SC: Thanks for the interview Mike. Can you please give us a description of yourself?

MK:  I am a hard working, determined individual. Whatever I set my mind on is what I will do and my goals are my number one priority. I like to have fun and have a good time but I'm very serious when it comes to achieving my goals.

I am also a lyrical writer, poetic writer, martial artist, entertainer and many more to come.

SC: Before we go any further, how do you pronounce your last name? As you know, I always say it wrong.

MK:  My last name is Kwao, it's pronounced like wow with a K at the beginning, Kwao!!

SC: How long have you been into bodybuilding / weight training?

MK: I've been into bodybuilding for 10 year and weight training for 20 year maybe longer.

SC: Tell us about how you got into bodybuilding?

MK: Bodybuilding is a sport that I love from a young age, and training just became part of my life. I would watch all the natural and pro bodybuilding shows as many times as I could. I always wished, that the day would come when I would step on stage for the first time to try what was called freestyle posing.

Freestyle posing is a non choreographed routine that is used to show your true talent and that was something that I was very much interested in.

I was introduced to bodybuilding by two good friends of mine. The first was Roy Callender, a personal trainer in Montreal and former Mr. Europe, Mr. Canada, Mr. Universe, Mr. Royaume-Unis and also competed on the Mr. Olympia stage in the late 1960's.

Larry Vinette was also part of introducing bodybuilding to me, he has won many tittles as well and I am grateful for the help from both Roy and Larry in the year of 1998.

SC: What or who inspired you to compete?

MK: I was inspired to compete by both my friends mentioned from the above statement and many bodybuilders around the world.

SC: I wanted to congratulate you on winning our very first IDFA Pro Best Poser award. Any advice to other bodybuilders on putting together a great posing routine?

MK: Posing has to come from within you and mostly your heart. When I step on stage I never have a clue of what I'll be doing when it comes to performing.

We all do mandatory poses, that is poses required by bodybuilding only done at prejudging. Night shows are when you truly show off your God given talents and that is when I perform my what is called, freestyle posing.

We all have that freestyle posing within us because when you go to a club for example: you dance like never before and having a wonderful time, sometimes even sweating and needing a break. Well, that is the same kind of mentality that I have when performing for an audience, the only difference is, I'm posing and showing of my physique to be judged on.

My advice to all young and upcoming bodybuilders is to go out there, smile like never before, and show the world your personal and true talents because you also have it in you.

SC: What is your favourite body part to train?

MK: My favourite body part to train would be my biceps.

SC: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to compete for their first time?

MK: Yes I do. My advice for people competing for the first time is to test the waters and when you feel that the water is clean, then drink it.

What I mean by that is, don't be afraid to step on stage and show what you've worked so hard for. Fear plays a huge role when hitting the stage and we all have it in us, but it's our choice to show fear or not. Testing the water is your fear of stepping on stage. But, when you realize that it's the most wonderful feeling to have an audience applaud for what you have now accomplished, that has become you clean water and you will always look forward to drinking more. That means don't ever stop once you've started, because it's one of the best feelings.

SC: Do you train on your own or do you have a training partner?

MK: I've been training on my own all my life and never had a trainer, sometimes I would have partners but they never last. Recently I have started training with IDFA Pro Heather Barnes, and hopefully she can last. So far, so good.

SC: What about supplements? What are your favourites?

MK: I actually don't take many supplements. The only supplements I take are vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and whey protein. As far as other supplements go, I have never stuck with anything else. I am always open to trying new supplements though, as long as they are safe and effective.

SC: Will we see you on an IDFA stage this year? As you know we have 2 IDFA Pro shows in the line-up for 2008.

MK: Yes you will see Michael Kwao at the IDFA pro shows coming up in July and in Nov of 2008.

SC: Any parting words?

MK: I would like this opportunity to thank God for all the amazing talents that he has blessed me to have, Glen E Grant for all the support that he has given me, and Heather Barnes for being there for me through my up and downs.

All this would not have been possible for me, if it wasn't for the strength that I have for my beautiful daughter Destiny Kwao. Daddy loves you for ever and ever shugga!!

SC: Thanks for the interview Mike.

MK: You are more than welcome Shaun.