, Vogue Spain, and GQ Italia. The covers he has graced so far include Seventh Man, Love Magazine, and M Magazine.
18. Serigne Lam
- Signed to: Two Management in New York, Bananas Models in Paris, Independent Model Management in Milan, The Squad in London, Two Management in Barcelona, Two Management in Berlin, Two Management in Copenhagen and Two Management in Los Angeles, and Gnetics Management Inc
Serigne Lam was a Senegalese high-schooler when he was discovered by Andre Cowan. He was actually in the subway on his way to school on that fateful day when he was accosted by the man that would later become his manager.
For his first modeling gig, the youngster worked exclusively for PRADA Worldwide Show FW 19 and has since done some modeling gigs for brands like Dior, Valentino, Gucci, Balmain, and Versace.
He is the face of fashion brands like Dior, Berluti, Y-3 Adidas., and more
19. Tyson Beckford
- Date of birth: December 19, 1970
- Age: 53 years old
- Active Since: 1992
- Signed to: Soul Artist Management (New York) and D’ management group (Milan)
Tyson Beckford is listed among the top Black male models worldwide. He was relaxing in Washington Square Park in 1992 when he was approached by Erik Lauren Counsel of the popular hip-hop magazine The Source about featuring in a style piece in the known as magazine New York City.
Today, he is best recognized as a Ralph Lauren Polo model and has recorded some milestones in the industry. The model has hosted several modeling shows including Make Me a Supermodel.
20. Victor Ogonna Ndigwe
- Date of birth: Born 7th, February 1996
- Age: 28 years old
- Active Since: 2016
- Signed to: Beth Model Management Africa (Lagos), Elite Copenhagen (Copenhagen), Elite Milan (Milan), Soul Artist Management (New York), MP Stockholm (Stockholm) and Elite Spain (Barcelona)
Famous Black male model, Victor Ogonna Ndigwe is a Nigerian and he launched his modeling career in 2016, walking for Missoni’s Fall/Winter fashion show. He played a leading role in Tom Ford’s spring/summer 2021 and has modeled for brands such as Versace, Balmain, Zegna, Hermes, Dsquared2, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Kenzo, Zara, and more.
He takes credit as the first model of Nigerian origin to be featured in fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, and London.
21. Broderick Hunter
- Date of birth: January 3, 1991
- Age: 33 years old
- Active Since: 2011
From Fontana, California, Comes Black male model, Broderick Hunter, who launched his career on the runway after he was asked to do a photoshoot. Hunter commenced his modeling career sometime in 2011 at the age of 20. He has since starred in editorials for various publications, including Cosmopolitan, Maxim, Essence, Vogue Paris and Italian GQ, XIOX, Fantastics, OnFitness magazines, and more
Best known as the Face of Ralph Lauren Corporation, Hunter has done more work in print modeling appearing on the cover and pages of publications like Cosmopolitan, Maxim, Vogue Paris, Italian GQ, XIOX, Fantastics, Essence, and more.
22. De’Laney Ortiz
- Signed to: Next New York, Select Model Management Paris, Next Milan, Next London, Next LA in Los Angeles, Next Madrid, and Next Miami.
Our list of top Black male models will not be deemed complete if De’Laney Ortiz is not on it. He commenced his modeling career at a very young age when the Detroit, Michigan native signed on the dotted line with Next Model agency in different locations around the world.
The Yuasa DNA Spring 2020 Lookbook is one of his major modeling gigs and the youngster has worked for others like Hercules Magazine, King Kong Magazine, Moschino F/W 20, King Kong Magazine, Willy Chavarrria S/S 19, and more
23. Geron McKinley
- Date of birth: 1993
- Age: 31 years old
- Signed to: Click models
Before he decided to try his hands at modeling, Geron McKinley had plans of enlisting in the United States Army. However, he had a change of heart along the line. His decision to give up the army was sealed when he was scouted by a modeling agency. He has since modeled from brands such as Givenchy, Theory, John Elliott, Fear of God, Hermes, Balmain, Pyer Moss, Versace, and more
24. Fernando Cabral
- Date of birth: 1982
- Age: 42 years old
- Active Since: 2010
- Signed to: Wilhelmina New York, Marilyn Agency in Paris, Next Milan, Brooks Modeling Agency in Amsterdam, Net London, Uno Models in Barcelona, Dominique Models in Brussels, Boss Models Cape Town, Elite Copenhagen in Hamburg, Karacter Agency in Lisbon, Two Management in Los Angeles, Mega Model Brasil in Sao Paulo, Select Model Management Stockholm, Kult Australia in Sydney, and Elite Toronto.
Cabral’s modeling career kick-started in 2010 when he landed an advertising campaign for H&M. In 2011, he walked the ramp for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Missoni, Siki Im, Trussardi, Simon Spurr, Berluti and Diesel Black Gold, Givenchy Balmain, Stone Island, and Perry Ellis.
He has appeared in a number of editorials including Arena Homme, N*Style magazine, GQ China, Men’s Uno International, and more. With all that said, he is deemed qualified to appear on the list of famous Black male models.
25. Djimon Hounsou
- Date of birth: Born: April 24, 1964
- Age: 60 years old
- Active Since: 1987
- Signed to: Los Angeles modeling agent Omar Alberto
Djimon Hounsou started modeling at an early age. After the Black male model arrived in France, he became homeless and dropped out of school. Fortunately, he crossed paths with a photographer who introduced him to Thierry Mugler – a popular fashion designer. It was Thierry who encouraged Djimon to follow a career path in modeling.
As far back as 1987, his modeling career was already thriving in Paris before he made the move to the United States in 1990. On the 24th of February 2007, he struck a deal to model the new range of Calvin Klein underwear and has graced the catwalk in both London and Paris. This singular deal shot him to stardom but he later went into the acting industry and returned to modeling from time to time.
