adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
IT’S all systems go for the inaugural Zim Models Awards to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harare tonight with Bulawayo beauties Lorraine Maphala, Samantha Tshuma, Oslie Muringai, Bongani Dhlakama and Vanessa Sibanda in the running for various awards. The beauties will battle it out with other models in 46 categories that were created to celebrate personalities in the modelling industry.
The awards are being supported by the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Mercy “Cat Walk” Mushaninga, organiser of the awards ceremony, said they were ready to host the event at which models would provide entertainment.
“Everything is in place and we’re keenly waiting for the show. Models will provide entertainment during the ceremony because we want them to showcase their talents in poetry, music and dance,” said Mushaninga.
The ceremony, she said, would start early to enable guests to attend other international events taking place in the capital tonight.
“The ceremony starts at 6PM sharp and we hope to be done by 10PM.
“We want people to enjoy the modelling and then go for other shows such as the Davido show that’ll be held later on in the night,” said Mushaninga.
She said Shirley Nyanyiwa-Chingoka, who was the first black Miss Zimbabwe would grace the occassion instead of United Kingdom-based model Nyasha Matonhodze as initially advertised.
“We had challenges with Matonhodze’s sponsor; they didn’t come through on time.
“We decided to have Shirley Nyanyiwa-Chingoka as her replacement,” said Cat Walk.
South Africa-based former Mr Bulawayo, Oliver Keith Siamuboloka, said he was honoured to be nominated for an award.
“I’m overwhelmed and honoured to be part of such a great initiative, especially because of the fact that it’s the first of its kind in Zimbabwe.
“The awards will have a positive impact on the modelling industry.
“We need our youngsters to work hard, get recognised and be of emulative statuses in our society,” said Siamuboloka.
The panel of judges, headed by Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Tabitha Kanengoni-Malinga are said to have gone through the portfolios of the nominees.
Also on the list of nominees is the Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda-headed Fingers Modelling Academy and Amanda Mutangadura’s AM Modelling Academy which are vying for the Best Modelling Agency accolade.
Juliet Nyathi, who was crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 1981 and went on to represent the country at Miss World during the same year as well as won Miss Africa, is also up for an award.
Chronicle showbiz editor Melissa Mpofu was nominated for the Best Fashion and Modelling Journalist award.
Bongani Ndlovu
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