adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
Preparations for the Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe (Bofoz) beauty contest are at an advanced stage with Sulumani (Sulu) Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Shinsoman, Cynthia Mare and Souljah Love billed to perform. Sixteen beauties will vie for the national title at a contest scheduled for the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on July 25. The pageant, which, unlike other beauty pageants, accommodates married, curvy, tall and short participants will for the first time, be broadcast live on ZBCtv.
With its main focus on facial beauty and contestants’ knowledge of Black Opal products, this year’s Queen strut away with $8,000 and a year’s supply of Black Opal products for skin care and make-up. The first runner up will receive $4,000 while the second runner up will pocket $2,000.
Tanaka Manyuzu, a 21-year-old University of Zimbabwe Bachelor of Arts student and Tatenda Mugwambi will be representing Bulawayo.
Speaking ahead of the contest, Manyuzu, a modelling novice, said she was optimistic she was going to win as she had gone all out in preparation for the big day.
“I’m almost ready for the finals as I’ve been hard at work using skin care products to brighten up my face. It’s been tough for me as I’ve never modelled and have had to constantly be in Harare for rehearsals and other preparations.
“I’m a bit nervous ahead of the big day but I’m confident I’ll do my city proud,” Manyuzu said.
Asked why Black Opal was her chosen make-up brand, Manyuzu said she fell in love with it after it worked wonders on her skin.
“I never used to wear make-up and when I decided to, I chose Black Opal as it’s an established brand. It didn’t disappoint as it stayed on my skin.”
Voting for the winner has already begun with 50 percent of the Queen’s marks coming from members of the public with the other half coming from judges.
One of the Bofoz organisers, Tatenda Mutseyekwa said they had taken their event a gear up, moving from a 450 seat venue to one which sits over 5,000 people.
“Bofoz has grown tremendously, evidenced by our decision to move the pageant from the Reps Theatre which seats 450 people to the HICC which seats over 5,000 people. We’ve roped in Chipaz Promotions to assist with the event management with PowerFM taking care of the red carpet,” Mutseyekwa said.
He said they were excited that the event would be broadcast live on ZBCtv as those who will not make it to the venue will have an opportunity to watch the Queen being crowned.
Tickets to the show will only be available on the day of the pageant with regular tickets being pegged at $10 while VIP tickets will cost $20.
“We really want to give people value for their money hence the quality of finalists and artistes line up. We’ve chosen Zimbabwe’s best artistes to perform at the red carpet event where we expect people to come dressed to kill, showcasing the best of Zimbabwe dress,” Mutseyekwa said.
He said the finalists would showcase clothing from an up-and-coming clothing line – Chic Street in order to promote the label.
The performing artistes are set to spice up what already seems like an exciting beauty contest judging from the calibre of finalists. Sulu will be commanding his troupe with Dendera music, while Souljah Love rips the microphone with Zimdancehall.
Jah Prayzah will wrap things up with his contemporary beats.
Last year, Bulawayo lost out to Harare designer Tendai Farai, who was crowned Face of Zimbabwe ahead of 15 other contestants.
However, Bulawayo beauty, Sandra Gonah was crowned 1st Princess.
Online Reporter