WHAT IT MEANS BEING A MALE MODEL IN ETHIOPIA ?

Ethiopia is a country situated near the horn of Africa,making it one
of the countries in Africa whose citizens can easily migrating to the
Europe and Arabic Zone to seek green pastures.
Residing in a country which has designers who prefer to design female
cloths making it clear that the runways are female dominated and also
where by photographers prefer to work with only female models.
24 year old, Ethiopian model Merawi Tsehay tells Aftv (Tapiwanashe
Rubaya [TR]) how male models manage to survive in Ethiopia.


TR:Merawi good day to you,can you kindly introduce yourself tell us
about your bio ?
MT: My name is Merawi Tsehay I am 24 years old I was born in Addis
Ababa the capital of Ethiopia. I am happy in being a model. I started
modeling before two years after graduating from university. I love the
life of modeling but it is not easy to be male model in Ethiopia. I am
first son of my family because of it i have many responsibilities from
my family that's why i work in public service and modeling as par time
job. For models in Ethiopia it is hard to do modeling as permanent job
you must do other job that support the modeling career .
 Most of the models here do other jobs to support their lives. I
started loving modeling from the age of 17 but i couldn't venture in
it at that time because the industry is not developed and it can't be
the first choice of life at that time that's why I start modeling
after i finished my university class.

TR:Take us to your journey in the modelling industry?
MT: I started modeling before 2  (two) years by attending the class on
Abyssinia modeling and art school it is the biggest modeling school in
Ethiopia.Even if i studied it before two years the interest on
modeling started when i was high school student. After i start
modeling it wasn't easy to be selected on jobs.
I  was hard worker from the day i started the class. Although I work
hard to be best model in Ethiopia,the industry doesn't allow me to be
best because it is not open for new faces.
I worked my first job in modeling after 3 (three) months it was for
fund raising for orphans and it was fee free fashion show but it
helped us to get mental satisfaction and experience.
 After a month from this fashion show i was selected to participate in
the hub of africa fashion week as a model it was the biggest day of my
life i was so excited being part of this kind of biggest stage in
ethiopia after that i start doing many jobs in modeling such as:TV
adverts; photoshoot and other fashion shows.
 The limitation on the industry and the number of models in the
country is no comparable because of that the work we do in a year is
very limited.
I work 10 fashion shows such as addis bridal show,hub of africa all
african leather fashion show,and other..and i do more than 5 TV advert
and many photoshoots.

TR:What challenges are you facing as male models in Ethiopia?
MT: The industry in Ethiopia is not supportive for male models. It
starts from the societies attitude they take it as only fame industry
so to be male model you must start convincing from families or friends
of your own.
After challenging them you face the industry. Many designers in
Ethiopia don't want to make male clothes because of the market in the
country so they organise small amounts of male models fashion show.
The other thing is the photographers they don't want to work with male
models they are interested on female models.
The income that we get from modeling is very low when we compare with
the out come.

TR:Summaries the modelling industry of Ethiopia?
MT: I think the industry in Ethiopia is very backward and it is far
from calling it as industry because there is no modeling
agency,modeling association,fashion association,proper policy and
strategy that can change it.
Also the government in the country doesn't give attention for the
industry even getting visa for models is difficult most of the time so
it is far beneath being an industry.

TR:Ethiopia is situated along the horn of Africa which is near Arabic
region,with economy downfall immigration is taking place with some
Models from your country migrating to Arabic states and
Europe.Creating a competition with you guys back home.How do you
manage to survive in such situations?
MT: Its hard to compete with international models of Ethiopia but from
Ethiopia there is only one international male model and other models
are immigrate only for competition so their isn't  much difference
between the level and the quality of models in Ethiopia.

TR:Speaking about emigration there are fake agencies which are created
by people from other continents to take advantage of Africans upcoming
models.Is that happening in your country and if so how is the
government helpful to stop it?
MT: There are some fake agencies who behave as a real agency but still
now they don't harm models here because getting visa is hard to get
and we don't communicate with them unless we have confidence on them.
But the government doesn't give attention for this kind of thing.

TR:This year which shows are you looking forward to participate in ?
MT: I hub of africa ,Africa mosaic,Addis bridal show are the show that
I am looking for but their are other shows which are not fixed
annually.

