When you speaking about Zimbabwe’s junior  modelling sector, you close the pafe of the conversation  without speaking about  10 year old model, Zibusiso Zans Gatsha.

Zibusiso is among the few models in Zimbabwe who have represented the country this year international in a positive way.ee me ee

In a converstation with him, he opens up about his journey in the modelling and in addition how his peers and the public are reacting in his achievement. 

Find out how a 10 year model has managed to be an inspiration  to those older to him ?

Q.Briefly  can you introduce yourself to our readers by telling us who you are?A. My name is Zibusiso Zane Gatsha a 10-year-old boy. Am going into the 6thgrade in January and I go to Montessori Zimbabwe, a school in Bulawayo. I started modelling this year and in September won the title of Junior model Zimbabwe and later on went to Dubai to represent the country and I won the title of Junior Model International, Best talent and Prince of Africa. I am also a brand ambassador for Kids and Teen Hub.

Q.How have yoy managed to balance the two modelling and your schooling?A. Balancing modelling and school hasn’t been that hard because I only go for training at Fervid models three times a week after school. School obviously comes first as my parents always say. I always make sure that in whatever I do I give it my all, so balance is something that I havecome to learn to manage quite well because besides school and modelling I play basketball and I always love swimming.

Q.Whom do you look up to in the world  of modelling?A.In the modelling industry I look up to my sister Zoleka Gatsha.

Q.What has been your greatest memorable moment since yoh ventured in the modelling sector?A. My greatest moment was being crowned Junior Model International in Dubai. There were several children from about 42 countries competing and I came up tops in my category. The International title is a huge achievement for me especially seeing as though I have come to love modelling so much and I only started this modelling journey recently. 

Q.You are currently the Greatest of all Times  (GOAT), when speaking about young Zimbabwean  models what is your recipe of success? A. My motto is and has always been ‘success is my only option’. In everything I do I always strive to be the best, be it school, on the runway or anywhere else. And my parents have taught me to always ask God to lead me in everything I do, so I would say it is prayer and my hunger to succeed that have put me where I am.

Q.Why did you select to be under the wings of Fervid models?A. I joined Fervid models which is run by Miss Planet Zimbabwe, Jemima Mandemwa because my sister Zoleka  is also under this agency encouraged me to do so. I would say this modelling agency is arguably one of the best right now in the country.

Q.You made the country proud in Dubai, what did you learnt during your journey/stay  in Dubai ?A.In Dubai I learnt that competition in the industry is tough and I always have to be on top of my game. I also learnt that I should believe in myself and always do my best.I was dressed by kids and teen hub throughout the dubai trip

Q.Where do you want to reach with your modelling career?A. I want to make a name for myself by winning more International titles and also get more endorsements.

Q.To your peers/friends do they see you as a celebrity now?A. My friends are aware of my achievements but they still treat me the same way they did. Am still the same 10-year-old too.

MOMENTS WITH THE KING OF TSHWANE STEPHEN SIMBARASHE MUKHUMBI 

Tshwane’s coronation was successfully held few months ago,with Stephen Simbarashe Mukumbi crowned as the King of the season.Simbarashe shares with us how brotherhood  played a huge role during Mister Tshwane 2022.We also get to know much about his plans as Mister Tshwane.

Q. Kindly introduce yourself?A. My name is Stephen Simbarashe Mukumbi. I am 20 years old. 2022 has been a year filled with great blessings for me. I am the newly crowned Mr Tshwane 2022. 

Q. What pushed you to contest for the biggest male model pageant in Tshwane?A.What pushed me was not my sole determination to participate in the pageant alone, Mr Mahlangu, my mentor and “my leader” as i refer to him spotted me in a pageant where i was crowned as the 1st Prince, he saw the potential in me and advised me to take part in Mr Tshwane Regions 2022. The pageant itself is so big that those around me encouraged me to participate and utilize the opportunity that i was given. Another thing that pushed me was my eagerness to participate in a competition that was more challenging than the previous one i had participated in. 

Q.What was your biggest obstacle  and how did it workout to your advantage during the pageant?A.My biggest obstacle was having to figure out how i was going to materialize the idea i had about my community project. It involved the Municipality amongst other things. Setting up meetings with people in authority was a challenge on it’s own. Luckily, i had a crew that was very supportive and they believed in the idea as they also made it theirs. With their support i managed to visit the Municipality, had meetings with various organizations and eventually the idea came to life. The project was based on four pillars: The Young, The Youth, The Elderly and The Community! The contribution that my team and i gave on this project can be seen on Mr and Miss Tshwane Regions Facebook page. 

