CALISAH JIWA MADE HISTORY AT ASFA NOMINATIONS.

The 7th winner of Mister Africa International was nominated at the Abranzy Style and Fashion Awards 2019. 
Which will be held in December on the 13th  ,in Uganda,Kampala.
Calisah Jiwa from Tanzania  became the first ever,reigning Mr Africa International to be nominated in these exclusive awards. 
The awards are mainly referred by many as,Africa's fashion awards. 
Other categories in the Abranzy Style and Fashion Awards include:Best Fashion Designer,Best Male Model and also Influencers in the fashion industry in the arts sector.  
Jiwa is nominated under the Best Male Fashionista.
After winning the kingship of being Mister Africa International 2018,Jiwa  has traveled across Africa in countries that include:Ethiopia,Kenya,Nigeria etc as a brand ambassador of Mister Africa International organisation . 
The Tanzanian model has also managed to establish his own,exclusive shoe retail shop in Tanzania.
Calisah is to hand over his position on the 8th of December, during Mister Africa International 2019.
A Throne which is contested by more than 20 African countries,Zambia,Zimbabwe,South Africa,Gambia,DRC,Kenya,Ivory Coast etc. 

By Rubaya Tapiwa .

MULTI AWARD WINNING DESIGNER AND MISS ZIMBABWE LAUNCHED A TRUST FUND

Multi award winning fashion designer,Thembani Mubochwa founder of an international fashion brand,TMZ, along with Belinda Potts who is the current reigning Miss Zimbabwe. 
Launched a trust  fund organisation titled,'Fashion Advocacy Trust FAT'. 
The Trust is founded in the objectives of addressing HIV and Aids,gender based violence and other issues that are affecting the society,by using fashion .
Mubochwa told,Aftv Magazine that as an organisation they will use their creativity ,which is designing collections that will be mouthpiece of their vision.
"As FAT we shall launch several fashion collections which will all address several societal issues and one of our collections is the condom dress. 
"The condom dress was crafted using,condoms as a material and other materials," he informed. 
Aside from the condom dress,Mubochwa has also created a red dress. 
Which mainly speaks out about one of the main visions of the United Nations,which is to have an HIV/Aids free generation by 2030. 
While for the condom dress it,addresses and encourages people to practice safe sex. 
Belinda Potts who is one of the trustees of the FAT,she is the face of the condom dress. 
Potts is expected to be wearing the dress during the AIDS day commemorations,which will be hosted in Zimbabwe,at Masvingo. 
The FAT's first charity work was held at the Ancient City of Zimbabwe,were by the organisation donated 20 000ZWL,to the Inaugural Miss Disability Masvingo.
Which was held on the 16th of November at Flamboyant Hotel. 
Also in addition,groceries that were donated from personal funds,were disturbuted to the institution. 
The FAT organisation is planning to tour across Zimbabwe,especially in rural areas. 
As they use fashion as a tool to address social issues to raise awareness on issues affecting marginalized members of the society to promote gender equality through fashion.

Pic credit:Pride Colds photographer

By Rubaya Tapiwa 

MEET MISTER AFRICA INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATE.

As the world is preparing for the 8th of December to coronate a new king in Africa's male pageantry. On who is going to take over from Calish the current reigning King,the race has just began as more than 22 candidates from different countries are contesting for the position . One of the first challenges on the pageant,Mister Africa International was to see who will get more vote on social media platform and will be coronoted as Mister Internet Africa International. YAO-Yao Wilfried from Ivory Coast won the challenge and is expected to be coronoted as the winner in Nigeria during the pageant. 

TR:Congratulations in winning Mister Internet/Social Media Africa international 
YW:Thank you

TR:What do you think made you to receive more likes on your Facebook picture and be the favorite of many?
YW: It's really  a pleasure to know that people will follow you, especially Ivorian people too. 
Winning the vote was a real surprise, a nice surprise, and i would like to thank everyone that voted, and supported me through out the process.

TR:Tell us about yourself and how you rose in the industry?
YW:The journey began in 2016 when my friend Pierre Arnaud Fagnidi (today my agent), asked me to do a fashion show to his event (So Talent).
I enjoyed this experience so much, i decided to really put myself into it. 
Then, with my first successful casting for Festimod, and i want to thank Mr Abass Zein, the director of this Event. 
Then everything went faster, I met a very good photographer, who became my friend now, Eddy Dagher, with whom I've started having collabs that made me known on the internet.
I've also done other fashion shows like, Ethnik Mode, for Mr Carlos Desaules, "Du rêve à la réalité" ,for Mr Reda Fawaz and many more.
I've always worked on advertisement project with UBA Bank, MTN, Brasserie Ivoire, Shell and Nasco.
I wanted to thank everyone that allowed me to live those experiences.

