At the age of 24,already Casper Munatswa, has made a name for himself in the modelling industry,not just local but also international.As he participated during Mister Globe Zimbabwe,a search which was established to select Zimbabwe’s delegate.Despite not winning the main title he was coronated as the provincial King .During our conversation he tells about his future and why he is scouted by Fervid agency.
Q. Casper thank you for your moment,can you describe yourself in three words ?A.Energetic, friendly and Kind .
Q.Why did you ventured into modelling and how has your journey been ?A.I’m into fashion alot that’s why l ventured into a modelling and I have been enjoying my adventure at the sametime its been hard because of financial problems.
Q.You are scouted under Fervid Agency, what were the pull factors that attracted you in joining the agency?A.l was inspired by Jemima since 2015 hence l asked my sister to help me join modelling and to be in an agency where they is my role model Jemima.
Q.Last year you participated during Mister Globe Zim,what did you learnt about yourself during your journey?A.I learnt that I am a good model, l can make it to be the king of the country if l pull up my socks because l made it to be Mr super Globe Bulawayo 2022 and I wasn’t expecting that as I went there for gaining experience.
Q. What is your main goal in the modelling industry?A.Is to win at least 2 international pageant and have experience to open my own agency and to build my own brand.
Q Given any opportunity totake part in any pageanty international which one would you choose and why?A. I will choose Mr Super Globe because so far so good it is the only national pageant l have attended and l believe that l have confidence and experience in it.
Q.Do you think Zimbabwean parents have accepted modelling as a career?A.Not really because some of parents still don’t allow their children to go for Boot Camps and evening competitions.
Q.What are the major challenges that male models in your city face ?A.In my city male models are facing big challenges among them include the questioning of one’s sexuality as soon as they step into the industry.
Q.Finally are you a day or night person?A.I am a day person.
RODOLFO ANTONIO GETS A NEW ROLE AT MISTER INTERNATIONAL
Mister International team announced the appointment of their new vice President Rodolfo Antonio Santana Ortega from Dominican Republic.
He took over the office from the 9th of January this year. Mister International organisers described Anthony as a dedicated and a hard working person .
“Rodolfo has been a dedicated member of the Mister International organisation since as Dominic Republican candidate (2012) and over expanding his responsibility as National Director,”they said.
Among Anthony’s responsibility is to be in charge of licensing American dirtectors.
MODELS TO BE RECOGNISED AT THE 1ST EDITION OF TSHWANE MODELS AWARDS
“We came up with the Tshwane Models Awards to appreciate and honour people that actually make a change in the modelling Industry,”said Asan Mahlangu.
In an interview with,the brain child behind the Tshwane Models Awards,Asan Mahlangu.He reveiled that the awards were erected to honour,and appreciate the role that was and is still being played by the region’s models.
“The awards signifies how much we hold in high regards people’s talents and also value their importance in whatever they put their body,mind and soull into,”he said.
He further said, the awards ceremony will boost models’ confidence and will encourage them to excell in their work.
Since the awards nominations was opened to the public, according to Mister Mahlangu they have received more than thousand nominations from the public which he described it as a positive sign .
Mahlangu said, the finals of the nomination will be announced next month.
He however,defended the use of internet as the nomination system siting that the method will attract youths to take part in decision making.
Below are the categories:
Best Host or MC Best pageant Best pageant judge Best pageant director Best photographer Best make-up artist Best charity drive Best graphic designer Best fashion designer Best modeling agency Best upcoming model Best LGBTQ+ model Best plus-size model Best female model and Best Male model
PITTI UOMO 103 is the talk on everyone in the fashion industry’s mouth. With only a few hours left for Italy to host one of the biggest fashion gatherings in the world.
Fashion players started to land in Florence in Italy starting from last year,to attend the show.It won’t be a regular event as fashion players will get the moment to share conversations about fashion.Pitti Uomo is simply terms is Pittimen.
Its one of the world’s most important platforms for launching new projects in men’s fashion and is held twice a year in Florence at the Flotezza de Basso,with the first ever edition being held in 1972.
This year the event starts from the 10th and it’s curtains come down on the 13th of January.
This January a winter trade Fair that blends . Some of the highlights of this year’s event are the MACJEANS who will debut at Pitti Uomo from Germany.Rodd and Gunn NewZealand will highlight their new collection.Other brands that are expected to highlight their products are Mey Story,Quartz,Edward Green
Kwanele Finch who had represented his country,South Africa in an international pageant Mister South Africa has started the year 2023 in a bang .
