It's a belief that when you want to succeed as a model,you need to relocate to the capital city of your country.
For example in Zimbabwe well known and most recognized models and modeling agencies are only found in Harare and Bulawayo,the capital and the second largest city of the country Zimbabwe.
But as for Devson Luzane a 23 year old model from the city of Gweru the third largest city in Zimbabwe.
Proved the belief wrongly as he became the first male model,from Gweru and Zimbabwe to win the first ever Mr Zimbabwe Pageantry title.
In an exclusive interview he explains what it means to him and city.
TR:Congratulations on becoming the first ever Mr Zimbabwe pageantry winner?
DL:Thank you soo much,I’m overwhelmed by this achievement.
TR:The last time we had a conversation you stated out that by winning the pageant it will prove that your own province is also rich in modelling talent.Do you believe you are the evidence?
DL:Haha (giggles),yes I remember saying that ,I’m quite sure I have managed to open that,any province out there can still nail it .
TR:What was your greatest moment during the event aside from the moment you were announced as the winner?
DL:When I managed to step on stage in my 'bushman' traditional attire haha (giggles), that was just something else but I felt great being able to accomplish what I would have told myself I will do.
TR:All eyes and ears are on you from last year (2019) and the whole this year.What words do you have To your followers?
DL:See in this life we live in ,you gotta be a go getta-that simply means you really have to invest in yourself to be ready to act when your opportunity comes ,that’s health wise,knowledge wise and above all make sure you live in the Now ,don’t you ever worth,what tomorrow holds stay as present as you can.
TR:Before the event,3 former Mr Zimbabwe title holders gave you words of wisdom.How are you planning to apply them in your journey?
DL:By staying true to our theme ,which is promoting male models through modelling and focusing on bringing one another up,you have to always show others the way .
TR:What do you think made the judges to select you as the winner?
DL:Uhm hahah, I’m not really sure but may be I was ready like ready not from a day ago ready but from months and months of preparation and when I got on to that stage reality showed up.
TR:Any few points to upcoming models?
DL: Whatever goal you set don’t rub it off until you achieve it never grow weary because of delayed goal or because of a loss ,learn to accept times are different but always keep in mind you carry that good all light and it has to shine.
TR:How are you planning to take the DNA of Mr Zimbabwe into being recognized by the society in your country?
DL: Wait and see,I’m bringing fire in 2020,brand influencing ,international appearance representing Zimbabwe,educating upcoming generation on cleanliness and the power of love ,and accepting people on how they are and figure ways to deal with their situations .
The society will surely recognize that Mr Zimbabwe is there and important .
TR:Back to the ceremony,you were wearing a chocolate dark brown suit. Who had dressed you that night?
DL:To be honest I just moved around for two days until I got my suit ,I actually wanted to hire one and I couldn’t get help haha so ended up buying .so I don’t know I dressed myself🙂
TR:Why did you select that suit?
DL:To be honest I just moved around for two days until I got my suit ,I actually wanted to hire one and I couldn’t get help haha so ended up buying .so I don’t know I dressed myself🙂
TR:State 4 provinces you hoping to tour first as Mr Zimbabwe?
DL:Masvingo ,manicaland ,matebeleland north and Mashonaland west.
By Rubaya Tapiwa
Meet Daniel Igbojimaduagha a model from Nigeria,this year he took part during Nigeria's Men Fashion Week. One of the few fashion runways that showcase men's clothing only.
In an interview with Aftv Magazine,Daniel explains the importance of Nigeria Men Fashion Week to models.
TRCan you briefly our audiences about whom you are?
DI: I am Daniel Igbojimaduagha, I am a 21 year old model and actor who hails from the eastern part of Nigeria, Africa.
TR:What description can you give to modelling industry in your country?
DI:. Efficaciously because it requires the best to get through.
TR:You took part during this year's Nigeria Men's Fashion Week.What sets apart this year's show from other past Nigeria Mens Fashion week?
DI: I didn't really take part in last year's event but I believe the ability for the organizers to create more and give the audience a different variety of what they saw last year differentiated it.
