Demarcko derives from Jamaica, when he came to Zimbabwe he had no idea that he was going to be part of Africa’s modeling industry. With encouragement coming from family and friends,Hope was not lost in Demarcko .He kept his faith high as he believes that his destined to be one of the ‘A’ listers in Africa’s modeling industry.Q:When did you took a decision that your next step was being a model?
A:It was Last year November after after Prom.

Q:What are the obstacles that you faced after you made the decision ?
A:My friends didn’t believe I could do it and used to laugh at me saying I wasn’t capable of doing something and that I never stick to one thing for instance. I’m always going out ,even my mom told me once that it was a bad idea and after all she didn’t see any career coming from the modelling sector but now she does and is happy.

Q:Where do you believe your modelling career is taking you in the next coming years ?
A:I would like to do more runway modeling and even commercial modeling. The reason behind this is because I want it to expose me to different markets.

Q:The industry has been facing a number of challenges with many believing that being muscular is another, attribute that defines a model (what’s your comment on that)?
A: I think personally that world is evolving each and everyday and it would be unfair if we stick to the same norms of a model must be a certain type of way” its the same way in which in the female modeling industry we now have plus sized models. Short models and petite models so my take is we have to adjust our

outlook on modules just as the word is changing.Q:You original roots are traced not in Africa but in the Central part of America, how has your roots played a role in your modelling career ?
A:Well back at home I’m the only one who took this path to be a model we 12 in total 3 girls and the rest are boys some of my siblings are at school .The rest are working but they all got it under control ,I’m the only one who decided to be different i didn’t want to be statistic.

Q: International and regional shows are starting to take part as the world was under lockdown due to COVID 19, International which shows would you like to attended?A:The shows I would pick is to attend New York fashion week and would love to be on that runway. I would also like to attend the Paris fashion week like recently i was given a offer by fabiani collection but i declined it.Q:How has joining CFM models changed your life?

A:Joining CfM has shown different specters of modeling. It has changed my life in fact, that has exposed me more to different people in this industry who all have one goal. And its changed my life by helping me grow as a person and as a model its made me more responsible and more accommodative of others. I’ve learned not to judge others as well.

Q:Which African countries are you hoping to travel to …A:Mauritius.Nigeria.Tanzania.NigeriaNamibia

The year 2017,was the year when Derrick Ocloo broke the ice as he stepped into his new career, of being a model. Not knowing that years to follow he is going to be nominated in numerous, modeling and fashion awards.2021 has also turned out to be the biggest year for the Ghananian model,Derrick Ocloo as he has been nominated in a number of awards.In an exclusive interview with him,we learn more about his journey and also how his nominations have changed his career.Q:You have been nominated at the Ghana Style Awards can you tell us more about your nomination?
A: I was nominated for the Ghana style awards due to my outstanding works which needs to be recognized for which am very grateful .Q:This is not the first nomination of awards in your country this year ,what do you think your nomination in several awards means about your career?
A: My nominations in several awards means that , my effort and contribution towards the fashion industry is been noticed and appreciated.Q:State some of the runway shows you have been part of?
A:I have been on Tema Black art street festivalwhich was my first on time on the runway. Also been on Accra fashion week, Bryte African Fashion Week and Modest Fashion WeekQ:In Africa which fashion brands do you want to catwalk for ….
A: In Africa , I would like to walk for some brands like Mish Mega Collections from Ghana, Laduma Maxhosa from South Africa, Don Morphy from Cameroon, Thebe Magugu from South Africa and Tongoro from Senegal.Q:What type of steps do you take to make sure you nail it when ever you appear in a runway ramp?
A:I rehearse my walk on my own days before the show. On the day of the main event, I get the event centre as early as possible to familiarize myself with the environment and also rehearse my stylish walk on the event runway once again for couple of minutes before the main event begins which has helped me nailed my performance on the runway.Q:What has made you to be a successful model?
A:My looks and appearance which some prominent people in the fashion industry claim to be international standard , my outstanding photoshoots and constant rehearsals has helped meto become a successful model.Q:What do you think makes Ghana’s modelling industry to be unique?
A:The friendly and harmonious environment among the Ghanaian models is breath taking and when it comes to the wonderful stylish and catwalk performances by Ghanaian models on the runway, is because we have wonderful legendary choreographers in our modelling industry.Q:Away in Africa which runway shows do you want to work in as a model ?
A: Away from Africa, I would like to be in New York Fashion week, Paris Fashion week, Milan Fashion week and Russian fashion week.Q:Briefly tell us about your modelling background?
A: I am a shy type and have low level of confidence but had interest in becoming a model . I watched a lot of fashion shows on the television and my interest for modelling grew more. Later part in 2017, I decided to pick up courage to face my fears to join the fashion industry by join a modelling agency to receive the necessary training to qualify me as a professional model. I engaged in professional photoshoots to help promote my brand and since then , found myself on couple of runway shows.

Lungile Mzwandile Zulu the Prince of Mr Zimbabwe pagentry,made history so he participated in his first ever, international fashin show. The Fashion Without Borders JHB fashion show,was held last month on the 26th of March.The event was showcased digital allowing viewers from different countries

to be in the front row of the ramp.
The show was hosted digital due to the COVID 19 restrictions.Prince Zulu who was part of the models who appeared during the exhibition of the collection by Sanz,stated out that he was glad to edit part of the event and also to participate as a model under the award winning Zimbabwean brand ‘Sanz’.I auditioned for show via the designer at Sanz’s design. It was Inspiration because I had the chance to be part of the story telling of how the designs came about. The story of a blank canvas meeting a beautiful african cultured muse.

