The Great African Emperor Inspires Znzorzi Adby 's King Of Gold Collection.

A globally lifestyle brand-Znzorzi Adby unveiled a debut socks collection entitled,'The King Of Gold' which was inspired by Mansa Mussa,the Great African Emperor who ruled Mali in the 14th century.

"Mansa Mussa was known for his wealth and generosity in the gold gifts which earned him the nickname 'King of Gold'.
He was also known for his impeccable sense of style.
"His style which has never been truly celebrated in the history of fashion but has merely mentioned in passing,"narrated Adby.
The collection is bold,it comes in black and gold,it highlights the African Elegance in a very original and unpretentious way.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE KING OF GOLD COLLECTION AKA THE MENS LUXURY SOCKS
1:The pair of socks are made of 91 Gold plated studs.
2:They come in black velvet storage box.

They are available on https://znzorzi-adby.com
Who wouldn't want to wear African gold socks.

WHO IS BEHIND- ZNZORZI ADBY?
Born Adby Phiri the man behind the Znzorzi brand ,which is a multi award winning African fashion brand.
Adby Phiri was born in Zimbabwe but currently is based in Los Angeles.
His brand is an ode to African aesthetics. It embraces,uplifts and celebrates African aesthetics at their most authentic and unexplored form.
And that rooting in African aesthetics paves way to new products that embody Alternative Luxury in its truest form.
Website:https//znzorzi-adby.com
Instagram:Znzorzi_Adby_Official
Twitter:Znzorzi Adby



By Rubaya Tapiwa

MEET THE AFRICAN DESIGNER WHO MADE HISTORY AT THE GRAMMY AWARDS

'I would like a Western suit but with Nigerian colors and made by a Nigerian designer ....'  Tim  Kubart

 Its actually a dream for every fashion designer within the globe to have his/her design  worn at an important and unique event such as the Grammys Awards.From Red carperts to fashion runway shows,the RickDusi fashion brand is dominating the fashion world. Aftv Magazine had  an  opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Eromosele Patrick Eidusi  (EE) the founder of the brand RickDusi. During the interview Patrick Eidusi  tells us how he managed  to become the first  Nigerian designer to style and dress the award winning Grammy nommine  Tim Kubart,during the 2019 Grammy Awards.He further tells us the story behind  the collection which he showcased this year at the SA Fashion Week.

TR:Eromosele Patrick Eidusi ,you are a man of many talents. How do you manage your day to day life as you hold several positions such as being the editor, fashion designer and last but not the least the stylist? 

EE:Thank you for appreciating my Talents. It’s been fun yet ,challenging but I am quite thankful to be busy and productive.

 I was once a Fashion Editor for Accelerated powered by Access Bank Nigeria but not anymore presently. 

I currently design as creative director for my brand RICKDUSI and also  work as a Celebrity fashion stylist and it’s has been a beautiful journey because it keeps getting better.

keeping your mind in a very healthy state is required for productivity. One way to excel is to be focused, organized  and give no rooms for distractions because my time is very important.  And these has helped me a lot in working smart and not hard, planning, structuring , organizing my day to day activities. 

TR:You are from Edo state and you Grew up in Benin city in Nigeria and later  you relocated to Lagos state.What are the major differences of these states when it comes to fashion industry ? 

EE:Yes you are right,I am from Edo state, and grew up in Benin city located in the South of Nigeria . Both cities are great places to live but that depends on some factors to be considered. Lagos is an upwardly mobile and very commercial unlike the ancient city of Benin. 

 It is the home of most of the headquarters of companies and businesses in Nigeria. It is a resources enabling environment, audience and workforce are largely concentrated in Lagos. 

 The developmental process and mega city  vision of Lagos has not deterred local and small scale businesses from thriving which is a hallmark for a great city. 

A lot of people come with the intent of establishing their own business with little capital at hand and they are able to succeed because the city has an environment that allows this. 

In terms of entertainment Lagos is fast becoming the Los Angeles of Nigeria with its blooming entertainment industry . As it has become the go to place for business owners , actors , singers , dancers  comedians and other entertainment performers to find a Successful platform . 

TR:You are the brain child of the fashion brand RICK DUSI . How did you manage to come up with the name of your fashion brand . 

EE:Lol!!!!  (Laughing)I didn’t just want a name but a name that could stick in the minds of people, after my research on how names plays a vital role on brands. I came up with my brand name from the combinations of my names (PatRICK  eDusi). 

