ZIM MODELS ARE GEARED UP FOR THE LATIN FRIDAY SHOW

Latin Fridays a fashion show which is celebrated in Zimbabwe every first Friday of the month in Harare was established 2 years ago. Where the audiences not only experienced the fashion show runway but also a night full of dancing to music and cuisine from different Latin countries.The show previously has hosted different fashion designers such as Tapfumanei Aka Coco;Reenzara,ZeeRat this year fashion artists such as Nandi Fashions,Tommy Classic Designs are among the list of those who will be showcasing their collection.Aftv caught up with two models who will be cat-walking during the first Latin Friday of this year ,which is going to be hosted in Harare.The two models spoke about their modelling history and what they think Latin Fridays is all about.

Malcolm Manyenga

I'm Malcolm Manyenga, second child out of three, aged 24 years old  and I am professional male model.
I've always admired models and everything they did just made me fall in love with the profession and I told myself I'm going to be one of the one day. I've been modelling for the past 3years and really this industry is not as glamorous as one might think but I still enjoy every bit of it. Just to name a few I've managed to model for some of the best brands like Econet wireless, have walked the catwalk at the Zimbabwe fashion week and really I'm still yet to achieve more and I know I can.
I've participated in the Zimbabwe fashion week, Latin Friday winter show, Rotaract Charity fashion show,etc.
Latin fridays is a platform to express yourself in many ways like you have to show your skills on the runway and your physic, and I'm hoping to get noticed from international iconic brands.
I'm inspired whenever I land a booking and every time I get a casting it really keeps me going and hungry for more in spite the fact that work might not really be there all the times still I always stays positive.

Warwick Beru

I am an extremely mature 24 year old part time interior design, shop manager by profession and novice model.
My short modeling career has opened the door to endless possibilities, both in Zimbabwe and internationally.
Today is Latin Friday, tomorrow who knows.
I was actually encouraged to model by a good friend of mine at the Latin Friday lingerie last year and absolutely loved it,I then thought  I had to come back again this year.
The Latin Friday show means a fun night out with family and friends, amazing trending apparel, gorgeous models and a night to remember.. My expectations of this year's show are limitless, but most importantly I hope to have fun above anything
My inspiration can be traced from David beckham, he started his career as a footballer and ventured into modeling to become the brand ambassadors for brands like Adidas and H&M and still has time for charitable events which is the direction I would like to see my career going.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

Meet Aspiring Mr AMMFI Zimbabwe-Nyasha Mazhata

Meet Aspiring Mr AMMFI Zimbabwe-Nyasha Mazhata
Nyasha Mazhata (NM) an aspiring to become the next ambassador of Mr AMMFI Zimbabwe, seats down with Tapiwa Rubaya the journalist and talks about his future in the modelling scene and what led him to take part in contesting in becoming the next AMMFI Zimbabwe Ambassador.

TR:Briefly can you tell us who you are ?
NM: Am Nyasha Mazhata

TR:How long have you been in the modelling industry. Take us to your history?
NM: l have been in this industry since January but before then i was just doing shoots but for grooming I started in January just graduated on the 2nd of June.

TR:What or who inspired you to go into the modelling industry?
NM: l was inspired by a Model Called Oliver Keith and also my family always supported me that i should try it cause I got the body of a model.

TR:When was the first time you heard about AMMFI and what do you think about the AMMFI?
NM: I heard about AMMFI about 2 months back when I started talking to Mr Samuel and i think its a good forum where you get to capture talent from all countries cities to showcase it international.

TR:Currently AMMFI International is searching for Mister AMMFI Zimbabwe who will become its new brand ambassador...Do you think you got the qualities to represent AMMFI in Zimbabwe?
NM: l got the qualities to represent Mr AMMFI in Zimbabwe cause i was born and bread here i know the culture the people and am still young so I fit to be

TR:What led you to be a participants in this search?
NM: Cause i want people to know that Modelling is a Profession not people always criticizing it and as well am a groomed model and want to win.

TR:The winner of Mister AMMFI Zimbabwe will also have a chance later on the year to go to Poland to compete for Mister Supranational do you think. You have what it take to bring the crown back home should you be the winner of Mister AMMFI Zimbabwe 2018?
NM: I should be the winner of Mr AMMFI Zimbabwe 2018 and i will bring the crown home cause I will showcase all my African Zimbabwe. Talent to the World and teach other people how we do things
.
TR:Thank you for your time.
NM:Thank you for the interview

Insta I.D  iam_mazhatanyasha94
Facebook Nyasha Mazhata

By Tapiwa Rubaya

ARE YOU READY FOR ONE MEN FASHION SHOW?

