Chronicle Editor
Showbiz Writer
Zimbabwe is preparing to host its regional edition of Miss Teen of the Universe with an official launch of the pageant set to take place in Bulawayo on Saturday.
The launch, which will be in the form of a cocktail party at Deluxe Villa and Conference, will bring together industry greats from beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Among the guests will be South Africa’s Rami Chuene, a singer and actress, as well as Mutale Mwanza, affectionately known by her fans as the “Queen of Zambian Entertainment.”
The pair will be joined by popular news anchor and television presenter Nyasha Mtamangira, who will steer proceedings as host, while entertainment will be offered by Gehena hit-maker Kae Chaps, with special guest appearances from Kelvin ApplePapi, Tariro Gezi and Kuda the Choreographer.
Aphia Nyasha Musavengana, the patron of the pageant, outlined the gist of the modelling competition.”Miss Teen of the Universe is an international pageant and this one that is being launched in Zimbabwe is a first for the country. We’re looking at teenagers that are going to be showcasing and contesting against each other in terms of culture, heritage and tourism.
“So, what we’re mainly looking at is a representative who will showcase our culture, tourism and the beauty of Zimbabwe on an international platform. This includes highlighting the beauty of being a girl child in Zimbabwe, addressing the challenges they face and the opportunities available to them, especially concerning the Sustainable Development Goals.
“What we’re aiming at goes with our theme this year, which is promoting culture and heritage to achieve gender equality towards Vision 2030. Through this contest, we aim to see the girls being empowered,” she said. Auditions for the pageant, affiliated with the international Miss Teen of the Universe founded in India by pageant director, Sourav Anand, are already being conducted online ahead of the national finale next month. Models are expected to check in for boot camp on July 31 with preliminaries set to take place on August 2.
The contest, distinct from Miss Teen Universe Zimbabwe, is set to take place at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre Hall 2 in Bulawayo on August 3. The teen who will be crowned will go on to represent the country at the international contest taking place in India in September.
Unlike traditional contests, Musavengana said the focus is not on winning but on personal growth and development.
“The event seeks to target all teenagers, encouraging them to participate and acquire skills to build their lives and sustain themselves.”
While initially focused on empowering girls, She acknowledged the importance of including boys and plans to introduce a Mr Teen of the Universe component to address the gender gap. Event organisers of the international contest said they are expecting to attract contestants from over 30 countries.
“The search is on for the brightest young star who embodies grace, intelligence and charm! With participation from over 30 countries, this year’s competition promises to be more exciting and inspiring than ever,” they wrote on their social media accounts.
They said Miss Teen of the Universe 2024 will be hosted in India from September 27 to October 2, where teens from around the globe will compete for the coveted crown. Given the hype around the event, pageant lovers should expect top-tier pomp and fanfare in what is set to be a game-changer in the local modelling scene.
Online Reporter