TR:You are one of models from your country who have joined the AMMFI
tell us what you are expecting from AMMFI ?
MT: I expect international fashionshows,professional
mentoring,promoting my self to other african countries and other
continent,and helping me for being international model.

 facebook: merawi tsehay mesfin
instagram mera taehay
pintrest merawI tsehay

By Tapiwa Rubaya

EXLCUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ZIM SEXIEST HUNK

Raymond Motsi (RM) is one of the most wanted male models in Zimbabwe
when it comes to fashion runway shows and photoshoots.
In an interview with Tapiwa Rubaya,
Raymond Motsi the sexy Zimbabwean hunk who is a member of AMMFI explains how he manages to keep his body health and also find out what his main goal for 2018 is!.

TR:Ray Motsi last year during the interview we conducted with you.You told us that you have joined the AMMFI ,Since you joined how has your
modelling been?
RM: Well things have been going pretty smoothly and i have God to
thank for that, I’ve surpasses my own expectations, truly speaking I
didn't think i would have worked with as many brands/Designers as i
have so far , so I've really been enjoying the journey.It has shown me
that talent aside , consistency and dedication alone can get you far,
not saying I've gone far but certainly i will with time.

TR:During the 2017 Zimbabwe models awards you won upcoming Model of
the year award what did it mean to you?
RM: Most people thought i won the actual award but it was just a
certificate of acknowledgement, it definitely symbolized recognition ,
what i had sought after but this year i’m aiming higher goals shift as
you progress and mine have certainly.





TR:After your recognition during the awards which shows have you
participated in so far:
RM: I was part of the a series of shows hosted by Fashion hub. I was
part of the style concierge fashion show late last year and also The
Harare fashion week

TR:There is a rumour speculating that this year you are aim to win 'Mr
Zimbabwe' aka People's choice award how far true is that?
RM: Yes , that is true , i look up to the people who have won it
before like Rishi and Shadel and i certainly want to do what they have
done and also surpass .

TR:Ray you have been doing photo-shoots wearing men's lingerie
underwear.Which company are you advertising for and how did you manage
to be their model?
RM: I have done shoots for Clarita’s lingerie, some would call it a
slightly controversial shoot , it was actually a friend of mine who
gave me a call and asked if would be comfortable with it and i said
yeah definitely, lets do it.

TR:Not all male models are willing to model while wearing
underwear.What tips can you provide to those models who would like to
model in lingerie?
RM: I would definitely say don’t limit yourselves guys,  if there’s
insecurities you need to overcome, deal with them, dont let them stop
you , dont compare yourself to any other model , be unique and own
that look, so yeah , definitely go for it.

TR:You have dominated the name 'Mr Six pack' why is it important for a
model to work out?
RM: It’s probably because week. the number of shirtless shoots I've done
lol. Besides general health, it certainly has aesthetic benefits , you
don’t have to put on much muscles but a well defined body will get
most of the time.

TR:How many times do you work out in a week?
RM: I work out 5 days a week, basically Monday to Friday, i have
friends who aren't in the industry but share the same aesthetic desire
so every week day at 4pm you’ll find us absolutely testing our limits
and just enjoying it, it’s become a life style at this point.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

AFTV MAGZINE CHAT WITH IVORIAN MODEL ROLAND CEDRIC ABOUT MODELING AND HIS FUTURE PLANS AS A MODEL.

 Exclusive Interview with Ivorian model 


Cote d'Ivoire popularly known as Ivory Coast is one of the most richest countries when it comes to the modelling industry in Africa.
With its location being in the West part of Africa its been difficult for ,Ivory Coast model's talent to be noticed by international modelling agencies and fashion show organises as they have to compete with big names from countries such as Nigeria and Ghana.
Roland Cedric(RC) who are Ivory Coast model caught up with Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) a journalist and reveled what policies can be made by the Cote d'Ivoire government to help Ivorian models to be in the international level of the industry.

TR:Can you introduce yourself to the readers?
RC:I 'm Roland Cédric from Côte d'Ivoire and i live in Abidjan. I study civil engineering. I'm also a model and i'm 1. 96 m

TR:Briefly how did you break into the industry?
RC:I will say that it's by being hardworking and through the advices of people around me that i made a success in modelling.