TR:Commercial and photogenic modelling are some of the departments that you are in aside from pageantry. Why did you select them as part of your career?
YW:I followed some advices from  friends who gave me ideas and according to my profile, i'm not slim so to do runways it's still a bit complicated. I'm muscled and in my country there are not many runways for fitness models.
And i feel good on picture.
I've also discovered that i loved acting, and commercials help me to play roles.

TR:If you win the Kingship as the Winner of the competition what will it mean to you?
YW::To win this competition would be the outcome of many years of hard work, abnegation, in search of improvement.
 And above all, i want to show young man like me, that you can achieve on your dreams. 
Being Mister Africa this year would allow me to spread the message to Africa of telling, my brothers that we can achieve our dreams if we give ourselves the means to it and that it's not an easy path. But so much worth it.

TR:With this year's theme: Africa: through the looking glass' .What's your understanding of the theme?
YW:Africa, through the looking glass...
To me this theme is about us,' Africans'. 
Being looked upon by the rest of the world. We were always considered, a third world continent, but we're now expanding, evolving, showing that we have so much potential and talent. Beauty and Wealth. 
I believe, Africa is waking up, and we all have to stand together, ot be united and show the rest of the world that we're more than just the third world continent, that we are IT.

TR:Who inspires you and why?
YW:At first there was David Beckham, Like him i was playing soccer, and I loved his style, then Tyson Beckford, because we're almost the same size, and the same attributes. 
I could never forget an icon that is Karl Lagerfeld, what model he is. 
I admire his talent and what he's become with his time. adapting and he had always such class.

TR:Thank you for your time 
YW: Thank you for interview , it's a pleasure

By Rubaya Tapiwa

SOUTH AFRICAN FASHION WEEKAW20 WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT.

MEET ONE OF ZIMBABWE'S SUCCESSFUL MODEL.

 Having been selected by one local online media,from his country as the sexiest male model 2019. A title which almost everyone is agreeing about it.
Ray Motsi aka Raymond Zviko Motsi is one of the most had working models in Zimbabwe and Southern Hemisphere, having developed his modelling career from being viewed by the public as an amateur  in the modelling . In being viewed as one of the drivers of the industry.
In an interview which was organised by the Aftv,Ray Motsi tells us how he managed to rise from being an amateur to a professional modelling.
In addition  we get to know how he managed to be part of Zimbabwe's Greatest Exclusive fashion Brand,Edgars.

TR:Ray its nice to interact with you again.How has 2019 been different to you comparing with 2018?
RM:Its nice interacting with you too , it’s been a while since my last interview with you guys. 
2019 has been amazing, i’ve had so much growth as a model as compared to last year and I've really added some big names to my portfolio, I'm really where I could only imagine I'd be when my career started and i’m really thankful to God .

TR:Take us to some of the achievements that you have made in your modelling career this year?
RM:This year I managed to work with Janjam again, they were the 1st fashion brand i worked with in 2017 but this year it was different , I've grown as a model they’ve evolved as brand and it was really something I enjoyed and still enjoy doing.
 I also managed to add Edgars to the list , Telone , Cabs , Vaya ,  Kalose fragrances, Pizza inn, Push athletics , Samson and honey  and i’m really proud to have worked with Afcon , it was truly surreal for me.

TR:In one of your achievements,you managed to feature in an Edgar's ad which was one of your dreams. How did you manage to charm the Edgar's management so that you can work with their exclusive brand?
RM:Honestly when I got the casting call it was truly hard to believe it was happening, I guess it’s all the hard work and consistency that has started paying off .
 I don’t have insight on exactly how they scouted me but i’ll tell you this , it really made me happy that I had completed my bucket list of all the brand I wanted to work with in Zimbabwe. 
I was really worried that I'd never work with them because i had worked with trueworths a year before , but well...all is history 

TR:Speaking about your modelling career,commercial you are part of the brand ambassadors of Jan Jam wear.How has your life change since Jan Jam wear became part of your life?
RM:Janjam is truly awesome I'll tell you this , when you get to see how they operate you feel like you’re part of a family more than you’re working with a brand .
 I got to meet a lot of people and they made it easier having personal photoshoots cause they dress me . 
I've had the pleasure of working with names like Stunner and recently Jah prayzah since they were already Janjam ambassadors , plus its always a sweet bonus getting suits , my wardrobe is packed (laughing)

TR:I can imagine. 


TR:The country is facing an economy backlog but you have managed to survive that in your modelling career,what has been your secret?
RM:I can’t really say I survived lol but I guess it helped a lot having worked with big brands , and when you have a big portfolio it makes it really easy to name a price and have brand bend to your request.
 The Zim economy is really not rewarding at the moment , for anyone doing modelling but i can safely say this year has been better for me than previous years.

