On Saturday February 6, 2010 , the grand finale of the MNET Face of Africa show was held in Nigeria at the exhibition centre of the Eko Hotel and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos where a Zambian Model, Lukando emerged the winner. The event which recorded an impressive turnout of fashion buffs from different part of the world was aired live from Lagos to 47 African countries. It was indeed a night of high glitz and glamour as the show was well organized to international standard. City People Fashion Editor, BOLA AKINBOADE, brings you a blow by blow account of this prestigious event.
WAS A CLASSY EVENT
It was magic, that is the best way to describe the setting, the technicalities and the opulent décor at the recently held MNET Face of Africa grand finale. The event had a lot of mind blowing and innovative concepts that dazzled the guests. The event was well planned and also highly attended by prominent personalities in the society who came from far and near to be part of this year’s grand finale. It was truly a night of glitz and glamour at the Eko Hotel Exhibition Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos with show stopping outfits from 10 of Nigeria’s most illustrious designers. These include Zizi Cardow, Frank Osodi, Odio Mimonet, Fati Asibelua, Folake Folarin Coker, Ituen Basi, Adebayo Jones, Lanre Da Silva, Lisa Folawiyo, and Yemi Oshikoya. The night also showcased two of the brightest fashion talents from East and Southern Africa- Kenya’s John Kayeke and South Africa star David Tlale. And also on the runway was 2010 cruise collections from international designers like Emmanuel Ungaro, Versace and Christian Lacroix. Apart from the breathe taking pieces, the night also features entertaining performances from South African songstress, Lira and Nigeria Koko master, Dbanj. And after a stiff competition among the contestants, a 22-year-old Lukando Nalungwe from Zambia joined the exclusive group of winners when she was named the eighth and newest M-Net Face of Africa. And judging from the success of the event, it is one event that will not be easily forgotten on the social scene
WHY FACE OF AFRICA CAME TO NIGERIA.
The MNET Face of Africa was hosted in Lagos for the very first time. Apart from the fact that Nigeria is one of Africa’s biggest countries, one of the reasons the organizer hosted the show in Nigeria is because Nigeria was the first country to produce the first MNET Face of Africa, Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi who they are still very proud off even till date. And when the decision came to host the model search here came up, every member of the team just supported the idea. And the fact that Oluchi has also made Nigeria as one of Africa’s best model made the decision a very easy one. Though most of the technical ideas came from South Africa, they also worked hand in hand with the brilliant experts in Nigeria.
THE UNIQUENESS OF THE HALL SETTING
Re-invention and innovation are hot buzzwords to describe the MNET Face of Africa 2010, a two-hour show,beamed live from Lagos to 47 countries across Africa. M-Net presented a bold new vision for the Face of Africa Final opting for an edgier version of a traditional runway show and presenting the models on a black, floor-based runway in a contemporary warehouse.
With the venue of the finale themed to resemble the loading warehouse of an art museum, where precious gallery pieces are prepared for display, the staging included massive cargo boxes stamped with African designs in extra-ordinary sizes of gold frames that showcased the fashion and the finalists. Packaging tape demarcating the runway from the show, seated guests, with warehouse hazards light dotting the entire length of the runway on both sides. It was a uniquely fresh approach to showcasing Afro-chic expression.
MEET THE COMPERES
The comperes for the event were both international acts as they were both flown into the country to anchor the show. This great event was hosted by Fareed Khimani of Studio 53 and Kaone Kario.
Fareed Khimani is arguably the best male presenter in Kenya. The studio 53 presenter has attained a celebrity status and has become a force to reckon with in that terrain. He is well loved and one thing that stands him out apart from his accent is his dexterity. He also has charisma and charming personale to hold his viewers spellbound.
While Kaone Kario is a former winner of the MNET Face of Africa modeling competition. The Botswana tall and lanky model emerged the MNET Face of Africa 5 years ago and ever since then, her modeling career has been on the rise.
They were both a perfect hosts at the event as they display high professionalism.
MEET THE TOP 10 FINALISTS
The M-NET Face of Africa search kicked off last year with over 400 models registering for participation. And after rigorous screening process, 24 models from 16 countries made it to the boot camp. But the screening did not end there as they still had to go through a tough week of tasks which 12 made it to participate in the prestigious Swahili Fashion Week.
At the Swahili Fashion Week in Dar es Salaam, two more models were eliminated and the top 10 were confirmed. The top 10 finalist for the MNET Face of Africa 2010 include ; Rosanna Hall (Nigeria), Blessing Bassey (Nigeria), Diana Nekoye Sifuna( Kenya), Ernania Rainha Manuel ( Mozambique), Luvuvamu Esperan a Vemba (Angola), Lilian Alphonce Mduda ( Tanzania), Lukando Nalungwe(Zambia), Marvis Chinelo Offor ( Nigeria), Thembi (South Africa) and Tholakele Dlamini (Zimbabwe).