TR:Is modelling industry in Ivory Coast tough and why?
RC: It's not really difficult but there are some criteria to fulfil such as having the appropriate outline and working hard. The only problem is about recovery because the incomes are not sizeable when considering the efforts made.

TR:With Ivory Coast modelling industry what polices do you think should be implied to improve the industry ?
RC: According to me, the participants of ivorian fashion should try to imitate other African and western countries by adding something new according to our culture.

TR:What are your main objectives as a model?
RC: As a model, my principal goal is to show my talent around the world and be the pride of my country and particularly Africa.

TR:Ivory Coast is situated near countries such as Ghana and Nigeria who are well known for having well established modelling industry.How is the competition between the countries stated above with your country's industry?
RC: Ghana and Nigeria su

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GHANAIAN TOP MODEL LEO KWO.

Is it fair for African designers not to go with their own models inEurope when exhibiting their brands but when when western designersare to showcase in Africa they bring their own models? This is one ofthe questions asked by Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) to award winning Ghanaian model Leo Kwao(LK),who also explains how the government in Ghana is keen in workingto empower models.

TR: Leopold Kwao what defines you?
LK: Believing in oneself and perseverance to know that all is
achievable, by this theory definition I move by the slogan. BELIEVE!

TR:You are a Ghanaian model what does it mean being a model in Africa?
LK:Being a model in Africa makes me feel very privileged to be part of
an era where models blend theoretical knowledge with technical and
serve as big time inspiration to most people not only in the fashion
industry.

TR: How has the Government of your own?
LK:The government of Ghana is putting initiatives in place to help
promote made in Ghana patronage of made in Ghana goods.

TR: Being a Brand Ambassador of Bushaiweave and also having worked
with a number of fashion houses such as award winning designer
Abrantie the Gentleman, Figs Fashion. Working with reowned award
winning houses as a model what have you benefited?
LK:As an brand ambassador of one of the top fashion brands in Ghana,
Bushaiweave and working with quite a number fashion houses such as
Abrantie The gentleman, Kustomlooksgh, Niposkin, Visibleproof,
Figsfashion, Kwku.K etc. has given me a lot of experiences and made me
understand that the ability to do something for the community that has
brought about cooperation amongst people to speak a language by
showcasing creativity and expressions in wearable forms.
Passion simply is the key to thrive.





TR: In 2017 you won an award as Male model award can you briefly tell
us more about it?
LK:This award was from the category of the most influential Male model
of the year at the 2017 edition of the Universal Merchant Bank Ghana
Tertiary awards. The UMB Tertiary awards was a scheme that was made to
not only award but encourage the young individuals to continue pushing
their efforts in the industry. Here models presented series of proof
of being models and some community services they have embarked on.

TR: What’s your take that African designers don't usually go with
their models when attending international shows in Europe but when it
comes to Europeans when showcasing their designs in African shows they
usually bring their own models?
LK:Traveling globally to confidently rock and exhibit the flying
colours of Africa in fashion I believe has always been the dream of
every model. There should be encouragement of the government to
support models and designers who are lifting the continent high.

TR: Can you highlight some fashion runways that you have walked in their ramp?
LK:It’s been awesome to look back to realize it been only a year I’ve
rocked on these platforms.
Mercedes Benz African Fashion Festival Ghana
Mens fashion week Nigeria
Glitz Africa fashion week
Accra mens fashion week
Accra fashion week
Neskael Corporate Fashion Show ….just to mention a few etc.

TR: Have you ever been approached by an international modelling agency
or regional agencys to join their families if yes which are they and
are you planning to join them?
LK:Though Passion Exhibit Modeling Agency is my mother agency. Yes I
have been approached by a number of Agencies such as Joran Model
Management in Rwanda etc.

TR: Your inspiration in the modelling industry?
LK:My inspiration comes from the lives others present and past have
touched through legacy’s they left in their fields of endeavors. As
human, your ability to lives a selfless and impactful life.

By Tapiwa

EXCLUSIVE:AWARD WINING ZIMBABWEAN DESIGNER ABIOT CHAT ALL THINGS FASHION WITH TAPIWANASHE.