TR:Whose collection were you wearing during the event?
DI. I wore different collections from Different designers. (5 actually)... Alaara, House of Temmy, East side creations, Kai Divo collection, Daffe Umute.
TR:Which other fashion shows have you took part in?
DI. Achievers Fashion Week, Fashion meets Art and some other campus shows.
TR:Why is Nigeria Mens Fashion Week so important to you?
DI: It's important because it showcases what men desire, in terms of outfit, style and fashion.
TR:What are your future plans in the modelling sector?
DI: To be one of the top models in Africa and beyond.
TR:Who is your inspiration?
DI: Everyone I know.... They motivate me everyday to be more and develop myself.
Thank you for your time .
By Rubaya Tapiwa
Nigerian model Emmanuel Umoh became the first Nigerian model to win,Mister Africa international .
The throne of Mister Africa international was previously occupied by the Tanzanian model and it was now up for grab.
The Nigerian model battled out with more than,15 models from the African continent.
The winning King has previously catwalked,in a number of well recognised international and regional fashion shows.
Such as Accra Fashion Week,Africa Fashion Week and Ghana Mens Fashion Week.
In his task after winning the throne,in a ceremony which was held in his home country Nigeria at Lagos,Emmanuel is expected to travel across the continent as the brand ambassador of the Mister Africa International brand.
The Nigerian model was followed by Emmanuel Ado from Ghana,as the 1st runners up and Jules Yao Yao for Cote D' ivoire.
While the top ten was occupied by the following countries:
Angola,Namibia,Sierra Leone, Kenya,Burundi,Ivory Coast,Ghana,Guinea,Liberia and Nigeria.
No representative for South Africa,was there this year at Mister Africa International as the only representative model,Mkhiwane Mandlonke wasn'table to take part at the pageant due to certain reasons.
In an interview with Aftv the South African model,gives us the main reason that has stopped him,to take part in the pageant.
Also he tells us how prepared is he in attending the King Moshoeshoe Fashion Festival.
Q:Mkhiwane Mandlonke,Take us to the day you began your career as a model?
A:My name is Mkhiwane Mandlonke biological originated in South Africa Eastern Cape Province Flagstaff Township.
I started Modeling on 2015 when I was doing my 1st year in college.
In addition, ever since I was started the stage life here are some tittles that I had crowned (2015 Mr KZN TOP MODEL, 2016 Mr Gamalakhe, 2016 Mr Lusikisiki and 2017 Mr South Africa Finalist, 2018 Mr Tourism SA 1st Prince and 2019 Mister Africa International Finalist contestant.
Q:Many people believe you not taking part at Mister Africa International in Nigeria because you fearing xenophobic attack, how far true is that.
A:I can admit that from the beginning of the competition my Sponsorship and my Manage was worried about Xenophobic attack if I attend the pageant competition due to the Xenophobia action that was happened here in South Africa few Months ago.
But just because I am a very intrinsically enthusiastic person that is able to figure out how diverse people can work together inventively, we try to conduct a safety research about how peaceful Nigeria it is and we found that indeed the is no longer xenophobia act between my country and Nigeria.
The reason why I am not attending is just that I was involved in an accident week before the competition and I was badly wounded even now I am in Durban attending sections with my doctor but seemly I will recover soon.
Q:We wish you a speedily recovery.
Q:How have your fans accepted the news?
A:Yeah not good but I am happy because most of my fans supporters know what happened to me and they have accepted the situation so it’s not bad at all, and I am looking forward to compete Mister Africa International next year if they allow me too, because I believe that I was going to win that pageant.
Q:If you were coronated, as the King of Africa`s pageant. What would it mean?
A:I believe that being Mister Africa International King it`s not just simple but it is the platform that can help me to show myself how am I and it is a platform to open other doors due to the power of a tittle.
Therefore, I was going to act as a true ambassador that is a good epitome to the African people society, with purely heart and soul, good action and deeds and always willing to make thing better working hand to hand with people.