TR:Speaking about your brand you showcased this year your collection during SA fashion week. What inspired the material that you used for your collection ? 

EE:The material used were damask , velvet , wool and cotton . What inspired the use of  these fabric for the looks created for my spring summer 20. Was my keen and unrelenting eye for details in the  fabrics used which has over time seamlessly fused my established and hard won aesthetic authenticity.

 All of this can be seen in the collections fusion of ready to wear garments, balanced well with crafted bespoke suits and lastly  the elegance mastered in creating a uniquely solid look and wilder color spectrum that has been attached to my brand . 

TR:In your collection that you showcased during SA fashion week you collaborated with Dapmod . Why was it important to have their sunglasses as part of your collection for your brand ? 

EE: Collaboration marketing is on the rise. If you take a look at the fashion industry you will quickly understand why. 

Dapmod produces beautiful glasses. And also collaboration with Dapmod was a good decision because of the demographics I was trying to reach out to. Hence it was a collaborative strategy to grow an audience and enhance position within a specific niche of today's market .

 In today’s fashion it takes more than just a good product to succeed leveraging on the advantages of digital and social media platforms which helps to genuinely connect with consumers in order to build a narrative around brand values .

TR. Now that SA fashion week is over, what is next for you? 

EE:So many projects in the pipe lines and am thankful to God for these special projects  .

  I designed and styled the male uniform for the international route of a Nigerian airline this year and currently on production for the uniforms . 

TR: Patrick you made history by becoming the first Nigerian designer to dress a Grammy nominee (what did it mean to you to style Tim Kubart and how did he reached out to you? )

EE:Styling an American Actor and singer, Tim Kubart a  Grammy Awards  winner for his second time nomination by the Grammys within a short time in my career as a designer and stylist gave me that assurance of been noticed and appreciated globally in my craft . It doesn’t matter what you do but how well you do what you do. 

Tim reached out to me via a DM through my brand page on Instagram . He said this to me in his words as I paraphrase “I came to Nigeria last year to work with children through music and dance workshop with the US Embassy . It was a life changing experience. I was nominated for a Grammys and I am trying to put together suit for my big day. I would like a Western suit but with Nigerian colors and made by a Nigerian designer “ After consultations on what type of suit he would love to have on for the 2019 Grammys . I made it and  the rest is history . 

TR:What advise do you have to some upcoming African designers and stylist who want to reach out there to the world ? 

EE:To the upcoming designers and stylist my advice would be to stay focused, be passionate about your career, More importantly grow, learning to follow due process there is no short cut to greatness. If you jump up you will come down, but if you grow up you won’t come down. if you are going to  enter fashion thinking you are going to make money over night, please don’t because it’s going to be a whole loads of heartbreaks , tears and everything.

TR:Lastly, what do you think makes Africa’s Fashion brand more unique?

EE:The African fashion is unique because African designers are telling the African narratives from the African perspective. And they are doing it  by infusing craftsmanship, culture and history into their designs.  

Designers like Zainab Ashadu of Zashadu, is using leather sources from Nigeria, and the Nigerian native techniques to create beautiful bags, Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa by Laduma is incorporating the South African Xhosa inspired rite of passage into his timeless knitwear pieces . 

TR:Patrick thank you for your time.

EE:Welcome and thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell my story.

NB

Brand handles on Instagram : @Rickdusi

Personal / style page : @patrickeidusi 

Interviewed by :Rubaya Tapiwa.

IS IT FAME DRESSED IN HUMANITY.

 As modelling is fast growing in Africa,concerns have been raised on whether models are taking part in the industry for fame and not to inspire their community. 
Leopold kwao tells us more about the industry in his home area Ghana if whether what models are doing for their community to gain access of fame?
To leopold Kwao, modeling in my country is all about inspiring the community, world and generations to come. 
Our country is undoubtedly driven by fame. Fame in this sense can be defined as the direct product of hardwork given the fact that opportunities are difficult to come by hence famous people are mostly people who have been through odds, have insightful experiences and sure advices that would inspire, motivate and guide the younger ones.
 Some examples of these inspiring famous people in regards to the above are Stephen Kojo Owusu, Victoria Michaels, Prince Ibesq, Sarkodie whose life story is clearly an evidence to that effect, Shatta Wale once called Bandana, Stonebwoy and Dj Switch.
Dj Switch is a teenager who has become famous as a result of her hardwork, she having nothing to lose but becoming so famous and being involved in international endorsements and events clearly tells how much fame is a critical factor in being influential enough to create alot of positivity. 