Tapiwanashe Jor: Well known as the Nandi Fashion nowNandi founded by award winning  Zimbabwean designer Abiot(NI)father oftwo children.Last year he managed to travel across the African continent showcasinghis collections which has inspired a number of upcoming designers tolove their African culture.  Journalist Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) caughtup with Abiot and finds out what his 2018 Plans are.....

TR:When it comes in working  with the African prints in your designs
you are one of the best in Zimbabwe to bring incredible  collections
has the African designs became an impact in your brand?
NI:Felt like I'm an African and i have to stay connected to that and
give my fellow african something they call theirs or say ours

TR:Take us to the establishment of your brand?
NI: It's a very long walk full of ups and down  but through hard
working determination and help from family i have managed to be here
now.

TR:What type of designs does Nandi Fashion does?
NI: Nandi fashions now called Nandi  do specialise in African and bridal.

TR:2017 was a great year for you as your brand ,you were  recognised
during the Fashion Design Expo in Bulawayo as the Best Designer and
during Zimbabwe Models Awards also .Can you state for us the
collection that you showcased and its inspiration
NI: During Fashion design Expo I show cased A Black and African
mixture of shirts and kimonos both long and short with hoods and
didn't have hoods
I was inspired by the fabrics i used on that collection both print and
plain are african made

_I'm an African and i have to stay connected to that_Abiot

TR: During the fashion design Expo this year are you going to showcase
your designs?
NI: Ohh yes cant wait.

TR:The ZMA honoured you with an award also and you have been working
with several models as a brand who are some models whom you have been
working with?
NI: have worked with lot of models and feel honoured for that
I have work with :Rumbi C Cutness,Elisha,Sheunesu ,Tanny
Malcolm,Trevor and a lot more i have a team of models called 'Nandi'.
In 2017 i have all so managed to design and dress the movie actors of
Maroro.

_I have a good relationship with the models I have worked with so far_ Abiot

TR:Besides the models you have worked with, are there any  others you
would like to work with ?
NI: There are many I would like to work with.

TR:Speaking about models can you describe the relationship that you
have with Zimbabwe models and what challenges that you face in
selecting models to represent your brand?
NI: I can say I have a good relationship with the models I have worked
with so far and the challenges are when you are given new models to
work with and teaching them how you want things done your way.

TR:Abiot,The Nandi Designs have been showcasing their designs across
the region in 2017,in countries such as Malawi and Zambia who are rich
in terms of African materials.In your 2018 collections are you
planning to import any fabrics from Zambia and Malawi to use them for
your collection?
NI: Yes that is a big yes.

_Challenges are when you are given new models to work with and
teaching them how you want things done your way._Abiot

TR:There are lessons that you learnt from your journey in those
countries are we going to see u applying them in your work.
NI:I learnt a lot there and I am planning to apply it in my 2018 work.

TR:When should we expect your 2018 collection
NI:By the month of August.

ZIMBABWE MODEL JOINS AMMFI WORLDWIDE MODELS AGENCY.

20 year old Zimbabwean model  prominently known in the modellingscenes as Ray Motsi (RM) joins a new family AMMFI agency.In an interview with Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR),Ray tells us what AMMFIshould expect from him. He further tells us about his nomination inZimbabwe Models Awards.

TR:Who is Ray Motsi?
RM:Well in a nutshell Raymond is this 20 year old Model who Grew up in
Chadcombe Harare Zimbabwe, learnt at Churchill High school , eldest
son in family of Four and hopefully i’ll be studying law at any
college i finally decide to enroll at. I can basically be described in
one word , “perfectionist”, mediocre has never been my Forte, i never
leave something until its perfect , so to a certain extent its been my
biggest strength in modelling, i always strive to be better all the
time, never satisfied because its a gate way to complacency , so i
feed off criticism and use it air brush any imperfections.

TR:Tell us about how you emerged in the modelling scenes?
RM: So there was a concert at school, i came up dress in formal , so a
friend just commented “you should consider taking up modelling”, so
two months later after my i finished my exams, i hired a photographer
started working on my portfolio and it wasnt long after that i started
working with designers such as Shona , jan jam and recently truworths.