TR:Ray you were rated as the sexiest model by one, online media in your country. One might wonder besides working out,how do you manage to make sure you keep your body in shape?
RM:Besides working out , I guess genetics are the only reason I am not fat right now (laughing).
 I have, really bad eating habits sometimes if i’m being honest,but if someone is looking to stay in shape I would say be consistent with your workouts and try to keep a clean and healthy diet , you’d look better than i do .

TR:This year most people were expecting you to be one of the best candidates to take over as Mr Zimbabwe 2019/20. Have you ever thought of getting involved in pageantry and if you were to be Mr Zimbabwe what would it mean to you and your brand?
RM:To be honest, I'm not slamming the “Mr Zimbabwe Award”.  When I say that it’s the most coveted award that modelling has to offer for males in Zim but the way it’s won is up for scrutiny. An award as 'big' as that shouldn’t be soley based on votes alone , rather an analysis of a model’s portfolio and character , votes should not even contribute as far as 30% of the decision. It’s not justifiable to have a “Mr Zimbabwe who has had little mileage in the industry win the award soley cause they have the following to back it up , it should soley be based on merit , and achievements in the industry . 
So that is why i might not be involved in the race for Mr Zimbabwe this year.


TRThis year what mostly inspired your modelling journey?
RM:This year I was mainly inspired by how many models outside zim also branch out into social media influencing , it’s really been my main focus , that’s why I've been working on my instagram more , and it’s been truly working out . 
Versatility is key, cause industries evolve and modernise and you should be able to adapt . 
Zim brand's are slowly transitioning into an age where they realise the power of social media now over your traditional billboard so i’ve really been inspired to take on influencing aswell .


TR:Next year what should we look forward to witness or see from Zviko Ray Motsi?
RM:Next year , God willing, i should be international, really putting a spotlight on the zim modelling industry and being a proponent for the cause of male models in the industry, they truly deserve better treatment and a voice is on it’s way .

TR:Thank you for your time,hope we can do this again .
RM:Welcome,Thank you for your time Tapiwa , it always a pleasure doing this with you.


By Rubaya Tapiwa 

CALVIN MADULA TO DINE WITH FILM AND MODELLING LEGENDS IN LESOTHO.

 BAAzw Award winning actor and model is going to  headline  The king Moshoeshoe film festival in Lesotho. 
Where he is expected to dine with film legends who include:Vuyo Dabula aka Gaddafi,Melgin Tafirenyika aka Africa's Denzel Washington,Molise,Sean Drummond etc. 
Calvin Madula is one of the few Zimbabwean models who have been selected to take part at the Moshoeshoe Festival's fashion show,which will be held next year in September. 
Madula described this as an opportunity which will assist him to market his brand and also to mingle with the legends. 
Calvin is expected to be joined by other models from other Southern African countries such as Eswatini,South Africa and Lesotho. 
He is also going to take part in the film seminars that are going to be headlined by multi award winning actors,Vuyo Dabula and Melgin  Tafirenyika. 
Also accompanying him to this exclusive festival,will be the award winning former Mr Zimbabwe Shadel Noble and 263Africatv team which will be lead by award winning journalist Tapiwa Rubaya and other Film students from University of Zimbabwe .
The Moshoeshoe Film Festival and the fashion show are set to,empower,educated African youths. 
Madula has featured in a number of films in Zimbabwe with some have reached the international stage. 
Teenage Trail,Ezakomatshela,Award winning Film Dlala Ngamla,The short Film Envelope,Brute Force etc. 
In his modelling career,the runway and commercial model  has catwalked in a number of fashion events and has also headlined some local fashion shows as the guest of the events. 

By Rubaya Tapiwa 

WITNESS SOME SUMMER FASHION WEAR WITH PUSHA NTWANA.

Showcasing  their summer wear,on the 8th of November at the Smoke House in Bulawayo,Zimbabwe.Is a clothing label and photo graphic modelling agency which was given birth by fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant Alexander Kumirai. 


Mr Kumirai informed Aftv,that his brand 'Pusha Ntwana',will be exhibiting their summer wear on the 8th of November at the Pusha Ntwana Fashion Show.
He painted out a picture about the collection which will be presented by his brand as a denim dominated street wear collection .
"We will be showcasing casual wear denim and summer street wear. Its summer .So I have decided to give audiences that summer fashion vibe,"said Kumirai. 

The Pusha Ntwana's collection will be accompanied by designs from other brands such as White-Cotton which focuses on classy formal,sexy dresses. 


The Von Chase a wedding gowns and evening dress brand. 
While models who include Liam,Daike,Patience ,Princess,Rodna and other Open eye Models are to catwalk through out across the ramp.
As for the guest of the event:Welsh the Stylist,Award winning Model Ben Chest,Former Mr Zimbabwe Shadel Noble,The president of the Models association Mhlengi and others. 

