admin
Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
BULAWAYO’S 18-year-old beauty, Sandra Gonah shone on Saturday night when she was crowned Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe first princess at a glittering pageant held at the Reps Theatre in Harare.Tendai Farai was crowned queen of the cosmetic range, while Tamary Musakwa was crowned second princess. For winning, Farai automatically becomes the Black Opal local brand ambassador for the year with a prize money of $8,000. Gonah will receive $4,000 while Musakwa will get $2,000 as part of their prizes.
Gonah, who was motivated and mentored by her elder sister Michelle, who is the former Face of Zimbabwe (G-Tide), shrugged off stiff competition from 14 other contestants.
An excited Gonah said she was proud to have made it to the competition’s top three.
“I am so happy with myself for having come this far, being crowned first princess. This has indeed boosted my self-confidence,” she said.
The former Dominican Convent pupil said she drew inspiration from the three ladies in her life, her mother and sisters Leocardia and Michelle who always support her.
“The three ladies in my life inspire me as they are always there for me, to support me and guide me. My mother is actually the one who encouraged me to enter the Black Opal competition and I am grateful,” she said.
Asked about what the future held for her, Gonah said she wanted to pursue a career in tourism.
“I am a friendly, outgoing and interactive young lady who works well with others. I am very passionate about the tourism industry; hence I would like to study Tourism and Hospitality Management very soon. I believe there are many opportunities in that field,” Gonah said.
In true Zimbabwe pageantry, the Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe event saw long, winding performances from top artistes, Jah Prayzah, Ba’Shupi and Sniper. They all had over 30 minute slots, something which made it seem like people were at a concert, not a pageant.
Though the artistes gave top drawer performances, some people in the audience could be seen sleeping as they waited impatiently for the results.
The night almost belonged to Jah Prayzah who was a hit among the crowd, but urban groover Alexio ‘Goodchild’ Gwenzi decided to steal the show by doing the unexpected. He was not part of the programme but he rocked up on stage at the end of the show and decided to do a Hollywood move of asking for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage on stage.
Goodchild called one of the Face of Zimbabwe finalists, Adeva Machiso — who is also a ZBC presenter on stage. He narrated how he loved her and Machiso looked amazed. The crowd stared at Goodchild in amazement thinking he was joking and trying to introduce his act, not knowing his act was to propose to Machiso on stage. She could not help but open her mouth in shock and cry as she gave her hand to Goodchild.
Asked why he had proposed to Machiso on stage, the Iwe Fadzai hitmaker said it was every man’s dream to have a romantic proposal.
“It is every man’s dream to have a romantic proposal which a girl will always remember so I thought about what I could do. Proposing on stage is what I found fit for my girl,” he said.
He added that the two would hopefully tie the knot in December.
“If all goes according to plan, we will likely get married in December, if not then maybe in April next year,” said the artiste.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo