Q & A: Fashion Model Kaya Chipungu

In my several conversations with beautifully built, Zambian-born, Orlando, Florida-based, Kaya Chipungu, there's no doubt she'd been determined to be the best in her class, whatever form it takes. Aspiring to work for the United Nations after taking on International Relations as major in college, Chipungu noted a whole lot she intends to accomplish, especially for humanity. Very hardworking and diligently focused on her career, for the moment, the sky is now the limit. On August 28, 2010, she will be on the runway to taxi for Miss Zambia Intercultural 2010. And within that framework, overwhelming calls from Hollywood never stopped coming, and sooner than later, she will be auditioning where it rocks -- Hollywood and the City of Angels.

EXCERPTS:

Tell me about yourself

I am a 27 year old philonthropist at heart and l graduated from MacMaine School of Computing in Information Technology and l intend to go to Rollins College in 2011, to pursue my studies in International Relations and Diplomacy. l was born in Zambia and l was raised in Zimbabwe where l completed my college before moving to the USA. Besides my dreams and aspirations of becoming the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and a Goodwill Ambassador, l intend to continue with my modeling career and philanthropy, because through modeling l have been able to travel around and promote human welfare and advancement as well as making humanity better through my platform PEPE, which stands for Poverty Eradication and Promoting Education.

PEPE is a project l started in February 2010, after seeing the need for change. l'm hoping that this project will be global by 2015 which is the deadline for Millenium Development Goals (MDG's). l am starting with the continent of Africa where l'm from by endowment of institutions of learning, hospitals, provision of food and basic necessities.

l am currently an Ambassador for Flame Of Ambition Organization which was founded by a very remarkable young lady, Mutinta Suuya, a young lady who has inspired me in every way. Flame Of Ambition is a true definition of Philanthropy. It is an organization that cares about the improvement of life and better living conditions in Africa. lam also an Ambassador for Monjai Foundation which was founded by a true philathropist, Yeatoe McIntosh, and she has inspired me to do better. Monjai Foundation promotes human welfare and advancement around the world. Both organizations are spreading their wings globally to cater for the needs of people world wide.

l am a member of the following organizations: Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), Flame of Ambition, Amnesty USA, l Embrace , Raisin Orphan Awareness and Junior Chambers.

l am a volunteer for the United Nations and World Vision and its through voluntary work that l have had a burning sensation to reach out to people in need and became a Philanthropist and l hope that l will impact people around the world to be the same because we are living in a materialistic world where the less priveleged people remain at the bottom of the ladder not because they want to but because the priveleged are too blinded by material things and the true definition of Philanthropy is goodwill to fellowmen and it is what this world needs today.

l am a finalist for Miss Intercultural 2010 and a finalist for Miss Zambia International 2010. l was Miss Phototogenic 2010 and l was the first runner up for Miss Zambia USA 2010. l do a lot of fashion modeling and l love the runway.

What really inspired you into fashion and modeling?

l believe clothes tell a lot about an individual.l have always loved dressing up,redesigning my own clothes,fashion shows,runway,high fashion and the list goes on that gave me an urge to get into fashion and modeling.

Since you have been in the fashion and modeling industry, what would you say has kept you going in the business?

When you love what you are doing it becomes as easy as breathing.The very first time when you are trying to find a stepping stone you might stumble here and there but once you set your mind to it,your capabilitiy to do it best is unquestionable. Determination, dedication and diligence have kept me going.

Let’s talk about Miss Zambia. You were Miss Zambia Finalist for Intercultural 2010. What was your experience like facing the panel of judges and organizers of the show in the heat of the contest?

Yes l'm Miss Zambia Finalist for Miss Intercultural 2010. It will be held August 28, 2010. My anticipation levels keep rising as we draw near, l am excited and lm looking forward to a great show.

You recently made a trip for a show in Washington D.C. Tell me about that show.

It was Miss Africa USA 2010,I had a lot of fun and it was a learninng experience for me as well. l had the opportunity to meet different designers from all over Africa and l met a lot of new people.

Did you ever think you’d see the day when you’d audition for big events like the trip to D.C?

