DEVSON /FORMER MISTER ZIM PLANS TO MAKE HISTORY IN IVORY COAST DURING- MISTER AFRICA INTERNATIONAL PAGEANTTaking part in an international pageant,such as Mister Africa International to him (Devson Luzane), it’s a big achievement of his career.

“Personally it’s growth for me,it’s an achievement but it breaks down to representing humanity,the country,the region on a larger scale,sametime recognising that we just don’t live on Earth alone,” he said

He also added,that International pageants are a gateway ticket for one not only to tour into other countries but to also learn the diversity of different cultures, religious and also environment.When asked what it will mean to his brand,if he is coronoted as the King of the pageant ,’Mister Africa International’.His response was,he believes winning will be an inspiration to young people ,that dreams can be achieved against all odds.Luzane also added that by winning the title,he will be able to work with international brands and rub shoulders with Regional and international A listers.

“It’s the pinnacle,imagine the brands that would want to be associated with me,the more young people that are going to be assured that their,dreams will come true only by believing,”informed Luzane.

Currently he is working with exclusive brands such as Edgars,Senditoo etc .
Besides being a commercial model,his a fitness model and personal fitness trainer.Devson Luzane began his first modelling pageantry in 2019 which became foundation of his pageantry modelling and he was coronoted as the first-ever Mister Zimbabwe to win Mister Zimbabwe title,in a pageant competition .He described his win as a foundation for his pageant achievements as he believed he was going to take part in other pageants in the future.During his term as Mister Zimbabwe, he worked with several models in educating Zimbabweans about the COVID 19 pandemic and he also spent part of his time visiting old people’s homes .Entembeni in the second capital of Zimbabwe,Bulawayo, among other homes.
Currently as Mister Africa Zimbabwe,he plans to work with different NGO’s to fight against early child marriages and girl child abuse.Africa is one of the continent’s that is recording massive number of child abuse, especially form of ‘ labour child abuse’.This is due to the COVID 19 pandemic National lockdowns,parents are forcing their children to seek for jobs such as,illegal mining especially in rural areas.Mister Africa International pageant,which will be held in Ivory Coast in March and Luzane is currently seeking sponsorship and support for his travelling costs from both private and public individuals.If he wins Zimbabwe will become the third Southern African country to win the title,after Angola and Tanzania.Aside from Devson two Zimbabwean Models have attempted in the past to win the throne.
Tapiwa Zimhamba and Tevin Lenox attended the event in 2018,under the banner ,Mister Africa -Zimbabwe International and Mister Africa UK international respectively .Zimhamba won the Best Beach body Award during the pageant.Luzane’s fans believe that he (Devson) is the candidate to write history for Zimbabwe.

By Rubaya

SA Men’s Wear Week is regarded as one of the biggest fashion week’s in Southern Africa and across the globe.
Last year the show was postponed in February and had to be held in July 29th to the 31st .
The SA Men’s Wear week is a traditional fashion show which takes place almost twice in a year .
Bring fashionistas,photographers,models,designers from across the globe .
Some economist viewed it as one of the key players in the economy industry in South Africa.
Last year unlike any other year since it’s establishment in 2015,everyone was provided a front row sit at their personal settings.
This was due to the COVID 19 pandemic which had played a major role for the postponment of the event .
Not everyone was allowed in the auditorium of the event for the first time only the camera crew and designers,make up artists and the models were in the arena. 

Those who were in the auditorium had to practice social distancing,wearing of masks and also to sanitize their hands.
Designers who had taken part in last year’s season were:SPCc,Quiteria,Throwaway,AM Creations,Imprint ,Neo Serati.

Previous ,fashion designers who had been viewed by the show’s audiences as residential designers  include :Tokyo James,Kidd Hunt,Thobby Cooper ,Laduma Maxhosa ,Craig Port and Arakani.
The SA Men’s Wear Week was co-founded by Ryan Beswisck.

Last year many followers of the event,had high  hopes that the show might go back to it’s normality where audiences will be able to mingle and network one another,under the same roof.

However COVID is still with us,and the many question to the lovers of the show, is the event going to commence on the 7th to the 9th.
The date which was scheduled for it to begin or a postponment announcement will be made .

