Gio model ,Kuphakama Ngubane whose model stage name is Cooper,has appeared in numerous adverts as a model in both online and fitness.In a conversation with him , he peels details on how it all started for him to be a commercial fitness model. In addition we learn that his not only working with other brands managed by other people but his also working in managing his own brand. Find out more about Kuphakama and his sports brands.

Hie Cooper thank you for your time ,can you introduce yourself to our readers?A:I’m Kuphakama Ngubane, age 26 and I am from the South Coast of KZN in a little quiet town called Umkomaas, aka the UK. I’m a qualified reefer technician by trade and personal trainer. I also have a few start up business like my sports brand called Coopfit Self Made and a water beverage to launch. I’m a part time model as well and I also do body building as my main hobby and other fitness activities.

Q:What Is inspired you to be part of SA’s models?
A:Modeling was never something I had dreamt of doing but more a venture that I stumbled upon after being scouted to do a shoot during a body building prep. I had then learnt that this was going to be part of my journey towards something great because I did benefit from it by the exposure I got, the people I got to meet from different backgrounds that could also contribute towards my plans and goals, networking and most of all, having a positive influence amongst many people.

Q:How would you describe your country’s modeling sector?A:As a second world country, we have come a long way and I truly believe that we have great potential to make a lot more progress as we have seen Miss Universe being from SA, our culture and music being appreciated and adopted world wide, it’s safe to say that we are the most diverse and versatile nation on this planet. There is a lot more room to grow.

Q:Can you share with us your first professional photoshoot experience as a model?A:Adaptability is one of my key attributes in persuing dreams and goals and that has helped me with my first photoshoot as a model. Sometimes getting thrown in the deep end helps develop skills a lot faster than usual. No practice or model classes done before, just sheer confidence and determination with a bit of background research on the net on how to be a good model got me started. It became something I enjoyed doing because I had a lot of fun.

Q:Any tips to those who are standing infront of the camera for the first time as modelsA:Authenticity is something that we all have and we should live by it. It’s important to know who you are in this industry and what works for you. The more you know about yourself, the better you will become at being a great model. Never try to replicate anybody else.

Q:What have you achieved since you joined the GIO model agency as a model?A: I have modeled for quite a few major companies in the clothing, construction, ramp modeling industry and TV commercials. I have also gained a great social media presence and influence that helps me to get more modeling gigs.

Q:Has your perception of modeling Industry changed over time ?A: Yes it has, as time goes you learn about the different backgrounds of modeling, the requirements for certain gigs and also you notice that every industry has a bad and good side. I therefore have chosen to stick to a certain catagory that works for me.

Q:International which brands are you aiming to work with ?A:My ultimate goal would be to grow my brand into an international name and model for it. My second option would be an underwear model for one of the exclusive brands like Georgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Versace.

Q:what is your secret of keeping yourself on shape and how many times do you work out?A:Living and maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyles comes through hard work, discipline and determination. Having a balance of enjoying yourself and also being focused keeps me going. Setting short and long temm goals keeps you on track. I have a training routine of 6 days a week and also park run on weekends while sticking to  flexible diet. 

Q:Lastly what should we expect from you in the coming years?A:Expect to see a young business man who’s been following and working hard towards achieving his goals and creating a lifestyle that doesn’t require a a vacation

Mr ideal Nigeria is rated as one of the largest empowering male pageant programme.Which assist make models to reach their dreams.Amongthose dreams is taking part in Mister Africa International , getting involved in building a healthy environment to their communities by conducting charity work.We had a conversation with other reigning Mister Ideal Nigeria , Anthony Okechukwu .Find put what he had to say !

Q:Anthony we thank you for your time can you introduce yourself by telling us about your bio?
A:Hey, thank you for having me.
My name is Anthony Okechukwu and I am a Nigerian. I am Originally from
Agukwu Nri in Anambra state but I reside in Abuja.
I am a graduate of Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Ghana, an award-winning model, a pageant king, a humanitarian and an entrepreneur.
I am the second of two boys born to my parents. I love fashion, travelling, cooking and connecting with people

Q:This year history will be made as you will be handing over your title in March ,what does it mean to you?
A:It is honestly a bitter sweet feeling but as they say all good things come to an end eventually because in as much as I enjoyed being the MR Ideal Nigeria and all the benefits that came with the title.
I have to let it go for the new king to begin his journey and join my predecessors in the hall of fame.
It has been a true privilege and I pray that the next king carrying on from me takes the title to higher heights .