Not at all, l never thought in a million years l would be auditioning for anything besides my dream of going for an interview to work for the United Nations as the Secretary-General of the United Nations. But my life took a different toll altogether. l love auditioning and l love what l am doing and my dream of becoming the United Nations Secretary-General is still a dream that will become a reality.

What keeps you busy in your leisure time?

l love to write poetry and l read a lot of books. l watch a lot of documentaries. l hangout a lot with my colleagues to discuss issues of the day in the fashion and modelling industry. l also love to travel.

What books and magazines have you been reading? Tell me about it.

l am reading "A Long Walk to Freedom" which is about the life of former South African President, the great Nelson Mandela. l have read this book so many times but everytime l pick it up to read it again, l get a whole different insight. l just finished reading "The Audacity to Hope," by President Barack Obama which is about thoughts on reclaiming the American dream, calling for a return to America's original ideals. I read all kinds of literatures and magazines. l got to have my Vogue, In Style, Essence and numerous others to keep me posted with new trends on designers, models and the fashion world.

In fashion, who is your favorite designer?

Coco Chanel is my favorite designer. She greatly influenced the fashion industry by her classy sophisticated designs. When fashion meets class the sense of sophistication is very distinct. It's that artistic side that brings a material to life making it chic, couture and classy; and Coco Chanel's designs tend to awaken my fashion buds everytime l see them.

I’m quite sure you love to cook. What’s your favorite dish?

Yes l love to cook a lot. My favourite dish is oxtails with my traditional dish Nshima made from corn meal. l can cook anything, though.

I’m also sure you eat out every now and then. What’s your favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is Chez Vincent, a French Cuisine with the best food in Orlando.

Your wish for upcoming models and if they should be in your shoes, what would you tell them?

Believe in yourself and never take no for an answer. If you can dream it you can just do it .Do not get caught up in the snare of loosing the true sense of who you are and your self worth because the fashion world is not an easy world as it seems to be. You have to work hard to get in and harder to stay in. Always be your best at all times because you never know when your lucky day would come; as the old saying goes, "every dog has its day." Everyday is runway, everyday is a fashion show for a model; that's the life of a model. Lastly, just do it after all, you have one life to live!

Meet Zambia's Maleele Choongo For Miss Teen United Nations International

The Miss Teen United Nations International is calling and sixteen year old Maleele Choongo will be representing her native land, Zambia, for the Miss Teen United Nations International Final Contests scheduled to be held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in September.

At sixteen, it's amazing what Choongo has accomplished. A senior at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS), the state's only public, residential, co-educational high school for academically talented juniors and seniors. There, she takes college credit courses. She belongs to the soccer, Debate, Choir, Interfaith Dialogue Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society and the tennis club.

Choongo plans to be majoring in classical music and psychology before heading to law school. Currently, as Miss Teen Zambia which she credits to "fitness, academic achievements, talent, and interview skills in young ladies, which also offers teenage girls an opportunity to not only display but also positively unleash their potential in a way that benefits their community." Choongo feels she's been blessed with all the outlined celebrated traits seeing it as an opportunity to put them to use.

Very confident and believing whoever is granted the title, Miss Teen United Nations International, should not only possess the traits, but must also be passionate and determined enough to use them in a way that best represents her country, Zambia.

Most importantly, Choonga said "I am eager to work alongside the He Touch Me Ministry on my platform, education for orphans, to ensure every child the opportunity of education regardless of their financial status. I focus most of my community service on programs that are centered around educating them."

On a remarkable volunteer work, she assists kindergarten and preschoolers at the MUW Educational Center. She also spent two summers volunteering at the daycare for the least privileged at Bethlehem Day Care Learning Center. She helped a teacher in tutoring and reading to her students at Magee Elementary School.

On academics and excursions, she participated in her school's science carnival where she had a station in which she conducted science experiments and talked to the children about the significance of science in everyday life. In her volunteering for children, and in her own words: "I have truly become passionate about education for orphans. Most importantly, not only do I strive to be a role model inside the classroom, but also in matters remote from academics. I am in no way perfect, but I feel as if my embracing that and using even my imperfections to work towards my goals set at a very good example."