” The story is a transformation of nomads trader adopting culture. The design I was wearing it tells the inbetween part of the story, where the canvas is starting to adapt to the african beautiful culture,”explained Lungile.
Lungile informed that when the curtains of Fashion Without Borders JHB went done,it wasn’t the end chapter for him to work with the exclusive fashion brand,SANZ and he hopes to work with The GENTLEMAN brand.
When questioned about his role that he has played as the Prince of Mister Zimbabwe to the community, he informed that he has projects that are lined up however due to COVID 19 pandemic and National Lockdown. He has’nt been able to reach out to his community,however his hoping to work with the community of Zimbabw

e in the coming months. Zulu applaud the job that was done by his predecessor, Ishamel who is currently the franchiser of Mister Globe.

Lungile further praised the mentorship of the leader of Fingers Agency and Truth Academy (Sarah Mpofu and Pardon Khaya respectively).

MODEL OF THE MONTH- DARREN D PACHANZA

September will go down the history as an important month in the world of Male modelling in Africa.
As Ivory Coast will be hosting more than 15,African male models from different countries across the continent .Who will be contesting to become the 9th Mister Africa International King.The event is hosted by Communication Evenementiellie in conjunction with the House of Twitch and Mister Africa International Committee.The event is expected to commerce on the 16th of September and curtains to go down on the 19th of .This was confirmed by Mister Africa International Ivory Coast representative on a press release,Pierre Amaud Fagndi.Previously the event was hosted in Nigeria, consecutive three times . Many are hoping that the move of hosting the pageant in Ivory Coast will possible mean the pageant’s next stop is Southern, East or Northern part of Africa.

Clemoo is one of the leading fashion brands in Tanzania, owned by Tanzania’s award winning fashion designer Clement Constantine.
The brand has been viewed as one of the Best Exclusive Suits in Africa. During last year’s Global Fashion Week the brand was awarded the best,fashion brand.
My Afrikatv Mag journalist,Tapiwa Rubaya interacts with Clement Constantine as he tells us more about the Clemmo brand and we get an insight of when his releasing his next collection.TR:Can you tell us how you managed to conceive your brand ?
CO:My brand started ten years ago officially,but it was started since I was a little child after seeing and helping my mother in her tailoring mart,that is when I came to love fashion and put my heart to it.TR:Your brand chiefly is all about suits,why ?
CO:My brand is dealing with many fashion styles but its famous in designing suits that is why most people see and take my brand as suit brand,but we do make other style.TR:As a designer what is important when it comes to designing suits ?
CO:What important is the look of the one wearing the suit (clients),skin tone and other looks,quality of the fabric,theme of the event,the suit that is needed to be worn,and good measurements to perfect fit ,those are my importants keys I consider.TR:What type of fabrics do you use for your suits and are they exported or imported?
CO: I use first quality grade fabrics and sometimes second grade fabrics,for better finishing and ellegancy look of the suits and other designs I produce,different types of fabrics I use :pronto,valvet,cashmere,garbadene,viscose,velvet,twill,tweed,toile,taffeta,suede,spandex,silk,satin,polyester,organza,muslin,modal,merino,wool,linen,leather,lace,jersey,gingham,georgette,damask,crepe,cotton,chiffon,chenille,canvas etc
These fabrics some are exported and some are imported.TR:What is your take when it comes to Africa’s fashion industry especially in the suits fashion industry ?
CO:Africa’s fashion industry is growing so fast,as it is taking over the world fashion industry.
My take is African designers should continue making good suits and other designs by using all of their designing capacity,and also we should work together in one unity when it comes to fashion inorder to continue making African fashion to the top.TR:Your brand has successfully won a number of awards including Best Fashion Designer Award at Global Fashion Week last year . What did it mean to you winning the award?
CO:It means,my brand is now known, all over Africa and across the globe.
Now I am an international designer and I have to work harder and harder than before to continue keeping the stage.
I am and going to other bigger and bigger stages and getting more awards and recorginationTR:You based in Tanzania and your country faced few months of lockdown since the COVID 19 was announced in the world. However you re-opened and the world didn’t, hasn’t that affected your clients and work?
CO:It has affected my work,however I take every challenge as an opportunity,hence I continue working hard and trying to market my products online now on the other hand I am receiving clients who will be coming to mh office to purchase,this situation made me to think outside the box and put my all energy in online market.TR:Two fashion shows which you are planning to showcase your collections ?
CO:Oran Fashion Week-Algeria
-Shenen Fashion Week -EthiopiaTR:Speaking about collections when are you releasing your latest collection ?
CO:I am going to release my new collection “Itikisaeli Collection” in Oran Fashion November this year,my collection goes by the name of my mother “Itikisaeli” because she is the one who gave me loving fashion heart,after seing and working with her in her tailoring mart when i was young.
The collection will be about mixed suits with some touches of shiningfabrics,and other designs style not seen before.TR:Laslty what words of wisdom do u have to suit designers
CO:My wisdom words are”Any one not only designers who wants to reach his/her goal,should be ready to have dullness in everything he/she wants to achieve,also must be ready to sacrifice everything for his or her goal and also be ready to take every challenge or problems as an opportunity..lastly do the thing that he/she loves from the bottom of his/her heart.Check out some of their designs by following them on social media
IG:@clemoodesigner