Q:Can you share with us your experience as Mister Ideal Nigeria?
A:Where do I start, being MR Ideal Nigeria has been a roller-coaster of mixed exciting emotions, it has opened so many doors to me, amplified my voice and given me a platform to grow my career and brand from what it was to what it is now. Working with the MR Ideal Team is definitely an experience I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Q:What were some of your greatest achievements as Mister Ideal Nigeria?
A:I titled my project facilitating learning in the younger generation.
The goal of my project is to sensitize students on the importance of consistency, self-improvement, rewarding oneself for any little achievement, being patient and kind to oneself (self-love) and others.
Things I didn’t do enough of growing up and it affected my self confidence.
I am on a mission to give back to my community, to be a support system to the new generation, to share my story, to motivate and remind them that they are not alone, that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it and if I could do it, so can they.
To also encourage parents and teachers to never give up on any child, to be patient and remember that every child is unique.

Q:In terms of your success through your journey,what/who contributed ?
A:My family and friends both new and old played a vital role in my success and for that I am very grateful, my personality, educational background, experience in modeling and God’s grace.
The truth is I came in with an open mind did my best and left the rest to God because there is so much, I can control.

Q:What lessons did you learn about modeling and your community through out the journey?
A:I have been modelling for a while now and I consider it an art form.
Just like any other form of art it requires a lot of practice, dedication and patience to master and you constantly need to keep evolving to remain relevant. Its really not as easy as most make it out to be
Throughout my career I have learnt a lot but the lesson that always stands out is that it is not all about being the prettiest face or having the best walk. Having a good and relatable character takes you a very long way.
The way you relate with people plays a very important role in deciding if they want to work with you or even be in the same space as you.
This applies not just in modeling but in life as well so be respectful and thoughtful towards every one you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Q:Anthony you worked close with the House of Twitch.Can you have three words to describe house of Twitch?
A:There are a lot of words to describe them but from the top of my head I would say: family, Patient and hardworking.

Q:Besides being a model ,you pursued your studies in Science and Technology university.
A:Yes, I studied Electrical /Electronic Engineering in the university which wasn’t easy because I had to combine it simultaneously with traveling for gigs.
However I have no regrets of any kind.

Q:One might wonder what legacy are you leaving for the next generation of Mister Ideal Nigeria ?
A:When I decided that I wanted to compete I was discouraged by many, told me that I was too skinny, that I wouldn’t make it far and that male pageants where for muscular guys.
However I went ahead regardless and I won.
By doing this I changed a lot of narratives by becoming the first king to prove that there are more attributes that contribute to being an ideal man and a pageant king than just muscles and physical strength and opened the door to the new generation of ideal men.

Q:Lastly yes you have shared your greatest achievements ,what about your moments?
A:Some of my greatest moments?! a lot has happened within the space of one year that I don’t know where to start. from honoring invitations from high-ranking officials in my state, to traveling for fashion shows, to attending movie premiers and collaborating with amazing brands .it has all been a surreal and humbling experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I am also super excited for all that is yet to come.

Finalists 

South African Fashion Week has announced the six finalists of the 2022 New Talent Search. Competing in the country’s most prestigious fashion award for rising stars are:

• Thando Ntuli – MUNKUS
• Nichole Smith – Ipikoko
• Mikhile du Plessis – MeKay Designs
• Calvin Lunga Cebekhulu – Czene.24
• Sanelisiwe Gcabashe – Gjenelo Couture
• Mimangaliso Ndiko – Sixx6

 
Now in its 24th year, the winner will be announced on the 28^th of April during the SAFW Spring Summer 22 Collections where the selected designers will feature their signature entries together with the debut capsule collection of the 2021 winner, Artho Eksteen.

The overall winner will receive R20 000.00 prize money towards developing their debut collection as well as a free runway show at SAFWSS 23 to launch this collection.

According to the SAFW director, Lucilla Booyzen, all the participating finalists are winners because the platform’s visibility to the media and fashion buyers ensures the national and international exposure that allows any fledgling career to gain the necessary entrepreneurial traction.