Choongo's other haul of accomplishments and doing stuff for worthy causes:

Murrah High School Counselor's Award; Highest Mathematics Average, National Honor Society; First Place, Jackson Library System Summer Reading Program; First Place, Jackson Heart Study Research Summer Science Program; First Place, JPS Double Tennis; Jckson Ctholic Forensic League Top Five Declamation Speaker; Miss MSMS 2009 -- Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science; National Honors Society Inductee; National Forensic League; Open Doors Gifted Students Award; Open Doors Gifted Students Chess Tournament; Outstanding Mathematics Achievement, Tougaloo Jackson Heart Study Summer Science Program; and the list goes on and on.

In addition, School Recognition Duke Talent Identification Program For Mathematically And Verbally Talented Students, Declamation State Representative National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament and Murrah High School Top 25 PSAT Scores.

While we spoke on the phone in several occasions as outlined above, I popped up some questions she diligently answered without qualms:

So how do you see yourself?

I think I'm a well rounded person; I think I am smart but I am also a hard worker.

What kind of association do you keep to be who you are?

I have always associated myself with like-minded peers meaning people who like doing things I like to do. I have always had decent grades and I akways have kept myself involved in things like Habitat for Humanity, volunteering in after school tutoring and also volunteering at the day care for the least privileged at Bethlehem Day Care Learning Center.

That African Presidents Wives' Annual Health Summit In Beverly Hills

Not much was talked about it. Not much was known about it. Not even the mainstream media mentioned it. In fact, it was not a big deal, because, as usual, knowing what should be expected from such a gathering of the wives of inept and corrupt African presidents, the errand boys, the opportunistic organizers had to run the show their own way which is typical of deceit and fraud. We've seen this kind of stuff happen many times as it ends up being a picnic and a loophole for money laundering.

I was socializing with some friends when the event and its issues popped up. We were discussing about a retarded African continent, Nigeria in particular, and what should be done about it until one curious-minded fella among us brought up the topic, and stressed on how we lost it here in Diaspora as a collective and the failure to complete ourselves.

"Did any of you hear about the summit held in Beverly Hills? Can you imagine the wife of our president was here and nobody knew about it?" he asked sarcastically.

"Yes, I heard about it but it was nothing to talk about," I responded without feelings.

As it happened, most, if not all, among us never heard of Nigeria's First Lady visiting the Los Angeles area for a summit, except, probably, the organizers who were the opportunists. I am not sure why it was too much of an event from the errand boys who ran their mouth in praise of the First Ladies of Africa visit, and particularly, "our own" Turai Umaru Yar'Adua who sneaked in and the numerous Nigerian women's organization in the Los Angeles metropolis did not know or heard about it and did not do anything about it.

The health summit which was held at the Jewish Skirball Cultural Center was attended by Turai Umaru Yar'Adua (Nigeria); Queen Inkosikati Mbidiza (Swaziland); Ida Odinga (Kenya); Laraba Tandja (Niger); Penehupito Polamba (Namibia); Thandive Banda (Zambia); Maria da Lu Dai Guebuza (Mozambique); Mathato Sarah Mosisili (Lesotho); Sia Nyama Koromo (Sierra Leone); Adelcia Barreto Pires (Cape Verde); Chantal Bida (Cameroon) and Ana Paula Dos Santos (Angola).

After the summit at Skirball which eventually would produce no effective result for what the continent has been known for over three decades since the colonists of various European enclaves had left for the new rulers to figure things out. Nothing in the long run was figured out but widespread scandals of bribery and corruption, political and economic instability, and anarchy coupled with civilian and military staged coups.

The gist: The summit gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel was sponsored by US Doctors for Africa and ExxonMobil which is a clear indication that the organizers were up to something.

Who does not know ExxonMobil and other oil companies and how they destroyed the environment of the oil-producing countries in that ailing continent? Who does not know how the doctors in collaboration with the medical errand boys to save according to Amanda Peabody who reported the event for The Beverly Hills Courier the "critical issues of HIV/AIDS, infants and maternal health and girls education?" Who does not know how the US DOctors for Africa and the so-called medical mission and how they misused the priorities meant to carry out a sound, thorough and effective project that should have been in the obvious?