"Growing up in Zimbabwe, having witnessed a number of challenges but through it all wounds got healed and there was overcoming"
This impacted 28 year old Zimbabwean designer Bernard to title his fashion brand 'Scarless',meaning with all wounds and challenges that he faced he came out without a scare.

The scarless founder Bernard will be hosting a Men's wear fashion show on the 29th of June.
He said being in the industry for almost 5 years and not being prominently recognised has encouraged him to host a one Men fashion show.
Where he will be showcasing his own brand designs.

"Its going to be a one man show and its my first time showcasing on my own so will do almost everything I have been doing in the past 5 years. However on this one I am the only designed who will be showcasing during the show," he said.
The show is a one man who and its only set to exhibit men's fashion wear only.
"Its a man fashion show not because I choose to do men's wear only but it is because I specialise in men's wear," said Bernard.

He further added that this will encourage people to know what to wear during red carpet shows such as the Bulawayo Arts Awards event.
Models who include Shadel Noble (AMMFI ambassador and
Mr Zimbabwe),Ben Chest (Most Handsome Model award winner) and Tapiwa (The face of Fashion Summer In Zim winner),Jimmy and Calvin Madula are expected to catwalk during the evening.

To spice the event up poetry section will entertain audiences.
The event will be taking place in the city of Bulawayo,Zimbabwe at Tech Village.

AWARD WINNING BRAND BUSHAIWEAVE TO MAKE COME BACK AT ACCRA MEN'S FASHION WEEK

The brand Bushaiweave is back again at the Accra Men's Fashion  week expecting to win the hearts of fashion lovers with their new collection which will be presented during Accra Men's Wear fashion on the 15th and 16th of June.
Abdubai Shaibu (AS) the brainchild of the brand interacted with Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) about the collection that the award winning brand will launch.

TR:Briefly can you tell us about yourself and your brand's background?
AS: Am Abdulai  Shaibu , from the Northen part of Ghana but born and brought up in Accra. My brand name is Bushaiweave. I do both male and female but specialized in males collection. What makes my collections distinctive is the hand weaving which I use my hand in designing on the outfits I make .

TR:what mainly inspires your brand's work and its collections that you have produced in the past?
AS: Because am a product of Ghana, all my designs are authentically made in the African style.

TR:Whom among prominent people have you dressed your brand and among models whom have you worked with?
AS: TV presenters, actors and actresses , musicians and what are view. Talking about the models I work with most of the top celebrities in Ghana precisely Prince Ib, Stephen kwojo owusu , Ralph zillary, Zion Benjamin and among others.

TR:Your brand always focuses on ready to wear outfits why?
AS: I love to see people wearing my outfit so I design ready to wear purposely to be able to suit all type of persons who happens to purchase any of my outfit. Also my outfits are designed in a way to fit all kinds of occasions

TR:Besides focusing on the ready to wear your designs are hand made weave one might wonder why?
AS: Just to create a kind of uniqueness in my collections so that any where at all one can pinpoint Bushaiweave outfits

TR:Speaking about showcasing you are not a newbie when it comes to showcasing at accra men's fashion week,what description can you use to describe the previous events of the show?
AS: Previous shows are very great , talking about the set ups, outcome of the pictures and amazing models they book on board. On their maiden edition I was awarded the Best emerging designer which was a very great time for me and the Bushaiweave brand as a whole .

TR:This year you are showcasing @ Accra Mens fashion week can you tell us about the collection that you will be showcasing?
AS: This years collection is dubbed "SARAUTA" meaning The Royalty.

TR:Why did you thought of presenting the collection to the Accra Mens Fashion what is unique about it?
AS: I thought of presenting this particular collections on Accra Men's fashion week because it's one of the great platforms in Ghana where I can move the brand higher

TR:What is the name of your collection that you will showcase and the story behind it!
AS: The name of  this  year collection is called ( THE  SARAUTA ) meaning the Royalty. I came out of these collection after thought of how a Ghanaian chief or prince  could look at his normal day not necessary being on his regalia  As a Ghanaian chief also dress. But wearing this particular piece may still not  denied him from looking like a chief. After looking at the collection I thought of giving him a royal name since it is associated to kingship..

TR:From Accra where are you taking your collection?
AS:From Accra men's fashion week  we will be showcasing at a style lounge a  fashion presentations organized by debonair Afric a big fashion blogger house In Ghana and then Mercedes Benz Africans fashion festival then to Nigeria for the Africanfashionweeknigeria

By Tapiwa Rubaya

Meet award winning model with James Osim

Meet award winning model James Osim from Nigeria. He is rated as one of the best young model from Nigeria.

