Zimbabwe is set to make its mark on the continent’s male modeling scene as Future Nyoni, the reigning Mister Senior Zimbabwe, prepares to represent the country at the Mister Africa International 2023 pageant.
The event, which is a product of Mister Africa International founded by Ayutonde Twitch in London in 2012, aims to promote Africa’s male models and celebrate the modeling sector.
Nyoni, who is 39 years old and based in the majestic town of Victoria Falls, will compete virtually against at least 30 other African countries for the coveted title from October 9 to October 19.
He will showcase his talents and skills in various categories such as Best Photogenic, Best Suit, Best Beach Wear, Mr Strength and Intelligence, People’s Choice and more.
Nyoni is no stranger to the modeling industry, having started his professional career in 2017 at Open Eye Studios run by Samantha Tshuma. He has won several accolades, including Victoria Falls Runway King 2022, Best Zim Male Runway 2020, Most Photogenic 2020 and Mr Senior Zim 2022.
He has also participated in international fashion shows in Malawi and South Africa, featuring designs by Afro phoenix, Zimbabwe; Zado fashions from Tanzania; Lele’s creations and Black shadow from South Africa and Tribal Trends by Shiko Onyango from Kenya.
Nyoni is also a co-founder of Nambya Development Organisation Trust, Party Haven Events & Supplies and Beauty Galaxy Organisation, which are charity organizations that aim to create a poverty-free society by supporting orphans, the elderly and disabled people in the community.
He also aims to support the art industry and plough back to his community through giving and voluntary work.
Nyoni said he felt honoured to be part of the biggest male pageant in Africa and that he was selected through a casting call. He admitted that it was not an easy journey, especially getting sponsorship in his city where tourism is the main source of income.
However, he said he would not give up on his passion and that he would soldier on.
He added that winning the title would bring a lot of opportunities for him and his community, as he would be in a better position to advocate for the recognition, appreciation and demystification of the negativity that people have attached to male modeling industry.
Nyoni said: “Winning the title will definitely bring a lot of opportunities for me and my community as I will be in a better position to advocate for the recognition, appreciation and demystify the negativity that people have attached to male modeling industry.It will help me establish a modeling agency for grooming young boys into becoming Kings.
“The agency will be embraced by the community as it will help nurture boys from the streets, instill good morale values through grooming & etiquette classes, creating a platform for men to open up and talk about mental and emotional health issues as well as fighting drug abuse among the youths.”
Zimbabwe has had three of its own models who have taken part in the Mister Africa International pageant in the past and have made the country proud. In 2018, Tapiwa Zimhamba (fitness and commercial model) won the Best Beach Award in Nigeria.
In 2021, Devson Luzane won the third runner-up position of Mister Africa International and also won Mister Friendly and Brand Ambassador for Mister Africa International pageant.
Last year, Mark Mabwe made it to the top 10.Nyoni said he hoped to follow in their footsteps and bring glory to his nation and the brands that he works with internationally. He said he was confident of his abilities and that he was ready to face the challenge.
