DEVELOPMENT IS NEEDED IN MODELLING INDUSTRY SAYS APOLLON IN THE RECENT INTERVIEW WITH AFTV.

 On a one on one interview Apollon from Benin speaks out about the changes that he wants to see in the modelling industry in Benin.Tapiwa Rubaya a journalist also gets to find out what model means in Benin.

Q:Where is Apollon name come from?
A:In a Greek history Apollon (French pronunciation) was the god of the sum and beauty.Everywhere he appear no women or man could set their eyes on him without admiration.Some were jealous of him and sometimes,he snatched their wives(lol).
There are no words till now to express his beauty.That is what I try to show anytime,anywhere even when am out of the runway since my work is to make people fall in love with every single cloth wear.
I own that name from Agent (Ceo of the angels models management) Yannick Arnold Altouunou who since when I started my modelling career never let me down.So in few words thats what i can say Apollon mean.



Q:Tell us about your history in the modelling industry?
A:i started modelling since last year with my agency and i have been working hard to become the next African male super model.

Q:what changed your life since you became a model?
A:Lots of things,i am no longer impressed by crowd,i also get to meet many beautiful women (joking).

Q:Can you share with us some of your achievements that you have obtained since you ventured in the modelling industry?
A:I've finally managed to catwalk for Vlisco group,i feel lucky to have been spotted by AMMFI because my career will certainly now go higher.

Q:who do you look up to in the industry?
A:Steph Model cause i really like his style his pictures.
Q:In your country how is how is the modelling industry

A:Modelling is at its real first step in my country.People are getting mind opened about.

Q:what changes are you hoping to see in the Benin Modelling industry?
A:I really expect my country to become one of the references in the African modelling industry.

Q:you are the face of AMMFI Benin.what does it mean?
A:It means that I am the good path and its great responsibility.

 Q:In 5 years where do you see yourself?
A:featuring New york fashion week,London Fashion Week and South Africa Fashion Week.
FB:Apollon -Supermodel
Ins:@apollon-supermodel
By Tapiwa Rubaya











                                                                                                                                        

Who is Mr Model Africa 2016?The Aftv uncovers the face of MMA 2016 Jeffrey Forson.

 Jefferson Forson was crowned Mr Model Africa 2016.He carries a task of being an ambassador for autism awareness. He shares with a freelance journalist Tapiwa Rubaya about the role he has played in being an ambassador of autism.

Q:who is Jefferson Forson
A:I am Jeffrey Forson (27),a marketing executive, model and actor also I am the current Mr Model Africa 2016.My hobbies include working out,listening to audio books and spending time with loved ones.I like to eat a lot and may be that's why I work out so much. I don't go out too much.That's just the way I am.


 Q:tell us about your life,growing up?
A:I am from Ghana (half Fante and half Ashanti).My mother is from Cape Coast and my father is from Kumasi.Growing up I was always quiet and shy in school.
I wouldn't even answer a question even if I knew the right answer I also wanted to be a pilot.
I guess my mother's profession at that time influenced that,she was a flight attendant.It was until I got to senior high school that I started to break my shyness.

Q:How has your journey been since you were crowned  Mister Model Africa (2016)?
A:My journey so far as Mr Model Africa has been great.Its not an easy task because it comes with a lot of responsibility but I try to handle it a day at a time.


Q:What are the major roles for 'Minister Model Africa' in the African community?
A:As Mr Model Africa I serve as an ambassador for autism awareness.This is my social responsibility,its my duty to raise awareness of autism in Ghana and throughout Africa.I also serve as a brand ambassador for aloette geooming services and also I represent various designers outfits such as tetteh plahar,Marie val hagan and Senyofoli to mention a few.

Q:Which duties of Mister Model Africa have you fulfilled so far?
A:well with autism awareness various activities are held during the year to support the cause .This year its going to be a fashion show but not just any kind of a fashion show.I can't give you all the details all I can say its going to be fun and at the end its all supporting autistic children.

 Q:What words can you use to describe the agency you represent (Fame agency)?
A:fame model management is an agency which gives all sorts of models a platform to showcase what they have.We all have beauty in us.Everyone in their own uniqueness ,so as to make the models  marketable in the world of modelling.
Q:Since you became a member of that Fame model management ,how has you career changed?
A:As Mr Model Africa,I work very closely with the management team.I must admit,it has made my brand stronger and my job a lot easier in terms of looking for modelling jobs and securing team.

Q:Who inspires you?
A:I will have to say I. Draw my inspiration from myself.I aspire to be better everyday.
That's not something which really comes to an end.I wake up every morning knowing there is something to look forward to.Which is  working hard to improve myself.

Q:whats your work ethics?
A:i work with one philosophy.If you set your mind to something you work hard enough.There is a very low chance of failure.Thats my conviction and i stick with it.
Instagram:Jeffrey Forson
Twitter:jforson
Snapchat:Jforson1
By Tapiwa Rubaya

:ZARGUE'SIA FOUNDER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THEIR 2017 COLLECTION AND WHAT TO EXPECT.

                                                                             Pictures provided by the designer.

