Overseas models outshine locals

Standard People
BY SIMBARASHE MANHANGO It seems that several Zimbabwean models based overseas are out to prove a point and have lately been doing far much better than our locals by showcasing Zimbabwe’s beauty on a global scale.

United Kingdom-based model Nyasha Matonhodze (16) keeps raising the Zimbabwean flag high internationally and she was recently named one of the top 10 models in the world to look out for.

With just one year into modelling, Gumisai Makombe (20) was crowned Miss African Spirit in the United Kingdom.

Elizabeth Chitseko (20) is the reigning Miss Zimbabwe USA 2011 after claiming the title at the recently held ZimExpo in the United States.

Zambian-born, Zimbabwean-bred Kaya Chipungu is not only basking in the glory of several notable achievements, including being named Miss Intercultural 2010, Miss Photogenic 2010, Miss Congeniality 2010 and also being the first runner-up for Miss Zimbabwe USA 2010, but has gone further.

Apart from modelling, Kaya is a professional jewellery consultant, make-up artist and is also involved in a number of philanthropic projects and currently a volunteer for the United Nations and an Ambassador for Flame of Ambition which was founded to promote the education of children in Africa; a typical model of a beauty with brains.

Also showing evidence of possessing beauty and brains is Australian-based Renny Chivhunga who is a professional engineer. She holds titles like Miss Best Body from the Miss Bikini Universe and Miss Ocean pageants.

The list is endless, but, contrary to this display, the crop of models we have been producing in Zimbabwe over the last decade has been a cause for concern.

Soon after their reign ends, most of the models have just disappeared, leaving without a trace.

Lorraine Maphala is no longer modelling while Samantha Tshuma has not made her future in the industry clear after recently handing over her crown.Cynthia Muvirimi has resumed her work as a nurse in the United Kingdom with no news on Caroline Marufu who was a teacher prior to winning the Miss Zim pageant in 2006.

What exactly is wrong, is it our models or the industry?

Model groomer, Sarah Mpofu, of Fingers Academy pointed out lack of professionalism as one of the factors affecting local models in Zimbabwe and the industry as a whole.

“Some of the models we have haven’t realised yet how modelling as a career can be used to open other new avenues in life,” said Mpofu.

“Basically, modelling hasn’t really been an industry as much as it is in other countries, for instance South Africa.

“While modelling in this country has been slowly picking up, I still feel that there is more that needs to be done such that we end up competing with other countries.”

Teurai Chanakira, one of Zimbabwe’s models based in the United Kingdom said there were still few things that our local models needed to learn so as to progress in this industry.

“Models need to realise that being a model involves more than just having a pretty face, it is a business and can open many avenues when approached with the right attitude.

“This industry needs one to be creative and have a mind that is business oriented. Such attributes lack in local models,” said Chanakira.

She also added that lack of education on some of the ways through which models can expose themselves was one factor heavily attributing to local models’ failure.

“There are so many networking opportunities for models and other creative artists, such as musicians, actors and designers to network without blowing their budgets.”

“The power of the Internet has been underestimated but my modelling and writing careers were launched from online social networking with people in the industry.

“There is also need for most models to enter genuine competitions which will expose them to an international platform.”