AWARD WINNING MODEL RISHABH VERMA SPEAKS OUT

Last year Zimbabwe hosted its own Zimbabwe Model Awards,which saw Rishabh Verna being awarded three top awards:The Best International Model In Zimbabwe; Best Male Model In Zimbabwe and People's Choice Award.

Rishabh is a 22 year old model who is optimistic and determined to achieve his goals and also his keen to help others to reach their dreams.
The multi award winning model stated out that the awards became a revelation to him that there is hope of development in the country's modelling industry in Zimbabwe if one showcases his or her talent.
"There is hope in the fashion industry in Zimbabwe.If you are showcasing your talent I believe the industry is under development,"he said.
He however said there is need for models and fashion brands to work together for the development of the modelling industry in Zimbabwe.
"There is need for more opportunities for the beginners to professional level models and brands, to have the chance to work closely with each other and for the benefiting both ways.
"The ZMA (Zimbabwe Modelling Awards) and myself are trying our best to improve the standards of the fashion industry in Zimbabwe which will be seen in the following month,"said Rishabh.
Mr Rishabh is also engaged in some projects which have benefited the community that surrounds him.
He joined forces with the country's Miss Agro Tourism Zimbabwe,whom they agreed to spend their weekends at the orphanages.
In addiction he has helped in facilitating the venue of where badminton training is done.He has donated some equipments to the Zimbabwe badminton's junior team.Rishabh is part of Zimbabwe's badminton's national team.
The award winner has worked closely with international brands as their model ambassador these include:HB,Adidas,Dunhill London ,Jaguar, Hugo etc.Currently his a model ammbasador at the House of Gentleman in Harare.
He has also managed to grace the following fashion runways:Bangkok Fashion week (2016),Bridal Fair Runway and during the Zim model awards.
Rishbah has shown his love for the fashion industry as he is working at a fashion shop 'Swag Shop' as the Operations Manager .
The shop offers products ranging from ladies handbags to sunglasses and wallets.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

AMMFI ZIMBABWE BRAND AMBASSADOR GRABS BAAW 'OUTSTANDING MODEL AWARD

Some have defined him as Mr Bulawayo,while some have went further to ordain him as the King of the Model and Fashion ramp.
Shadel Noble has been considered by many as any international model,he scoped the 'Outstanding Model Award' during the BAAW ceremony.
Mr Noble was competing for the award along with the reigning Miss Tourism Zimbabwe and Miyamiko Banda who is yet to represent the country at Nigeria for Mr Africa.
The outstanding Model,BAAW winner said he wasn't expecting to be the winner of the award.
"I really didn't expect to win because I was    going up against gurus in the industry.I was over the moon and happy full of joy I was really amazed and shocked when they called my name,"he said.


He further stated out that this has opened more doors for him in the modelling industry and it will also play a major role if he is looking for sponsorship.
Shadel said he would like to thank his instructors,family and fans for the role they have played in his career.
"I would like to thank my instructors Miss Sarah Mpofu and Talent Mpofu.I would not be a model I am today if it wasn't for their grooming.
Also my family has supported me,my father sometimes he covers my trips and I  would like to thank everyone who voted for me.
He further said he wants to also appreciate and thank God for the talent he gave him.
The 23 year old award winner,was dressed by Bethel of the brand M.O.D (My Own Designs).
Mr Noble said Bethel has once dressed him during a fashion show which was held in  Swaziland,hence its the  the reason of selecting Bethel as his dresser.
The Bulawayo arts awards took place on the 30th of June.
By Tapiwa Rubaya

From being Mr Model Africa 2015 to 1st runner up Mr Ideal Nigeria 2017,that is the story of Abasiomo a male model from Nigeria.

From being Mr Model Africa 2015 to 1st runner up Mr Ideal Nigeria 2017.
Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) caught up with Abasiomo Adams (AA) a Nigerian model who recently was crowned 1st runner up Mr Ideal Nigeria.During the interview Mr Adams talks about his previous role as Mr Model Africa and the current role his going to face as the first runner up of Mr Ideal Nigeria.

TR:Define Abasiono Adams...

AA:My name is Abasiomo Adams,a Nigerian.When it comes to defining myself,I would say I am a loyal and honest person,I always go for what I want and work hard for it.
TR:In 2015 you won the Mr Model Africa pageant and got crowned as Mr Model Africa,what did it mean to you especial your career?

AA:Winning Mr Model Africa in 2015 was my 1st step into the modelling world it meant a lot to me because it opened doors for me and I learnt a lot and the people that supported me believed in me knowing that I will always give in my best to be good in what I do and I thank all my supporters.
TR:What were your duties during your reign as Mr Model Africa?
AA: As Mr Model Africa,I was representing and the face of the brand.Hence was tasked to create a good image for the brand.