Kwanele is populalry known by his social media followers as South Africa’s Prince in the underwear male modelling sector.
He has been signed by a Western African underwear brand well known as Nala.Finch will act as a brand ambassador for the brand which is well known for its products that place men out of the uncomfortable zones to an area where they feel free and can express and share their feeling and thought.
The brand is among some of the few,original African male underwear brands that cross the boundaries that allow en to were briefs and thongs.
“It will be a great experience to work with a Nigerian underwear line. This will be my first time working within the African continent because i have always worked with European designers .
“I am actually so blessed come to think of it ,Iam able to share my skills in my home- Africa.,”said Kwanele.
Finch described the brand as nich market and has promised to bring fun and great expectations as a brand ambassador.
He further added that for him to be a candidate for the job it was all thanks to social media.
Lastly Finch said,the brand will assist him in becoming brave and will also bring a positive picture about himself to the public.
“I had a look at the underwear and at first I thought it needed someone really brave. It allowed me to challenge myself and tap into my brave side. I think my fans are seeing my ability to have courage, to try different things and to have more fun.,” said Kwanele.
Winning Mister Ideal Nigeria,is a ticket for one to represent the Naija Nation at Mister Africa International which will be hosted this year in London. However before one takes the same adventure which was taken by legendary models:Emmanuel Umoh,Jidekene,Alvin Abayomi,Gedeni and Hernuis,Bem Toutito,Wale Bello and Daze Blaze . Is suppose to contest among other Nigerian male models for a position, Mister Ideal Nigeria which will be a ticket for them to automatical represent Nigeria in London. The 14th edition of Mister Ideal Nigeria is opened for every male person with no restrictions except for at least the age which is only for 18-35. The winner is expected to walk away with cash and gifts including a car. Out going and former kings have had a opportunity of catwalking in international runways.
“Reigning kings Ronald , Zander , Zeal have walked on some of the biggest fashion shows including – Mercedez Benz fashion show Kigali , Global fashion week Accra, Vie- Dubai International fashion week , Lagos Fashion week , Ghanamesnwear week etc,”said House of Twitch.
The pageant’s Ceo,Ayotunde Twitch advised the public that this is not only about the winner benefits everything.He said also runner ups will gain something. “Its not a case of winner takes all , as customary the runner ups will get the opportunity to travel and represent the country on some of the biggest international fashion shows and international pageants”,said Twitch.
To register , send name , picture and whatsapp number to mridealnigeria@gmail.com
The Zeal Nation has been supportive to Oworeugwem Eugene Effet,who is Nigerian model whom last year won the title Mister Ideal Nigeria -Tourism.He also represented Nigeria during Mister Africa International 2022 which was held in Angola.He shares some details on how his life changed since he joined the House of Twitch.We also talked about his other achievements such as catwalking at GFW .
Q.You are prominently known as Zeal Effect can you tell us about yourself?A.My name is Oworeugwem Eugene Effet, popularly known as Zeal – Mr Ideal Nigeria-Tourism 2022 and Mister Africa International – Nigeria 2022/2023. I am a Model, Actor, Brand Influencer and Content Creator, signed to House Of Twitch Talent Management.I’m a graduate of Microbiology from the University of Port Harcourt.I’ve always been a huge fan of talent and creativity, from my days at the University, and I got directly involved in entertainment activities in Port Harcourt since 2018.Planning and hosting events, meet and greets, and parties within and around the school was something I did with my friends regularly, and, for me, it was about bringing people together to unwind and connect in a relaxed environment. In 2021, I decided to explore my talents within the modelling space, hence my journey to becoming Mr Ideal Nigeria.Being my first exposure to modelling, there were several ups and downs, detours and obstacles, but in all, I believe it was meant to be.Regardless of how much progress I made with little or no experience, I wouldn’t be in a hurry to say I’m special, but I know that there are certain qualities I have that make me stand out wherever I’m found.Above all, the fact that I’m straightforward, diligent with my work, open to learning and correction, and delight in making people cheerful would be what makes me exceptional.In December 2022, I made my runway debut at the Global fashion week in Accra, Ghana.Following my progress with Modeling, I went further to explore my goal of getting involved in acting, by attending one of the leading film institutes in Nigeria, the Royal Art Academy.While in training, my delivery stood out from the rest, and I got the lead role in several projects.Among the projects include Selina 2 and Battle of the Exes, which both have combined views of over 2,800,000 on YouTube.