TR:Which modelling agency are you working with and why?
RM: Currently i’m working with two agencies , 106 models and AMMFI
international . At 106 , i just basically liked how Nigel (the
Manager) is driven , and shares the same vision that I do , so I was
fascinated by this and signed up with him a few months after i
met.Recently I was approached by a scout for the AMMFI , basically he
said i fit all the criteria they consider when looking for models ,
its an exclusive agency and i saw it as my big break, for the exposure
i so needed .

TR:What type of a model are you?
RM: Mostly into Commercial print modelling .I have been  always a fan
of photography , but I wanted to be the subject , so it got me
thinking that this could really be an area where i could really
flourish,  its fun , and there's no limit to the creativity i can
bring in when following a concept. I also do runway but commercial is
my biggest strength and i enjoy it more.

TR:State some designers you have previously worked with ?
RM: . I havent had much time in the modelling scene but i have the
privilege of working with designers such as Chennaneni , Janjam ,
Shona and Most Recently Truworths Men.

TR:Highlight your inspiration ...
RM: My inspiration has to be Tyson Beckford.

TR:What do you love about the modelling industry in your country ?
RM: What i love about the modelling industry in Zimbabwe, is that it’s
still growing , and it just offers room for new talent to come up and
flourish given you have the drive , determination and uniqueness.

TR:Do you believe that modelling industry in Africa has improved
compared to the previous years?
RM: I wouldnt know what modelling was like back in the day , but i
would like to believe that like any functional sect , modelling in
Africa has improved if not on par with whats termed “international
standard” , we have a lot of raw talent and i believe the expression
of our ethnicity in modelling makes African modelling one of the best
visual expressions out there.

TR:This year you have been nominated in Zim Models Awards what do the
awards mean to you and your brand
RM: Well the awards do mean a lot to me , its not about the shiny
accolades but it represents recognition, for all the hard work and
dedication i put in , thats what feels really good , to know i’ve made
my mark and its approved.

TR:How many awards are you hoping to win and why?
RM: (laughing), well i hope to win as many awards as i can , mainly
three categories , most improved model , most photogenic model and
best upcoming model.

TR:Recently you joined the AMMFI what are you planning to bring to the family?
RM: Yeah i recently joined the AMMFI , and i just intend on doing so
much good basically so that AMMFI becomes synonymous with the word
modelling, it should be first agency that people mention with regards
to modelling.

TR:What led you to join the AMMFI family?
RM: . I joined the agency because i believe its the platform i needed
to step on for that much needed exposure i sought after, and i believe
that they can mould me into the best version of myself possible.

TR:What are your future plans?
RM: Well i just intend on working with as many reputable designers as
possible, improving myself generally to a point where i’m someone
else’s role model, i wanna give hope to the zim modelling industry, to
show if i could chase my dream and make it reality , so can some other
kid who started off like me.

Instagram Sir_Raymond_jr , please follow and check out my blog
Facebook Rayrae junior Motsi
Twitter Rayrae junior 3rd

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

No one had any idea that Shadel Noble was going to be one dayrecognised as an international model when he began his adventure inthe modelling industry.

Shadel Noble has been working hard since he ventured in the industry
this has made him to be nominated in local,national and regional
awards.
"My hard work is starting to pay off and people are starting to notice
me and also its through God's grace",said Shadel .
Mr Noble is prominently known as Mr Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.
The young gentleman said he was happy to be one of the nominees in
Zimbabwe's Zim Models Awards which are to be held on the 16th of
December.
"My nomination means more and better portfolio and my brand will have
more clients.
"I am also looking forward to go up  against familiar names and
faces,"said Shadel Noble.
He further said she was hoping to at least break the record of the
awards and win 8 awards.
When he was asked why 8 of tgem ,Mr Noble said his profile says it all.
"I am glad you asked that question (laughing). I am hoping to win:Most
handsome,Most photogenic, Best Fashion Male;
Best Fashion Model;Model Of the Year;Most Talented Model;Outstanding
Charity Work and People Choice award,"he stated.
Mr Noble didn't rule out that there are some models who also deserve
to be awarded as they did well in the industry this year he provided
some of their names who are:Fisher;Wade;Tatenda;Ashely Morgan (Zim
Miss Toursim);Miya.
Currently Mr Noble is expected to grace a fashion event in Botswana this month.

FB:Shadel Noble