TR:What is your take of the current Mr Model Africa?
AA:The current Mr Model Africa,Jeffrey is a hardworking and gentle person.He delivers when he is meant to.

TR:Are you currently working together in any project?
AA:Currently we are not working on any project but hope to do so soon.
TR:Any memorable event that you won't forget during your reign as Mr Model Africa?
AA:It was quite a memorable one,a night I would will never forget because I didn't believe I would turn out to be a winner the contest was a tough one.

TR:What is your take of the current Mr Model Africa?
AA:The current Mr Model Africa Jeffrey is a hardworking and gentle person.He delivers when he is meant to.
TR:Are you working together in any project?
AA:Currently we are not working on any project but hope soon we will.
TR:You introduced a campaign about 'autism'.Tell us more about the campaign?
AA:The campaign about autism was about creating awareness for people to know there is something called autism.
Some children are born with autism and as they grow you notice they can't communicate with the rest of the world,as they are in need special care.Most parents with children who are affected with Autism sometimes believe that their children are 'witches' etc. Then they neglect them.
Children with autism have something which is good in them,it can be painting,designing,mathematician etc.Albert Einstein was autistic.

TR:Currently you are the first runner up for Mr Ideal Nigeria,what are your plans?
AA:There are projects that I have in mind but I can't mention them  because I  haven't  been fully planned them.
TR:What does it mean working with the award winning photographer Kurengworkx?

AA:Working with kurengworkx was amazing,he is a cool and smart person who knows what he wants and how he wants it to be done and it was great working with him and I will continue working with him.

TR:Who is your international role model?
AA:For me I would say Idris Elba,he is an actor but an actor is a model right?
TR:What's your description of the AMMFI?
AA:AMMFI a good platform for models.I think they have the best in mind for models.
TR:What are your plans when you become AMMFI ambassador?
AA:I plan to become a better model and a good actor and also to represent the brand

IG;twitter,snapchat:@whizadams
FB:Abasiono Adams
Email:mridealnigeriaearth2017@gmail.com
By Tapiwa Rubaya

Exclusive:One on one with south African top male model and physiotherapist

 31 year old South African model Lesala Mampa (LM) is interviewed by Tapiwa Rubaya (TR).During the interview Lesala Mampa shares some of his greatest moments since he ventured into the modelling industry.
He further explains how he manages his calendar as a model and a physiotherapist at the same time.

TR:who is Lesala Mampa
LM:I am a 31 year old visual artist hailing from Tlhabane, Rustenburg and currently residing in Cape Town.

TR:What influenced you to venture into the modelling career ?
LM :Family and friends in my varsity years encouraged me to try out modelling, but my self-image back then was rather low and I didn’t quite see what they saw in me.
Then a fashion designer friend of mine, Yvette Van Den Burg, required a male model in 2009 for her fashion line. That was my first experience modelling and I fell in love with the art immediately. She, as I do, loves creating artistic imagery and that is how I got hooked.

TR:You are a model and a physiotherapist.How do you manage to handle the two professions.?
LM:It used to be quite a juggling act balancing all the work. But now I have lightened the load quite substantially by following my heart and doing professional modelling full time and physio work part time.

TR:What is the most hardest thing in the modeling industry?
LM:The challenging part I find one struggles mostly with in this industry is staying true to oneself. The fashion and entertainment industry have a glitz and glamour appeal which can easily strip you of your identity and leave you quite empty even if surrounded by all the material desires. However if you stay true to yourself, working for the love and art of it, you find not only will you be abundantly successful, but you’ll find yourself full and rich with inspiration.

TR:What do you love about your job mostly and why ?

LM:Meeting and for lack of a better word, playing with various creatives making art. I have been inspired by so many photographers, designers and make-up artists; being witness to someone’s imagination and see it materialise and better yet, being part of that process, magical.

TR:Who or what is your role model in life ?
LM:One of my favourite quotes is by author and healer Alana Fairchild which says, "In choosing that which honours you as you are, rather than trying to force yourself to be something or someone you are not naturally meant to be, you will gain so much energy. As you honour yourself in this way, you honour the Divine, for it is the Divine that lives in you, as you, and created you to be as you are...”
I find that those who are able to truly live their dream, inspire me to no end. 

TR:Last year during the Abryanz Style and Fashion awards.Your name was nominated in the list of Best African male models,what did it mean for your career ?

LM:It was an honour to be nominated and I truly appreciated the gesture and resultant exposure.

TR:Was it your first modelling  Fashion Awards nomination in your career ?
LM:Yes it was my first and hopefully not my last in my career.

