XO Models (XOM), a new modelling agency launched by Xcutive Orders Management Group, has brought in a new dimension to the country’s modelling industry.
By Style Reporter
Founder and CEO of Xcutive Orders Management Group Kevin Razemba said he came up with XOM as a way of taking a new approach to model management in a country where the modelling business was a preserve of a few, mainly women.
“l started this firm to build a new and better industry, where everyone is rewarded for their God-given talents,” he said.
“We are trying to bring all aspects of entertainment under one roof. We are creating an environment where talents meet business. At Xcutive Orders Management Group, we have different divisions and the main one is XOM.
“We are trying to rebrand and reimage the modelling sector as there are too many cases of mediocre management, model abuse and models not being paid.”
Razemba said their aim was to bring inclusivity in the modelling industry.
“Our aim is to remove those stereotypes on models and show that anyone can be a model because at XOM, we value character and personality more than looks,” he said.
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“At XOM we are using modelling as a tool for awareness of social problems as we take part in awareness campaigns on diseases such as HIV and Aids, cancer as well as TB.
“In terms of modelling, we have different contracts that give the model more control, ownership and equity. We have partnered up with two photographers, namely Afrotography.pictures based in Harare and Arika Mani which is based in Bulawayo.”
Razemba described modelling as broad, hence their idea of forming collaborations.
“We have partnered with Ethiniq Inc Clothing and South Africa-based clothing brand Koolkidskorruption. So in short, XOM is a creative hub for all upcoming creatives,” he said.
With 20 full-time models and 15 freelance models, XOM believes a number of models under its stable will take part in competitions, including top pageants like Miss World Zimbabwe and Miss Tourism Zimbabwe.
“Most of our models will start contests next year because we are grooming them. We are mainly targeting those ordinary girls with great personalities whom we will try to turn into commercial models,” he said.
Razemba, however, said there were a few models under their stable who had participated in pageants, singling out Gamuchirai Grace Chigwada who was a finalist at this year’s Miss University of Zimbabwe and would take part at the Miss Africa pageant in December.