Apart from work, there are other things I hold to heart, so much that they define my life and inform my decisions, and in order of priority, they include God, Family, Legacy, Money, Friends, Happiness and Fun.Also, I have a thing for mind games, and will always never turn down a conversation on varying topics, from romance, adventure, entertainment, art, and, of course, finance, provided they offer intelligent perspectives.One would wonder what I’m trying to achieve with all of this – acting, pageantry, modelling, and other endeavours.For me, it’s all about impact.You know that tingling sensation you get when someone smiles back at you for coming through?The swelling in your chest when you see others benefit from a legacy you built or when you get a text saying ‘Thank you’?That’s what I live for, and it has led me to launch my foundation this year “ZEAL NATION FOUNDATION”.Our goal is simple: to lift as many people as possible out of hunger and poverty, and put smiles on people’s faces, while making the world a tiny teeny weeny little bit better.
Q.How has House of Twitch changed your life?A.When I decided to venture into modelling, I was doing so, bearing the whole responsibility for the risk.At the time, I had zero experience or exposure, and here I was, soliciting support in cash and kindness from friends, family and strangers, just to keep the dream alive.I started taking classes and gym sessions in preparation for the journey, and the only hope I had was that God put the dream in my heart and He will fulfil it.My whole journey from Port Harcourt to Lagos for Mr Ideal Nigeria 2022 was a miracle; I had to pray for every ounce of support that took me there, and I believe that God rewarded my effort.Nevertheless, things changed after I emerged victorious at the pageant.Becoming a part of the House of Twitch family felt like handing a silver spoon to a child that is used to eating with his hands.The progress I’ve made in 10 months would ordinarily have taken me, at least, 4 years, but with the experienced guidance and mentorship of Mr Ayotunde Twitch, I’ve gone from being an inexperienced model to walking the runway at an International Global Fashion Week, being sought after by designers.As part of their unending contribution to my success, I received a scholarship to attend film school where I got to explore acting and the opportunities that exist there.Like any other journey, there have been obstacles and some detours, even certain mistakes and shortcomings on my part, but the team has been empathetic and helped me fight certain battles and struggles on my way up.They have provided a platform for me to explore my talents, explore new ideas and discover myself. For me, House of Twitch is like an all-in-one package – instead of chasing everything one after the other, they understand your unique journey and set you up for the opportunities that best suit you.
Q.You recently catwalked at GFW, can to share with us how you manage to be part of thd participates?A.I was invited by the producers of Global Fashion Week, Accra.Every year, one Royal from Mr Ideal Nigeria with an exceptional walk gets an invite to rock the runway.As life would have it, this year, they found selected me to do the magic, and the rest is history.
Q.How did you resist nerves during GFW?A..This is such a valid question because, not only was it my first time on the runway, it happened that it was a runway as big as GFW.I had always been eager to play the international game, and there have been opportunities here and there, but due to some constraints, I had to let them go.When it was confirmed that I’ll be attending GFW, it felt like I had a point to prove to myself and my family (my biological family, House of Twitch, my friends, and others that support my journey).I needed to prove that I want a ‘one-hit-wonder’.I needed to show that my success at Mr Ideal Nigeria 2022 was a product of grace and diligence as opposed to mere luck.As expected, the pressure was real, but then, it has always been about going hard or going home.And the only time we go home is to celebrate the success of going hard.The nerves and pressure all led me to put in the work.I spent as much time preparing my mind for the task as I did perfecting my poise, walk and posture.I repurposed the pressure into motivation, and I let it drive me.Let’s just say I learnt from those who have gone ahead.Like J Cole would say, I studied the greats… I’m the greatest right now.
Q.Who are the designers you catwalked for?A. I walked for five incredible designers
Brands I walked for.
Celia’s Inspiration
GC Batik
Fenz
Bushai Weave
Cheddars clothing
My favourite design was the ‘agbada’ by Cheddars clothing.It felt like they made it with me in mind.The look, the feel and the overall exuberance of the design inspired confidence and gusto in me.
Q. Among your achievements this year, you participated at Mister Africa International.What was the most memoriable moment for you ?A. The truth about Mister Africa International is that, at some point, it felt like a leap of faith.Although I got involved in other things, following the success of Mr Ideal Nigeria 2022, when the opportunity came to represent Nigeria at Mister Africa International, it felt natural.I was eager to put myself out on the continental stage, meet other amazing people and brands, and gain relevant exposure.It felt like a should-happen. All of me wanted to go to Angola and secure the top spot.When the preliminary stages of the competition started, it was such a smooth ride, going through without much stress.During the Fan Voting Stage on Instagram, things changed.