SAFW’s New Talent Search has consistently unearthed future talent and served as a launchpad for many of the local industry’s most respected names since its inception in 1998. These include, MmusoMaxwell, Jacques Bam, Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu, Michael Ludwig Studio, Saint Vuyo and Sipho Mbuto

“There is a place where ideas on future are made of brilliant, unique and unconventional style converge.
Those who attended this year’s Pitti Uomo 101,their question about the future of men’s fashion were answered.
The event has been seen as a place where men’s fashion is predicted.
Traditionally the event is hosted annual early January or February every year.

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic the event has seen a slight decline when it comes to it’s attendance.
Giving a new look and style to shop buyers and fashionistas the designers spread the message of importance of the statement of colour
We saw mandarine orange,the Tenc Italian brand called it out as a key hue for it’s FW 22.

Around table was also included this year,”The eye is your creative engine” this discussion was in line with the theme of the event ,”Reflections”.
Paul Andrew,Sarah Coleman and Andy Picci who are involved into mentorship programme in Istituto Mara,were among those who headlined as guests of the ceremony.
A collection with the name of a Danish Fairly Tale,the value of well crafted clothing ,the engineering of Japanese textile .This was done by the brand ‘Ten’.

Filson released the traditional made by USA craftsmanship on a new level.
Another brand that showcased their brand is the Italian casual-wear brand is Sun 68.

Kwanele Thusi is one of the Southern African models who dominated the modeling industry last year .He wants to continue with his vision in becoming a history maker every year.In an exclusive conversation with Thusi we talk about his plans when it comes to modeling pageant and if he is going to feature in any reality show this year .Find out more

Q:We are already in 2022,how has the year been for you?
A:The year has been very interesting, it was quiet a dramatic shift for me interms of work and energy. I feel more energized and optimistic about this year, its the biggest moment of my life

Q:Part of your journey is attending a pageant in India,can you share with us how prepared are you?
A:I am super excited about my journey to India. I have been doing a lot of research and I think my work this year is promising. My work has always been in education but what I am also interested in is digital access. If I win, I will use my title to assist communities get access to wifi so that young children will be able to use the internet to learn and grow.

Q:What role r significant will this role play in your life
A:This year promises to be an exciting year and I have seen my support grow within these two years. This title will be life changing and would grant me the opportunity to have a global influence. My global influence will be able to uplift many minority countries and develop in our ever changing digital climate. Part of my biggest reason to advocate for digital technology is so that we can save the environment and contribute significantly to the global climate crisis.

Q: Majority of models in Africa are facing sponsorship problems how are you dealing with that issue in South Africa ?
A:Its been really tough because of job losses, covid and the restructuring of many different policies. I am dealing with it as it comes meaning I have made partnerships with global stakeholders for the sake of giving back to my community. For example, I continue to apply for funding so that I can host my own festivals, pageants and workshops that will promote young people. This is made possible with efforts from my company Kollectice Africa which seeks to provide support in creative entrepreneurship across the world.

Q:You have told us what it means when you win the title to you but what about South Africa ,what will it mean
A:My country is fighting many struggles amidst the pandemic, we are also dealing with racism and the abuse of political power. Our task therefore is to manage our public and private sector in a more with a more progressive and an equalized approach. Part of the reason why poverty is still a problem in our lives is people don’t have jobs, don’t create their jobs and also are not taught how to be self dependent individuals working together in a collective environment. This is a bigger topic you might notice, so I will be quiet now. Hahahaha

Q:You have a tour that you are to conduct tell us more about the tour?
A:This year is a year of touring, collaboration and creation. I am interested in working with many different creative arts organizations from around the world, starting in Africa. I am travelling Africa and parts of Europe and America as part of growing Kollective Afrika but also to see, research and involve myself with many different creative organizations around the globe.

Q:From this pageant which other international title are you eyeing?
A:I have been watching Mr Body Beautiful (SA) and I think it will be a great way to continue my work of community development. My ultimate goal is to enter Mr WORLD and Mr UNIVERSE.

Q:Speaking about plans you are prominently known for reality shows.If given a chance would you have taken part in Big brother South Africa? A:Being on Temptation Island was a great plug, hahahaha, I couldn’t enter the show Big brother because I am contracted onto another show. I am looking to enter Bachelor SA 2022 or feature in other reality shows because I am still looking for love Fam!

Q:Anywords to South Africa.
A:We are making it, all of us, from Africa to Europe to America to the Middle East. Every single we are reminding how powerful and resilient we are and we continue with thumping hearts not knowing where to from here, but we move forward and never look back.