Author :Tapiwa Rubaya

“The designs are widely inspired by the rich and diverse African culture”

When one is asked to list their ‘wants’ in life in terms of economy,foot wear will be in the list of many.
Did you know that majority of our foot wear in Africa is imported from away are continent. However it seems that won’t be for long,as young South African enteprenuers launched their unique foot wear label ‘ Mama Kea’.
Sicelo Mabuza along with his business partners,khulani Sikhosana and Siyanda Mhlahlo are also planning to empower young people in their community through their brand.
Sicelo Mabuza tells, us how their brand emerged in the business industry and also what has kept their business going through the COVID 19 pandemic.

TR: Thank you for your time,why did you thought of naming your brand Mama Kea?
SC:The brand name stems from the words ‘Mama’ meaning mother, and ‘Kea’ which means home where the heart, soul and spirit is.
“The brand represents the unconditional, undying motherly love, comfort and warmth given to us by nature”

TR: Your brand focuses mainly on hand woven shoes and hats .Why did you select such production?
SC:There was a gap in the footwear market in SA, the research proved that about 73% of all footwear are imported and 90% of them are from China.
On the other hand, our team had a rare ancient African skill of weaving shoes, and that brought about the business of woven shoes that are with innovative patterns. Our business was initially known for by our innovative shoes which later led to the business to diversify in order to have a cash-cow product that can support our star products. Nevertheless, it was also our customers’ request to have more products that can complement their lovely Mama Kea shoes and look more unique.

TR: What story does your production tell?
SC:The designs are widely inspired by the rich and diverse African culture, as well as nature, using nylon and rubber, and other synthetic material. In some of the designs, a set of Pan-African colours are incorporated.
These colours are red, green and black; which were founded by Marcus Garvey. We use art and design as a revolutionary and political instrument to inspire black initiative. Our designs are symbolic of African culture.
Another example, we use colours adopted from Khoisan and vegetation.

TR:The production team involves people of all generation ,what does it mean working hand in hand with your elders king and what lessons did you learnt from them?
SC:Mama Kea is an integration of the young and old, our team still consist of youth and elders.
The great thing with the Mama Kea team is that it consist of a long living experience of the weaving skill and business experience. The elders are the veterans on the shoes creation department while the youth uses their innovative creative juices to come up with new designs/products and have to manage the business.
The big lessons learnt working with different generations is that as the manager of the business you have to understand the fact that both generations do not reason the same. Their drive is also different, while the youth is still eager to grow their ideas and get their creativity to the world, the elders love and trust their craft while they are mainly motivated by the money to feed their families. Also, you learn to practice your patience, at some point the speed of production cannot be the same for both generations.

“We use art and design as a revolutionary and political instrument to inspire black initiative…”

TR:How has your community benefited from your brand?
SC:We have, by far, shown the world that we are capable of coming up with innovative products that represent us.
Our people are able to buy products that holds their identity and preserve their culture and skills.
Also, we have done a lot of collaborations with other brands in SA we have managed helping some , small business that are yet to be recognized. We have also trained more than 20 individuals to have the skills and other business related skills.
We are currently working on creating an academy that can allow us to transfer the skill from generations to generations. There are other young people with the crochet skills that we have taken under our wings in order to be part of the deduction team

.TR:Can you tell us about the Shandis Training Programme ?
SC:The Homegrown Shandis training program is an academic training program of shoe creation that we have been planning for the last 2 years.
Under Homegrown Shandis, there are multiple brands collaborated to create the platform that had allowed a lot of collaborative projects.
There are 2 brands that creates shoes (Mama Kea and Pex) under Homegrown Shandis. After a 2 years of planning a Mama Kea academy, we later realized that it would be feasible to make the program a Homegrown Shandis program and both brands will render their skills in training youth how to created and design shoes.
In SA, the footwear industry is recently booming and the skill of making shoes is quite rare.
Most brands are outsourcing the manufacturing outside the country or buy existing products in countries like China and rebrand them. Thus, it made sense for us to use the minimum resources and the skills to help youth with feasible skills to use them for employment of starting their own businesses.
The level of unemployment in SA had been increasing and recently (due to COVID-19) a lot of jobs had been lost. It looks like a right time to introduce a curriculum that will offer skills that can used to make a living with

.TR: Can the Mama kea’s shoes be worn in any season even during rain season ?
SC:Current shoes cannot be worn in rainy seasons, they are mainly designed for summer or spring seasons. Mama kea’s shoes can be worn with socks during the cold seasons, however cannot be worn on extreme cold days. The uniqueness about the Mama Kea shoes, the quick to dry when wet and are breathable.