TR:Fusion models,is your modelling agency. Since you became a member how has your modelling career been ?
LM:Fusion is a fantastic agency that has allowed and inspired me to tap fully into my creative self. I have booked exciting and challenging work which has developed my skillset as a model. I look forward to our future relationship.

TR:What are the advantages of having a modelling agency?
LM:In this industry having a support system and family is needed and welcome. Furthermore, agencies have great relationships with various clients and are able to book you really exciting, quality work. They also deal with the technical admin with regards to payment and booking dates etc., leaving you to just concentrate at the work at hand. The better your relationship with your agency, the better your growth and success in the industry.

TR:which country do you love to travel at as a model?
LM:I’ve had the privilege to work at the Victoria Falls both on the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides for an editorial which was really fantastic. But still working hard to hopefully travel abroad soon for work.

TR:What are your future plans?
LM:I have finally started work on my acting career, having always enjoyed and participated in drama at school, it feels like home. I hope to immerse myself in classes and workshops to start creating art on film. I would also love to travel, we all have layers and sides to ourselves unexplored which are discovered while out of our comfort zones. I don’t like comfort zones; there is no growth there. I would also like to write, not entirely sure what, but I trust it will be healing.

TR:Any word of advice to those who look up to you.
I come across many a Facebook status or Tweet that read, “Why is there so much hatred in our country/the world?” Or “Life is hard.” Or “This is bad and that is bad, everything is bad…”.
You create your own reality and everything that comes into your life experience is put there by you.
Everything you consider bad, or horrible or terrible is, as teacher Abraham Hicks would say, contrast. We live in a world of contrast and variety. Those experiences are there to show you exactly what you do not want to experience in order for you to then desire exactly what you do want. 

The problem is that we get lost in those “bad experiences”. We react to them and then define them as such. Forgetting that the law of attraction is absolute - whatever you desire, think, want, believe, ask for comes to you…not only the good stuff, whatever you desire, think, want, believe and ask for.
God, the gods or the Universe, however you were brought up to know the Creator does not filter life for you; it’s called free will. This is the wonderful; loving creative power we have been given. From love, in love, through love, to love we manifest what we desire, whatever we desire, this is creation. (Refer to quote at question 6)
If you keep defining your experiences as bad, they will always be bad. If you keep defining where you live, country, world as bad, you will attract those experiences into your life. So if you keep saying, “That person or that place is irritating/horrible”, “I never have enough time/money”, “I am broke, I am poor”, “Nobody ever said it will be easy”, “This is reality, I’m being realistic”, “Life is hard”, “This isn’t working”, “Nothing ever works out for me”, “I can’t”, then all those will be. Because it is what you believe, think, and say that is attracted into your life experience.
So my advice: change your thoughts, reprogram your thinking, redefine what is real to you/your reality, redefine what you want in your life (everything single thing in your life) as good, as happy, as love. Do what makes you feel good, do what makes you feel happy and passionate. Then watch as you attract, no not attract, rather watch as you allow abundance, love, success, and happiness into your life experience.

TR:It was a pleasure interviewing you.
LM:Thank you sir. With love and gratitude.

Instagram: @lesala_mampa Facebook Page: Lesala Mampa

All Is Set For House Of Wal 's 'Winter Fashion Collection.

The House of Wall which is made up of artists from various departments such as photographers,makeup artists,creative writers,videographers,models,singers etc.Is to host its winter collection fashion show.

The winter collection event is to be held on the 27th of May at Hope Centre in Bulawayo;Zimbabwe.
Designers from the House of Wall who include:Clix clothing,Chantel Clothing,Just Vintage by Renee Seckel,
Ngugi  by Nokulunga and City of Kings local designers who include Niki.J Bags and Hefe are scheduled to showcase their designs during the show.
According to one of members of House of Wal,Chantel said the main mandate of the event is to grow,support local especial for designers.
"The main reason for this particular event is to grow,support and give a platform to designers who need an extra push to be known and to be able to reach more potential clients on,"said Chantel.
Chantel further said the collection that she will showcase,it will be a winter wear that appeals to sassy,elegant and stylish woman.
Local models are believed to be one of the people who are to benefit,during the show as some of the audiences who will grace the event are promoters of the fashion and modelling industry in Zimbabwe.
Arthur C. Evans,Thandi Muringa,Arts Promoter Gilmore Tee and Donna N radio presenter.
House of Wal is a brainchild of Cleedon Lotriet who is the owner of Clix Clothing and Lucky owner of the Unknown source.
 

By Tapiwa Rubaya

What Is The Main Role Of Modelling Agencies?

 

Modelling industry is seen as an important sector in Africa.However the key players in the modelling industry,who are the models have been lamenting towards many issues which include : not getting paid after modelling during the show,establishment of 'bogus' modelling agencies and pageants.

Zimbabwe is one of the countries in the African continent which is facing challenges in its modelling industry.

