MZANSI IS HOSTING IN 2023

The man of the Earth male pageant in collaboration  with Men’s Fashion Week South Africs will be hosting the Man Of The Earth  Male pageant.

The pageant has been previously  been held in Nigeria,with most of its delegstions deriving from Africa,despite this Indian model,Abhhiti Puri was declared as the winner of the pageant 2022.

He will be handing over his title to the next King in Gauteng,South Africa where the pageant will be held.

Winning his first title at University opened up doors for him. With his height and complexion different pageant organisers saw the greatness  in,Okatta-Isinwa Senator Chidozie.In an exclusive dialogue  with him, we talk about his international title first runner up of Misters of Nigeria and how he foresee the future of his nation’s modeling sector. 

Q.Modeling has been part of your  life, can you introduce yourself and tell us how your journey started?A.My name is Okatta-Isinwa Senator Chidozie and I’ll walk you through how I started modeling. I have always been a fan of modeling and because of my height many people advised I’d dive into it. This journey actually started outside a hall in my university where I was approached and asked to contest in what was later the biggest campus pageant in the southeast. I was told that my physique and complexion was exactly what the organization needed. At that time I had already participated in two school pageants. Winning one and coming First runner up in the other. Then it was for fun. After I was convinced I took it upon myself to find out if this is what I’d love to do. Gracefully I won that pageant which gave me an automatic slot to contest in the Misters of Nigeria pageant. Contesting in the Misters of Nigeria pageant was my greatest accomplishment at that time because I went through over a hundred applicants to emerge First Runner up. It wasn’t easy though as with anything good that comes in life but it was worth it. Today I proud to have taken that step because it has now enabled me to raise my country’s flag and represent internationally.

Q.Take us to the title that you won at the University  how did it opened up doors  for you ?A:The title Mr Imsu exposed me to a world of opportunities that I never knew existed. It gave me opportunities to meet people who have in one way or another impacted me positively into becoming who I am today. If not for the exposure accompanied with that title I would not have been where I am at this stage in my career today.

Q.Is modeling a paying job in your view?A.Modeling in my view is a paying job. But it requires the right amount of sacrifices before one can begin to earn especially in our country today.

Q.When you were announced as the runner up what thoughts came to your mind?A.Honestly, at that moment all I could think of was how proud I had made my family and myself. Going into the competition as the youngest and most inexperienced I would say kind of left me doubtful. But at the end of the day all the hard work and dedication I and my team put into the competition paid off and it was a big relief to me.

Q.Do you believe that Nigeria’s modeling industry has reached international level?A.definitely do, Nigeria has made waves internationally on many platforms and we are sure to keep making waves. We have models who have changed the narrative from what was to what it is now.

Q.What changes are you hoping can impact the modeling industry in Africa?A. I hope they begin to pay more attention to modeling and seeing it as not just showbiz but also as a means of livelihood as a career choice and one that should not be relegated to the background. I hope the begin to treat kings and queens who represent internationally with more respect and regard. And that funding also goes into the modeling industries all over African countries.

Q.Aside from modeling what else do you do ?A. I am a Humanitarian, an advocate for early childhood education, an actor and basketball player.

Q.How has your community benefited  from the title? A.In my own way I have tried to give back to the community I come from. That’s why I started a mini project tagged “Project Reach 4 Books”. This project is aimed at least funding a child’s fees for school and providing materials for adequate learning in schools occasionally. I believe the only way to attain success is through education.

Q.Lastly  state 5 of your favourite  jams currently, you are dancing to..A. I am a big fan of music. I listen to all kinds but for the reason of this question here are my 5 favourite jams currently( not of all time)

I. How are you – Johnny Dr Uni – Blaqbones

III. Voice of the Heroes – Lil baby ft Lil durk 

IV. I know – Polo G

V. Stand Strong – Davido

Zimbabwe’s fashion designers have been facing a challenge of lack of sponsorship.When it comes to showcasing their products. However,designers have managed to source themselves when it comes to sponsorship.Afro Phoenix a brand founded by Zimbabwean designer,showcased their product at MALAWI during an international fashion show.During our conversation with Blessing,the founder of the brand he tells us more about his journey and the recognition he received during the show.

Q:What are the main foundations of your brand (  Afro phoenix) what led to the establishment of your brand?A:My main foundations,for my Brand Afro Phoenix is Family.i belive that with the love and support from family you can do anything.the thing that led me to establish my brand is i wanted to show people who said i cant make it in life that I’m a fighter, I’m worth it and I belong.

Q:Where you expecting your collection to be selected as the best making you, Best Male African designer? A:The Collection i presented for MFAS was a summer collection showing the beauty of african kings and appreciating all bodies big and small because people body shame a lot so through fashion i want everyone to feel beautiful and confident.