Q:Aside from pageant, you are also into runway how do you balance the two?
A:(laughing) I am also into runway modelling, I do balance both because my body allows me to do both of them and my trainer is the best trainer I can recommend, he teach me how to walk on fashion show and how to walk on beauty pageant perfectly.
Q:What's your take of Africa`s modelling industry?.
A:Us as African models we are very lucky because we had something that some continent models don`t have, brown eyes frank hairs and black, light black and albino skin and almost all of us we have height which is the most modeling requirement on modeling industry so we are blessed.
And my take on Africa modelling is to transform the modelling industry to be recognized to all African countries because some of African countries still has that stereotype issues that modeling is for gay people.
Q:Speaking about runway, you will be taking part on king Moshoeshoe fashion festival. What should we expect from you?
A:Yes,I'm going to share runway with Lesotho models on King Moshoeshoe fashion festival and I’m so excited with that, the only thing you should expect from me is the runway skills and technique that I will share to king Moshoeshoe models and I believe that I will also learn a lot from them as well.
Q:Back to Mister Africa International. What charity organizations had you conduct?
A:Clearly, we were not given any charity task on Mister Africa International except votes casting from social media and financial votes line. However, due to my believe that I have to make a different on a society, I also done cloths donation collection when I was in school last month. I got help from some of my colleagues and we handed all out in the primary school teachers at khulile primary school so that they can give to those kids who are really need them.
Q:Where can one trace your inspiration?
A:I am very inspired by the model Called SEAN O`PRY he`s my role model because we are sharing a common inspiration desire. I use to tell people my personal quote that said “DO NOT CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN TO SEE THE WORLD BUT CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN SO THAT THE WORLD CAN SEE YOU”.
Q:What do you like about modeling industry in your country?
A:What I like the most about South African modelling is that we take modelling very seriously and our fashion stores, fashion show festivals and fashion industry value us and its paying very well.
Q:How can people get access on you on social networks?
A:They can visit my Web site and drop their comments on my blog on the following link http://mandlonkemkhiwane.000webhostapp.com/
On twitter :@mandlonkebhar
On Facebook: Mandlonke Bhar
Linden: Mandlonke Bhar
Email for booking: mandlonkemkiwane@gmail.com
By Rubaya Tapiwa
Zimbabwe Models Awards is an organisation which is guided by Mercy Mushaninga.
The organisation this year celebrate its 5th year,since it was launched.
In the past a number of fashion legend's and model's deeds have been honoured by the Zimbabwe Models Awards,and they have received awards.
Courtesy of the Zimbabwe Models Awards ceremony.
Kudzai Chaks,Melgin Tafirenyika,Samantha Tshuma,Coco-Tapfumanei Zimbabwe's fashion Icon,The Stylist Marshal,Tafadzwa Zi Moyo The Boss,Oliver Keith,Tsitsi Betha,Hilda Mabu,The late fashion icon Kiki Darvis,Fingers Modelling agency :are among those who have received gongs since ZMA emerged.
With more than 100 awards that have been handed over to the models,this year there won't be any award's ceremony.
This was announced by Mercy Mushaninga,she however said,a 'grand party' is being organised for the past 5 years winners.
To celebrate their hard work,network and above all the 5 years that Zimbabwe Models Awards has reached.
The past winners will be given a free pass and VIP treatment during the ceremony.
While those who would like to be part of the event will be informed about the details on how they can purchase the tickets .
The event is scheduled to be hosted on the 21st of December.
With the setting of the event to be announced later .
Mercy told Aftv Mag that the awards that,were scheduled to be hosted this year will be conducted next year.
For models who would like to take part in them,they will be updated on the procedures to be followed.
By Rubaya Tapiwa
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 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
DL:Haha (giggles),yes I remember saying that ,I’m quite sure I have managed to open that,any province out there can still nail it .
DL: Whatever goal you set don’t rub it off until you achieve it never grow weary because of delayed goal or because of a loss ,learn to accept times are different but always keep in mind you carry that good all light and it has to shine.
