'EDUCATE YOURSELVES FOR A BETTER FUTURE'-MR ZAMBIA JAMES MWILA

Education is important in our lives.However due to economic challenges in Africa young people have turned into being gangsters and others dropping from school due to both pull and push factors. 

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 

WHY I WOULD CHOOSE COMMERCIAL MODELLING OVER RUNWAY.

What should it be ,Commercial or runway modelling ? This is one of the questions which models ask themselves when selecting their career in the modelling sector. Vincent Hungwe is a 26 year old Zimbabwean model signed under one of the most exclusive Zimbabwean modelling agency,'Top Model Zimbabwe'.We interact with him as he explain why he would select commercial modelling over runway modelling. 

TR:Vincent can you tell us about yourself?

VH: Hie thank you for having me. I'm a 26 year old guy who is Christ like and who loves anything which has to do  with fitness.When you look at me you can tell I am fit (laughing).

TR:You have been appearing in a number of commercial adverts. Where did your journey began?

VH:After i was signed with Top model Zimbabwe agency,that’s when things started,it was in 2015 when I received  a commercial to the data double up promotion for econet .

TR:What has been the important  thing you have learnt in your journey?

VH:That you should always be prepared for anything that comes your way and always be optimistic.

TR:Who is your role model and why?

VH:My role model I  can  bold say since I’m Christ like that explains a lot (giggles).

TR:Given a chance to choose between commercial and runway what will you select and why?

VH:I will choose commercials because it pays better and it can be consistent as long you have what companies wants!.

TR:Where do you see your future?

VH:I see myself as a successful young man and a philanthropist.

TR:This year what are your  major goals?

VH:About goals I’m just waiting for what God wants me to have according to his plans,we will go.

TR:What advice do you have for upcoming models who look up to you?

VH:Be so sure about what you want ,you should plan do’s and don’ts and always have faith in you and be always good to learn .

Insta @vincecarterzw

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

IS HE THE NEXT BAAZW BEST MALE MODEL AWARD WINNER?

 Bernard Ndlovu well known by his friends and fans as 'Ben Chest' is a multi talented artist. 

His a model,actor,business man,motivator,body fitness trainer,modelling judge panelist and above all a father and a husband. 

The  award winning model was nominated in the 3rd edition of the Bulawayo Arts Awards under Best Male Model category. 

The Bulawayo Arts Awards  were established  to appreciate the deeds done by artists from the second capital city of Zimbabwe also known as the city of Kings and Queens.

Since the day Mr Ndlovu ventured in the modelling industry he has  appeared  and contested in the number of  local and regional  pageants and fashion shows.

These include SADC fashion week (2014),Mr Bulawayo (2008),

Matabeleland Fashion Week 2014/18,Indaba Fashion show,

 Summer Fashion show,Scarless fashion Show etc .

Moreover he has became a brand ambassador for a number of fashion companies in   2008/18 he was the face of Edgars,while in 2017 he was the face of the Summer fashion hub 2017,Ben is the brand ambassador for Clix Clothing Designs and also for Bernard Hats Designs. 

Ben Chest has also won awards during Zimbabwe Models away in 2017 he was awarded:Most Handsome Award the following year (2018) he won the Best Promotional award.

Away from modelling industry,he has featured in some local productions Dlalangamla,Secrets,Dancing in the storm,Couples Blitz,Burning Alters,Beauty and Beast etc. 

Bernard Ndlovu is nominated along with Shadel Noble and Keith Siamloboka.

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

 

 

WHO WILL BE CROWNED MFDW SS19 MODEL OF THE YEAR 2019.

With few days left for the Mpumalanga fashion and Design week to come alive . 

Everyone is curious to know who is going to walk away as the Best Model during the event. 

Seven models from across the Southern Africa hemisphere will be representing their countries in the competition. 

These are Botswana who will be represented by Denzel Katlego Banyatsi and Secha Basinoko ,Zimbabwe will be represented by Lovemore Zambezi,Shadel Noble and Adonis Ncube. 

