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Chiedza Matenga
“When I grow up, I want to be on television. People will know me, be on magazines. When I grow up, fresh and clean. Number one girl when I step out on the scene.” These are the lyrics by United States famous girl group Pussycat Dolls. It is true that nowadays teenagers do not have to necessarily wait to grow up in order to pulpit their dreams.
Western countries like United States of America train children under the age of 12 to model, for example.
As early as seven years old a girl or boy can be able to compete at a higher level.
This not only builds confidence but a career.
By the time they become teens they already know their passion or which path to take and pursue it for life.
Asian countries like China and Korea have annual expos that enable children under the age of 13 to have a go at who and what they want to be when they grow up.
Some local modeling agencies are believed to groom children to become models.
In an interview with recently with Cool Lifestyle, former model Mercy Mushaninga said the country’s modelling industry is misunderstood and it only dwells much on women.
“I would want to build a brand by involving the children. Catch them young that is the spirit. Zimbabwe’s modelling is misunderstood because we think that only light-skinned people are the ones who should model and this is a challenge in our country,” she said.
She said her son is already into modelling.
However of late, there are different categories in modelling. Commercial advertising could have baby/child models depending on the type of advert. This type of modelling considers model that are photogenic and is quite easy to train even those under 12.
For personal promotion comes Glamour modelling which comes with many requirements to reach the standards wanted.
For someone to qualify they must be appealing in height, skin type, beauty, body almost like Naomi Campbell, Angeline Musasiwa and our own Soraya Vallabh.
As a result, for most, glamour modelling is a lifestyle. Miss Teen Zimbabwe 2012, Soraya Vallabh said her inspiration came from Tyra Banks.
Tyra Banks started modelling at the age of 15 and did not let her dream go easily.
“I am destined for greater heights. I am happy that I represented my country well during the Miss Teen World last year in Texas, USA,” she said.
Soraya said child models are neglected so much in the industry.
She said if parents support their children, who know they can sustain their livelihoods.
“I would rather train them with gaining confidence and grooming, since at that age they are too young to be in that kind of industry. I think modelling should be for girls and boys who are 16 and above” she said.
Benjamin Disraeli once said ‘The Secret of success is consistency of purpose”.
Chase your dreams and don’t lose hope.
Online Reporter