Online Reporter
Nodumo Moyo, [email protected]
Bulawayo emerging talent will take centre stage on August 22, when AMA2K for Economic Development (ED) hosts the inaugural Face of AMA2K BYO Edition.
The event aims to give young models and creatives a platform to showcase their talent, challenge conventional beauty standards and develop their potential as future leaders.
The inaugural edition will feature 14 contestants, comprising eight females and six males, who made it through the auditions.
Contestants will be assessed on qualities including discipline, confidence, charisma, creativity and their outlook on the future, rather than physical appearance alone.
The event will also feature performances by Keezy AM, DJ Dosto, DJ Flexxer, Mannkind Official, Nigga Tizzy, Kaemimi, Naledi Crycen, DJ MA22, DJ Saprie_Wothigaa and Dr Nice ZW. Organisers have also promised a surprise performance.
Led by Prince Bismarck, popularly known as Cde Belteshazzar, the initiative is the first Face of AMA2K event to be held in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe, with organisers hoping to expand it to other parts of the country.
The initiative operates under the tagline “Reflection of the Brighter Future” and seeks to give Generation Z a voice while creating opportunities for young people whose talents may be overlooked because of conventional beauty standards.
Bismarck said Face of AMA2K was created to challenge stereotypes surrounding beauty, body type and modelling.
“To us, this pageant means showing who we are, where we are going, and who we are becoming, despite what society has assumed about our generation.
“There are strong stereotypes around beauty, body type, and what a ‘model’ should look like. Because of this, many talented young people never get a chance,” he said.
Bismarck said the initiative goes beyond modelling, with a focus on helping young people become creators, entrepreneurs and business owners.
“We want to expose the young talent to industries of their choice on their own terms. Instead of models only being the ‘face’ of products, we want them to become the creators of products and the owners of services,” he said.
The event is expected to provide a networking platform for young creatives, businesspeople and other stakeholders.
Organisers of the event are inviting members of the business community, political leaders and Government ministers as they seek to connect young talent with opportunities beyond the competition.
