Kenya’s capital, Nairobi was agog recently when the 2024 edition of Africa’s Next Super Model Competition held its grand finale. The runway queen and star girl of African fashion, Chol Nyang emerged the winner. She walked away with a cash prize of $ 5,000 among other goodies.
The event which had all the trappings of glitz, glamour and razzmatazz was held at the Broadwalk Mall saw other 17 talented contestants from across the continent. It was indeed, a sight to behold.
All the contestants put had put forward their best foot, with grace and poise. Naturally, as it is customary with every competition, the best will always take the day. So, it was with Joan Okorodudu-led event. Chol, a model from the Kakuma refugee camp show the stuff she is made of and out-did them showcasing unique charm, and prowess in her game. She was adjudged the winner.
Remarkably, Magdalene Takanyiro who was one of the top five finalists will also join the winner in Milan in February 2025, which is a big achievement for Kenya.
This is the second edition while the maiden event saw Achol Khan emerged as Kenya’s inaugural Africa’s Next Super Model in October 2023.
The event was a convergence of the crème-de-la-crème of Kenya including Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission— who delivered a message on behalf of Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.
In his speech, Murkomen pledged his support for the modeling sub-sector tto enable them realize their potentials and monetize their talents.
“We believe in fostering an environment where creatives in Kenya and across Africa can turn their talents into careers, their passions into livelihoods and their dreams into global successes,” the CS said
: Also in attendance was Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, who praised the platform’s growth and impact on the creative economy, noting the event’s development since its debut. Notably, Mr Cornell McBride, President of Design Essentials visited Kenya for the first time to support and empower Kenyan women through his partnership with Isis Models while Daima Mkenya Africa, founded by Mrs. Zahra Balewah Moi, had a show featuring the Kenyan flag at the event.
Joan Okorodudu, CEO of Isis Models and founder of Africa’s Next Super Model, a huge force in the global fashion industry who was recently conferred with the Lifetime Presidential Award at the Runway International Fashion Awards (RIFAS) in Baltimore, United States announced that Nairobi will play a central role in her vision for making the country a global fashion hub.
Okorodudu also confirmed that top models from Africa’s Next Super Model have already been signed by international modeling agencies in Paris, New York, and London, positioning them as ambassadors of African beauty and talent on the global stage.
Isis Models Africa has played a key role since its inception in empowering young African talents and providing them with a platform on the international stage featuring in global fashion events in major cities such as Madrid, Paris, and Milan.
