Online Reporter
Brenda P Shumba, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ASPIRING male models of all body types now have a chance to shine, as auditions for the Mr Zimbabwe International and Mr Teen Zimbabwe 2025 competitions are officially open. These pageants aim to empower young Zimbabwean men, by offering a platform for personal brand development and career growth within the modelling and entertainment industries.
The two categories cater to different age groups: Mr Teen Zimbabwe is open to teenagers aged 14 to 19, while Mr Zimbabwe International is for men aged between 20 and 35.
The initiative was launched by Ishmael Isheunesu Murangandi — widely known in modelling circles as The Crown Hunter — during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Mr Teen Zimbabwe debuted as a virtual event, with Mr Zimbabwe International following in 2021, expanding the brand’s reach and impact.
Speaking to the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Murangandi said the goal is to celebrate and empower male identity.
“Through these pageants, I wanted to give young men a chance to shine. We’re embracing everything male, regardless of appearance. This is about celebrating masculinity and building confidence,” he said.
Murangandi said that this year’s edition continues under the banner “Man of Value”, a theme that has driven the competition for the past three years.
To enter, contestants must submit a 30-second to one-minute self-introduction video to the organisers, via WhatsApp. There are no height or weight restrictions, making the pageants inclusive of all body types. An entry fee is required.
Organisers are encouraging confident, driven- and purpose-led young men to take up the challenge and demonstrate what it means to be a man of value.
Winners will receive cash prizes and opportunities to grow their personal brands both locally and internationally.
Last year’s winners were Whatmos Manamike from Kwekwe (Mr Zimbabwe International) and Ngoni Mpofu from Harare (Mr Teen Zimbabwe), both of whom have since gained visibility in Zimbabwe’s fashion and media spaces.