TR:Who are your major clients, and your country is currently underlockdown and other African countries .How do you manage to reach your clients?
SC:Our target audience is mainly working class going to middle class. People who are between the ages of 20-50 years old. People who are most likely driving, who love to be exclusive and are outgoing.
Our products are appealing to tourists and to the international market. We have obtained a lot international customers through social media.
Now that we are underlockdown, our sales had dropped when it started, mainly cause it was level 5 and no one was outgoing.
When the lockdown was lifted, customers slowly came back because we never stopped with our marketing content, in fact we increased the quality and consistency of our marketing material and distribution of content.
Social media worked on our favour, we mainly made and still making most of our sales digitally.
A lot of sales are coming from Facebook followed by Instagram. Others are from our loyal customers who have been buying Mama Kea consistently

.TR:Currently what are you working on as a brand?
SC:We are currently working on new bespoke designs, we are also prototyping our new products that are fusing leather, suede and weaving.
Due to the lockdown we have lost our store (Homegrown Shandis) and now we working on projects that will allow us to open more stores in around South Africa. We are also completing our academic research framework in order to prototype our curriculum or formal training program

.TR:Lastly which fashion shows are you hoping to showcase your brand at if given chance ..
SC:London Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week

Follow their Facebook page:Mamakea creations

MISTER AFRICA INTERNATIONAL BOTSWANA ADVOCATES FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL

It’s count down to Mister Africa International 2021 and preparations are underway as all African are gearing up for the annual event. Botswana is among the countries taking part in the event and it’s prominently known for dominating International modelling platforms.This year their representative, Edison Diako, shares to us why his charity project is focused on accessing healthcare services for all.

Q: From runway to pageant, why did you think of taking part in this pageant?
A: It was always bound to happen. Our industry, especially in Botswana, is so much at infancy that we often see models juggling between runway and pageantry. Mr Africa International holds a possibility to propel my career in many unfathomable ways. It will also amplify my voice as a human right advocate. I also truly believe I possess the qualities to wear this crown.

Q:What will it mean to you and the Botswana’s modelling industry if you get coronated as the winner?
A: The ongoing covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted our economy as a country, in particular the imaginative art industries. As a country, Botswana possesses magical raw talent, and our strength is unity. A win for one is a win for all. This much was truth when Kaone Kario won Nokia Face of Africa, and when Emma Wareus placed as first princess at Miss World. Winning Mr Africa International title will shine the spotlight on our creative space, ultimately expanding our talent hub. We deserve world recognition, not only for our diamonds but a testament of the many more other diamonds we continue to unearth in the country. Winning Mister Africa affords a chance to advance Brand Botswana and sell it to other African states.

Q:Judging by looking at other candidates, what’s your take on them ?
A:I am terrified out of my wits. The crown belongs to any of those gentlemen. Whose it going to be? We are all working hard to be that one ambassador who will champion Mr Africa International projects for the next year. We are massively gifted and uniquely abled. Each one of us possess a great quality that will substantially benefit Africa. It’d be a great mistake to underestimate the work these gents are putting behind the scenes. I can’t wait to battle it out, I’m really looking forward to coronation night.

Q:What Charity programme have you covered as Mister Africa International Botswana?
A: Our project is called: ‘Building a kingdom, during the HIV & Covid-19 pandemics. It seeks to address emerging issues surfacing during health during the ongoing health crisis. We aim to remove legal and human rights related barriers hindering people from accessing healthcare services particularly in Ngamiland. We also use community based monitoring systems to hold the health management teams accountable and deliver on agreed specifics. This is achieved through education awareness, community outreaches, legal literacy and consultative stakeholder engagements. We are hopeful, that we will be able to immensely contribute towards the reshaping of HIV & covid-19 landscape in Botswana and the entire African continent.

Q:What else have you been up to ?
A:Other than that project, we have been trying to get in shape. We are sharpening our runway etiquettes and trying to get sponsors on board as we hastily approach ahead Mister Africa International stage. There’s so much to do in very little time. Mental health is such an integral part of any preparation and we are just building up the right mindset going into the competition.

Q:Besides winning what are you hoping to gain from the pageant?
A: I hope to gain a great wealth of wisdom from interacting with those gentlemen. These are figures that come from diverse cultures, backgrounds with amazing experiences and different thought processes. I know I’ll have gained a family, one truly that is vested on advancing our creative spaces, for us, today, and for future generations to come.

