Face of Zim crowned

Newly-crowned Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe Tendai Farai

Yeukai Karengezeka Arts correspondent
Tendai Farai was on Saturday night crowned Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe at a colourful ceremony held at Reps Theatre.
The 33-year–old designer bagged the top prize ahead of 15 other models that were vying for the title.
The first princess was Sandra Gonah (18) while 28-year-old Tamara Musakwathe was second princess.
The Miss Personality title was awarded to Shupikai Kembo. The newly crowned queen could not hide her joy and believes she is a capable ambassador of the brand.

“I am very happy. I was confident I would win even though this is my first time to participate in a pageant. I studied the Black Opal brand thoroughly and I will do my best to market the brand locally and internationally as its new ambassador,” she said.

Farai received a cash prize of US$8 000 and the first runner-up got US$4 000 while the second runner-up walked away with US$2 000.
Last year’s queen Betty Moyo, on the night donated US$1 000 to a charity organisation called Girls R Us, as a way to give back to the community.

Black Opal Zimbabwe marketing director, Tatenda Mutseyekwa, said they are grateful that the event was a success.
“We were overwhelmed by the turn out and this time the event was bigger and better. Our main aim is to empower women and help them live their dreams and we believe beauty also comes with brains.

“We are looking for more partnerships for this initiative to grow and we are also going to make a follow up to see if the models are truly accomplishing their dreams,” he said.

Musicians Jah Prayzah, Sniper Storm and Ba Shupi thrilled fans with their performances. Sniper entertained the audience with songs such as “Godo”, “One Room”, “Love yemusoja” and “Musikana Ndomuda” while Ba Shupi played “Godo”and “20-in-One-Track” among others.

Contemporary reggae musician Jah Prayzah was the last act and his performance of songs off his latest album “Kumbura Mhute” received a mild reception.

He sang songs “Kumaricho” and “Rudo” but the audience remained seated until he switched to his popular songs like “Tsviriyo”, “Mwanasikana” and “Gochi Gochi” that sent the crowd to the dance floor.