Ms Princess Mercy the founder of the Zimbabwe Image Consultant T/A explains the relationship between models and the modelling agencies.She also elaborates some reasons why the Zimbabwean modelling industry is facing challenges.

Q:Take use to your modelling background
A:I started modelling at the age of 16,when Gamuchirai of Silhouette model agency scouted me in town.That's when I began my modelling career.In 1993 I went to Pretoria to advance my career in modelling for one year.
I competed in a few competitions and I have shared the stage with legends such as Linah Zinyama,Nina Rynas,etc.

Q:Zimbabwe Image Consultant T/A is your modelling agency.State some models who are under your wings?
A:Malaika Mushandu,Rumbidzai Mudzengere,Clara Kudzai Matenga,Emily kachote,Melgin Tafirenyika,Tawanda Marere etc.

Q:Are there legal laws or is there a constitution on how model agencies operate in Zimbabwe?
A:when we started operating we registered with NAC but after 3years they distanced themselves from our industry and at the moment we don't have any.
We hope something will be done so that our industry will be appreciated in the society.

Q:Do you believe that a constitution on how modelling agencies should operate needs to be drafted?
A:Yes I believe NAC (National Arts Council) or the Ministry of Tourism should create a department that look into it.

Q:Does your model management sign anyone who wants to be a model?
A:Yes we sign in models,however before accepting them.We ask the model to produce a certificate of grooming and department if they don't have we encourage them to get trained first.

Q:What is the importance in attending modelling classes?
A:Every profession needs training so that a person can understand the industry.Models are employed to represent brands and our duty as an agency is to make sure that every model has the mandate  to protect a brand that they represent.

Q:Can one become a model without any modelling academic qualifications?
A:Its happening here in Zimbabwe,that is why we are experiencing a lot of scandals in our industry.In other countries companies don't take models who are not signed with an agency.

Q:Recently this year a number of models movements rose and challenged modelling agencies/companies and designers. etc against the ill-treatment they are doing to the models...What was you take of these movements?
A:I am happy that we have people who are concerned about the ill-treatment of models in the country and who are willing to stand against any form of abuse.
We have advertising agencies that are misrepresenting companies and are using models for free.

Q:What is the disadvantage of being a freelance model?
A:None payment and lack of knowledge.

Contact:chinhoyi mall 1st floor cnr chinhoyi and kwame harare.
FB:Zim gossip models page
Whatsapp:+263779700900

By Tapiwa Rubaya

EXCLUSIVE:AMMFI Top Models Expected To Brighten Up The Tshwane Fashion Festival this May.

 All roads will be leading to the Tshwane Fashion Festival on the 12th of May as the opening of the 2017 Tshwane Fashion Festival will be done.
Badmus from west coast of Africa 'Nigeria';Emmanuel from the Swaziland kingdom;Sesha from Botswana and the Zimbabwean AMMFI prince,Shadel Noble are the four AMMFI models who will grace the event.

Last year 11 models from AMMFI walked at the Tshwane Fashion festival's ramp.
The two day event is going to take place at the capital city of South Africa from the 12th to the 13th of May.More than 30 designers from the mother Africa continent will showcase their designs.
Designers from countries such as the hosting country
South Africa,Zimbabwe,Swaziland,Malawi,Ivory Coast etc will attend the event.    
                 




While 80 models including AMMFI models are going to catwalk during the event.
Samuel Marema who is the founder of the AMMFI a group of companies,said on behalf of AMMFI they are honoured to be part of the Tshwane Fashion Festival.
"Well this will not be our be our first time participating in Tshwane Fashion Festival.We are really excited and feel honoured to be part of the show.
"This year we are returning with a total new group of AMMFI's top models from four different countries:Zimbabwe,Botswana,Nigeria and Swaziland.We hope that they (models) will pick up where the other group left and continue to fly the AMMFI flag even more higher," said Samuel.



Mr Samuel thanked the Tshwane Fashion Festival organisers Bongani Tambo and Esnarth Taylor for allowing the AMMFI models to be part of the models who are to participate during the show.
'Spring Summer' is the event's theme which has been inspired by the vision of the event which is to show fashion lovers what will be trending this coming summer.
The event was founded by Bongani Tambo and
 Esnarth Taylor Nkosi in a purpose to unite Africans and to allow fashion designers to share ideas.
"We introduced the festival so that all Africans can have a chance to meet and share ideas and also to work as one,"said Bongani Tambo.
One of the AMMFI model ambassador,who will grace the event Emmanuel from Swaziland said the event will promote his CV as a model and his also happy to be granted an opportunity to represent AMMFI as an ambassador.




FB:AMMFI Worldwide Models
IG:AMMFI_SA

By Tapiwa Rubaya