Q:What are you hoping to see in Ivory Coast when given time to tour the country?
A:I want to see the people, the culture, the food, the resilence and how and what the people make of themselves. As an advocate you never really separate yourself from communities. You truly want to belong and be a better of. Listen to people’s complaints and respond accordingly. I mean if there’s anything you can do to advance the lives of the people, then why not do it?

Q: In your modelling pageant Industry career, which pageants have you participated in?
A: I haven’t really done much last year because of the ongoing crisis. However, I have catwalked the
Mascom Fashion Derby stage, Fashion Without Borders and Mpumalanga Fashion Show in South Africa to name but a few. Now, we are headed towards the big stage.

Rubaya TapiwaThe term ‘Salem’ is an Arabic greeting often used by Muslims across the world.
Salem means peace , Ghananian fashion brand Bushai Weave released it’s look book S/S 21 collection this month and titled it ,’Salem Collection’.
The collection is dedicated to the modern Muslim men who are looking forward into looking fashionable.
“I dedicated this collection to my Muslim brotherhood I am a Muslim and proud Zongo boy.
“I named it ‘Salem’ ,because one can’t wear this outfit without peace of mind fabrics,”said Shaibu Abdullahi
The designs of the collection are created from ,fabrics imported from Togo ,the design goes along with three pieces .In addition it has the dress called Jeilbad .
The collection is an odd to modern ,Muslim Men.
The brand showcased the collection last year during the Global Style Icon Awards ,where it was also nominated under,’Best Male Fashion Brand of The Year Category’.
When commenting on the Covid’s impact in the fashion industry the Bushai Weave said the virus has affected the health also of the fashion industry .
“The COVID 19-pandemic has had a colossal effect on almost every industry and so it follows that the fashion industry has also been experiencing the effects of a global health crisis,”he said. Shaibu Abdullahi .

By Rubaya Tapiwa
Prominent model Shadel Noble adapts a new name for himself DJ Shadez.Some believe the King of Runway is turning out to be the Big of Podcast.

“It has been an idea and desire to have my own podcast as it has been something I had on my bucket list so during lockdown ,it seemed an ideal time to give it a try. From it being just a hobby, it’s intriguing how people are taking an interest & my listeners are growing,”said DJ Shadez.

As this will assist him to develop and nurture his podcasting skills.

“To tell you the truth I’m not really sure as I have only just started my podcast but I welcome any offers as it’ll help me better my skills as a podcaster/dj ,”he said .

Author:Tapiwa Rubaya

“If you passionate about what you do ,then you will never work a day in your life…”Dapper Luq.

Dapper Luq is a fashion brand founded by an American designer Luqman Haskett.
His brand recently showcased it’s collection during last year’s Global Fashion Style Awards which were held in Ghana.
We interact with Luqman about the Brand’s focus within the African Continent’s, the connection between the Dapper Luq brand.
Also Luqman provides some details on how he the COVID 19 pandemic has affected his brand and his method of recovery.

TR:Luqman Haskett thank you for giving us an opportunity to interact with you?
LK:Thank you for reaching out. I am always excited to share my story.

TR:Can you describe to us the man behind the brand,Dapper Luq fashion brand?
LK:Overall I am a lifetime lover of fashion and style. In 2014 I first introduced Dapper Luq the fashion blogger.
In 2015 I began modeling and traveling;In 2017 I became a stylist;then in 2019 I became a designer and launched my first collection in Feb 2020.

TR:Luqman your brand is unisex,it’s rare for one to have a unisex brand which focus on suits for both ladies and gentlemen, what inspired you to follow the unisex part?
LK:Since my days as a stylist I have always loved to style and dress women. When I introduced my collection I wanted to ensure I provided unique suits for both men and women.
I want to provide clean looks with colors ,you don’t always see in stores.

TR:Last year you,showcased part of your suit collections at the Global Style Fashion Awards in Africa,in a summary what is the story behind the collection you presented?
LK:I showcased my fall/winter 2020 collection at the Global Style Fashion Awards. This collection was inspired by the many shades of fall. All the suits are well fitting and feature tans, browns and oranges that are commonly seen during the fall.