Unfortunately, it is pointblank. The motive is deceptive, unclear and fraudulent on the ground it is evident that all the money being poured in by charity organizations, United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, World Health Organization and several other independent caring institutions over the years for the projected developments, has not yielded any meaningful dividend save for misappropriation of funds and things like that. In most cases, these funds are wasted due to lack of accountability and transparency.

But the irony of this kind of disturbing propanganda is when well-intentioned people get involved by way of financial contributions and other voluntary works "to provide primary care, strategic planning, education and training first as aid and then to empower the people of Africa to respond to the health crisis they face" and later to find out something is not right somewhere; and that the whole project has become a cock and bull story.

Hollywood celebrities -- Sharon Stone, Kristin Davis, Danny Glover, Paris Hilton, Naomi Campbell, Rosario Dawson and Chris Tucker -- who came to the gala and got excited about a comatose summit, had no idea what the entire event would lead to. Deadend, to be precise.

Has any of these celebrities who've been giving their moral and financial support ever asked why Africa remains toxic despite its enormous natural resources and abundant human capital? Has any asked why would such staggering amounts in the millions, if not in the billions, been invested in the continent annually yet there's nothing to show for it? Has any attempted to approaching the root cause of the problem dealing with it once and for all so the continent can march toward onward objectivity? Has any considered the importance of a radical step by way of an organized and timed political revolution to effect change? Has any thought of the normalcy of due process taking into account prosecuting to the limit of the law those that raped their country's public funds and caused all sorts of hardship to its people, as a result, and learning from the steps taken by Paul Kagame of Rwanda?

Today, Nigeria in particular, is on the list of the world's highest number of malnourished children and yet it is the one called the giant of Africa.

Until the thought of the above-mentioned necessary steps is taken, the African continent will continue to sink beyond imagination and like in a situation where no matter how many gallons of palm oil is used in preparing a dog's meal, its stool will not change; it will still be black. Since the event was a success as the organizers made us believe, the point here is, as the First Annual Health Summit by Africa's First Ladies, its too early to start applauding because from my observation it will end up like any other African summit where nothing gets done. Davis who was at the gala pointed it out clearly: "It's really amazing to have the First Ladies (in Beverly Hills) and hear what their countries are going through and what they need..."

Yes, everybody wants to help but the people in question are cocky and crooked. So why don't we weep for those shattered people and also for the poor and penniless who have been oppressed and crushed instead of applauding a sect that intends to rape the peoples fund.

Da Week and Da Wrap Up

It's amazing how time flies. March is almost over and another week gone by with President Barack Obama's Stimulus Package not yet showing as pundits, talkshow hosts, especially on the far right are not being considerate from the way they keep attacking Obama on what they are now calling a failure. Failure in just two months? I don't get it and give me a break. I 'dunno' how that could be possible for a mess caused in eight years of a retarded George Bush 2 administration to be cleaned up in a blink of an eye. It is just not possible, even though Obama seems to be making mistakes notably his choice of appointments and the outrageous AIG debacle.

Meanwhile, while at it, Obama is enjoying the ride making the presidency look easy, and for sure, living up to his creed in changing the way business is conducted in Washington. His visit to Southern California and appearance at "The Tonight Show," without a doubt, catapulted Jay Leno's show to the top in ratings while the president keep leaving his mark -- the first sitting president to appear on NBC's "The Tonight Show."

Enough of "da" politics. I read Dambisa Moyo's interesting article "Why Foreign Aid Is Hurting Africa" in the weekend edition of The Wall Street Journal. I agree with Moyo in that superb write-up, and I hope the financial institutions in question and charity organizations will start rethinking their starategies because the alleged aid is doing more harm than good. For instance, aids to many of these poor countries in Africa were embezzled by its leaders. Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe), Mobutu Sese Seko (Zaire, now Democratic Republic of Congo), Bakill Muluzi (Malawi), and Frederick Chiluba, Zambia's former president, have all, one way or the other, embezzled funds meant to aid the poor by way of infrastructures, healthcare and education. In that piece, Moyo writes;

Yet evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that aid to Africa has made the poor poorer, and the growth slower. The insidious aid culture has left African countries more debt-laden, more inflation-prone, more vulnerable to the vagaries of the currency markets and more unattractive to higher-quality investment. It's increased the risk of civil conflict and unrest (the fact that over 60% of sub-Saharan Africa's population is under the age of 24 with few economic prospects is a cause for worry). Aid is an unmitigated political, economic and humanitarian disaster.

