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Appearing in one of the biggest and most recognized pageants in his home country,Charlie Tinotenda James
‘s dream came true.As he became the second runner up for the Mister Zimbabwe International.
In a conversation with him, provides a brief insight of what the pageant was like and what motivated his journey during the competition.
Q : Can you provide a brief background about yourself?
A:My name is Charlie Tinotenda James aged 23years.I live in Norton with my beautiful parents and four handsome little brothers.l come from a good family with morals and l am always guided to do the right thing always,you know how parents are and special thanks to them because if it wasn’t for their good upbringing,l don’t know where l would be right now,truly l am guided by the best.As a person,l am very ambitious and life driven.l thrive on challenges and constantly set goals for myself so that I have important things to strive towards.
I am never comfortable in settling for less,that’s why l am always looking for opportunities to do better and achieve greatness just like l did at Mr Zimbabwe International awards.l am very punctual and loves to do my work at the right time.I like to eat healthy food,mostly the ones which are less than 500 calories because keeping myself in shape is my main priority as a fashion and commercial model.
I am currently studying towards my diploma in SAFETY,HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.l have worked with ZIMPLATS & GLENRISE INVESTMENTS.Recently l got awarded TOP MODEL,2nd RUNNER UP & 2nd PRINCE at Mister Zimbabwe International 2022 which was held on the 30th of April,in The City of Kings & Queens.
Surely it is a City of Kings with our grand winner FRANCISCO KAMPIRA residing in Bulawayo.
In addition,apart from modeling,l am a cook.
l have a strong passion for food,l cook very well,my mom taught me when I was eleven.ln future when funds permit ,l would love to build a nice restaurant for my mom.She’s the best cook ever and l will strive with excellence so that one day,my dream of owning a restaurant comes to reality.
Q:Why did you enter Mister Zimbabwe International and how did you get the message about auditions of the pageant?
A:I joined Mr Zimbabwe International to showcase my taste of fashion,talent,boost my confidence for future opportunities and also to learn new things.
l didn’t get the message from anyone but l just bumped into it on Instagram not knowing that others had already joined in January and when l saw it,it was early March.
l followed the page and dm,fortunately l got a quick response and l was asked about my biography.l was given the number to call the director lshmael Murangandi,then l called and he nicely explained everything and the project l needed to do.That day marked a beginning of a great future for me.
Q:What was your greatest achievement throughout the competition ?
A:This was my very first time competing in a pageant,therefore my greatest achievements were the accolades l received through hard work and dedication.
However it proved to be a great opportunity for me to make connections and grow my network.
It also helped me improve my presentation skills,confidence and perseverance.At the end of it all,whether you win or lose, you realize what you have to offer and improve so that next time fortune favours you.
Q:How was your journey like?
A:Like the saying goes,‘There’s always a first for everything,’.
This was my first time and I believe you me,it wasn’t easy.At first l didn’t think that l was going to make it,because I had joined later than the other contestants.
Firstly l would like to acknowledge the wonderfully organized pageant ever seen and also l want to thank all the kings for the love,memories and brothership shared and enjoyed.No one ever felt out of place because it was all love and respect.
l would love to appreciate the love and support l got from my one and only amazing director lshmael Murangandi.He would tell me that,son l cannot assure you that you will get the crown but if you put all your dedication and commitment to this,definitely you will get awarded and get recognition.On our first rehearsal,l was scared and all the way my heart was racing out of fear.
My whole life,l hate failing and loss,that’s me.
I managed to do my project and out of three of them,l chose to do charity programme.l donated stationery for grade ones.
I went to a local school,named Turf Primary School and l met the kids there,they were so happy and the teachers were very thankful as well.
Regarding this project l would like to thank one of my best friends,Macmelo Tembo who accompanied and supported me on this journey.
Throughout this whole journey,director has been such a great friend,l testify.
May the good Lord continue to bless him and fulfill his desires.
In addition,the hospitality we received from his mom,Mrs Mandemwa ,wow! l was so impressed,no words can explain what a great mom she is.
Honestly l met an angel in person,she made my stay in Bulawayo,a memorable one.Words cannot express my gratitude but l know God will richly bless her.
A job well done in grooming and mentoring me,all heartfelt gratitude goes to lshmael Murangandi.
Now l believe that l am one of the best contestants out there,through courage,dedication and confidence.
Greatest moments were when we showed each other love,not hate because we became real brothers and l am happy that my social circle got enlarged.I befriended everyone and l made a best friend and he actually proved me right by scooping BEST PERSONALITY award,his name is Trevor.Lameck.
