To him modelling is not about getting paid for a well done job.However modelling is part of his life,hence whenever he is in front of the camera either catwalking at a ramp or when in the photogenic shoot. John Paul does it wholeheartedly.John Paul is a Mpumalanga model,we talk to him about

Q.Define who John Paul is ?A.Paul is a  humble  and shy person (lol),which makes people think  I’m full of myself of which I’m  not.I Was born and raised  in a rural area called Please in 1994- 10 -19 in South Africa

Q.What were the push and pull factors that contributed to your establishing your modelling career?A.Its a humourious story,  actually  I had a crush on this girl for  so long but  was afraid  of approaching her but I got a chance  to talk to her on Facebook  but I had  nothing  to say to her so I sent her my explicit pictures,hoping I will get a chance to impress her but instead  I got more than just that as after sending her the pictures. She asked if I’m a model I said  no and she said I should  be one and she connected me with someone who is well known in the industry. That is when my journey began.

QModelling has been misdefined by many people,what are some of the things that are not true about modelling that people in your area believe that they are:A. It’s funny  how people  think modeling is about  being naked of which its not true.Every one that get’s in modeling they get to choose  what type of modeling they want to be part of.Hence everyone has to understand  modeling is not about nudity.Another lie is the thought that the models sleeps together  and we are untrustworthy and not loyal.

Q. What do you love about the modelling industry?A.What I love about  the industry  is that it is where I get to be the best version  of my self and be able to meet a lot of inspirational people, the fact that you  getting  paid  for doing what you love and enjoy  and when doing  it, it doesn’t  feel like work

Q. Do you believe models are recognized through their talents or looks?A.Well I would say both, depending  on what the client wants. For example  when there is a photo that a client want, they would  go for looks and when is for fashion show then they would  go for talent so for you  to be on a safe side you need  to try to have all.And bear in mind that there is no ugly  person  its just a personal  preference.

Q.Speaking about looks, why is working out important to you as a model?A.working  out increases your  chances as a model to get gigs so the fitter you are the more gigs you will get and it helps you boost your confidence and modelling  Is about confidence.

Q.This year what are some of your highlights in your career?A.ohhh they are a lot but if I would  to choose ,only two I would  say taking part in Africa Month  Fashion show and Mpumalanga Fashion  Week .As I had to create  a lot of connections that will help me level up on my career  next year.Including catwalking for International designers such as Blessing From Zimbabwe Afrophoenix brand.

Q. Between the two which one would you select,London Fashion Week or Qatar Fashion Show?A: I would  go with the  London fashion Week because  it has been always been my favorite and it is well known  worldwide.In London there are many shows that I can handle.I would  go with the  London  fashion  week because  it has been always  my dream to go in London  and fashion  is big there so chances of me to be known  worldwide  are alot and would  get more gigs than I can handle

Q. Lastly what are you hope for year 2023 in the modelling sector?A.well is to get more shows and gig every  weekend  as modeling is my career not a hobby  and to help connect ever kid that has the same dream as mine …and most important  I want to form or create an agency  for teens.….

Check out some of Zimbabwe’s models who played a positive picture about the country’s modelling industry international,this year :

Fashion brand A Tribe Called Zimbabwe won the Outstanding Designer of the year at the just ended Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards,which were held on the 24th of December. This became an early Christmas Gift to Makhosazana Ncube aka Zana Kay and her team.

Checkout some of her products:

It’s holiday season,we received an invitation from Mister Africa International South Africa. As he gives us an insight of how he will be celebrating his holiday. We also get to

MR SA INTERNATIONAL OPENS HIS OWN FOUNDATION

Q:What does the term Christmas means to you ?
A:Christmas is a time of family and reflection. While some cant be with family, one should spend the time being in gratitude to still be in this season. Its a time to be happy and live in wholesome.

Q: Traditionally how have you been celebrating Christmas ?
A:My Christmas is different this year, I am spending it in Johannesburg instead of home which is in Kwa Zulu Natal. My reason behind this is because of my Foundation which is working at providing meals and assistance to the less fortunate over this festive season. It is a campaign called ‘Thusile’ which mean ‘you have helped and it is named after my surname Thusi

Q:What memories come to your mind during Christmas Season ?
A:The Mr Africa International was a great experience and I am glad that I did it. I am also very hopeful for the new year and many opportunities which I cannot say right to the public right now.

Q:What is your ultimate New Year Playlist ?
A:Anything by Bebe Winans and I am also looking forward for the Joyous Celebration Concert on Christmas Day.

QWhat would be your ultimate Christmas dinner be can you share with us the method on how one can prepare the dish ?
A:This year I am making Turkey and roasted vegetables. I am a huge believer in being in the kitchen during Xmas.

