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 

Rubaya Tapiwa 
MEET MISTER TEEN NIGERIA ADEKUNLE ADEWALE 

Aspiring in becoming,the title holder of Mr Teen World and Mister Ideal Nigeria are part of Adekunle Adewale R. Oluwadamilare, the reigning Mister Teen Nigeria. In an interview with the reigning Nigerian Teen,he reveals some of the major plans that young Nigerians are facing and also we get to know more about his social life.

TR:Can you kindly tell us briefly about your biography AA:I’m Adekunle Adewale R. Oluwadamilare (18), 3 law student of Lead City university Ibadan, I write poems, I have quite the obsession with ‘every’ form of art and I believe strongly in equality of every form.

TR:Why did you embarked in the modelling industry and what inspired your journey ?

AA: One of the reasons I decided to explore this path is because I have a lot to prove. That you don’t have to be in a single box (being a law student and a model) and also to tell stories through pictures like fashion, nonconformity, mental health etc. I have them mapped out in my head and written in my notes, which I really hope on doing much of that this year. I do have the love for runways because they have,’ this feel to them’, but they’re just not my target not only because I don’t have the height, lol.

TR:You are the reigning Mister Teen Nigeria,what does it mean being Mister Teen Nigeria ?

AA:  Being Mr Teen primarily means being a role model for teenagers and an ambassador for social issues, and I’m quite grateful for the title. Teenagers do not get so much attention, but with this title I really did get attention for my passion also you get to reach out to the minorities of the society in your little way.

TR:As Mister Teen Nigeria.,what have you done to improve your community?AA: I went on a few food drive,  due to observing covid19 rules and lack of free time due to the rigorous schedule with school but this year I’m hoping on doing more, and also more of public speaking and like I’ve been saying, Inspiring more people through the artistic projects I might be putting out if I get them done.

TR:As a young person who is based,in Nigeria,what are your major challenges are you facing?

AA:The main challenge being a young person in Nigeria is lack of inclusion. Young people are largely overlooked most of the time. Also there’s the factor of police brutality/ harassment, profiling bullying and most times discrimination amongst peers. 

TR:If given a chance to take part in a runway fashion show,which designer would you like to work with and why?AA:Sounds impossible but well nothing is impossible, lol (laughing out loud)! I don’t know if you mean international or National!?. But if international I think Versace really makes some eye catching fashion outfits as we’ve seen on runways in the past.’ Mai Atafo’  makes very cool designs too but really any designer that makes high fashion outfits because that huge ‘runway fashion show’ I’ll definitely want to make a statement. Lol!    

 
TR:What is your favorite type of music and your current Favourite genre?

AA:I like to believe I have multiple personalities, so there’s different favorite genre for each personalities. I do love a slow music generally so I can take the lyrics in and enjoy the music but sometimes I enjoy pop or electric music as they’re all I want and all I need to lighten up my mood. 

TR:Which other pageants are you hoping to take part in future ?AA:Well I’m hoping to participate in Mister Teen World this year let’s hope that goes well but in later years I’d love to contest for Mr Ideal Nigeria. That’s ambitious but yes! lol!  
TR:Lastly what are advise can you provide to other Teen models ?AA: Really the advice I think everyone deserves is to be themselves everytime. When you learn to love yourself you have the ability to explore many talents you have and you see the world in a different light. Be yourself and love yourself. There will be obstacles but you’re all you need to overcome them.

Rubaya Tapiwa 

Rubaya Tapiwa

Just like father and son,Basil Sabau (7) aims to take over the fashion and modelling industry at a young age . The son of a Zimbabwean photographer,Stan Sabau began his journey as a model when he featured in front of a camera when he was 8 months old. In an interview with Stan, he informed that when he discovered the talent within his son he made it his piority that he gets him registered and nurtured in a modelling agency .
“When i discovered that he likes to pose in front of the camera that’s when I decided for him to join the modelling agency.
“Currently he is signed under Zimbabwe Image Consultant formally ZimGossip heard by Mercy Mushaninga.

Stan further added that the confidence  and talent that his son has,led to the family to support him.Especially Basil’s mother,who is his number fan. Basil is currently one of the few young,Zimbabwean models who are flying the country’s modelling flag in high standards.He recently won ‘Best Young Male Model’ award,during the Zimbabwe Models Awards. His father Stan Sabau described it as one  the greatest achievements,that their son as a family has made since he embarked in his modelling career. Stan further saluted the judges for recognizing his son’s deeds in the modelling sector.

‘Him (Basil Sabau) winning Best Male Child Model is the best achievement ,especially at his tender age.”I am thankful to the Zimbabwe Models Awards Judges for that. To us as his parents it mean a lot to us, we will support him all the way,”he said 

Basil is currently working with an exclusive international company,JET Zimbabwe.Also his father Stan Sabau who is planning to launch a photo studio in South Africa,is also going to use that as a platform to introduce his son to the Southern country’s modelling sector

“To our local fans and the supporters of the ASFAs,we do apologise for any inconveniences this may cause,but you can be sure to experience the ASFAs like never before come 2021,”he said.