City models off to Hollywood

Bruce Ndlovu
TWO Bulawayo models are set to rub shoulders with some of the best in the business from around the globe when they take part in modelling section of the World Championships of Performing Arts (WPOPA) next month.

The pair of Shadel Noble (ABOVE) and Tatenda Manungo, both products of the citya��s esteemed Fingers Modelling Agency, are set to join other top models from around the world in the contest which will take place at Terrace Theatre and Seaside Ballroom in Hollywood from 8 June to 16 June.

WCOPA, sometimes referred to as the a�?Olympics of the Performing Artsa�?, sees competitors of every age judged in acting, singing, dancing, modelling, instrumentalists, and variety of other categories.

Founded by Griff Oa��Neil in 1996, The World Championships has sought out and found the next World Stars from over 70 000 applicants and 47 countries in its decade-long competition, which culminates in an annual televised final awards show, in Hollywood.

Participants are grouped by age into juniors and seniors, and then a winner is selected in each performance category, for both juniors and seniors, over a week-long elimination process. Industry heavy-weights, talent agents, record execs and television producers judge the talent to determine who moves onto the finals.

Once at the finals, a champion is selected by 16 celebrity judges from among the top three to four performers in each category and both age groups. Of the eight category winners, a junior and senior Grand Champion Performer of the World is selected and awarded.

Shadel will represent the country in the 18 to 24 year old category while the 16 year old Manungo will stand in the 16 to 17 year category. This will be the first time that Zimbabwe will be sending contestants to the global showpiece event.

The duoa��s manager Nokuthaba Sibanda said that the two were looking forward to their once in a lifetime adventure in Hollywood.

a�?Ita��s a rare opportunity and they are both accepting it with both hands. Ita��s a chance for them to broaden their horizons as models while also doing their country proud,a�? she said.

Sibanda added that the only thing standing in the way of the duo was the modeling industrya��s age old headache of securing adequate funding.

a�?We were told that they have to foot their own bill so we have to raise $5 000 dollars in the next few weeks. While we are looking for funding however, they will be preparing for the finals,a�? she said.

Shadel, a product of Fingers Modeling Agency who was introduced to the trade by his aunt, is a self confessed ramp addict, something that might stand him in good stead while in Hollywood.

a�?Well I love the ramp. I would walk on the ramp for hours whenever it was my turn to walk on it at modeling school and I would take time to really enjoy myself,a�? he said in an interview.