The movies this weekend got me tripping. I was only able to watch two of the new arrivals at theaters, and as it happens sometimes, and not being ready, I dozed off in both movies which reminded me of "Boiler Maker" I was suppose to be reviewing a couple of months ago. The first I watched was "Duplicity" starring the 41-year-old wrinkle-free Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Jude Law and Natalie Portman. All about love and lack of trust got me snoring in-between the show. I'm not sure if I want to see it again. Then I saw "Sunshine Cleaning" starring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin. It was not much to talk about. And I dozed off, and that's basically about it. I am not going to see it again.

What's up with Twitter, man!? Looks like every now and then when I pop up my mailbox someone I have not known from Adam seems to be following me. A way to connect and share brief moments which appears to be cool depending on what way one looks at it. It is an entire world in one box and the stuff has just exploded. And the folks out there in da box are having a ball and talking about it everywhere they go.

I shared a brief moment on the phone with actress/filmmaker, Esosa Edosomwan and some fascinating project will be popping up very soon and knowing who Esosa is from her years of determination and hardwork, it's going to be explosive and da magazine is going to be straight.

But, anyway, the week wasn't that bad save for Fox Channel Obama bashers who have nothing else to do but keep saying Obama this and Obama that. They should leave the guy alone to do his job. What's their beef?

My heart goes to the families of four Oakland, California Police officers who were gunned down in a shootout yesterday by troubled parolee Lovelle Mixon. More on Oakland shooting.

That's "Da Week and Da Wrap Up."

Q & A Interview With Zambia's Mutinta Suuya

Who knows how these things happen? The best African minds are beginning to emerge in Diaspora and, with a remarkable African cultural events taking place all around the world, it is now clear the world has changed a whole lot. From M-Net's Face Of Africa to Miss Africa Canada coupled with related African cultural events in Sweden, Finland, Britain, Germany, Belgium, Australia, and several others spread out all over the Universe, the one that is for sure fascinating is the electric atmosphere of Miss Africa USA which kicked off four years ago in Jonesboro, Georgia.

And on Saturday, November 1, 2008, the beautiful African minds gathered at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center in Jonesboro, Georgia, for the 4th Annual Miss Africa USA contest and the elegant 18-year-old Mutinta Suuya was one of them; representing her country, Zambia. Born in Lusaka, Zambia and now a sophomore aspiring to be an economist and a lawyer by the time she's done with academics. Mutinta told me a whole lot and what the future holds for her. No doubt, at 18, she's almost there and it is quite amazing how her passion is driving her to the success lane.

She is too much for her age and with her volunteer work in progress her inspiration will definitely help change the African cultural landscape and, people around her develop a deeper understanding of Africa today. She is practically everything, an essayist and you name it.



EXCERPT:

Tell me about yourself

I am an 18 year old College Sophomore currently majoring in Economics in the State of Illinois, and I intend to go to Law School upon completing my Bachelors in Economics. I began attending High School when I was 10 years old and completed at 15. I have managed to maintain a 4.0 G.P.A throughout my college enrollment. In addition, I am an Honors student currently enrolled in the school's Honors program.

Besides being a Lawyer and Economist, I intend to continue modeling and become a Biographer. Writing Biographies is something I would love to do on a professional level because I am fascinated by different people's life stories. It is so interesting to realize that every individual on this planet has a unique story to tell even if they don't realize it.

