Ugandan Fashion Model Imat Akelo-Opio

Introduction: Tell me about yourself (Growing up, academics, etc.)
Growing up, I had the best time, my mother was always encouraging us to do and be whatever we wanted. My fondest memories were Sunday afternoon’s, when we would sit outside and my mum would tell my sister and I stories about her childhood and proverbs that were to live by, whilst practicing how to braid hair. Those were some of my most memorable moments as a young girl. Academically, I had no problem other than all my report cards stated that I talked too much, which always got me in trouble with my mother. However now I tell her, God gave me voice and
I believe that it is my gift and he was preparing me whilst I was still at primary school, it’s a running joke at home because I always say I should never have gotten in trouble for talking as it is now my job to speak, empower, educate and communicate to all people on a daily basis. In addition, I have a degree in Science-Biomedical Science and a Master’s in Clinical Data Management, which has allowed me to work in the Professional world as Clinical Research Associate.

Let's start with the 2000 Sydney Olympics. How did you get to play the significant
role in the opening ceremony? Can you tell me about it?

Wow, this was truly a case of God’s blessing. I just moved to Sydney and didn’t know a soul and as you do when in a new city, I went looking for African stores. I then happened to walk into a store where a lady just randomly asked me if I was a dancer because I looked like one and so I said I was a dancer and she took my number and gave me a card. I didn’t hear from her for months and then one day I get a call to audition and from there it just took off. I was part of the larger African-arrivals dance troop and then one day I was called aside and told that the Head-choreographer would like to work with me and make me one of the principal dancers. It was a shock! And extremely humbling as I was so very young and I had been chosen to lead people that were more senior than I was and still to this day, I just thank God his favour.
The dancing , then lead me to record on the official Olympics album for the African arrivals theme song with 2 other artists, which was an amazing experience, infact it is one that I will never ever forget.

What was your experiece like and what followed after the games?

To be honest, life was a buzz, I became a back-up dancer for a few prominent RNB and Hip-Hop Australian artists and joined an all African group that toured performing in song and dance. Many more doors opened up and I was then signed to an agency that got me to appear and in feature films, such as Kanagaroo Jack, Matrix 2 and 3 and Stealth. It was then that I decided that I needed to start to pursue my own career as an artist.

Tell me about your role in "The Leader" and what was the episode all about?

The Leader was a play that was set in Brooklyn- Bedstuy, to be exact. My role was Tracey, I was the secretary to Nzingah who was trying to stop the re-development in the Bedstuy area. It was a political play and as Tracey I was a strong woman who was standing by her friend and community. It was quite an eye opener for me as it was extremely challenging , but none the less, it helped me grow and appreciate the situation in which so many people are faced with on a daily basis. This play also helped me to see that the little people can take on the giant corporations and that
there is power in a united community.

I understand the musical "Sherwoodstock" was your first lead role in Australia.

What was it like working with the entire crew during the musical?

This was quite daunting as when I auditioned I didn’t expect a major role, but there was Godagain. I was given the Lead female role which shocked a lot of people as I was the onlyAfrican/ethnic person in the cast. It was difficult at first being the “different one”, however with time as the rehearsal process
progressed and especially after opening night and my reviews, as people began to acknowledge my talent and give me the due respect as a young artist, as opposed to a young “ethnic” artist. It was a great opportunity for me and one that I would never trade.

In "Get Smart," how did you find your role in the personality of Mary Wong, andwhat was the experience like?

Mary Wong was a blast! Mary is this brainwashed secret spy/agent and she is sexy strong authoritative and very intelligent. I enjoyed being Mary, down to her walk, her style and of course her no-nonsense demeanor. This was my first comedic play and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I also understand you are a performer. Are you working on a new album right
now? What's the deal?

Yes, I actually had started working on my album at the beginning of last year and then all of a sudden I was signed by an International agent and then the plays just came rolling in and I had no spare time to complete the album.
I didn’t want to bring out a half- hearted album, just for the sake of completing it, so I decided that I would complete it properly and to the best of my ability, which is what I am currently working on now. So stay tuned, my album will be out this year- 2009.

Now let's talk about the Miss Africa USA Beauty Pageant and Scholarship that was held in Georgia November 1st of last year. What was the motivation behind your bid for the crown?

My motivation was to change the Face of Africa! This was the title of my platform and basis for my empowerment speech. I am from a wonderful continent and I was just tired of all the stereotypical ideology and stigma that the world has about Africa, so I decided to change it and I believe that my entering and speaking out on this issue has become a small but significant spanner in the works of change through the Diaspora community.

How did you feel and what went through your mind the moment you stepped on
stage for a shot to the crown and what was the hard part of the contest?

I was shocked when they called me as the first finalist and was quite evident as one of the hosts made reference to it when I was ushered back on stage for my final question. To be honest at that exact point in time I wasn’t really thinking about me, I was touched that someone out there understood and took on board what I had said earlier that evening in my empowerment speech. It was more the realization that the people saw me more than a young lady all made-up and dressed up, but that they actually knew that I am the true essence of Africa, that I am an African Woman, an educated African woman.

What was one of your favorite outfits during the contest?

I loved all of them. I actually made all my own outfits for the contest, however I think the final dress was more significant and had sentimental value because my mother had sent me the material for the dress straight from Uganda and if you look closely at the print there is the Crested Crane which is our National Bird , that is also depicted on our flag.

As one who has an experience of the Miss Africa USA contest, what advice would you give to future contestants?

This may sound cliché, but first and foremost enjoy yourself and have fun, but on a more serious note really step back and remember that you are representing your nation and really hone in on who you are and what your essence is and then just let your light shine.

Who is your favorite playwright?

This is hard. I can’t actually choose, I love the Classical playwrights, like Shakespeare, Chekov and Ibsen and then there are playwrights such as Wole Soyinka that are great as well. However I think I will go for August Wilson for now because I used a piece from his play “Jitney” for an audition with an agent and I was signed.

What is your favorite show on Television?

To be honest I don’t have a favourite TV show. I don’t spend a lot of time watching TV. however I must say that I would love to watch Idol Africa on a regular basis. I have seen a few clips here and there, but I am so glad to see that show is now showcasing African talent on an International scale.

How do you want to be remembered in your career?

As a woman who empowered, encouraged, educated and gave everyone the ability to see that all things are possible with God no matter the circumstance.

What role would you like to play as African ambassador in a wide variety of
issues within the African continent to provide social programs for the needy?

I would like to be an advocate for issues such as women/ children’s health, gender
equality, HIV-AIDS, malaria and for all displaced people that have been run out of their homes and villages due to rebel groups/ civil-tribal wars. I am currently also working on my NGO which was formerly known as Dark Continent and now is Otino-International and I would like to partner with agencies such as the United Nations have a hands on approach to develop programs, add focus and change the circumstances back home.