A: Well I have been made a National Director for Mr and Miss Model of Tourism World/Zim So 2023 we taking it to Guyana and a whole lot of great things coming up

Q.Speaking about collection many believe that African ‘fabrics’ are fading away in terms of trend,however you always include them in your collections why,?A:African Fabric will always been there and will always be there.to me i feel it wont fade away because its part of us its who we are and its our culture

Q.During your stay in Malawi, what did you learnt about the fashion industry of that country that might benefit Zimbabwe? A: I have learnt that the fashion industry in Malawi, respect models a lot both males and females and know their worth

Q:Aside from Malawi, you have been invited to Mpumalanga to showcase your brand’s products ..A.Yes I have been invited to showcase in SA Mpumalanga and im truly excited and im the only international designer who was invited to showcase

Q.Back home how has your brand managed to fit both those who are in generation Z and those who have passed their youth? A.My clothing designs speaks a volume,my brand make so much noise that people get to listen and with my brand and collection being that unique people of different ages would love to wear .

Q:Where do you draw your inspiration from ?A: myself,my family,my fans the people who believe in me and always tell me that i can do it.

Q:What advise do you have to young designers? A:Keep dreaming because dreams do come true.i mean im living mine.its never easy but always put your all and work have.

QThank you for your time and if you can provide details how you can be reached? A:Insta_@blessingmunjeri

Emai_bmunjeri90@gmail.com

Fb _blessing munjeri

Theme. “hidden intentions”SS 22/23

The collection was inspired by the struggle we have to endure on the path we have chosen. The burdens hidden from view both our close ones and society. The weight of our dreams and how much we aspire in the real and ethereal part of our lives, we are like a seed growing in the dark with noone in the know all that effort put together for that moment we break ground and grow unstoppable. A pearl polished in the rough

In honoring the late Busi Mhlongo,whose music played a major role to Zulu mine workers. This year she should have turned 75 years ,she passed away due to Breast Cancer.Urban Zulu founder said their latest collection is dedicated to Busi Mhlongo

AN INSIGHT OF AMAECHI STANLEY’S MODELING JOURNEY 

This year Nigeria hosted,Misters of Nigeria modeling pageant and the runner up of the pageant is Amaechi Stanley.His photogenic modeling pictures have caught the attention  of many and since he won the title he has embarked in a number of events. Among them is traveling to Togo. 

In our conversation with him, Amaechi Stanley  tells us more about his modeling journey and what he learnt about Togo’s culture.

Q. Can you tell us about who you are in a summary ?A.My name is Amaechi Stanley. I graduated from Federal University of Technology Owerri. I studied mechanical engineering.I am fitness Model, a team player and an entrepreneur. I work in an industry as a maintenance support engineer.I play football, Ps and Snooker.Ilike to travel and take cool pictures.

Q. What led you into taking part in Misters  of Nigeria pageant ?A.Modeling has been something I have longed to venture since high school. A part of me I want to show to the world. I wanted to prove to myself that I can be anything I want and still be perfect in it. I love fitness and needed to show the body physique through pageant which led me into misters of Nigeria platform. 

Q.When you participated in the pageant what mainly motivated you to carry on and not give up ?A.My family was my motivation. My mum even share my flier to her colleagues in the market. Seeing all the love and blessings from them. I keep pushing and not give up.

Q.You recently travelled to Togo,what did you learn about Togo and their culture.A.Togo is one of the smallest countries in Africa. It’s a home of diverse ethnic group. Among the 37 tribes in the country, Ewe, Mina and Kabre are the largest. Music and dance are the most popular forms of culture. Each of the ethnic group has its own style of music and dance which are often an integral part of the religious and social life of the people. Drums are used extensively to celebrate special occasions and festivals like the Yeke Yeke festival. Some of the Togolese dances are the hunter’s dance adewu and war dances. In all and all, Togo stands to be one of the prominent tourist destinations with quite a variety of tourist attractions to offer to its visitors.

Q.Do you believe young people in Africa have power to be leaders (in different sectors of life)?A.There’s an adage that says “youths are leaders of tomorrow”.  It’s been there before I was born. I believe that young people have the power to control and lead in all sectors of life if given the necessary support and opportunity to perform. Some of the reasons include; orientation, Intellectual exposure and understanding

Q.Who is your inspiration in the world of modeling?A.I got myself as an inspiration. I admire Sommer Ray hard work and confidence. Female fitness Model. 

Q.What do you think needs to be improved in the world of modeling in western  African nations?A.Awareness and support. Africans should learn to support and promote their your own. 

Q.Where do you see yourself in the coming years?A.In terms of modeling, I envisage to be a better version of me with lots of improvement in physique. To be an inspiring gentleman to the young tyro in the modeling industry.

Q.If you were given an opportunity to go back at the Misters Of Nigeria pageant what would uou have changed? A.Nothing, I gave it my A-game. But, with what I have learnt so far. It will be a burning shades all together. Then, increase in my area of association ( friendship).

Q.2023 is coming to an end what will be memorable  to tions to offer to its visitors?A. I took that step in modeling industry and it was worth the struggle. Also, thanking God for my life. His Mercy and protection has been on me.