adminTafadzwa Zimoyo Arts Reporter
Newly crowned queen Miss Zimbabwe- UK, Cecilia Kudakwashe Kupera said she is still the same ghetto girl and her vision is to see the emancipation of the girl child. The 19-year-old journalist was crowned Miss Zimbabwe-UK 2015 at The Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicester beating nine other contestants.
She runs a magazine called Effuse which targets young people and their lifestyle. Kupera, who was in the country for a two-day personal visit, said she is awed by her success in modelling, attributing it to God and her parents. In an interview, Kupera said she grew up in Glen Norah where her grandparents and aunts live.
“I am still the same girl you know or have heard about — from the ghetto. Many thought since I am now the queen, I am going to change but this is not the first crown I have ever worn on my head. I still have the same friends both in UK and Zimbabwe. I started modelling at a tender age, when I moved to the UK in 2010. I was crowned First Princess Miss Diaspora and Second Princess for Miss Diversity UK, among others. I give thanks to God for he is my first guide,” she said.
The model said it takes great determination to achieve what you want to be in life.
“Can you imagine I was the shortest model of them all and the youngest? I believe the sky is the limit for any dream. I started my magazine because I saw the need to give the young a platform to shine. Growing up was difficult and it still is difficult to have exposure but my biggest dream is for the girl child to live and rule the world with their intelligent and creative minds. I have done interviews with many reputable role models of the young generation,” she said.
She said at first her parents were not supportive of her decision to enter the modelling industry because of stories they read or hear.
“I don’t blame them, because every parent wants the best for their kids, so modelling sometimes is a career that some view as an alternative for those who are not gifted in academics.
“I have since proved them wrong and shown them that modelling, if taken seriously, can be just like any other career. I have heard a lot about the sector in Zimbabwe, some have even advised me to take part but I am still to consider that. There is a lot of untamed talent and beauty in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Online Reporter