In an interview with Tapiwa Rubaya, award winning model James Osim explains how he manages to keep up his appearance in public and he also tells us the advantages of being both photogenic and runway model.

TRWho is James Osim ? 
JO:A Top Model base in Nigeria, From cross river state, Calabar. Full of life and happiness. Love to work very hard. Enjoy seeing the smile on others faces. A man of God that love and respect my family. One day would like to be a Supermodel. If that does not work I will become an entrepreneur.

TR:What defines your work ?
JO:My work is a glamorous job with a lot of perks. Very hard work, Maintaining Physical and outer beauty has required daily work . Consistency and dedication to stay in the limelight. Working on achieving has been daily .I have never stopped progress to achieve future goals .I define my work it does not define me.

TR:You are rated as one of the best young models that Nigeria has. How do you keep up with the public appearance?
JO:God has everything to do with my Public appearance (Guidance) . It is not easy to keep Strong , bold and Humble but if you a man of God it comes naturally. I carry myself with grace and confidence because of my belief in God. I am a very confident and humble man. I show it by the way I dress and relate to people .Always respectful to people in public . You never know who you will run into or who is watching you. Everyone is "somebody" therefore I judge no one and walk a straight line in public. My reputation means a lot to me and I don't desire to ruin it with bad behavior . I keep my self respect and respect for all . That is how I keep my public appearance . Your attitude is your best dressed suit !

TR:State some of the fashion runways that you have catwalked at?
JO:Music Meet Runway, FIMA, Elima, GTBank Fashion weekend, Africa Fashion week, Naimy fashion week, Nigeria Television fashion week, Men's Fashion week.

TR:Greatest moment of your life?
JO:Winning "Top Model"  in on of the biggest fashion show in Africa. ( FIMA)

TR:You are both a runway and a photogenic model what are the advantage of both?
JO: Flexibility more work in different areas. I get to do Commercials Print , Runway and Movies.

TR:Choose between runway and photogenic?
 JO: Photogenic

TRLast year you won  the model of the year award,what did it mean to you?
JO:It was a great honor very encouraging moment and warm felt. Also made me feel my effort was not a waste.I also felt a rise above .Very happy moment that tells me never to give up on my hopes and dreams and that Hard work pays off.

TRYou have worked with designers such as F2k. What have you learnt from him?
JO:I learned to stay focus so if there are any failures it's because I side tracked !

TR:Which runway would you like to catwalk with?
JO:Milan Fashion Week, Mercedes Fashion week, New York Fashion week, Paris Fashion week. Etc

TR:Among African designers whom would you like to wear his collection and why?
JO:Mai Atafo because his designs are a cut above the rest . The stitching, Quality and style is authentic and well deserving to any Runway.

Instagram: Jamesosim
Facebook James osim

By Tapiwa Rubaya

AFRICAN QUEENS TO CONTEST FOR THE FACE OF FASHION AFRICA'S CROWN .

Nigeria is yet to host the Face of Fashion Africa 2018 on the 6th of July.The event will see African beauties from different African  countries contesting for the crown Face of Fashion Africa.
The event is set to give an opportunity not only to the models but also African designers to show their collections across the ramp.
The Face of Fashion Africa will be co- hosted with the African Icon Awards which will also take place the same day.

Contestants for the pageant derive from countries such as :Eswatini kingdom ,Zimbabwe,Niger,
Serria Leone,Nigeria,Namibia,Togo,Egypt,Mozambique,Zambia,
Senegal,Guinea,Mali,Botswana,Tanzania,Ghana,Benin,Algeria,Uganda.
However Queen Kommy Oluwadamilo from Nigeria will not be able to represent her country during the pageant event as she will be conducting her examination studies.
African Icon Awards CEO Abraham Lawal who is distinguished  is the brainchild behind the two events Face of Africa and the African Icon Awards.
During the awards some of the awardees include comedians,politicians,media personals and fashion designers.

Some of the awardees include Eswatini Kingdom designer and Top model Mbali Manana, award winning journalist
Tapiwa Rubaya from Zimbabwe.
Mr Abraham stated out that this year's awards are meant to honour those who have been patriot to the African continent through their works.
"Demonstrating uncommon patriotism,excellent and exception leadership through civil governance and responsibility is one of the roles played by Africans who will be awarded during the 4th edition of African Icon Awards to be held on the 6th of July,"informed Abraham.

To vote for the face of fashion Africa 2018 one can use the following social media details:
+2347062111207
Facebook/Instagram @face of fashion Africa.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

Mother's always know what is best for their children.