Q: Tell is about your Foundation and the plans you have so far ?
A:After Mr Africa, I received an overwhelming response from youth in my country. I answered almost all of my emails and I realised that I needed to open an organization. My Foundation is here and ready to start working with young models, artists and athletes. My goal is for my organization to have both local and international clients and this is possible.

Q:You will be spending time with your community can you tell us how you will spend time with your community ?
A:I will be spending time with the Jeppestown Community in Johannesburg and then move to Durban on the 28th Dec. I am also working on gender awareness campaign with International Artist, Zanele Muholi

Q:2022 is coming at the end of the year, what are some of your greatest achievements you made this year ?
A:My greatest achievement is emotional intelligence. I learnt this year that its okay if things don’t go your way but the way you react to situations is important. React to all situations with an openness, with love, with positive energy.

Q:What are your 2023 goals ?
A:To represent my country in the World Championships, to empower my team and my Foundation Students more. I would love to also create more art work as well as do more traveling.

Q:Which Christmas movie can you suggest one to watch ?
A:How to ruin Christmas Season 2 on Netflix. I am a huge supporter of local productions making it on the big platforms like Netflix and still have great quality. Must watch!

Q:2022 will be over what has been the biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcame it ?
A:My biggest challenge was allowing people in my life and didn’t realise that some people are there to steal your energy and this is not right. I drew back from certain people and it was life changing. I realize it’s okay to let certain people go and always be cautious who you spend time with.

Raymond Chear from Cambodia is the reigning,Mister Glam International a title which he won last month. During the pageant he became one of the models who won numerous titles excluding the main title. Raymond Chear has also been making

Q.Can you briefly summarise your biograph?A.I am  Raymond Chear, Mister Glam International Humanity 2022, a Cambodian fashion model, host and actor, who speaks 5 languages

Q.What makes Asian models to dominate  pageant International modelling?A.It is the opportunity and the diversity that shade a light on Asian models to stand out for for their dreams and showcase their own talents.

Q.You recently  participated, in international pageant Mister Glam International  kindly share the experience? A.It was a platform to gather the outstanding delegates from different countries who are passionate in pageant and going for the same goal. It was a competition, but it was also an optimum occasion where we shared our cultures, lifestyles, stories that the others may not have the opportunity to experience.

Q.During the competition you won a number of titles is there a title you didnt manage to scope that  you wanted to win?A.Definitely, I wanted to receive The Best National Costume Award as I had spent 4 months creating it by my own hands using all kinds of recycled paper I could find. It’s the costume depicting Garuda, the God of Bird with big wings, a symbol of courage, power and breaking limits. I insisted on making it by my own to break the stereotype that we, the actors, the stars, just wait to be served with the readily made or the sparkling covers. Creating such a big costume was a great challenge, but then I realized that bringing it there, getting it shown on stage and packing it home are all challenges, but of course, I did it and felt worthy when there are a lot of people started to appreciate recycled creation.

Q.Why was it  the greatest achievement for you and your country to win this pageant ?A.It has been always my dream to show the uniqueness of myself and my country to the world, to reach out to more opportunities to convey some certain messages.

Q.You are also a  education activist, why is education important  especially  for our generation?A. I advocate for education as it the foundation of lifestyle, of civilization and our future. It determines the quality of life, thoughts and acts.

Q.You recently shoot a picture with CIM and it has been trending,  can you tell us the concept  behind the story? A.The latest shoot with CIM is I call ‘Saving the Sea, Saving Me!’,I use this eye catching concept to raise awareness about environmental pollution that has been killing many species, which can lead to extinction, just like the inference of a merman who is living in mythology only. 

Q.How do you manage to copy with your work as a model, actor ?A.A lot of people know that I have been working as a professional and volunteer language teacher, an academic head, and leasing manager of a well known shopping mall here in my country. I decided to quit and pick up my dream job again, and yes, it’s here, who I am now. I believe that our resistance and commitment will lead us to whatever we want. I am the reference that anyone can pursue his or her own dreams.

Q.What has been the most challenging part in Colombia? A.The lack of opportunities is the most challenging part. Thus, I have to find out and look deeply into the subject of ‘who’ I am, ‘what’ I am passionate to do and ‘how’ to do. There are many people can’t even make their first step and still keep it as a ‘dream’ or even just an ‘imagination’. I believe that everyone can shine on his or her own stage, but of course, it won’t be easy.

Q.Given an opportunity  to a director, producer  in an upcoming film which one will it be and why?A. It will definitely be psychology, depression, social behavior and mental health of all age. I spent many year fighting depression. I felt the pain, the fear and the uncertainty. I can’t see the point why mental and psychological health can’t be treated and paid attention as lightly as other diseases. There are still millions people facing this life challenge everyday and get more pressures with unwanted judgments and tags.

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