Male model transcends runways
Beauty has always been linked to modeling, be it physical appearance or being able to own the ramp. The female dominated industry is now being taken over by men with well-defined physiques, as they make their mark on big brands such as Nivea and Adidas.
Locally however, the industry has been somewhat slow or reluctant to be as accommodating to male models as compared to the international community. To every crop there is an exception and Emmanuel Kayenda is that exception. Kayenda has broken barriers and stereotypes to become one of the top male models to make a breakthrough in the predominantly female industry.
Kayenda, a Motswana leading model based in Cape Town, South Africa, made a household name for himself after he was scouted by an international modelling agency. He is one of the few models who have through grit and determination succeeded onto international runways.This is a clear indication that if one has an undying passion for modelling, and approaches it with bull-dog tenacity and resilience, jumping the hurdles and becoming a success is inevitable, whether you are an aspiring female or male model.
Kayenda’s success has inspired many male models to follow in his footsteps, one such model is Chabwe. Weekendlife engaged with the upcoming 24 year old on his journey.Francis Kasongo Chabwe started his modeling career back in 2015 after a friend convinced him to audition for Empire Agency. At the time he did not know much about modelling and fashion, so he decided to stay with Empire Modelling Agency for two years until he decided he wanted to be a freelance model.
In 2017, he was introduced to the President’s Competitions which are the biggest modeling competitions in Botswana. It was there that he managed to secure himself a spot in the Top 3 in the male models category. It became one of his career highlights.Chabwe has a notable repertoire of work in the industry; 2017 and 2019, his smooth face, vertically gifted and unmarked body graced Masa Fashion show. 2019 also saw him strut it on his very first international run way show in Johannesburg for Fashion without Borders.
Chabwe has developed a passion that has allowed him to go on with his craft despite the many challenges he faced. “Well the major challenge faced in the modeling industry right now is organisers failing to pay us and meeting up agreements between them and the models. There are incidents were models have to wait for 9 months for them to get paid,” he said.
One of the reasons the 24 year old joined the industry was his love for fashion. “I’m a freak of fashion and style, especially designer made clothes and modeling is where you mostly meet fashion gurus, fashion designers and very unique clothing designs that's why I don't consider it only for women.“I want to see myself definitely walking down the ramp at the New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Tokyo Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, the list is endless. Most of all I would love to be signed to New York Agencies or Paris Agencies,” he said.
The seasoned runway and commercial model, who does designer garments to sell, looks up to Kayenda and Kaone Kario.“They took our modeling industry to higher standards, made their mark outside Africa and I'm inspired to do more than them, I'm inspired to go higher than they have,” he said.He wishes male models would be taken seriously and their craft respected and appreciated more. “We sell brands and we expect payments just like models in other countries,” he lamented.
In an interview with WeekendLife, founder of Top Model Botswana, Simon Pierre explained that many factors can make one a successful model.“I think it all comes down to hard work and keeping the hustle. It is not easy as a guy in the modeling industry but consistency and hard work always pays off. You need to be able to find your angle first, in terms of what makes it easier for you to be noticed in this industry as a guy, go to that one feature that makes you stand out from others. You should know your category and work hard under it,” he said.
He further highlighted that the industry is not respected at all and that there are many South African shops in Botswana, Batswana invest by buying from them.‘‘The funny thing is when it comes to advertising, those shop owners go back to South Africa to look for models to do their A4 shoot or any other means of advertising and they will fly the advert back to Botswana and try to attract us to buy,” he said.
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DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
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Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.
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Women in Science: Breaking Glass Ceilings
Women scientists have made significant contributions to the field of science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Despite their remarkable achievements, women represent only a fraction of researchers globally, and their work often goes unrecognized. The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is urgent. However, organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community.
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have collaborated for over two years to support and recognize women scientists who have achieved scientific excellence. These organizations have awarded more than 100 laureates, with five of them going on to win Nobel Prizes. These women researchers, who have worked in various scientific fields across different continents, are not only changing the world through their discoveries but also serving as role models for aspiring women scientists.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programs annually support over 250 talented young women researchers. Through regional and national programs, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO provide crucial support to these researchers during their thesis or post-doctoral studies. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality in science. However, both organizations remain determined to make this vision a reality.
Recently, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO hosted thirty winners of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science 14th Rising Talents Sub-Saharan Africa awards in Kasane. These awards recognize African women scientists for their outstanding research. During a press conference, Fondation L’Oréal CEO Alexandra Palt emphasized the importance of empowering women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa, a continent that suffers greatly from climate disruption. Palt highlighted the challenges these women face, including overcoming prejudice, sexism, and harassment, to become accomplished scientists.
The finalists of the awards are scientists, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers who are advancing various disciplines such as biology, agronomy, physics, mathematics, genetics, and engineering. Their goal is to improve the daily lives of Africa’s people, whether through advancements in health or the environment. These women, such as Dairou Hadidjatou, a pioneer in cardiovascular disease treatment in Cameroon, Esther Uwimaana, conducting research on potential tuberculosis vaccines, and Mwende Mbilo, innovating clean energy solutions in Kenya, are driven by their desire to advance science and society.
The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is crucial. Palt emphasized that Africa currently represents only 2.5% of scientists globally, making it challenging for young girls in Africa to pursue scientific careers when women researchers in their countries are often invisible in the media, scientific publications, and international forums. To address this, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have increased the number of young talents awarded from 20 to 30. These researchers also receive leadership training to enhance their communication and negotiation skills, as well as their ability to address harassment and speak publicly or with the media.
By highlighting the achievements of these women scientists, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO aim to break the glass ceiling and provide them with the recognition they deserve. It is essential to take urgent action on multiple levels to enable these talented women to emerge onto the public stage and be acknowledged for their excellent work. Only then can we truly achieve gender equality in the scientific community.
In conclusion, women scientists have made significant contributions to science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community. By recognizing and supporting these women, we can inspire the younger generation and create a world where women in science are celebrated and their work is valued.