I want to thank all the kings,starting with Tanaka the drama king,all he did was making us laugh the entire time,Ashwin was very helpful to me,especially on the final day,he helped me dress my outfits.Verve was always chilled and friendly,just to mention a few but not forgetting our thoughtful king Lashley,who couldn’t make it but had to send nice sashes for us,thank you king .
Fortunately l was awarded TOP MODEL,2nd RUNNER UP and 2nd PRINCE.
Special thanks to God Almighty who sailed me through and also the tireless efforts made by lshmael well known as THE CROWN HUNTER.
Q:What is next for you in terms of pageant competition?
A:In terms of pageant competition,my aim is to go big and bigger.l want to go to international level and showcase my style and talent.
I am looking forward to do pageants like Mister Supranational,Man of the Earth and Mister-Friendship because these shows are recognized globally and it gives me more opportunities to explore and gain exposure.
As a model it helps me to interact with other models from other countries.
From it all,l will attain knowledge,exposure and experience as well.
Q:Who inspired you through out the pageant competition?
A:Elton Chimhau inspired me throughout the whole journey.He could give me tips on how l should dress and present myself.Besides being my inspiration and a supporting brother,Elton is also my photographer well known as DREW.All the time he would tell me to be serious,dedicated,committed and strive for the best.He told me about questions that l will be likely to be asked and luckily from the chain of questions he told me,l got one there.However l also received immense support from all angles,starting with my very own family,which was my biggest strength and pillar.Friends and peers also showed me so much support.Lastly Thabang Molaba,a well known actor and a model,inspired me,through out the pageant competition.l would want to be where he’s now and probably exceed.
Q:What are the two words that define you..?
A:Organised and passionate are the two worlds that define Charlie James.However l am one dedicated and loyal model.
With me l carry umbleness,honest,transparent,respect and always come ready to work and please my client.
Q:What sets you apart from other models,that made the judges to choose you as the runner up.?
A:My passion for clothing design,smartness,uniqueness and photography sets me apart from other models.
l would like to say that modeling is not one dimensional career path because the more l know about production,the better l can perform.Also my strength are my good features and intelligence which convinced the judges that l deserved the RUNNER UP award because we were given questions and l nailed it like a star.
Q:What lessons did you learn about other models and from them
A:Throughout this whole journey,l learnt a lot from my fellow kings.One of the most important life lessons you will always come across is the fact that you are never alone.The guys enriched my life,also increased my sense of belonging and purpose.Through them l improved my self confidence and self worthy.Among us it was all love,it was like we have known each other our whole lives because we bonded like one family.l learnt that we should always support each other no matter what and all in all l was told to work hard and always strive for the best.
Q:Any words to those who have been supporting you from day one
A:First and foremost,l would like to thank God Almighty ,without whom l am nothing.
I received overwhelming support from different angles worldwide,mostly my family,friends and even strangers from social media.l just want to thank everyone for being with me throughout the whole journey,because for a team to win and stand it’s ground,the spectators needs to be present and cheering for their team.
Not forgetting Jemima,our current Miss Environment, Flora and Fauna 2022 and Thumi as well who won 2nd runner up for Miss royalty.
Guys l love and appreciate you so much for voting for me on People’s choice,thanks to Thandie,Clive,Robert and Russell just to mention a few for pushing the votes.
I appreciate you,you’re the best,l deeply appreciate you for the support and enabling atmosphere.
Q:Who are some of the models who are your inspiration in the world of modeling
A:Tinotenda Chinyani,Zviko Motsi,Drnash,Bibo,Thabang Molaba and Jesse Suntele.
Believe me,l have been idolizing these guys and l would like to follow their footsteps especially Thabang,he’s my best.
Their dedication and giving back to the society has awaken a greater me.
We don’t need to be good and remember the society and the less fortunate just because we are in a pageant,it’s a must do.
Q:Companies or brands you would like to work with.
A:It will be an honor if l manage to work with old mutual,Nyaradzo,Jan-jam,Edgars,Jet,Venice men’s wear,Topics and Stylebyminieofficial,just to mention a few.
It was a pleasure sharing a stage with such good looking,dedicated and humble kings.Personally I am greatly honored and humbled because l learnt notable and important things from each and every one of them.To those who didn’t make it,don’t give up,don’t be discouraged,together we are winners and like my friend Trevor said,’Winners don’t just get to the first possession but they finish what they have started.Special thanks to director Murangandi for such a nice platform created,time,sponsorship and resources invested to make the event a success.
WORLD OF FASHION & MODELLING 