Who is going to get the chance in representing Zimbabwe in Poland this July as Mister Supranational Zimbabwe for the title Mister Supranational .
5 Male models are contesting for the title. They will be battling it out in a ceremony which will be held tomorrow night at Casino Marina Longcheng in Harare.
With ordinary ticket going to be purchased for 20usd;VIP for 50usd and table for 250usd.
The pageant is directed by Farai Zembeni. The contestants are: Reginald Mugoto ,Byron Mulinga,Aaron Nare,Tatenda Njanike, Vincent Nengu.
While 12 ladies will battle for Miss Supranational , Yollanda Chimbarami;Tatenda Mayoyo;Tanaka Masamba;Sthembiso Muchena;Reneitte Herdeen;Patience Gumbo;Nomatter Shamuyarira;Everjoy Chirango ,Muchena,,Alexandria Nice; Ashley Blantina; AshleyRumbidzai.
Mecry Mushaninga is a pillar of many, in the modeling industry in Zimbabwe. She has played a role of a developer,changer,mother and activist in the modeling industry sector.
When many have categorised as a taboo, having a male person joining the modeling industry or for questioning their sexuality because they have chosen the path of modeling.
Mercy Mushaninga has advocated for the boy child to be given an opportunity both at the ramp and commercial so that he can showcase his talent to the world.
Mercy alongside with her colleagues joined hands and created the brand Mr Zimbabwe the brand is a Modeling pageant which has been running for more than five years.
Mr Zimbabwe has been a platform that empowers the boy child. The pageant has been won by models who are now part of the International Modeling sector who include:Rish Verma,Shadel Noble,Byron Mulinga,Devson Luzane.
This was not the only door that the Zimbabwean modeling icon had created for the male models in her country.
Mercy also established the Zimbabwe Models Awards which is one of the few ceremonies in Southern Africa that honours the works of models . Since the launch of ZMAs, the ceremony has handed over more than 100 awards including male models.
Mushaninga has also been license International to be the director of Miss and Mister Teen Star International Zimbabwe and little Mister and Miss Universe Zimbabwe. Recently she shared the news on her social media that she has been given a green light to be the director of Mister World Tourism (Zimbabwe) by the organisers of Mister World Tourism.
I visited the Ngozi Mine as part of the out reach and humanitarian work done by the Noziwe Mother of Nations Trust , i was not warned about what i was going to see but as we got closer to the site i quicly realized we were indeed not going to an actual mine .
There a large number of families over 200 ,who live in deplorable and unsanitary conditions who spend up to 2 weeks on end collecting up to 1 tonne of plastics to be reycled but only make about $5 which makes it very difficult to provide for their Families.
Thankfully Noziwe has set up a feeding programme which focuses on the vulnerable Age group of kids from 0-12 who desperately require nutrition so they can grow up healthy, they also feed the odd Elderly who are known. I Commend their Super human efforts as they have also managed to set up safe water to drink and use and previously there was none.
Roughly 350 children are fed everyday!..I appeal to you for Donations particularly food items ,old clothes that are wearable for kids so we can assist in this fight , after all the essence of Humanity is compassion anf Care.
From Radio to The International Ramp,30 year old Namibian model Jean-Louis made his debuted in the world of modelling as a presenter for a pageant that later in a year he will contest for it’s title ,Mister Supranational Namibia. After winning the title Mister Supranational Namibia his now faced with the biggest task of his Modeling career, as he compete for the title Mister Supranational in July this year. In an interaction with him, he chitchats about his journey in the modeling sector and to the competition
Q:Can you summarize who you are ?
A:I am Jean-Louis Knouwds, 30 years old. I am the programs manger and breakfast show host of an Afrikaans radio station (Kosmos 94.1) in Namibia. I was born in Grootfontein, grew up in Keetmanshoop in the South of Namibia and studied Drama at the University of Namibia. I am currently in my final year doing my Master’s in performing arts at UNAM. I have a passion for the arts and entertainment industry. I like working with people and my childhood dream has always been to be in a television soapy. In my spare time I love reading self-help books and working on who I am as a person. Having studied drama which has a lot to do with the psychology of the human being, I like to understand why people do what they do and also to better understand myself. I am an animal lover and have two fur babies, Bella and Bea. They are miniature pinschers and they might be the tiniest dogs alive, but they have the biggest hearts in the world and courage like you have never seen before. They really are the joy in my life!
