adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
MR Strides 2006 Edson Hapazari says he owes his success to Bulawayo-based Strides Modelling Agency which groomed him.
The 30-year-old model from Chiredzi who left the country in 2007 is now based in South Africa where he has carved a successful career in the advertising industry. Besides landing TV roles on soapies such as Rhythm City, he has clinched endorsement deals where he appears on leading clothing label adverts such as Barron which supplies apparel to Edgars group of stores.
The model said after years of perseverance and dedication to his career, he now earns R20,000 to R50,000 per photo shoot.
“It’s paying me handsomely to be a model in South Africa as I get between R20,000 and R50,000 per photo shoot. I’ve a busy schedule as I’m booked every week for a photo shoot in different places in South Africa,” he said.
Hapazari, who many might remember as the tall dreadlocked man who was named Mr Strides in 2006, said he was indebted to the Strides Modelling Agency for identifying and nurturing his modelling career.
“If I hadn’t joined Sipho Mazibuko and Strides, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
He said working in South Africa had not been rosy as it took him five years to break into their modelling industry.
“When I got here in 2007, I worked as a waiter before opening a shop where I sold mobile phones and various electrical gadgets. However, I was passionate about modelling and would periodically go for castings. In 2012, I decided to cut my dreadlocks and that’s when I’d my breakthrough as modelling agencies started contacting me,” he said.
“The modelling industry here is very expensive because you need money to buy clothes so you’re presentable when you attend castings. One shouldn’t get into the modelling industry for money but for the passion.”
Apart from modelling, Hapazari wants to try his hand at acting and has since enrolled at the Capetown Acting Academy.
“After my short stint at Rhythm City in 2012 where I was an extra, I developed an interest in acting, especially action movies. I hope to star in one and I’m working with Capetown Acting Academy to pursue that career,” said Hapazari.
He is assisting Mazibuko to revive Mr and Miss Summer Strides.
“As someone who’s benefitted from Strides Academy, I want to help revive the contest. With my contacts in South Africa, I’m sure we can get sponsorship and good deals for them in the fashion industry,” said Hapazari.
Bongani Ndlovu