Q.From the other contestants, who or what did you learnt about them?A.I learned a lot from relatively all contestants. From others it wasn’t direct learning, i was just taking notes on how they handle things from a distance. Though i would like to appreciate Lazarus, Tshwarelo, Puleng and Siya. On the night of the final event, it was so hectic but i learned that these individuals are selfless. We helped each other as if we had forgotten that at the end of it, it was a competition.

Q.If given an opportunity to describe the event which one would you use?A.The event was one which exposed the true character of many individuals. 

Q.Your roots are from Zimbabwe, what do you love about Zimbabwe and South Africa?A.Honestly, i am open about the fact that i am Zimbabwean, I am proud of it too, but i have spent most of my years living in South Africa to an extent that South African history has become a huge part of me. I still have so much to learn about my home country so it is a bit of a challenge for me to pin point exactly what i love about my home country because my choices are really narrowed as of this moment. Though, one thing i really do appreciate is my family in Zimbabwe. I have family members ranging from siblings to cousins and other extended family members who give me support to an extent that i do not feel the distance between myself and them! 

Q.When given an opportunity to meet any African leader whom will it be?A.When talking about African leaders it’s very hard not to involve politicians, however, there are individuals who aren’t into politics but are having a great impact throughout Africa such as Vusi Thembekwayo. I really look up to him and i would really like to meet him. I am fascinated by how he tries to make sure that our youth take charge of their lives and dominate the economical industry. 

Q.What issue would  you like to discuss with him ?A.If given the opportunity to meet with him, i would want to know about his opinion when it comes to foreign nationals being treated the same as South African citizens. 

Q.As the winner  of Mister Tshwane what is next for you?A.The upcoming few years will be very demanding for me. My plans for next year are mostly limited to academics. Though, there are other international pageants that i am planning to take part in. 

Q.Are you a day or morning person and why ?A.I am actually an evening person. I am more progressive in a silent environment. Too much noise can pose as a distraction especially if what i am doing requires my focus.

When you can’t beat them you need to join them,like wise when you see them, hang out with them and network.

With more than two years since the Skeyi and Strobo FABRIK Party was introduced in the world of arts and events.

There has been a shift with the events space as SS FABRIK PARTY
.is a community activation platform centered on art, design and innovation, the Fabrik Party is dedicated on supporting & activating a community of creators to create a sustainable creative entrepreneur ecosystem.
The platform allows cross genre,collective collaborations,skills,knowledge ,services,resources sharing & exchange. As well as networking, showcasing & product sales.

The core activities on the day are showcasing of products, designs & pieces made by collectives and collaborators over time & some live interactive installations & activities.
To the various creators, attendees and community who have attended or showcased at the @skeyiandstrobo_fabrikparty have described it as an art experience, a curated culmination of art forms, a representation of rich, urban and street art culture of Zimbabwe.

Upon chatting with one of the partners of the movement, Marcus Zvinavashe he informed us that the event is on tour and the next event destination will be hosted in Victoria Falls and more details will be shared soon.

Follow their social media platforms for more details: instagram on @skeyiandstrobo_fabrikparty @ulenniokandlovu
@themarcuszw @nyashajeche @caligraph.co

Uthman Bangura is one of the most dominating models in Sierra Leone.He tells the story of his country through the photogenic modelling.Recently he won the title,Mister Sierra Leone.Since his coronation he has engaged with his community through taking part in charity programmes.He tells us more about his journey and what we should expect from him.

Q: Take us to the first steps when you walked into the modeling Industry?
A:It’s was overwhelming, nervous and scared but trust me those first moments in Ghana when I was doing Mecedez Benz fashion week , Glitz Africa fashion week and Ghana fashion week opened so many doors and made me who I am today! I am grateful to everyone

Q: Did it ever occur to you that you the future title holder of your country?
A:Not really, especially Not with the title but have always represented my country and worked hard like a title holder all through my decade of experience in my modeling career. Have normally been the only African or Sierra Leone in literally all my jobs, so giving the best of me as an African or Sierra Leonean as always been my goal. So maybe I can say yes! Haha.

Q: How has the titled changed your life especially in terms of international competition?A: I can’t really talk much about the life exchanging because I’m newly crowned but I am looking forward to much positive changes in my life as time comes by.

Q: Ironically during the ceremony you were the only model with a different suit,why?A I think it’s because I came in the competition 2 days before the event and everything I used was just what I can either access or available. And really I got that suit a day before the event.

Q: What are your main goals as the King? A:My main goal is to use this platform to get an easier access to build my company #wepaddy by creating jobs for everyone in the section of work life especially fashion and pageant industry and then use 5 percent of all profits to give back to the unprivileged communities on #wepaddyfoundation as have been doing already with the blind and polio’s kids.