I reiterate that humanity is all about selfless love. This saying is not just a statement that comes to my lips anytime I feel like saying it but is aroused from the inner part of my heart and mind that tells me "You have to Believe in order to achieve" this statement never exempts the fact that there were always supporting key people and factors in my life that has led me to be who i am, who I'm becoming and who I will be.

It is due to this inspiration that I started project SOTS 2 years ago, MIC a pending project, other entrepreneurial business startups seeking to create jobs and empower others.
As a model, the end product of whatever concomitant benefit is to impact the community positively. Indeed you can't do away with the fact that fame results from a mass appreciation of your work, however what you can dutifully do is to use that place of fame and influence to positively affect your community, by way of inspiration and carrying out projects.

Written by Tapiwa Rubaya

ARNOLD MHADE TAKES PART AT THE 6TH EDITION OF CHINA GOT TALENT.

Having one several talent shows in China Arnold Mhande finds himself in another challenge as he contest at another National Talent Show,China Got Talent. In an interview,the award winning model Arnold Mhade talks about his journey in the music industry in China and he shares with us some of the challenges that he is facing as a foreign musician residing in China. 

TR:Hie Arnold,you are well known as a Doc and model,when did you migrated into the music industry?
AM:Good day to you too, it’s my pleasure and honour and  to be interviewed by you sir.
Well to answer that as brief as possible , music has always been part of me from childhood you know singing in church and staff, so l can’t say l migrated to there but it’s more of like a shift of attention.

TR:You are based in China as a Zimbabwean musician what are some of the challenges that you face?
AM:Interesting question,  well, l would say challenges are really there , sometimes you get a deal to come and sing at a show and you  get your self prepared like any other artist would do and then be told the show is canceled just the day before (laughs), that really hurts.
Also the fact that most Chinese people can’t speak English, a lot of times l'm entitled to sing some Chinese songs , which is a very big challenge if l'm given the song like in 4days before , because most of the time it’s the agent who get's to do the song select for you .  So in a nutshell l would say these are some of the challenges l face.


TR:They say music is universal you are from Zimbabwe do you sometimes sing in Shona and if so do your audience understand what you will be singing?
AM:That’s a good one , oh well l have done it before, l remember singing this song 'Angel' ,by West Life and then,l did a flow in Shona on the Chorus part , (giggles) to impress some Zim ladies who were also in the crowd  .
 And only it feels so right in so many ways because you know it’s one thing singing in a language not of your own and another singing in your native language. 
Hence l'm hoping in the future, it will be more of that vibe of a combination of all the languages l can speak in one song.

TR:How has your gift in the music industry changed your life?
AM:Well Music , has done a lot so far of positive changes  in my life . 
First it’s enjoyment,, it’s always thrilling to get a stage opportunity.
 I mean it is music that made me to be on Chinese National tv, not once but several times .
 It is music that made me also to partake in the biggest show in China the so called  “ Spring festival “ an annual “New year’ festival . 
So it’s a lot of achievements that l have made through music and this has really made me to view life in a different way .
 My standard of living has also changed , l mean when you get a show , you definitely going to  be paid so Income wise it’s really been a pillar, thanks be to God who gave me this talent . 
l almost forgot to mention the traveling part , it’s not surprising to hear that l'm one of the people who have really been to a lot of places in China , and this is because of music, and this has really changed me a lot , because when you go to any place , there are some rules , regulations, cultural differences and staff ,and so learning to tolerate and just act normal towards things you are not used to has really made me to appreciate people for who they are and not to misjudge them because they are not acting in the way lm used to . All of these life principles have come to my attention indirectly as a result of music.

TR:Currently you are in a talent competition in China. Can you briefly in a summary tell us more about this competition and how you have progressed?
AM:Yes , currently l am  a contestant of the 6th China Got Talent , which is an annual competition that does not only focus on music but Talent“ . 
As we speak l was in the Top finalist league for my province and am still waiting for the results to see if l qualified for the next round .
 Figures crossed .
 But then again this is not only the competition that l have been involved in , l was the winner of 'Wanda Voice of China'’ 'Liaoning' province last year , which is like the foundation to my uprising.

TR:Where do you see your future in the music industry?
AM:Honestly, for now it’s still blurry. 
The music industry is not really an easy industry. I’m hoping after l'm done with my studies and lm stable enough to get a good record deal l will be able to start my own “brand “ of music . 
For now all l can say is ,, “ prepare your souls for 伊森”

TR:What is your inspiration?
AM:First are my parents,they are a whole lot of inspiration to me . Dr Tumi and BTS stand second.

