Despite the derailment of a promising basketball career Ndiaye found the strength to move forward. Solicited by high profile names like Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and Jennifer Lopez, Ndiaye was thrusted into the limelight as the main actor/model in an energy drink commercial. “I always say follow your dreams, keep your eyes on the ball, and never give up because there will be obstacles in life but you just have to keep going,” Ndiaye tells BE Modern Man. “I moved to the U.S. in 2005 after receiving a Division I basketball scholarship. I thought I was going to play professional basketball, but unfortunately I had to stop playing due to a knee surgery. The lesson is to never let an obstacle stop you dead in your tracks. Get right back up and do something great with your life. The only thing stopping you is you.”
“Let me tell you something, being 6’11” in the fashion world is very challenging. My main objective is to encourage everyone I encounter to express his or her individuality through whichever outlet they may choose. For me it is fashion, and fashion is connecting people in a similar way that social media does. As advertising moves to a space of connectivity and brand transparency, I believes that this is what was missing in fashion advertising and marketing. The ability to witness a diverse group of people being represented in a traditionally monolithic industry is much needed.”
A men’s fashion jewel has arrived through the diligent eye of Badara Official, and that jewel is gleaming bright. “Being named a BE Modern Man is such a humbling honor,” says Ndiaye. “I am in a group of elite leaders that keep on going, persevere, innovates and inspires.”
The BlackEnterprise.com team salutes Badara (Badou) Ndiaye for standing tall in the face of his challenges and finding his true passion outside of the sport he loves. We are honored to call Ndiaye a BE Modern Man. Stayed tuned as the 6’11” fashion influencer continues to make an impact and changes the traditional marketing and advertising strategies in the world of fashion.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @blackenterprise and join the BE Modern Man conversation using #BEModernMan.