Zargue'sia is one of the prominent brands in the fashion industry, which is owned by Ishmael Tsakatsa (IT).
( journalist) Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) caught up with the Zargue'sia fashion brand founder whom he interviewed.During the Interview Ishmael Tsakatsa reveled the name of the Zargue'sia 's 2017 collection.

TR. Who is Ishmael Tsakatsa?
IT:Ishmael Tsakatsa is a 24 year old gentleman who is an award winning Zimbabwean Fashion Designer and a Physiotherapist.

TR:Briefly take us to your journey when you emerged into the fashion world.

IT:My journey dates back to 2012 where l started off with an exhibition at the Midlands Show Society in Gweru. Following the success of this and leaving with an award in Fashion Design and Tailoring at the event, l went on ahead to enter Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2012 Young Designers Competition. The following year l launched my label at Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013 and l got nominated for the Emerging Designer of the Year 2013 award.

TR. Where can one trace your inspiration from and why it inspires you?
IT:My main inspiration comes from the Bible, the Word of God. This is because it contains the perfect wisdom and knowledge for the past, present and future.

TR: You are the brainchild of the fashion brand Zargue'sia, what is keeping your brand strong and where does it draw its popularity from?
IT:first would be originality and staying true to the brand vision and aesthetic. Zargue’sia is also a unique and distinctive brand that depicts royal elegance.

TR:When you established your own fashion brand what challenges did you face so that your brand can be appreciated in the fashion world?
IT:There was a lot of  competition in the industry and the first challenge was to distinguish my brand from the rest of other designer brands with regards to designer aesthetic and handwriting. The other challenge was to treat my designer work that was once a hobby to being more of a business.

TR:Is it  of benefit if a fashion designer has his/her own brand, and what are the benefits for one to have his own brand?
IT:It is of benefit since it allows one to express their own form of art and creativity. It also facilitates growth, independence and the opportunity to be adventurous and innovative.

TR: As an African designer is the African society supporting the local fashion brands?
IT:Emphatically yes, the African society is supporting their local African Fashion brands since fashion is one of the fast driving engines to economic growth. Nowadays there are also so many platforms and opportunities supporting the expansion and growth of local fashion brands in Africa.

 

TR: As a male Zimbabwean designer, you have travelled around the globe showcasing your fashion label/brand. What did it mean for you especially after the runway at the Swahili fashion week 2016/17?
IT:For me it means growth and global brand visibility and breaking new ground. It has opened doors of opportunity and the ability to tap into new markets and clientele.

TR: Speaking about fashion weeks, are you expecting for more runways where you will showcase your fashion collections in 2017 .When are you planning to release your 2017 fashion collection?
IT:I am actually, I will not spoil the surprise so early. But definitely in 2017, Zargue’sia will be on some of the coveted international runways.

TR:If there is any fashion collection that you will release in 2017 what is its name and what made you to give it that particular name.
IT:"The Trees of Righteousness”
The name inspiration comes from Isaiah 63 verse 1 of the Bible.

TR. Year in and year out you have been winning different awards and in different sectors of life. Which award are you looking and hoping to be honored with in future.
IT:Lifetime Achievement Award
Hahaha (laughing), am yet to list them all.

TR:You are also a physiotherapist  how has your career affected your fashion world?
IT:It has taught me to have a holistic approach and view to things in fashion. It has cultured precision and efficacy in my fashion world. I have merged Physiotherapy and Fashion to formulate Fashion therapy, (laughs).

TR:Thank you for your time
IT:You are most welcome.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

Roberto Gomez opens up to Tapiwa Rubaya(AFTV) about his modeling career and the recent partnership between Muse of Elegancy in Togo and AMMFI Worldwide Models In South Africa!

                                                                                                               Pictures provided by the model
 
Robert Gomez is a Gabonees male model who resides in Togo.Currently he is modelling under Muse of Elegency agency.In an interview with Tapiwanashe Rubaya,Gomez reveals what are some of the benefits he believes he will obtain from the alliance between Muse of Elegance  the and their new partnership with AMMFI International.









Q:Who is Robert Gomez
A:My name is Roberto Gomez,I was born on the 10th of October 1994 in Libreville Gabon.I am am Gabonese.For the moment I am preparing my bachelor degree in Bank Insurance Option.

Q:Take us to your history of your modelling career ?
A:I was approached one day in the streets by one choreographer of a particular modelling  agency and I told him I will think about it.He invited me to repetition at the agency,where I went and I loved it that's when I decided to be part of the adventure.

Q:You are currently based in Togo,how has the modelling in your country been treating you?
A:It is not really easy for a model to evolve in Togo,there are a few modelling events going on in Togo,but thanks to my manager because of him I am able to take part in events held outside Togo.Also my manager is trying his best to find markets in the fashion industry.
However fashion industry is growing in Togo and I am delighted to see that I am one of those people who is advocating for it in Togo.

Q:You are also an athlete (sprinter).In terms of your sports and modelling how has the two worked?
I admit that athletic holds an important role in my life ,athletics and modelling have similar points they exploit our body.
I can get markets in the field of modelling and also be a figure of certain brand while I am an athlete.

