Ghana's Kate Menson is Africa's New Face

Photo courtesy of African Futurist

A highly criticized "Face of Africa" contest came to an end Saturday, November 29 when Ghana's 23-year-old Kate Aba Techie Menson beat the other nine finalist in Sun City's Super Bowl, South Africa. The nine finalist were Alli Balogun (Nigeria), Hamamat Montia (Ghana), Hiwot (Ethiopia), Joana (Angola), Lucy torr(Uganda), Maria Hiwilepo (Namibia), Noxi (Zambia) and Sasa (South Africa).

Menson who was discovered in Accra earlier this year takes home $50,000 plus a modelling contract from Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandis' O Model Africa.

The Critics and M-Net Face Of Africa

Hamamat Montia & Kate A. T. Menson -- Daily Graphic File Photo

While 20-year-old Hamamat Montia and 22-year-old Kate Aba Techie Menson were last week picked to represent Ghana in Face Of Africa contest, there has been all kinds of stuff popping up from the rumor mills that the casting crew and scouts weren't living up to the creed of the draw from the moment it began about ten years ago when then 17-year-old Nigerian-born Oluchi Onweagba captured the crown in its debut.

Reports last week echoed by Zimbabwe's The Herald, Trust Khosa had pointed out that 20-year-old Gamuchirai Tawengwa and 23-year-old Rudo Ndugu did not make the draw during the casting held in Zambia on the ground the 2005 Face Of Africa winner, Botswana's Kaone Kario who has been on the helm of affairs in this year's castings and scoutings had used her position to deny them the privilege of sailing through.

Meanwhile, Gamuchirai and Rudo weren't happy from what had unfolded and as a result, they threw all sorts of insults at Kaone. With the final casting that took place at the Hotel Alvalade, Luanda, Angola, last weekend, the finalists will now head to Zanzibar's Scenic Island where the ten finalists will emerge for the catwalks and eventual winner of the contest.

The results not being announced or revealed on time from the various cities is not adding 'spice' to the contest, according to the critics. Hopefully, all the results will be revealed in a timely fashion with the best announced as winner in the view of the casting and scouting crew.

Go Africa Go!

PHOTO OP: Ethiopian Supermodel Liya Kebede

Ethiopia's supermodel Liya Kebede will be joining my girl Oluchi Onweagba, Naomi Campbell and Tyson Beckford in This Day's Africa Rising Festival on October 14, 2008 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The show will feature a cast of models, designers and actors.

Photo Op: Top Model Oluchi Onweagba

Oluchi Onweagba, The Face Of Africa

Ain't she beautiful? I popped her up because she is just too good of a look. Born on August 01, 1980 in Lagos, Oluchi Onweagba has become a household name in international supermodelling. Her career as a model began when the South African television channel M-Net and the French modelling agency Elite organized the inaugural edition of beauty show. Her life, however, would change instantly and the rest would be history. Measuring 34-24-35, 128 lb and standing at 6ft 1in, Elite Model Management awarded Oluchi a three-year modelling contract to kickstart her career.

Moving to New York, her connections in modelling would catapult her to the top meeting and campaining for top-notch designers in the fashion industry. Feauturing in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit she made it three times in a row (2005, 2006 and 2007)making her the first model from her nativeland ever to market for SI Swimsuit Collection. She has also graced the covers of Vogue, ELLE, Marie Claire, Allure and other publications around the world. In addition to her haul of promotions in the international fashion industry, she played a major role in Victoria Secret's "Backstage Sexy."

Still living in New York and shuttling around the world for series of fashion shows, she married Italian designer, a long time companion, Luca Orlandis, in 2005.

You go girl! I like your style!