In the case of Mr Ideal Nigeria, I was leading the Instagram Voting almost from start to finish, except for when another contestant began to gain grounds during final hours.
Considering my experience with Instagram Voting, I thought it would be another walk in the park.
To my surprise, when the Instagram Fan Vote stage started, it took a while for me to get substantial votes.
Days into the voting, I was struggling to be in the Top 10.
In the midst of the despair, I realized how much further people can go with the relevant support.In course of Mr Ideal Nigeria, we started a community of friends, family, friends of friends, and even strangers who go all out to support me.Tagged – Zeal Nation – members pool resources in cash and favours, rally around themselves to make sure that I have all I need to get to the next level.They are the pillar upon which my success stands.When it was obvious that I was struggling with the voting stage of Mister Africa International, they accepted the responsibility for my success, and they went all out to canvas for votes.I’ll never forget the support of the Mr Ideal Nigeria Team whose support provided a solid launching pad for me.
The Port Harcourt branch of Zeal Nation went as far as contacting Social Media Influencers, sponsoring my posts on blogs and reposting my content.After all said and done, with the overwhelming support I enjoyed, we finished the Instagram Voting Stage on top.The whole thing has been surreal, with the support of such as selfless community whose preoccupation is my progress.With them, I can dream bigger and aim for the stars, knowing that they will always come through.
Q. What do you think should be done to develop Africa’s modeling industry for both pageants and runway?A. Modelling is still a growing industry in Africa, and I’m happy to be a part of it at this level.
It helps me understand the unique challenges we face and offers the opportunity to contribute to the change we want to see.
In order of priority, I believe that, despite the power of networking, no great system can be built on cliques and cartels.
There has to be a system that identifies raw talent across the continent, gives such talent the opportunity to learn and improve, and expose them to levels they would only have dreamt of.
Like in my case, I have come this far in such a short time because House of Twitch was willing to take a chance on me, and bear the risk of giving an inexperienced guy the platform to learn, make mistakes and grow.
Provided that there is no defined pathway to identify and harness talents across the continent, we will either keep over working the system or let mediocrity walk the runway with puffed arms and highly raised shoulders.
Modelling is beyond bodybuilding, looks and poise.There is an art to it, and there has to be a system that guides interested people through this art, and gives them the opportunity to explore their gifts within the industry.The need for us to reposition the industry from being an extension of the beauty and fitness niche to taking our place as the system that understands and communicates the message, style and culture of brands in a way that the target audience gets to feel, adore and engage such brands.We must go beyond the distraction of social media to building this system that African and global brands can rely on to represent and their brand message to their target market.I believe that this would be a fair starting point.
Q.Its holiday did you spending your holiday especially during Christmas .A .Oh I spent the Christmas Day in Accra, more like a little vacation, but I’ll be spending the new year in Nigeria, not with my family though. It’s the first Christmas I’m spending far away from home. This year has been a whole lot, so I’m spending time reminiscing on how the year went, how far I’ve come and what I need to do to be better. It’s a really refreshing time for me
Q.List 5 of your favourite Jams that you sang last year,on the 31st of December?A.See what the Lord has done – Nathaniel Bassey ,Most High God – Tye Tribbett,This is a Move – Tasha Cobbs,Lift me up – Rihanna,Soso – Omah Lay
The name Kelvin Mandibatsira who is commonly preferably known by his peers as Kelvin Apple Papi, was among the models who trended this year.
Kelvin is a prominent model who works along with brands that include:Jan Jam and Jet as a commercial model. In an interaction with him,Kelvin said working with such popularly brands has contributed into his popularity.When others were buying likes and followers for their social media accounts,Kevin explained that being who he is has been a winning factor in having more followers this year.
“It doesn’t matter whether I am in a shoot or I am hanging out with my fellow friend’s keeping it smart has always been part of my life .
“I will never by likes and followers to gain numbers on my social media platform,I am who I am and it won’t change people follow me most because they are inspired.More followers is a sign that I am doing well,”he said.
He further said 2022 was his year,as he won an award which was a recognition of his work and he managed to catwalk for international designer Ishmael Tsakatsa.
Kelvin said through the support from the public,his family and friends.He knows 2023 he will continue climbing the ladder to his success.
“All praises go to God.I want to thank the public, friends,family, Cynthia Bizure and all companies I have worked with this year,”he praised.
WORLD OF FASHION & MODELLING 