Q:Why did you enter Mister Supranational Namibia pageant ? A:Two years ago I was the master of ceremonies at the first Miss Supranational Namibia pageant in 2020.
Before then I never believed in pageants, because I always thought you put yourself on a stage for people to judge you and form an opinion about you, based on how you look. However, by being involved with the contestants in Miss Supranational Namibia 2020, I realized that pageantry is about so much more than just looks.
It is a road of self-discovery, building self-confidence, getting to know yourself, making new friends and getting involved in community related endeavours. these things are things which I have a passion for and because I saw the immense transformation which the girls of 2020 showed, I decided, there and then that I also want to be part of such a transformational journey. And that is why I entered.
Q:When you entered the pageant , did you had any feeling or thoughts that you will be the winner ?
A:Absolutely not.
You need to be confident, but you can never be over confident.
With the Miss and Mister Supranational competition, the winner is not determined by their performance on the evening of the gala event, but the competition starts the moment you enter for the pageant.
From then onwards, every time the trainers see you, or you during orientation and training, you need to behave at your best and be your best, because you are being evaluated from day 1 until the evening of the crowning. I was, however, confident in the fact that I am very comfortable in a public setting such as being on stage and speaking in front of people, given the fact that my day job is speaking on radio and I studied drama. However, it was still not enough for me to believe that I would be the winner as there are many other factors on which you are being scored. The one-on-one interviews with the judges are one of the elements which can play a big role in whether you are one of the top contestants or not.
And then the on-stage question also has the potential to either help you win or cause you to not be crowned as the winner.
Q:If you win Mister Supranational this July how is that going to be a benefit to Namibia and Africa ?
A:Well, I will be making history as the first ever Mister Supranational Namibia to win the international title.
However there is much more to winning the international title than just the title itself.
One of the things which I want to change is the way which people look at specifically male pageantry in Namibia, in Africa and in the world.
I think because pageantry among woman has been in existence for longer some people are of the belief that pageantry is something which only woman do.
However once again, pageantry is so much more than just good looks, and a sexy body.
Pageantry also has to do with a person’s heart and what they stand for.
Pageantry has the potential to help men build self-confidence and to help them believe in themselves again. Many times, ladies say they love men who take care of themselves.
They find confident men attractive. This is what pageantry can do. Having men walk on a stage is to showcase to the world a couple of men who have taken it upon themselves to do introspection and build a better version of themselves.
If I win the international title, the spotlight will be directed to African men to start taking care of themselves, looking after each other as brothers. I believe due to a lack of self-confidence in men, that can be a contributing factor as to why we experience so much gender-based violence. Winning the international title can help put Namibia on the map as there are still people in other countries who does not even know that Namibia exists. I hope that I can be the person to achieve this.
Q:What are some of the challenges that you have been facing lately?
A:I think the biggest thing up to now is to have enough energy every day, haha! I’ve been spending quite a lot of time in the gym lately, trying to get my body in shape for the international competition.
I have also been challenged to balance both my work and the new role as Mister Supranational Namibia 2022, but I have always liked a good challenge.
It just takes time to get yourself a new routine that works for you, once you have gotten used to the new pace of things in your life, everything starts working out again.
The focus is very much on getting ready for the international competition and with it comes a lot of pressure of course, so it is also very important, if not the most important element, and that is to keep mentally positive, focused and driven.
Of course, you get days where things don’t work out as you planned or you have an off day, but it is then that you need to work even harder to keep a positive attitude.
Q:Given an opportunity to define , Namibia’s modelling industry? A:I am honoured to be part of the national and international Mister Supranational pageant and to have the opportunity to represent my country on both platforms.
It is not only exciting but also relieving to see that the modelling industry in Namibia is expanding and becoming more inclusive.
Until now we haven’t really been seeing male pageants of this magnitude and given stereotypical outlook which many Africans still have on modelling and pageantry as they believe it is a genre in which only woman should part-take.
