Q:What did it mean working along with award winning fashion designer,Sanz during FWB?
A:First and foremost i would like to express my gratitude to God Himself and Sanz for giving me an opportunity to work with them at such an international platform during the early times of my career. It really means a lot to me. Literally it was a dream come true for me, because, I remember when we first met at this other fashion show in Harare where they scooped the top spot as the best designer. As i was backstage watching them doing their work, I fell in love with it. The execution, commitment and confidence they had was on another level that i swore and made it a wish that very same night that I’m gonna work with Sanz sooner or later lol ,and eventually here we are, my dream was totally fulfilled.
Q:What lessons did you draw from the fashion show since it was hosted online and physically ?
A:The number one thing was creativity. You know like it was literally difficult for those who were going to do the virtual in the absence of an actual runway/ramp. We just had a plain open roof top space and we couldn’t just walk on it like that but we needed this other fashion feel for the composition. The designer had to take some fabrics and we made them into backdrops, took a clothing rail and hung some few garments, and then had this other white painted DIY pallet outdoor sofa. With those few props we managed to have that afro vibe feel out it and it was magical.
Also, if it wasn’t of the team spirit we had, i don’t think it would have been a success as the outcome was. Team is the way to go. A wiseman once said, “Unity we prosper, divided we fall”. I really saw the manifestation of this saying. I more than understood what it meant through these moments.
Q:Share with us your greatest moment during the shoot ?
A:-Lol it was when the designer was like, “Ey Mr Taff have you ever thought why i gave you the role of a loverboy in the story?, it’s because i see the characteristics of that in you. I remember when i saw you back in Harare, with just one glance i was convinced these are the real loverboys of H-town. I want you to bring that out.” And guess what she did lol. She called one of the female models and stood her in front of me and said to me i should make her fall in love and laugh right away. That was kinda a tough thing to do since everyone was now kinda exhausted due to the harsh weather on that day, and the delays from the videography guys. Everyone’s faces were all down but i had to make her smile imagine haha. So i took a deep breath, wrestling in mind what can i do for this lady in front of me. I lifted my head, tilted it and looked at the lady. Here was my charm lol : I smiled at her with that romantic look on me and i just like twitched my right eyebrow thrice lol. Like she was surprised how I did it. She broke into a laughter right away lol, even the designer was also fascinated with that. Haha I felt like I’ve made it in life.
Q:As a model can you provide to us your recipe in preparing for online International shows?
A:Just like any other fashion show, I think there’s no difference between a physical and virtual one when it comes to the model because at end of the day you just have to be on your A-game.Eventually the recorded footage is gonna be aired to the audience so yeh be on point. So i make sure my body shape is on point by doing my usual home workouts to help keep my energy and confidence levels up when it’s show time. Also staying hydrated is crucial, not only for my skin to look better but for to prevent dizziness. The most important thing being to make sure my face is glowing lol. Scrubbing it is my go to option to get rid of deadskin that might be present. Lastly practice, this is literally a routine that I should do on the regular anyway. No matter how i think this can be a walk in the park, I practice over and over again.
Q:Zimbabwe has seen a decrease of fashion shows as more pageant events have mushroomed how has that affected you as models ?
A:Yeah, this came as a major blow to us the runway models, especially to me, because i don’t fancy pageantry. When i finished my modelling classes i was so excited looking forward to grace fashion shows like the Harare Fashion Week but that hit a brick wall. With this, it just means financially we’ve been crippled. This has also slowed our pace to our dream status. But i would like to believe it’s also the economic hardships we’re facing as a nation which are being the hindrance to the hosting of fashion weeks. It’s a process which needs a whole lot of funding, which the industry don’t get from the responsible authorities sometimes.
Q::Given an opportunity to work with Sanz again which fashion show would you choose and why ?
A:Locally it will be, if comes back to life, the Harare Fashion Week. Our bond and relationship has grown from being just colleagues but to a family level. Despite our tribalistic differences (I, being Shona and the Sanz brand from the Ndebeles) they’ve always treated me like an egg. I feel at home when I’m with them. They always try to accommodate me linguistically. Also i still wanna lay my modelling career foundation here in Zim so yeah, taking part in local shows will make me and the nation familiar to one another. With that you will always have your countrymen’s support wherever you go and represent your nation.
Q:What words do you have for Sanz and the FWB organisers ?
A:To Sanz, i just wanna say thank you for seeing so much potential in me. I never imagined us being where we are right now. Wherever I go I will always carry the Sanz DNA in me. I hope we will work together till death do us part. I pray God bless the works of your hands, pour wisdom and creativity in your brains. You’re the best.
To the FWB team, your works so marvellous, thank you for giving African models and designers a platform to shine and showcase their talents. I’ve one request that the next time you think of hosting another FWB edition, please let it be in Zimbabwe lol. I feel like my country still needs that fashion consciousness and awareness so that they see how the fashion and modelling industry works, and clear the industry’s stereotypes.
Q:what advice would u give to upcoming runway models about international runway shows ?
A:Well, i know i haven’t graced one physically but with those two i did with Sanz for the FWB i realised that no imagination that can fail to be reality. Here is one crazy thing i would do. Every time i walked in town in the pavements, i would see myself as walking on a runway and the audience sitting on both flanks. I would strut long strides, carrying myself in a whole lot of confidence. Inside me I will be saying this is me in Paris or Milan. Up to now i don’t know how i will go there but God will make a way. Like just imagine a ghetto boy like me now on a runway in Paris, OMG. I always ask myself is this what i wanna be, where I wanna go. I can’t believe it but sooner or later I’m going there. So believe in yourself, you can do it.
Q:Lastly what is next for you ?
A:Over the next few years, I wanna explore how i can create a vibrant brand of myself. I wanna gain more experience and knowledge of this career. I will be looking for opportunities towards the attainment of my dream status :an International Top Model.
Founder of the brand Zana Ncube aka Zana Kaya at Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards Red Carpert.
Brand’s founder and Creative director :Zana Ncube in a costume which is inspired by the late Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo.
A Nguni Bride Costume . 
The costume is inspired by the Kings :Tshaka Zulu ,Lobengula and Mzilikazi were all unapologetic of their roots.Model Right :@Muzeilsibs