While the kingdom of Eswatini will be represented by Kelvin Mnyakeni and Caroleen Vilakati. 

Last year Caroleen Vilakati was awarded the award as the Best Model. 

Fans of the models have been urged to vote for their favourite models. 

By clicking the like button on the Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week Facebook page where the pics of their models are uploaded. 

The winner of the award will be announced on the 4th of May during the event.

Models will be joined by designers who will be showcasing their colourful collections such designers include Ever son Yong'ever Matewere,Thuli'Designers Clothing and Qondi Designers Collection and other designers. 

Mpumalanga Fashion week will be celebrating three years in existing.

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL ECO-FASHION DESIGNER JOHN ABLAZA HEADS TO ZIM.

International reneowned eoc-fashion designer,John Ablaza is heading to Zimbabwe for a fashion workshop in Bulawayo,Harare and Victoria Falls.

The renowned Philipian fashion designer will kick off his tour in the capital city of Harare  and the second capital city on the 28th of April and on the 14th of May respectively.

He will be accompanied by make up artist Pierrel-Iyn Arcega and model,runway  and pageant coach Medsy Mezilus .

This will give models,MUA,photographers,fashion designers and stylist an opportunity to learn more about the fashion industry.

The show in Bulawayo which  is organised by Open-Eye agency and other organisers ,will see some of John Ablaza's collection pieces being auctioned and the money going to a particular charity organisation .

The last time when John Ablaza visited Zimbabwe was in 2016. His visit tour was in conjunction with Hunnar Management Agency,United States Of America Embassy In Zimbabwe,ZITF,Kusika Design Center and other organisations.

During the workshop he empowered a number of fashion designers,models and those who are fashion lovers. 

Who attended the event in the city of Kings and Queens and in the Sun Shine city. 

Design Techniques, Natural materials,collaboration with artist and were some of the topics that were designed. 

John Ablaza has more than 3 decades being in the industry and has showcased his designs across the globe. 

Hence his tour is seen as a benefit to Zimbabwe's fashion and modelling industry. 

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

ONE ON ONE WITH TREVOR ZVIRAHWA.

Meet Trevor Zvirahwa,Zimbabwean runway model. Who has catwalked in a number of fashion show ramps. In an interview with him,we get to find out more about his modelling career and he talks more about some of his achievements in the modelling industry.

TR:Describe Trevor Zvirahwa in 3 words?

TZ:Kind, savage and fairly handsome .

TR:How did you became part of the industry?

TZ:Well my modelling career started out differently from others.I  woke up and told my mother that I want to be a model and luckily I had a fashionshow casting then I auditioned and God came through for..that was the start of it.

TR:Why is it important for Local fashion designers and organisers to support local models?

TZ:The importance on how local designers can help local models is to take models for brand shoots, help them build their brands by showing casing their clothes through models not mannequins, so this will fairly boost both their careers and keep themselves busy as well .

TR:You have catwalked in a regional platform such as Durban Fashion Fair show can you share with us the experience you had there?

TZ:International fashions shows or the modelling industry is quite different from our local fashions that we have here in Zimbabwe. The management is different, they treat models differently, pretty everything is always in order which is something that we really need to adopt here in Zimbabwe. Payments come through the exact date they are due and professionalism is key..those are the few aspects I found to be different. 

TR:Whose design did you wear across the ramp?

TZ:I worked with Chuulap a well known designer who stays in South Africa but is from Thailand, Mr Quame Owusugh from Ghana and also the known brand called Markham.

TR:Besides The Durban Fashion Fair,what are some of the fashion shows you have took part in ?

TZ: I started modelling two years from now and I did quite a number of fashion shows that include Zimbabwe fashion week, Harare Fashion Week and to mention a few.

TR:Who are your style Muses?

TZ:Style muse has to be Trevor Jackson and Jeremy Meeks. 

TR:What are some of your major achievements in the industry so far?

TZ:Major achievements that I have as a model to be known international and being able to sign contracts outside of Zim and to know influential people in the industry such as Andy Cutta, Gilmore Tee..

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

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