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Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Organisers of the Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe have said they never anticipated that their pageant would grow to be rated amongst the best in the country. As preparations for the grand finale that will be held on Saturday at the Harare International Conference Centre intensifies, Bofoz marketing director Tatenda Mutseyekwa said they were overwhelmed by the success they had garnered so far.
The voting platforms have since been closed with organisers compiling the votes that will contribute to the judges’ marks on the night of the pageant
“Bofoz started off as an experimental marketing tool for our brand as we were looking for a face that would feature next to Halle Berry and the like.
“We never intended it to be this big beauty pageant that it has come to be,” said Mutseyekwa.
He said they were flattered by the response from beauties with substance who have become synonymous with the pageant since its inception.
Sixteen finalists drawn from different parts of the country will compete to be selected as the face of the cosmetics brand.
The red carpet event is expected to host the who-is-who’s in business and local pageantry while the cream of the entertainment industry Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu, Cynthia Mare, Soul Jah Love and Shinsoman will perform for guests.
The contestants will tonight meet the judges for the first time at a cocktail dinner that is being held in Harare.
The judges will include Edith Chari, a former general manager with departmental store Barbours; Blessing Diza, a local attorney; Shingi Mutambanengwe from ZBC, radio personality Mis Red and Tanaka Dengwe from Black Opal Zimbabwe.
“We have a silent judge who was monitoring the contestants throughout their activities.
“This is because we are looking for an ambassador who will represent the brand in different stores around the country.
“So we want a person who is professional, can walk and communicate well about our products,” he said.
“The silent judge has been monitoring the small things like punctuality and also the progress from the crash courses on modelling and product training.”
Saturday’s show will also see a fashion showcase as the contestants as well as officials will be dressed by local retail Chick Street.
Mutseyekwa said that the pageant was also going to be a rare celebration of the beauty of the country.
Tendai Farai won the pageant last year.
Online Reporter