Mr Zambia James Mwila in an interview with aftv Magazine encourages young Africans to educate themselves so they can create a better environment for their lives.
TR:Hie Mr Zambia can you tell us who you are?
JM:My Name is James Mwila and am 23 years of age,I stand at 5" 9 (1.75m) ,am currently an ACCA accounting student,Entrepreneur as well as a part time fashion model under E.Royal Management.
Am a social person and I love playing basketball and working out in the gym in my free time.
Am a christian who deeply love God and I go to Gospel Envoys Church.
TR:When did you decided 'Okay' ! this is it , I'm going to compete for this pageant?
JM.Basically I was just recently introduced to the modelling and fashion industry by my friends who are already in the industry.
My close friend Joseph Chilambwe who is the current Mr Tourism and Culture Zambia introduced me to the pageant early this year but I didn't take it seriously because I had no knowledge about the modelling industry,not until I went to visit a friend of mine venon,a photographer and owner of 50 Photography and like dad.I took some pics and most of the people who where present that day asked me if am a model and applauded how well I look on the pics,then I contacted back my friend joseph for more details about the pageant and that's how I auditioned for it.
TR:When you were announced as the King of the pageant.How did you manage to receive the news and did you had any clue that you were the winner?
JM: Well the competition was tough,it was my first ever contest and I was competing with models who have been in the industry longer than me and had the experience which I never had.
Initially I was expecting to win I just kept the faith and hoping for the best.Icouldn't have done it but the support I was getting from friends and fans all over was just so overwhelming, I wasn't the best dressed and when it was time for the awards ceremony I was just prepared for the worst but I believed for the best .
Then finally after announcing the 1st and 2nd runner up who where my biggest competitors amongst the 6 finalists I knew that the tittle was mine and I just couldn't believe it when they officially announced me as the winner of the pageant,it was the best feeling ever having my friends and family at that moment supporting me all the way,am ever going to be grateful,I couldn't have done it without their support
TR:What lesson did you draw from the whole competition?
JM: Basically I thought to be a model one had to be special in a certain way and have a lot of money and connections but generally I learnt from the show that as long as you stay content with what you have and believe in yourself,staying positive and focused in life you can achieve anything you want and that is the greatest resolution I have ever made,nothing is impossible,we are the key to our own success,and we should aim to make our own path and leave a trial.
TR:Who is your role model in Africa?
JM:Interesting,generally I have failed to have one role model in life,I get my inspiration from all individuals who have been successful due to their hard work and determination in achieving their goals.
But overall, I would say my mother is my role model because I am the man I am right now because of her,my father passed away,when I was very young and she has always been there for me in good times and bad and I owe everything to her because she has been the father figure and also a mother in my life.
TR:Still on Africa,we have seen a number of pageants supporting your female counterparts.What do you think should be done to support the boy child in the modelling industry?JM:The male modelling industry is not recognised as it should,we equally play same roles as female models do but it is surprisingly we are not recognised and most of the times its so challenging we are mistaken for being homosexual and largely criticized by the society and sometimes families as well.
I suggest that this issue is addressed properly because it will become a self fulfilling prophesy that every male model will have the audacity to have a policy on equality and ironic,its the only time will be spending chasing our dreams with a dead end in trying to work and make a living with our talent and a profession with those who have taken it full time with passion.
TR:In your community, what have you done to change the lives of your surroundings?
JM:Being Man Of The World Comes with great Responsibilities,I have resolved to be an inspiration by educating anyone,anywhere and anytime through fashion and modelling because I understand that u can be educated anywhere not just filling your head with ideas but inspiring ones mind,thanks to the government under the leadership of his excellence Mr Edgar C.Lungu for reducing the fees of schools in our country Zambia now everyone can have the opportunity to expand their visions and horizons and I will keep on encouraging and helping young boys and girls to go back to school and stay focused for a better future.
I have as wellwel lined up several charitable campaigns to help the less fortunate people in the community like the home for the aged,the prisons,the orphanages etc
Pic credit @50photpgraphers
By Tapiwa Rubaya
