AFRICA NEEDS TO SUPPORT MALE PAGEANTS' SAYS MR WORLDWIDE GHANA.

 Africa has been in the spotlight of having few male modelling pageants. Yoni Ahafia is a Ghananian model who represented his country in India last year during Mister Model Wideworld and was crowned Mr Congeniality and 2nd runner up for the Best Body model,during Mr World Wide World competition.
In an interview that we conducted,Yoni tells us the reason why male model pageants should be supported the same way the public is supporting their female counterparts.

TR:Yoni can you briefly in a summary tell us about yourself?

YA:I am Yoni Ahafia, a Ghanaian born in Israel(Middle East). A graduate of the Accra Polytechnic now Accra Technical University,studied Purchasing & Supply.

 I am 29years of age, a Model and the Operations Assistant for PSV Ghana Ltd(Fire engineering company). I am very sociable,love movies,read and play video games. Banku with groundnut soup is my favorite delicacy 

TR:What inspired you to be part of the modelling industry?

YA:I personally loved show Biz,way back i used to do some rap and miming when i was in my primary school. When it was graduation or an Open- Day,everybody came around just to see me perform,cause i shook the stage really good,hahahahaha.But what  really inspired me to become a Model was pictures of Tyson Beckford. I even had the opportunity to have a chat with him on Instagram and he advised me a lot.

TR:Yoni you have a number of achievements in your career especially when it comes to awards can you tell us some of those you have won and those you have been a nominee?

YA:AWARDS: Mr. Model Africa 2017 Ghana (2nd Runner-Up)won two awards (Photogenic and Best Runway Model). 

Mr. Model Worldwide 2018 which was hosted in  India (Best Body 2nd Runner-Up & Mr. Congeniality).

NOMINATIONS: Unique Model of the Year   2018 (MODUGA). Model of The Year 2018 (Fashion & Lifestyles Awards). 

TR:Yoni you have a number of achievements in your career especially when it comes to awards can you tell us some of those you have won and those you have been nominated for?

YA:AWARDS: Mr. Model Africa 2017 Ghana (2nd Runner-Up)won two awards (Photogenic and Best Runway Model). *Mr. Model Worldwide 2018 India (Best Body 2nd Runner-Up & Mr. Congeniality).NOMINATIONS: *Unique Model of the Year   2018 (MODUGA). *Model of The Year 2018 (Fashion & Lifestyles Awards). 

TR:Besides winning awards you are Mister Ghana's Mr Model Worldwide can you tell us how you won that title?

YA:I would say hardwork pays off . My hardwork got me that award,not forgetting my Agency, Passion Exhibit Modeling Agency, they groomed me well making me what i am now . I have been with them for almost 4years and i am happy being with them.

TR:Speaking about your title during Mr Model Worldwide you won the prestigious congenital award can you tell us more about it and did you had any clue that you will win that award

YA:The Congeniality award is basically awarded to a person who is sociable and lively, and as i said earlier i am very sociable. Not to blow my horns,i was among the liveliest person among the contestants. Even before officially given me that award at the finallies and voting was carried out among the contestants and I emerged the winner. The thing is if Mr. Ghana was not around,the group was boring .

TR:Why should people support  male pageantry?

YA:Modeling is a career and I don’t see why the public should be against it. How would a parent feel if their children won awards and excelled through modeling?, of course they would be happy or a male model put his country's name on the map during an international contest?

The nation would be happy. So i kindly urge the public to support male pageantry just like they support that of the female.

TR:Focusing in your country Ghana how has the pageantry modelling industry been for male models?

YA:So far so good, its been great there have been various challenges on the side of the models and the event organizers due to lack of sponsorship. Comparing female pageantry to male pageantry,the female get lots of support than that of the male. But i am hoping that would change soon since male pageantry is really being recognised now.

TR:Who inspires your career?

YA:Tyson Beckord, the C.E.O of Passion Exhibit modelling agency(PEMA).Stephen Osae, My boss Eric Awuah Darfour, My best friend Richard Bigom and my special someone (giggles), Leticia Eshun (C.E.O of Leyoon Beauty & Wellness Center). 

All these great people inspire me and i say a big thanks to them.

By Tapiwa Rubaya