Face of Zim beckons ◆ Romain Virgo to grace show ◆ One contestant disqualified

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Arts Reporter
ELEVEN models will contest in Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe pageant set for Glamis Arena on September 17 on a night that will see Jamaica’s Romain Virgo headlining the entertainment line-up.

Initially 12 models had been selected for the final, but one contestant, Tendai Suruma, was disqualified after she did not show up for the boot-camp.

Suruma is said to have called the organisers on the last minute announcing she would not make it for the boot-camp without giving reasons.

The two day boot-camp was held at Tree of Life , Harare where courses such as team building, grooming and deportment, leadership and communication skills, physical and how to walk among others.

In an interview Bofoz spokesperson Tanaka Ngorora said the disqualification was procedural.

“We had to disqualify her because she did not participate in the bootcamp course which had several elements such as grooming and deportment, character building and how to walk among others.

“We had already paid for her bookings and we had to drop her from the whole pageant. She did not give a valid reason,” he said.

“Each month we have a selection of girls who are voted for through our website.

“So the final contestants were named after a thorough selection by our team and vote counting.”

The selected 11 will vie for the coveted title with one winner walking away with $ 8000 prize money.

“We are going to host a judging dinner three days before the show, where the finalists will meet. The dinner will contribute 50 percent of the pageant marks.

“We are still talking to Black Opal USA team who we believe, if all goes well, will grace the occasion.”

The competition is meant to identify a brand ambassador for Black Opal in Zimbabwe and is running under the theme ‘Define Your Beauty’. Last year, Cynthia Mafumhe won the contest.

Ngorora said the show will start at 7pm and will be short to cater for the entertainment segment. Besides Jamaica’s Virgo, this year’s entertainers include Jah Prayzah, Soul Jah Love, Freeman and Judgement Yard among others.