TR:Since you have embarked in the music industry have you given up the modelling towel?
AM:Never ! Modelling is' bae' (laughing) ,l will never quite modelling and have a lot of future plans for it especially knowing the fact that it’s not so much supported in Zimbabwe

TR:After the show what is next for you Mr Mhande?
AM: After the show , it’s BUSINESS because already being black and singing  in Chinese (sometimes)that alone attracts attention, so lm hoping after the show if all goes well by God’ s grace l will get a record deal , or even I not still go  through a music training so that l don’t just become a natural singer by a professional one.

[AWhat’sapp +8615754139354
Instagram Arnoldince Mhande
Facebook Arnoldince Mhande 
Wechat :15754139354 /AIM-T1

By Rubaya Tapiwa

LETS SUPPORT THE GIRL CHILD #PADGIRLSCAMPAIGN.

Fashion stylist and designer,Ngugi Vere established a campaign which has benefited a number of young girls based in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The Padgirls campaign was established after Mr Vere, had discovered that a number of young girls in both rural areas of the two countries Zimbabwe and South African are using newspapers and pieces of cloth during their menstrual cycle.
This has contributed to some young girls droping out of school or even not going to school for some weeks.
Yet the African Union and United Nations state clear that everyone including the girl child has a right to education.
The main aim of the Pad Girl campaign is to assist young girls from rural areas who need assistance in terms of sanitary wear. 
"Pad Girls campaign started in 2016,when I learnt of the shocking statistics of girls missing school due to the lack of pads.
"It made me to help rural school girls ,hence from my pocket I did this month to month until I reached out on social media for help with donations,"said Ngugi.
Mr Vere  has managed to assist at least 4 600 girls in both countries in Zimbabwe and South Africa. 
Currently his aiming to raise at least 1000 sanitary wear for a rural primary school in Zimbabwe,at Msengezi.
For donations one can visit Mr Vere's facebook page:Ngugi Vere or If in Zimbabwe to ecocash :0771051246

By Rubaya Tapiwa 

ZIM'S SEXIEST MODEL HEADS TO MALAWI.

 Talented model Lance Ndlovu,who recently relocated from his home town Plumtree to the second capital city of Zimbabwe which is Bulawayo.

In the modelling industry Lance Ndlovu is currently one of the fast growing models in the Southern Hemisphere .
Mr Ndlovu recently received news that he will be part of the models in Africa who will be taking part during the Malawi Fashion Week show. 
Lance will be making history in his career by gracing the show as a model as he will be debuting his first runway show in an international platform. 
Ndlovu told Aftv media that he was selected to be part of this show by the director of the event Tapiwanashe .
He firther  added that he is looking forward in participating in the event. 
As this will be a platform for his brand to be exposed to the world. 
"Heading to Malawi is something I've always wanted to do as I need exposure in the international world.I am looking forward to grow as a model and a person.
"My major goal is to gain a lot of exposure and also to showcase my talent,"he said.
The event will be hosted from the 14th to the 16th of November at Bingu International Conference Center. 
Besides the Malawi fashion runway,Lance will be also contesting to be coronoted as  Mister Africa International in Nigeria this year. 
Currently The king of the pageant Mister Africa International is from Tanzania.
Lance Ndlovu is a fitness-bodybuidling model who just entered in the modelling industry last year. 
And is inspired by Prosper Moyo,Tapiwa Zimhamba,Zviko Motsi,Jimmy Mhlanga  and Tino Chinyani  who are also into body building and fitness modelling.

By Rubaya Tapiwa

ONE ON ONE WITH CALVIN GILAN NARE.

You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it' ,that's Calvin Gilan Nare's favourite motto. Calvin Gilan Nare is a Zimbabwean model who is changing the modelling industry in his country. Through being a commercial and a runway model. In an interview with Aftv mag,he tells us how the modelling industry in his country has changed. As he looks back at the time when he emerged in the industry. 

TR:Calvin Gilan Nare can you brief our readers about yourself?

CN:My name is Calvin Gilan Nare (Mj), aged 21 and currently working with Top Model Zimbabwe. 

TR:What's your favourite fashion motto?

CN:My favorite motto comes from  Edith Head and it reads "You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it"......

TR:What do you love about modelling industry especially runway industry in your country?