I know of quite a few people who believe that men shouldn’t be doing modelling and that it is only meant for woman. But to see platforms such as Windhoek fashion week, Katutura fashion week as well as the upcoming Swakopmund fashion week spearheading the industry there is definitely growth in Namibia and that is not only beneficial to the local modelling industry, but can have a ripple effect into the world in an attempt to place the modelling industry of Namibia on the map. Of course, it is not yet at its best, but the Namibian fashion department is trying extremely hard to push forward. Not only modelling but the whole fashion affair including pageantry. I would love to see more men taking part in pageants such as Mister Supranational Namibia 2022.
Q:How has your family been supportive in your journey?
A:I can be very grateful to have family and friends who always support me in everything I do.
From the first day that I said I want to enter for Mister Supranational Namibia they have supported my choice and rooted for me all the way.
They don’t necessarily always understand the process, what we do and why we sometimes have to do the things we do, but that forms part of my responsibility to educate them and to help them understand. I grew up in a home where if something is important to you, then we support each other. Everyone is born different with different interests in life and we as a family have always believed that
Q:My Inspiration is …..
A:I draw my inspiration from my desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
I want to influence the lives of people and often times when I see potential to be able to make a change in someone’s life, that inspires me.
When I was in school, I used to draw my inspiration from situations where people said that I am not able to do certain things or achieve certain things in life. That was exactly what I needed as fuel for me to prove them wrong and to show them that I am able to achieve that, which they said is not achievable. That is why I always say, don’t tell me something is not possible, because then you inspire me to show you the contrary.
Q:Lastly what do you love about Namibia?
A:What I love most of Namibia is the people… Namibian people are just different. Friendly, kind, helpful. In Namibia, you don’t have to know each other to start a conversation as you are sitting in que waiting for your turn to be helped. Namibian people just have a different vibe amongst one another. I visited Sweden a couple of years back on an exchange program and I immediately realized how people at the bus stop or on a bus don’t even make eye contact. It’s almost as if they don’t want to speak to each other. Where I know in Namibia, there is no way that you will take a bus ride without speaking a few words to someone that you haven’t met before.
Then there are of course my most favourite places to visit in my country such as the Etosha national park, the coast with its beautiful dunes, the ocean and there is nothing better than enjoying a sundowner with a view of the sun setting on the horizon across the blue African sky of Namibia. These are one-of-a-kind experiences which you cannot describe to someone, they have to experience for themselves.
Rwandan born,_SouthAfrica based fashion designer has collaborated with WBC Africa boxing .
As he was tasked to create the WBC Africa boxing belt,Nyambo Masa Mary took the new achievement to his social media and made the announcement.
He described the inspiration of the new belt as the all inspiration derived from the characteristics of the a champion .
“Africa is a continent of the brave ones built with the great spirit of Ubuntu ,with this collaboration with WBC and WBC cares program ;I wanted to show the strength ,courage, dignity and the harmony that lies within African people and the continent “…
What makes SA’s modeling industry to be unique compared to the other continent its because we are diverse and we have lot if cultures that if we bring them together they give a beautiful combination and describe the true South Africans.
What lead me into modeling was the compliments that I was getting from people about my body, so I woke up one day and I thought of trying it and it worked for me.
It also shows how African I am and how beautiful my skin is.
I would love to work for Rich Mnisi ;Cotton.on Factory and Mr Prize and Woolies.
How I feel when infront of a camera, happy and eager to work .
My smile in front of camera is adorable I don’t even want to mention my eyes its fire .
Kasi modeling is not taken serious and that’s where medical modeling and talent is but we are ignored.
Covid 19 affected lot of business besides my work,we couldn’t take pictures and videos for contents,contracts were terminated. We went back to square one .
My rules are 1: let me do what is in my heart so that you get the perfect job for your content . 2:Don’t shout at me talk to me “
My fashion is magical and fantastic few people understand it but they love the idea.Modeling means world to me modeling is everything I have I can but anything aside if they talk about modeling and I see contracts.
About Luvuyo Thando Mthupha
I am Luvuyo Thando Mthupha, 26 of age born in Mpumalanga. I am a very smart and handsome being you have ever met.I am very loving person , honest, loving and caring.I don’t like it when people play with my emotions I was in the top 15 Mr Mpumalanga 2021 finalist .I am Mr Municipalities of South Africa Resilience Ambassador I am the founder and owner of Mr and Miss Nhlazatshe
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 