New Face of Africa crowned

2008-12-01 14:11

Johannesburg - The M-Net Face of Africa 2008 Finale was held on Saturday at the SuperBowl in Sun City, South Africa and 23-year-old Ghanaian Kate Menson was crowned the winner.

She didn't qualify in the 2006 competition, but her transformation was an inspiration to viewers.

Idols winner Eric Moyo, along with Nigerian Naeto C and Ikechukwu plus Afro-funk performers House of Holy Afro, was screened live to over 40 countries across the continent.

Also striding down the catwalk were finalists Alli (Nigeria), Hamamat (Ghana), Hiwot (Ethiopia), Maria (Namibia), Noxi (Zambia), Joana (Angola), Lucy (Uganda), Sasa (South Africa) and Sola (Nigeria).

The models were dressed in fashions by Tanzania's Mustafa Hassanali, South Africa's Thula Sindi and Nigeria's Lisa Folawiyo.

Grace and charm

Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi, the first Face of Africa, announced the winner.

Kate won a modelling contract valued at $50 000 with her agency O Model Africa.

"We wish all of the top 10 finalists well as they go forward and thank them for the courage, and their strength in taking on this challenge and meeting it with such grace and charm," said M-Net Channel Director for Africa Biola Adekanbi.

"On the judging panel, it was clear to us all that Kate was perfectly suited to be the next Face of Africa. She's the complete package, a model designers dream off, that magazine editors embrace and that catwalks are made for."

- News24