CN:In Zimbabwe Runway modeling has been one of the most prevailing modeling category. Runway models travel the world and are often seen walking for the best of designers and fashion houses. We attend events that are sometimes great networking opportunities.

TR:Take us to the time you emerged in the industry,what was unique about the runway industry compared to the currently runway modelling industry?

CN:By the time i emerged in the industry runway industry was unique in the sense that there was less competion unlike today. A lot of young and talented models are emerging  and there is now an enormous markert for models of all ages, sizes, heights and shapes. This is now leading to a stiff competition.

TR:What's your method to success?

CN:Hardwork is my number one method of success. I believe that hardwork pays and it always produce tangable things. With hardwork i develop  a growth mindset inwch i see failure as a way to grow and threfore embrace challenges. 

TR:Currently who are some of the international photographers and designers whose collection you would like to catwalk for?CN:I adore the works of CALEB & GLADYS. They have had their work published in numerous international magazines such as Vogue. The collection i would like to catwalk for will be that of Calvin Klein. The coats and suits designed by his company are vry stunning and they are of all sizes and fits different body shapes. 

TR:What are some of the greatest  moments since you embarked in your journey?

CN:Some of my greatest moments since i embarked in my journey are , the popularity and fame i  got.I get to see a lot of places and interact with other professional models. I can't say am the talk of the town buh am very much pleased that i get recognised to an extent that even my school Telone Centre For Learning is aware of my modeling career and has opened the Modeling Club to surport people like  me and i greatly appreciate that. 

TR:Among models who inspires your work and why?

CN:Among the local models i would say Raymond Motsi insipires my work. Besides being from the same agent he does his work with passion. He is into it, he loves what he does and that is why he is now well known in the country. 

TR:Zimbabwe will be hosting Zimbabwe Models Awards soon can you tell us which categories do you think you will be nominated in ?

CN:Commercial and catwalk.

By Rubaya Tapiwa

UMCECO THE SHOW RETURNS IN A NEW VENUE.

 Fashion lovers say their goodbyes to this year's winter in style as they will gather in the city of Kings and Queens aka Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.For a live fashion panel discussion popularly known as Umceco The Show.

Umceco the show is a programme which allows panel guest from different departments in the world of fashion across the second capital city of Zimbabwe,to share their views and experience that they have witnessed in the world of fashion.

The Umceco fashion show was founded by Nkosilathi Nkomo a multi talented fashion designer. Umceco the show has been hosted for at least 4 seasons since it was established.

Panel guests who include Calvin Madula the model and actor and Mgcini Nyoni the photographer are among fashion gurus who have took part in the event.

The first season of the show had at least 50 people the number doubled during the second season .

Even during the third season the number increased. 

Last month a number of the fashion show followers were expecting the organisers of the show to host the 5th season of Umceco. 

However it didn't happen as the organisers were digesting the views and comments which were given by their followers and spectators so that they can improve the other coming episodes of the show. 

"We considered the feedback from our audiences on previous episodes and we took time to review and improve the show,"said Nkosilathi Nkomo.

However the show is back again this month as its being hosted on Tuesday the 27th of August. 

With fashion designers Clix and Chantel being the panel guests of the event. 

The National Gallery of Bulawayo will be the main auditorium of the event as it is the home of arts in the city. 

For more details:+263774405171 or +263737409987


By Rubaya Tapiwa

FORMER MR ZIM ENGAGES IN AN INTERNATIONAL CHARITY PROJECT.

Since King Noble aka Shadel Noble was ordained as Mr Zimbabwe,he has worked with several charity organisations in Zimbabwe. Even after leaving his office as Mr Zimbabwe,Shadel Noble (SN) has continued to work with his community especially when it comes to charity work. Shadel is one of the few African models who are contesting to be Face Of Class an organisation which seeks to help the needy. In an interview Shadel Noble tells us why his contesting to become the face of the Class organisation and he also share with us some of the incredible charity work his doing for his community.....

TR:Working in Charity projects is not new to you and your brand .What are some of the programmes that you have engaged in the past?
 SN:Working in Charity projects has been a blessing and great as for the  projects that I have  be participating in are, 'The  Livingston Galen Trust Fund' where we donated Sanitary pads for the girl child and teaching them how to use them and that has also taught me a lot and helped me to step out of my box and be educated further about day to day needs that young people lack due to our economy etc.I have also worked  with Fashion Fights Cancer where money  was raised to help children in need of treatment and also I had the privilege to offer my service as a model. 
To add on to the cause, I decided to approach Sandra Jones Orphanage to invite some of the kids to one of the fashion shows which they enjoyed and I got to  spoil them and it was a an awesome and a great  unforgettable experience that i will do again.