TR:How do you manage to make sure that the collections that you exhibit they have a connection with Africa/the African story?
LK:When I think Africa I always picture amazing patterns and each pattern having a story. I didn’t want to try to copy the patterns that are in African Fashion.
Instead I wanted to bring colors and suits that compliment our skin tone and look amazing on the beautiful models I always see in African Fashion Shows.

TR:As an advise to someone who wants to buy a suit for the first time,what features should they look at in a suit before they purchase it?
LK:When I am looking for a suit I look at the fabric and the fit of the suit. Unlike a lot of fashion suits are not about name brands. Instead its all about the quality of the fabric and the fit of the suit.

TR:You reside in USA and it is one of the countries in the world,that has been the mostly hit by the COVID 19 virus. How has it personally affected your brand especially market wise?
LK:I launched the Dapper Luq Collection Feb 2020 in Algeria. My goal after that launch was to feature the collection in 4 other African countries.
Unfortunately, COVID hit in March and all my planned trips were cancelled. When I returned home in March, my goal was to use all the resources I had to continue to promote my brand.
Social Media has been great for helping me remain relevant with the pandemic and many places locked down. At the end of 2020 I was able to travel to Tanzania and Ghana to feature my latest collection.
Overall, the pandemic has required me to think differently about my brand, but it has not stopped my growth.

TR:Speaking about market,to someone who is based in Africa how do they purchase your designs?
LK:In 2021 I will be updating my website and having many of my items available on there. The website is http://www.dapperluq.com.

LK:Luqman besides being a fashion designer ,you also used to be in radio broadcasting and you host the show ‘Dapper Hour’,can you share more light to us about the show?
LK:As I stated earlier, I love all things fashion.
My radio show and even my YouTube are ways I am able to share my perspective on fashion with the world. I want to be seen as a subject matter expert when it comes to fashion, so I’m always looking for ways to do that.

TR:What’s next for your brand in 2021?
LK:In 2021, I will be updating my showroom in the United States. I plan on launching 2 new collections and featuring it in 4 international shows.
Hopefully each quarter in 2021 will have a show. Finally, I am looking to release a book on men’s style.

TR:As we wrap up the interview besides Ghana which other African countries are you hoping to tour?
LK:In 2021 I am hoping to travel to South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Seychelles.

TR:I am looking forward,one day to see you in Zimbabwe so I can get one exclusive suit,made by Dapper Luq.
LK:Yes definitely, keep my posted on any upcoming fashion events there. Thank you so much for considering me for this interview.
~Dapper Luq

WHO IS LUQMAN HASKETT
Luqman is an online radio personality with his show “The Dapper Hour”. The guests of the discuss about upcoming fashion events and men’s wear.
In 2018 Luqman started the Dapper Luq YouTube Channel to give fans the opportunity to travel with him to numerous fashion events.
He has hosted several workshops on dressing professionally to both young men and adults.
Luqman is a true believer that the ultimate goal in life should be to find what you are passionate about and find a way to make a living doing it .
In 2019 Luqman officially launched his custom suit line Dapper Luq Collection.
Haskett is a native of Baltimore,Maryland and a lifetime lover of fashion .In 2014 after two consecutive military deployments he decided to share his passion for men’s fashion with the World.
Dapper has appeared in runways in New York , Washington DC, Virginia and North Carolina.

Tapiwa Rubaya

For the first time the best male model in the Continent will be coronated as Mister Continental Africa later this year . 
During a continental pageant,which will see African male models coming together under one roof.
Among the candidates of the title,is South African model, Zwelethu Tekete.
 The 22 year old model,is currently the reigning Mister Tshwane and a 3 level student,at Tshwane University of Technology studying Public Management . 
Zwelethu is original from Eastern Cape but currently he is based is Tshwane (Pretoria).Zwelethu described ,the pageant Mister Continental Africa as an opportunity given to make models to shine and also as a platform that seeks to bring unity in the Continent. He however said,the competition won’t be easy as all candidates are fore-runners of the pageant .

 “I have seen pictures of other models even though modelling is not only about how handsome or how well physiqued you are ,it’s all about what kind of a model you are on and off stage ,I’ve seen a lot of models who people thought they were good looking than others losing.

 “This competition won’t be any easy competition for all candidates,” he said.


 He further described the continent’s modelling industry as competitive,however facing the challenge of funding sponsorship .Zwelethu is currently holding two titles,1st runner up for Mister TUT (2019-2020) and Mister Tshwane Region .
Rubaya Tapiwa