Zimbabwe's 19 year old model Reece Williams can testify to the above statement to be true.In an interview with Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) Mr Williams explains the role that his mother played to introduce him in the modelling industry.
During the interview he shares with Aftv his memorable photo shoot.

TR:Who is Reece Williams?
RW:Hi I’m Reece Williams, 19 years old, born and raised in Zimbabwe. I went to St. John’s College until after my o levels, I then left school to start doing my Diesel plant fitting apprenticeship.

TR:Tell us about your origins?
RW: Zimbabwe, Harare.

TR:How did you discover your modelling career?
RW: I discovered my modeling career with a lot of help from my mother who used to be a model back in her time. My mom knew of Karin Davidson and showed her some of my pictures, from there Karin helped me grow and signed me as a model under the Top Model Zimbabwe agency.

TR:You are a photogenic model and last year during Zimbabwe Models awards you were nominated under Best Visual.What did it meant for you?
RW:It meant a great deal to me, as I haven’t been modeling for very long and I haven’t done very many jobs either. It was a huge confidence booster and has given me a drive to become so much more than what I was.

TR:It seems like everyone is now a photogenic model because of taking pictures using smart phones.What's your definition of a photogenic model?
RW: Yes its true a lot more people can become a photogenic model in this day and age, but for me a real photogenic model is someone who knows the appropriate way of taking photos, who doesn’t need Photoshop or large amounts of editing to look good.

TR:You work under Top Model Zimbabwe, what have you benefited from working under Karen's wings?
RW: To work for Karin is a huge privilege, as what I have come to know is her models come first to her!! She bends over backwards to make the process easier and more enjoyable for her models. As she is well known in the industry many people come to her looking for models and this creates many job opportunities.

TR:What is the most interesting shoots that you have ever done?
RW: I think still the most interesting shoot I’ve done is for a music mobile app, where I was asked to dance In front of the camera, and myself not being the best dancer I felt like I looked more like a dancing fish than a model!! But all in all it was a very enjoyable shoot, all the people where amazing and my fellows models and myself had a really good laugh through the day.

TR:If you could talk to your ten year old self.What would you tell your self?
RW: I would  tell myself to concentrate more in lessons and to stop worrying about being the smallest kid in school. I would also tell myself that all the people who bullied me would mean nothing in the next 5 years to come and that my future looks really good. I’d also tell myself to be a little more caring towards those who where and are there for me

TR:Who is your role model in the industry?
RW: I have 2 role models actually both of which I look up to because when they In front of the camera, they look like they always having the best time and when they not, they live their lives the way they want too. Regardless of the fame, they just seem to enjoy life and that’s what I want from it too.
Francisco Lachowski
Toni Mahfud

TR:Lastly what is the best lesson you have learned from working in the fashion modelling industry?
RW: To always be patient and understanding. Being a model you often have to wait for people to get back to you on jobs and for shoots, you have to listen to the photographers and the people who have hired you, even if you don’t always agree. The outcome of the shoot doesn’t truly effect the model as much as it does the thing they where advertising.

My social media details
I’m not big on Facebook
But Instagram I use a lot
My username is
reece__w_

By Tapiwa Rubaya.

2 Attachments

KING NOBLE WINS AGAIN /AMMFI AMBASSADOR WINS AN OUTSTANDING AWARD DURING BAAZW AWARDS .

Award winning model Shadel Noble has done it again as he has scoped the outstanding male model award,during 2nd edition of the Bulawayo Arts Awards which were held in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.
In an interview with Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) after winning the award Shadel Noble (SN) aka the King of Zimbabwe's modelling ramp discuss issues pertaining to factionalism in the industry and what he is doing to groom other models.

TR:Hie Shadel what have you been up to recently?
SN: This weekend I was a judge at Miss Lupane state.

TR:What's your take of this year's modelling industry in your country?
SN: The industry is growing  because you find that there are more shows upcoming  but with more time I hope we will be  able  to compete  with other big fashion houses out of the country.

TR:It seems like you have achieved a lot in your career,where you hoping to do that when growing up?
SN: It's all hard  work and  also having God by my side in every Little thing I do in life.

TR:Before the Bulawayo Arts Awards were hosted there was a controversy about your nomination.How did you handled the situation?
SN: we'll I knew  I hard to focus on my Work as I know people will always  talk  so I just ignored the controversy and carried on getting those votes.

TR:Speaking about controversy there are rumours that there is type of factionalism among some  models in your country.What do you think are the main factors that are causing divisions in the industry?
SN: well  firstly everyone wants to be on top also  a lot of jealous going around and a lot of bad mouthing when someone is doing well if we could all put are difference aside and help each  other grow then that would change a lot Trust me.