TR:As a model and former Mr Zimbabwe why is it important for you to continue working in the charity projects and with your community. When you no longer in the office?
SN:My time as Mr Zimbabwe was great and a level up work wise and  I feel it is still very important to work alongside with charity orfanisations because the little help and support .I can give goes a long way for those in need. I strongly believe that it is always a good thing to give a helping hand where you can or even just by your presence and time.
Hence,I am  no longer  Mr Zimbabwe it doesn't amd won't ever change my duties and care to society as I have,the biggest title one can hold in this life and that is  being a human with humanity and care.


TR:You are competing to become the Face of Class 2019.Can you tell us more about the organisation and the event?
SN:Face of Class 2019, is an organization that is in process of putting together a summer party to help raise funds that will then go to charity so once again,another great charity project and assignment I'm glad to be a part of.

TR:As the organisation involves Charity,what does it mean for your brand ?
SN:For my brand,this means more opportunities and advances to get to work with more organizations in and out of charity nationally and hopefully internationally too.


TR:An early bird tells me that the competition involves a prize and if its money would you share it with your community and how?
SN:Yes, the prices are vast and it involves money. If I'm blessed with that it will probably go into the community cause if not for them.I would still be fighting for my way into the industry so,a thank you gesture is always good and this would be one.

TR:Back home which project are you participating in within your community?
SN:Currently I am still part of the  Sandra Jones Orphanage where we try and involve kids in fashion shows and such.

TR:Do you think its wise for models to look for fame over working with community?
SN:Fame is not always everything ,your work needs to do the  speaking because work is what creates the fame so work first then fame and with fame comes  great opportunities like working with charities and in your community with big organisations.
Hence I encourage work first and then fame will follow with the opportunities.

TR:Lastly who inspires you in terms of working in charity projects?
SN:Chance the Rapper is definitely my biggest inspiration.The amount of work he does for kids in his community and his community in general, is very admirable and I hope one day I can do for my community as much or even better.

To vote for Shadel Noble. 
Visit Face of Class 2019 Instagram page: @Clg-ent
Follow the page 
Select:Shadel Noble
Like and comment on the post.

By Rubaya Tapiwa

MEET THE FIRST EVER MR DEAF WORLD-PHUMULELA MAPUKATA

On the 12th of July it was an important day when it comes to the modelling calendar in South Africa.As all eyes were on the Southern African country,which was hosting Miss and Mr Deaf World Pageant.It was the first time for the pageant organisers to host Mr Deaf World  as previously only Mrs Deaf World Pageant was hosted. 

Phumulela Mapukata prominently known by his family and friends as Purrah,who derives from South Africa made history by becoming the first ever Mr Deaf World.

Phumulela is a 24 year old model who won the Public Choice category during the 2017,Mr Deaf South Africa.

He grew up in Idutywa in Eastern Cape,South Africa. In a family of 5 children,him being the youngest and the only child who was deaf.

He said the most challenging part during the contest was communication. As countries across the globe have different sign languages this became difficult for him when it came to communication with other models and people around him.

"Communication was a real challenge because every country have their own sign language which made it difficult to understand each other,"he informed.

Despite all odds he managed to come out as the winner. 

He however said it wasn't in his mind that he will be announced as the winner. 

"I never expected to be called out as the winner,as I thought that Ukraine and China both had higher chances of ending up as winners Mr Deaf Europe and Mr Deaf Asia.

"I was nervous before the finale pageant but my spirit was still good when they called my name,I was shocked and I was at a loss for words.Since it all sinked in now,I am very happy and proud to achieve this honour,"clarified Phumulela.

As for words of inspiration,he encouraged the deaf community not to give up in their dreams but to look forward in achieving their goals.

And he added up that he hopes to be an inspiration to his future successor.

"My message to the Deaf is to thank you all for all the support so far. It does not matter where you come from or what your circumstances are you can unexpectedly rise to the top like I did if you work towards your goals.

"Self-believe and have goals in your life to work towards it and achieve it. God has plans for your life, you must just trust Him and His ways with your life," encouraged Phumulela.

Lastly he thank the MDSA (Mr Deaf South Africa) and

 Tourism Friendly for the sponsorship and support they gave him. 

By Rubaya Tapiwa