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“I have made a lot of hard work and dedication into building this brand known as Edison Diako,I can’t tell you how many times I received the response ,No!. The times I doubted the power I posses its my shine,…Edison Diako.

Botswana is one of the largest diamond producers in Africa. One of the well known diamonds in Botswana which are not in the form of minerals are the Batswana models.
Edison Diako (26) is one of Batswana’s biggest models who was born and raised in Maun,Botswana.
He describes himself as the fire that burns when one talks badly about being a model or a creative artist.
Edison will be travelling to Tanzania an East and Southern African country to attend the A.F.W (Africa Fashion Week),which is an event set aside to show the world the power within Africa’s Fashion Industry.
After his tour in Tanzania,the 26 year old model is set to headline the World Fashion Day in August in Uganda.
Edison told Model Guide Zim that participating in such events grants him an opportunity to be a role model to upcoming models in being proud of their identity and its also a sign of the growth of his brand.

“Participating in these events means growth,the more I travel,the more I realise that I don’t know much. Its like I haven’t started being a model yet and I’m encouraged to keep on working and to keep on pushing. I really want to narrate African fashion and style stories.
“I get super excited every time I get an invitation outside Botswana because that means I’m about to find a piece of myself that I didn’t know was missing in the first place.
“In these trips also I want fulfillment,I want my control back. I want the upcoming generation to look at themselves and say we are beautiful. I want them to know the truth,who they are and where they are coming from,” he explained.
Edison has catwalked this year in an international event in South Africa which was hosted by Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week he wore Clavon Leonard (United Based Fashion Design)’s garment and Raymond Geoffrey.
Being part of the biggest diamonds in Botswana,Edison is expected to take part in a number of fashion shows across the globe as more details are yet to be revealed.
Pic credit @Raymondageofrey

“Well being a male and a model groomer is hard because you get to be called names and defined as some sort of a person but at the end of the day its all about patience and passion,…”Pardon Khaya.

Pardon Khaya-Elihle Khaye is a multi talented artist as his a professional model,choreographer and teacher qualified film theatre.

He has played a major role in building the modelling industry in the City of Kings and Queens.

Khaya began his modelling career when he won,Mr Pelandaba in 2007 a local pageant in Bulawayo.

Pardon described the state of modelling in his hometown as competitive and professional but he said the lack of sponsorship in the industry is eroding the sector.

“Modelling in the city of Kings and Queens is at a highly professional level. Only that there is lack of sponsorship and this has caused many people to give up on their talent,”said Pardon

He further added that one major challenges that is faced by male groomers is being name called by the society and also they profession not being respected.

“Well being a male groomer is hard because you get to be names and defined and classified in a certain category but at the end of the day it’s a matter patience and passion,”he said.

He also urged the community in Bulawayo to support the industry so that it can grow to reach out the international level.

“To improve the industry the community,needs to support us so that the industry can reach to a great stage. Which is also an international level,” he said.

When questioned who can qualify to be mentored by him, he said for him to know who qualifies to be under his guideship. Character and discipline are the two elements that set his students apart from others.

Aside from modelling Pardon Khaya is the founder of the Khaya foundation an organisation which seeks to help and donate wheelchairs,walking sticks and food to the disabled.

For one to support the foundation they can reach Khaya by contacting him at his email address khayaapardon@gmail.com or call @0775941119.
Pic credit Mgcini Nyoni
By Rubaya Tapiwa

By Tapiwa Rubaya

Lebohang Rameetse who grew up in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa is set to make Africa proud.His well known by his family,friends and fans for creating history especial at the ramp.When he was last year crowned Mr King South Africa 2018, among 13 other candidates he knew that it was the start of his adventure to Phillipines.Where he went to participate as a competitor for Mister International.He was not only representing South Africa in the pageant he was also flying the African flag high,as he was the only African participating in the event.Mister International pageant was hosted in the month of February.Where by models had different sections to present themselves in the competition such sections included the photoshoot,welcome dinner and the costume party.Lebohang told model guide that he was proud to have an opportunity represent his country and the continent at a such historical event and he believes he has made the continent proud.Rameetse Lebohang began his journey after his friends had influenced him to venture into the industry.Thanks to his friend’s advice Lebohang has established a name for himself in the industry as he has won a number of titles such as Mr Medunsa 2014;Jacaranda first prince 2015,and was also crowned the sexiest Man in SA by Cosmopolitan Magazine.Mr Rameetse is also a professional Dr ,he graduated from Sefako Makgatho Health Science University where he was studying for his Clinic Diabetes Degree.Besides being a Dr and a model he is also a singer,one can say he is indeed a man of many talents.By Tapiwa Rubaya

