Law student crowned Miss Curvy

Brenda Phiri Arts Correspondent
Law student Chiedza Gwanda was crowned 2013 Miss Diamond Queen of Africa on Friday at a poorly attended show held at Harare International Conference Centre. The 22-year-old law intern at Manase and Manase Associates shrugged off stiff competition from 15 other curvaceous girls from six African countries. For being the curviest, the newly crowned queen received US$3 000 cash and a return ticket to Victoria Falls courtesy of Air Zimbabwe.

South African beauties also put a brilliant fight with Zanda Khambula scooping the Cultural Queen crown, Boitumelo Sechai walked away with the Photogenic Queen title while Nelisiwe Mabaso won the Fitness Queen crown.

For their efforts, they were awarded US$1 000 each.
Mozambican beauty Nancy Ricardo was the second princess and Boitumelo, the first princess.

Entertainers Ba Shupi, Pauline Gundidza, Taurai Mandebvu and pansula outfit, Magesh, kept the audience on the edges of their seats with polished acts.
Countries that took part are Cameroon, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.

Popular figures in the country including Zim Fashion Week boss Priscilla Chigariro-Gessen and her husband, politician Acie Lumumba graced the show.
Miss Global Zimbabwe, Nyasha Mutsauri, and Miss Zimbabwe USA Vanessa Bedzi also came through to support the charity pageant.

Dananai Chipunza, reigning Miss Carnival Zimbabwe, was also present as a judge.
Miss Diamond Queen of Africa is a new and improved version of previous local pageant Miss Curvy. Now a charity annual event, the show has grown to attract contestants from the region.