Emmanuel Tenga (ET) is a Zimbabwe model who has done more than 50
adverts as a commercial model.In an interview with Tapiwanashe Rubaya
(TR) ,Mr Tenga explains what he has achieved since he ventured into
the modelling industry as a commercial model.
TR:Define yourself?
ET:Ambitious, adventurous and an artist who loves reading,writing.I am
an athlete,amateur golfer play chess at a club level,play league
basketball and love watching sports in general rugby, F1,cricket,
tennis and love my red wine.
TR:Briefly Who is Emmanuel Tenga?
ET:I am an entrepreneur since the age of 19 running a branding
communications company that specialises in print,designing,digital
photograph and digital marketing solutions.I have vast knowledge in
advanced graphics designing,photography and marketing.
I also run a casting Agency for commercial modelling and I am also a
grooming and etiquette instructor through the tutelage of Kiri Davies.
TR:How do you keep up with the public appearance since your pictures
appear in public places?
ET:Its quite fun considering in Zimbabwe Commercial isn't as in other countries.
A lot of people can recognise my face but they are not sure if they
know me personally or have seen me on an advert.
They will say 'hello' and I say 'hello' back ,some of them they
further tell me which advert they know me from.Its quite fun,all
smiles. I am half famous (laughing) and I always keep it real.
TR: Looking at your previous photos,did you thought you will be where
you are today?
ET: Imagination is our God given gift so yes I have always set my
eyes on it and desired to do well in modelling but its God's grace at
the end of the day He gives opportunity and chances.For us to achieve
and see our goals come to life.So will always aspire for more and
hopefully in the industry.
TR:You are also a model at one of the most prominent luxurious shops
in Zimbabwe,House of Gentlemen.How has it been working under the House
of Gentlemen?
ET:Its beautiful opportunity and professional relationship which has
made us like a family when we are shooting its a reality TV show and
when we do public appearances.Quite intriguing beautiful time we have.
TR:Travelling across the globe has been something in you.As a model
what have you learnt in places you have travelled to ?
ET:Its always a beautiful moment every time I travel abroad on a
personal business.You get to see how other other nations are doing it
and you learn a lot,the standards the first world countries have and
the level of professionalism is just amazing we hope in the not
distant future Advertising Agencies will adopt to this kind of system
and excellence.
TR:What challenges are you facing as a commercial model and how can
those challenges be resolved?
ET:practically there isn't any direct challenges per say but rather
its just the economical set back the nation is facing so it means less
jobs on the market but we always try to get involved in the little
that's on offer and also another challenge is to get commercial models
to get fees that match regional rates but so far it has been great.
TR:What changes should be made in the male modelling industry?
ET:There isn't much required to revive the industry for the male
models but we would be happy to get more jobs that everyone can get a
piece of the cake.
TR:You are a father of two children,tell us about your role as a
father in their lives?
ET:Its a God given privilege to be blessed with two beautiful kids and
I am grateful.All I can do is to be there for my children and raise
them in a very modest way with godly principles like how my parents
raised me.I am thankful to have great parents so will love my kids
unconditionally.
TR:Do you see any one of your children following your footsteps in
terms of your modelling scenes?
ET:Well since both my kids were born for them commercial modelling is
a family thing.Already between them they have a shot nearly 10
commercial adverts and as they grow will then encourage them to do a
grooming and etiquette class,but already I give them tips on poses so
its kind of natural for them.
IG:@emmanueltenga
twitter:@tengaemmanuel
FB:Emmanuel Tenga