Q:Now that the modelling agency you're representing (Muse of  Elegency) will be working hand in hand with AMMFI Worldwide Agency. what do you think you will benefit from the alliance?

A:With this alliance I expect to be present in big parades,to show want i am best at.Also it's an opportunity to represent AMMFI in Togo and work in his name andalso hope that this alliance will make me accomplish my modelling dreams.

Q:Who is your role model?
A:Leonardo Dicaprio.

Q:Thank you for your time.
A:You are welcome.










FB:Gomez Areag
inst:areag 10
Snapchat:areag 10

By Tapiwa Rubaya







                                                                                                                                     

The AFTV recently caught with Baker Nyeck a male model from Ivory Coast to chat about his new appointment as the new face of AMMFI Ivory Coast.

 

Baker Nyeck is an AMMFI brand ambassador who is based in Ivory Coast/Cote

D'ivoire.In an interview with Tapiwa Rubaya a journalist,Baker speaks out about the advantage that his country will have in hosting the AMMFI Fashion festival next year.

Q:Describe Baker Nyeck?

A:Is an ambitious young man who love modelling.Modelling its his passion

he is a 22 years old,so young and he is very pleased to be AMMFI new brand

ambassador in Ivory Coast.

Q:How do you feel that the 2nd season of AMMFI Fashion Festival will be hosted

in Ivory Coast in 2018?

A:Oh I am so happy and proud because in IvoryCoast we need professional

Fashion challenges.It would be so wonderful.

Q:What does it mean being a brand ambassador of AMMFI?

A:Its awesome and a real opportunity for a model.The guarantee of a very good

career.Its like you're always on top,because AMMFI organisation works for making

you growing every time.Its really a wonderful experience.

Q:What are some challenges you face?

A:To be among models in a foreign country for a fashion show.Also to be a model

and a student who is working to have money is a great challenge. Another challenge

is being a new model (from the new models generation of Ivorian fashion) among the

ancient big models of the country.

Q:What words can you use to describe the industry of modelling in your country?

A:Not really professional so that ,we have many actions from some associations and some people to make it better.

Q:What does modelling mean to you?

A:modelling is a great way to have many good relations in life.So that we must be intelligent to use well relations.

Q:Can you tell us what you are doing to inspire those who look up to you?

A:I am just me,only me.I mean natural,simple and I believe in Jesus.Its all these things.Also I am trying to show people that modelling is not about sex or all other bad things they think about .

Q:Thank you for your time.

A:Welcome.

FB:koffi Baker Nyeck

Ins:baker-nyeck

By Tapiwa Rubaya

__________________________________________________________________

Malcolm Manyenga prepares to rock the ramp at the season premier of Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week!

 Malcolm Manyenga is one of the Zimbabwe's models who are to model at the Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week 's Ramp.During an interview with a freelance journalist Tapiwa Rubaya,Malcom informs that one of his dreams is to walk at the Newyork Fashion Week.
" see myself  modelling at the New York fashion week ".

Q:How old are you and how long have you been modelling?
A:I am 23 years of age and I've been modelling since.

Q:Tell us more about yourself
A:Well i am a devoted christian,an easy going fellow who likes fashion,traveling,reading.I enjoy modelling and I really like socializing.

                                                                               Pictures provided by a model
Q:what are things you like and that you hate about modelling ?
A:Thank you for that question what I really like about modelling is that it brings out fearfully and wonderfully made human being and not only that,it also inspires people to look and feel good about themselves.
While what i hate about modelling is the fact that you may get selected to do an advert and later on get dropped especially when you don't meet up with exact look.The casting director/client may be looking for after being called out.What I hate is you have to change your looks and at the end after meeting what the clients wants later you realize they're are no longer taking you for the job,but at the same time that's what modelling is.

Q:Where can one trace your support from in the modelling industry?
A:My family and friends have really been supportive not only financially but also to never stop believing in myself that someday I will make it big.

Q:Your greatest model?
A:David Beckham is my greatest model in this industry,though I like many but he's on top of the list.

Q:Did you take any runway classes before you became a commercial professional model?
A:yes I took classes,one who aspires to become a model should take some training as you will be taught on how to walk and do those modelling turns,we do on the runway and be confident.

Q:Which agency are you signed with?
A:I am now signed in with Model Management recently before joining this one had been with another one which I will not mention
The advantage of being part of the Model Management is they take models seriously,it is also regarded as one of the best agency.
All the models who come from Model management are well groomed.

Q:What challenges have you faced since you ventured into the industry?
A:Not being paid after you had done some work for a client and also having to wait for longer hours in turn the client would not even show up for the casting but I managed to overcome all for the love and passion for modelling.

Q:Modelling is
A:Extremely fun full of surprises and it really makes my world so round I just love it.


Q:where do you see yourself in years to come?
A:I see myself  modelling at the New York fashion week and other shows that are a syndicate with one, I've mentioned and being a brand ambassador for some big companies before I eventually start my very own line of clothing and fragrances.
FB:Malcolm Manyenga.

By Tapiwa Rubaya




                                                                                                    

Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week SS17