By Rubaya Tapiwa

MISTER AFRICA ZIMBABWE AIMS TV PRESENTING.

Famously known for his fitness and bodybuilding modelling career.
Lance Ndlovu is a Zimbabwean model,who will be representing his country on a prestigious event,Mister Africa international in Nigeria on the 8th of December. 
Ndlovu has adopted a number of names from his fellow models and friends,some include the King of Working out. 
Unlike some of his modelling counterparts who believe that their talent is only exposed across the ramp when they catwalk ,nor during a pageant or even a commercial advert shoot. 
Lance informed Aftv that he believes that working as a television personality is another way models can get their talent exposed. 
He said he is planning to venture into the television presenting  industry and he further added that he is also planning in casting in various music videos. 
From both local and international music videos. 
Lance Ndlovu who is celebrating a year being part of the modelling industry was recently rated as part of the top 10,most sexiest male models in Zimbabwe . 
By one local Zimbabwean online media,which is one of the platforms that have accepted that his one of the best models that Zimbabwe has. 
Currently Mr Africa Zimbabwe is embarking in a fitness,healthy programme journey.
Where by his educating people from across different gyms in his country on how to live a health lifestyle. 
He said his main fight is against Obesity which has killed many young people in Africa. 
Lance said his hoping to achieve his goal and also to become the first Zimbabwean model to win the title Mister Africa International .

By Rubaya Tapiwa 

NKOSI NKOMO DEBUTED HIS AFROPOLITAN COLLECTION.

Nkosi Nkomo who is the founder of the hombyo fashion brand and also one of the organisers of the exclusive fashion and modelling talk show.Released his latest collection during the 7th episode of The Umceco the show,despite the blockage of economic challenges which had been a barrier for him to release the collection .
We interact with him as we find out,what makes his collection Afropolitan to be so unique. 

TR:Nkosi you have done it again.Congrats on the host,what make you and your team continuing hosting this show?

NN:Thank you mate, it is the love of fashion that keeps me and my team to continue hosting Umceco The Show.

TR:From the National Gallery of Zimbabwe's car park Garage to Vista. Indeed you are upgrading. But what can one enjoy in a such nature and Environment place?

NN:Gallery and The Vista are two high class venues with different feel and vibe, but never the less,episode 7 was hosted at The Vista which has a bigger space and amazing facilities that brings out the style of the place making it classy and perfect for Umceco The Show.

TR:The guest speaker of the show was Donna.What is the significance of her in the world of fashion?

NN:Donna has been in the show biz  industry for some time, winning awards and hosting red carpet events in band around the country.

TR:You surprised many with your collection.What are unique features about your incredible collection?

NN:Thank you, my collection (Afropolitan collection summer/winter fall 2020) was inspired by the urban lifestyle in Africa from a Bulawayo narrative, and this makes all the pieces different and peculiar.

TR:Why did it take you so much time to release this collection?

NN:The economic challenges kept me this long to launch

TR:Tell us more about the fabrics that you used ?

NN:I used denim, lace, fleece and waxed java to,make all my pieces for this collection

TR:I was eager to know how much is each design of your collection  ranging from highest to lowest?

NN:The prices will be published on instagram and facebook. 

I am working on logistics to make sure that my clients get value for money

TR:Lastly what was the major highlight of the show?

NN:The show has a number of activities and my major highlight was to see the audience enjoying the show

By Rubaya Tapiwa

ALL SET FOR MISTER AFRICA INTERNATIONAL 2019.

Mister Africa International is one of the few African male modelling pageants that are existing. 
The pageant is well known for bringing,Africans together from different countries and also social lives.The pageant has went further in boasting,African culture. 
For the third time this year the pageant will be hosted in the Western African country,Nigeria.
Last year the winner of the pageant derived from Tanzania,
Calisah Jiwa from Tanzania. Upon winning he launched his shoe store in Tanzania and also traveled to several countries including Ethopia , kenya , Nigeria etc 

This year more than 20 models from different countries have booked their places as delegates who will represent their countries during the competition .
These Include, Gambia,South Africa,Tanzania,Burundi,Zimbabwe,Namibia,etc. 
The event is scheduled to be hosted on the 8th of December. 
Giving the models an opportunity to prepare themselves for the competition . 

Aside from competing for the thrown,they are other merits for other activities such as the Best Beach African Body award which will be handed over to the model who would have won in that category. 
The Africa's Sexiest Hunks will be judged through strength,body,knowledge and behaviour among other things. 
The pageant is expected to attract audiences from outside Africa and within Africa. 

By Rubaya Tapiwa