By Tapiwa Rubaya

“Showbiz chose me but I am a man of few words and conservative in nature but also daring…” Ronald Murerekwa

The first steps of his modelling career started when he was in nursery participating during school uniform exhibitions.

Not knowing that one day he will be a professional model.

In 2016 after searching for an entry point in the industry,Ronald Murerekwa’s hobby then came to life.

However he faced a number of obstacles in his life but he managed to conquer them all.

One of these being mentored in a pageant that its exists is no longer visible in the modelling industry. Leading him to represent himself and market himself on his own in the industry,without the assistance of an agent.

He however with the help of social media platforms managed to pull it all through.

“I must say the power of social media should not be underestimated,social media made me to be greater extent.Most brands found me there.

“Now I enjoy life,people like talking pictures. That’s why phone makers focus on camera too,imagine the joy of being commercialise it too,”said Ronald.

Since he embarked in his career he has worked with more than 10 brands (as a commercial model),who are well established and recognised brands.

Such as Cassava Smartech and Delta.

Besides such achievements,Ronald’s greatest work as a commercial model have been recognised during last year’s Zimbabwe Model Awards as he was awarded ‘Best Male Visual Award’.

Which is something which he believes he was indeed deserving.

“I thank the Zimbabwe models Awards team for being just on their judgment.must say, the award made me to realise that indeed people take note of what I do. In turn it has brought more confidence to the recipients of my works, the brands and even those who support me,” he said.

With Optimass Art being his personally photographer indeed,Ronald’s modelling career’s future is bright hence according to him there is no need to ship out from working with the award winning photographer (Optimass Art).

The award winning model encouraged other models to be who they are and not to copy other people.

“Originality is key, there is nothing new under the sun we all know that it’s Biblical, someone has posed in a suit before but your style has to be different,” he encouraged.

www.ronaldrtt.co.zw | Facebook Page: Ronald Murerekwa (@ronaldrtt) | Instagram: @ronaldrtt (Ronald Murerekwa)

.Pic credit @Optimassart

Kwekwe is one of the cities in Zimbabwe located in the Midlands province. A province which is rich in a number of natural resources including gold.

However when one does his or her research well,you will find that even talented models derive from the Province.

One of those is Clever Nashy Mutero (21),the first Prince and Mr Personality of kwekwe.Who is also signed under Zimbabwe’s exclusive model agency,Top model Agency,which has produced a number of Zimbabwe’s most talented models.

The 21 year old said he is proud of his home town and said his home area is rich when it comes to the modelling sector.

However the downfall of the country’s economy has acted a dark could to a number of upcoming models as it has made some of them,to throw away the towel of their dreams.

“Kwekwe is a very small city,which consists of so much talent,unfortunately because of the state of the country’s economy and that modelling in our country is not taken seriously this makes us the youths of the Golden City not to be given or not to have the opportunity to show our talent and put Kwekwe on the map,he said.

The 21 year old model further said that a number of young models who are still dreamers in kwekwe are seeking to pursue their dreams in big cities such as Harare and Bulawayo.

The Prince of the Golden city said besides,the downfall of the economy which has pushed other models to seek greener pastures from other towns and cities,corruption and politics have also played the role of push factor.

“Our city is considered to be less active when it comes to making dreams come true,there are factors which can be considered to put Midlands province on the map if people come together.

“Let’s put our brands together and make our Midlands to be recognised if only we stop politics and corruption in the industry we can go far,” he said.

Simende encouraged young models from Kwekwe and across the country to believe in their goals and not to give up in their dreams.

By Rubaya Tapiwa