Q: State 5 International brands you want to work with? A:Versace, ASOS, Gucci, Dior, Miu Miu

Q: What do you love about your country? AThe culture, food, beaches, the people (sierra Leonean’s are very welcoming) and trust me there is no place like home!

Q: Given an opportunity to be a tour guide which 5 tourism destinations would u guide me to?A Lumley beach, Banana Island, The Cotton Tree, Bunce Island and National Railway Museum.

Q: One word you can advise those who look up to you?A Nothing is Impossible, the word it’s self says “I’m Possible”. No matter how fast or slow you are moving, just keep moving and believing in your dreams. trust me it will come to reality someday.

JEMMIMA MANDEMWA BAGS THREE GONGS AT BULAWAYO MODELS AWARDS

Bulawayo Models Awards were held on the 17th of December at ZITF, among those who were present during the ceremony which at was established to honour those who are playing different roles in the modelling sector.

Were photographers, models, members of press media and fashion designers.
Jemmima Mandemwa who prominently known as one of the Queens of Zimbabwe who are dominating the modelling industry in the world.

Scooped most awards, compared to other models who were honoured during the ceremony.
Mandemwa was honoured with,Outstanding Pageant Model,Model of Year Gongs. She was also recognized as the Most Travelled Model of The year.

Check Out Some of the Models who won Gongs

2022 Bulawayo models awards winners

Best Photographer: Puzzlemoment
Outstanding Fashion Designer:Fixation fashion house
Outstanding Fashion/ Runway Model: Ntokozo Tshuma
Best New Comer: Tumi Sibanda
Pageant Of The Year: Miss teen universe
Outstanding Modelling Agency/Academy: Truth models academy
Outstanding Varsity/College King or Queen: Darlington Tshuma
Most Photogenic: Agnes Mwale
Outstanding Projects: Francisco kampira
Outstanding Pageant Model: Jemmima mandemwa
Most Travelled: Jemmima mandemwa
Outstanding Male Model: Ishmael murangandi
Outstanding Female Model: Ayanda Candice
Outstanding Brand Ambassador/Influencer: Tafflyn
Model Of The Year: Jemima Mandemwa
Legendary Award: Sarah Mpofu Sibanda

AYANDA CANDICE SIBANDA BATTLES FOR THE THRONE IN NIGERIA

Zimbabwe’s award winning winning model,Ayanda Sibanda has travelled to Nigeria to compete with other African Queens for the title,Miss Africa.

Ayanda is prominently known as one of the most dominating female models in the world of modelling in Zimbabwe.
She has participated in numeroues,pageants such as Miss University and has won several award since she joined the modelling industry.
In 2020,Ayanda Sibanda participated in the search for Zimbabwe’s representative to Miss Africa.
She didnt manage to make it to the top of the selection, as someone who does not believe in throwing away the towel.
Ayanda came back for the second time and was successful .
For her journey to be succesful,Sibanda has worked with several brands and she said she appreciates their effort.

“I have been working with different voluntary organisations to push push my cause,I took a pageant course by Natalie Glebora,Miss Universe 2005 and have been medictating a lot to prepare myself physically and mentally.

“My sponsors include:Simbisa Brand,Ausial Collection,VD by Vara,Slay Sisters,Hot Heels Zimbabwe,YO plug Zimbabwe,Jacque Msindo cosmetics,Langa Cosmetics, House of Style etc.I am so grateful of these brands ,this journey wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t for them,”she said .

She further,added that by stepping into the platform of Miss Africa as the country’s delegate,she is following the footsteps of other female models who have been empowered through the platform.
Hence she is hoping t use the same platform to empower the nation and the continent.

“I am not only fufilling a childhood of representing my country internationally. I am looking also joining a legacy of women who have passed through a platform that amplifies women’s voice to fuel posi change in their society.

Ayanda further said,if she gets crowned as the Queen,her main project will impact the continent.

Calls have been made by the public for,Miss Sibanda to represent the nation in other International pageants such as Miss World .

My Miss Africa journey has officially began and I am asking for your help to make this journey a little bit smooth. You too can help me win the title by voting on the Miss Africa website for only a $1 per vote.

1. Click this link https://www.missafrica.tv/vote/zimbabwe
2. Choose the number of votes you want to purchase.
3.Check out and pay using your Visa card.

Remember you can vote as many times as you want and don’t forget to share with friends and family.

Check out the list of models who are nominated for the Outstanding Male Model Award (Bulawayo Models Awards).The ceremony is scheduled to be held tomorrow.