On the other hand, I enjoy modeling because I have always been interested in fashion and photography. In my college enrollment so far I have received the following awards:

Outstanding Student of the year in 2007-2008 awards due to maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A, Who's Who amongst students in American Colleges and Universities and Lutrell Endowment Foundation Scholarship. I have also been recently nominated for the prestigious Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student laureate Award. It is statewide award in which only one student per school can be nominated for it.

I am member of the following organizations: Phi Theta Kappa Honors society, Student Activity Board, Student writer for School newspaper called NavigatorIn Addition. I am a part time Audio Visual Technician in the Audio Visual Technology department of the school. I was a finalist for the Miss Africa USA 2008 Scholarship and Beauty Pageant, and currently hold the title of Miss Zambia USA 2008. In 2008, I was the School's representative at the Honors Annual Spring Student Research Conference of the Honors Council of the Illinois Region (HCIR) at Western Illinois University in Moline, IL . At this conference I made an oral presentation on a project entitled "Are Biofuels the next best Alternative energy resource?" Not forgetting, I am a featured author in a publication by Elder and Leemuar Publishers called Challenge the Experts.

When you arrived on the shores of the United States, what was the difference between growing up in Lusaka, Zambia and settling in America?

The differences between growing up in Lusaka and settling in America have been interesting learning expiriences. I am very grateful to having been brought up in Lusaka because I learnt so much about the importance of appreciating culture, morals and family life. It has also made me a down to earth person who will always remember where I came from. Settling in America has been a lovely learning experience and opportunity as well. I love the diversity in culture and race found in America. Not forgetting I admire and respect the hardworking ethic and determination instilled in the people that live here.

Let's talk about the beauty contest, the Miss Africa USA recently held in Jonesboro, Georgia. How did you hear about the contest and what motivated you to enter your bid?

I saw and read about the contest online. I decided to enter the contest because I loved the fact that it was celebrating African culture and was acknowledging all the beautiful and talented women found in its continent.

What was the experience like; I mean the fanfare, the contestants, the audience, the panel of judges and organizers that Saturday night you stepped on stage for a shot to the crown?

It was such an amazing experience. In one weekend, I learnt so much about other cultures and greatly enhanced my modeling skills. The audience and judges were awesome. They did an amazing job to help bring the contest to life.

In your leisure time what keeps you busy?

In my leisure time I love reading Biographies, travelling and seeing different historical sites and museums, writing different thoughts on paper, watching movies and documentaries, and most of all listening and watching CNN.

Who is your favorite author?

I actually have two favorite authors, Eric Blair also known as the great George Orwell and Sidney Sheldon. I love George Orwell's works because he was such an intelligent and controversial writer. I admire and respect the fact that he did not think that it was important to go with the mainstream opinion even when it was wrong. He wrote books that were not favored in his time but have become master pieces today. Orwell was generally a powerful writer whose works will continue to endure the test of time.

Sidney Sheldon is a brilliant author who is so entertaining. One thing I noticed about his books is that although Sidney Sheldon was a male author, he usually gave power to the women in them. In almost every book I have read by him, a woman is the main character. Additionally, he was such a great story teller and a legend in his own right.

What's your favorite dish?

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Who is your favorite musician?

Mariah Carey, her voice and lyrics are just amazing. There is something so sincere in the way she sings and delivers her music.

In fashion, who is your favorite designer?

Coco Chanel is my favorite designer. She greatly influenced the fashion industry by her classy yet sophisticated designs. Today, her design label has grown greatly and is worn by so many people across the globe.

what's your wish for Africa since you will be fully engaged in volunteer work?

My wish for Africa is to see it become an economically independent continent. Despite Africa gaining political independence from its colonial masters, it is yet to gain Economical Independence. I believe that Africa is indeed "diamond in Ruff"; it has the potential to become a powerful independent continent both politically and economically.

What area of politics is your interest?

Honestly, I am interested in so many different areas of politics. However, Global Politics is my main interest because I strongly believe that each day the world is becoming more and more connected. We witnessed that with the collapse of the US economy, the Global economy was crumbling too. This simply showed that the political and economical instability of one nation will have an impact on other nations too. In addition, I think it is important for us as Humankind to not only consider ourselves as citizens of a country but of the globe. Thus, this is why global politics my main are of interest.