TR:What are you doing to help some models who are coming from disadvantage environment to reach where you are today?
SN: well I'm planning on starting a mentoring programme which  if  all goes well will be a success. Even  also have workshops with model

TR:Can you confirm that this year you are not participating at Zimbabwe Models Awards? (Why)
SN: I'm not sure  if I am  able to compete as you know this year I will be there brand ambassador and host too.

TR: Speaking about awards you were competing along in the same category with your best friend Wade.How was the relationship before and after the awards?
SN: Nothing changed at all the relationship was the same we know how to handle are  friends and work  at the same time so we found a way to balance the two.

TR: In your modelling career you have worked along with AMFFI lead by Samuel Marere what have you learnt from him?
SN:What I have learnt from him is that you should go for what you want in life don't wait for it to come to you and always remember where you started when things are not going so well

TR:Lastly Shadel what is next for you?
SN: working with more corporate companies and booking more gigs.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

The RETURN OF THE BEAST.

Miyamiko Banda 24 year old former model is back again in the modelling and fashion industry but not as a model but this time as the Master of Ceremony/presenter of a show.
Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) caught up with Miyamiko Banda (MB) who  was co-presenting the Harare Fashion Show last weekend and discussed about his new adventure as a presenter.
Also during the interview Mia states 5 fashion brands he would love to wear.

TR:Mia how are you can you briefly  describe yourself?
MB: My name is Miyamiko Banda and I am a 24 year old Project Manager at a company in Bulawayo called Indigo Group.

TR:Mia what defines your Mc/presenting career?
MB: Honestly bro, I'm a guy who just loves to speak, and speak my mind at it, MC’ing and hosting is just a formal way of allowing me do this virtually to many more people at the same time, a wise man once said “if you lack opinion, go sleep” I have more opinion to give than anyone else haha (giggling).

TR:There were some rumours that you have retired in the modelling industry how far true is that?
MB: The rumours are true, and they’re being spread by me as a matter of fact haha(laughing) I’ve retired as a catwalk model and I've chosen to pursue my business career at a higher level, although I still get involved in photography which has always been a very interesting hobbies of my own.

TR:Can one say that Harare Fashion week has played a big role as your come back in the industry as an MC?
MB: Harare Fashion Week is an amazingly huge platform for Zimbabwean Talent to exhibit their skills and craft with examples of prominent individuals like K7 and Takura both showcasing at the recent event.
Me as MC, well I've always loved speaking as mentioned before, and Harare Fashion Week has enabled me to reach out to a Harare audience for the first time, so I am thrilled and would definitely love to work with the team again.

TR:Briefly summaries for us your experience during the Harare Fashion week as an MC?
MB: My experience as mentioned in my previous answer has been ecstatic, the HFW team is truly organised and have shown me pure Harare hospitality, even made me consider moving to Harare, the team is vibrant, passionate and shows loads of potential which in turn ignites enthusiasm in someone like me.

TR:During your presenting you wore one of the brands that were being showcased, the ZimCollar what did it mean?
MB: Yes I wore ZimCollar when I opened the show, ZimCollar is an internationally based Zimbabwean brand located in Dubai, the designer behind it all is very passionate and I was honoured to wear his award winning clothing.

TR:What differences did you spot when compared to the fashion runway shows from your city and the Capital city of your country?
MB: Well in regards to the models who showcased during the event, I felt they needed more work and in comparison to Bulawayo Models I found most of them unprofessional and I can safely say this as I've worked with many professional models even on an international level, other than that The Fashion show itself was brilliant.

TR:To your fans what is in store for them before the end of the year?
MB: Haha (giggling) Tapiwa my friend, I do not have fans, supporters, or any sort of degradingly titled people, what I do have though is potential business colleagues, passionate people, mavericks and hardballs, and only greatness lies ahead for both them and myself this year.

TR:Away form the modelling ramp, you are a business man.As a young business man what words can you use to describe the environment of the business industry in your country?
MB: In my own capacity, I believe businesses are failing in Zimbabwe, very few start ups are penetrating the market, and many large standing businesses are failing to maintain their standards corely because they lack the appropriate tools for the appropriate job, for example the clear thought planning and project management that any business should possess is not receiving its fair share of dedication, people overlook the smallest components that make businesses successful and its the simplest of concepts that can rejuvenate turnover and increase revenue for many companies, this is what I do and my business speaks for itself.

TR:As we conclude the interview who are your top 5 fashion designers you would like to wear their collections as an Mc in the  future?
MB: The top 5 Zimbabwean designers who’s work and products I would love to wear are;
-Ara Kani
-K7
-Shadow
-Andre
-ZimCollar

By Tapiwa Rubaya