AN IMPRESSIVE PANEL OF JUDGES
The panel of judges for the MNET Face of Africa 2010 was an impressive one. They were selected from a vast range of people that mattered in the Fashion, Beauty and Modeling Industry from all over the Africa. The panel of judges were:Iman, the founder and CEO of IMAN cosmetics, an international super model, actress and beauty industry pioneer; Ndukka Obaigbena, THISDAY newspaper editor-in-chief and chairman; Oluchi Onweagba- Orlandi, the winner of the first MNET face of Africa; Megan Kruger, director of the shine group, show producer and stylists; Helen Jennings, editor of ARISE magazine dedicated to celebrating African achievement in fashion, music, culture and politics; Josie Borain, south African super model; David Tlale, South Africa top designer and John Kaveke, Kenya top designer
ABIOLA ALABI A PERFECT HOST
The MD of MNET Nigeria, Biola Alabi worked with the best hands in the event and fashion industry to ensure the success of the event. She played the role of the perfect host to all the delegates who stormed the country from all the different part of Africa and ensured that they were treated to a first class reception. At the show, she was also not found wanting as she did a brilliant job in ensuring that everything went smoothly.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT PLAYED A PROMINENT ROLE
The Lagos state government played a major role towards the success of this year’s event. Being the host state, a lot of efforts were put in to make sure that the event lived up to its billing. In a goodwill message sent by Governor Fashola and played on the screen at the event, he said he is proud to host the continent’s number one model search and delighted to play a part in the prestigious Face of Africa competition. The state also showcased talented fashion designers at the grand event.
And though the governor couldn’t make it due to circumstances beyond his control, he sent a powerful delegation representing him at the event.
JAN MALAN PRODUCED THE SHOW
One of the reasons that might explain the success of the event is the fact that it was produced by one of the best fashion producer in Africa, Jan Malan.
Having started his career 16 years ago, Jan Malan is one of the leading fashion show producers in Africa. He has risen to become the most sought after in this field and he is associated with excellence and perfection. Notably, Jan Malan has staged fashion and beauty shows in more than twelve countries worldwide, including exotic locations such as Cairo, Nice and Dar-Es-Salaam. His vision and talent spearheaded the highly successful Face of Africa model search. Interestingly, he has been the producer of this prestigious modeling search since inception no wonder it keeps getting better with each passing year, and this year’s event was indeed mind blowing.
DBANJ STOLE THE SHOW
Give it to Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as Dbanj; he is one guy that knows how to thrill his guests’ any day and any time. D'banj is known as an energetic, charismatic and infectious live performer.With him on the stage, there is no dull moment as he will turn up the heat in the house. And this was what he did at the MNET Face of Africa’s event as he thrilled the guests with his brillant and exciting performance . He perfrormed 3 of his hit tracks, “Ogbono Feli Feli”, “Suddenly” and “Fall in Love”.
SOUTH AFRICAN SOUL QUEEN, LIRA PERFORMS
Another sensational singer who performed to the delight of the guests was South African Soul Queen, Lira Molapo popularly known as Lira. She one of the new rave of the moment in South Africa. She was shot into limelight 3 years ago and has numerous awards to her credit. Lira is known for eclectic sounds comprising elements of Afro-pop, R&B and jazz.
KATE MENSAH FINAL ASSIGNMENT
Tall and lanky Kate Mensah won the coveted Face of Africa crown in 2009. The dark complexion model from Ghana was also at the event to perform her last duty before she finally bade her farewell as the reigning queen. Adorned in an outfit made by Ghana’s foremost designer, Kofi Ansah, she announced the top 5, which include: Rosanna Hall (Zimbabwe), Thembi Kobedi(South Africa), Ernania Rainha Manuel(Mozambique), Marvis Chinelo Offor(Nigeria) and Lukando Nalungwe(Zambia)
OLUCHI’S SUPPORTIVE ROLE
Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi played a very big role in the success of this year’s event. She has been actively involved right from the commencement of the screening of the girls. And even though she was one of the panel of judges at the event, she was shuttling between the hall and back stage to ensure that everything ran smoothly. She also announced the winner of MNET Face 2010, Zambian girl; Lukando Nalungwe and why she was the winner of the competition. According to her, the final assessment was not based on the catwalk show of that day, as it also had to do with all the accumulated marks from their 6 months camp. Oluchi also gave the winner a 3 years contract at her modeling agency, O’Models based in South –Africa
MO ABUDU’S KINKY AFRO LOOK
Celebrity Talk Show host, Mosunmola Abudu popularly known as MO Abudu has been versatile with her looks these days. The interesting thing is that these looks are always a total transformation of her as it keeps revealing her other side. At the MNET Face of Africa, she stunned everybody with her big Afro look complemented with her lovely short dress.
THE CELEBRITY COUPLES IN THE HOUSE
The event witnessed some celebrity couples who stepped out together to grace the occasion. They were in each other’s company all through the night and also had fun at the party. Notable among these celebrity couples at the event include the likes of Eyimofe Atake and wife, Dorothy; Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva, Darey Art Alade and Wife; Alibaba and Wife, Mary; Funmi Aoyefiyebi and husband; Segun Oniru and wife amongst others.
MOWUNMI AKINIFESI RESURFACE
Ex –Beauty Queen, Mowunmi Akinifessi has been off the scene for quite sometime. This is because she traveled out of the country towards the end of last year to take some courses on Event Planning and Coordination. The MNET Face of Africa is one of the first major events she has graced ever since she returned to the country. She looked lovely in a long dress made by award winning designer, Mai Atafo.
ADEBAYO JONES FLEW IN FROM LONDON
The MNET Face of Africa did not only record the presence of designers from different part of Africa, but also Nigerian designers making waves abroad. One of Nigerian designers who came from London is Adebayo Jones. He was among the 10 designers who did the opening shot. Adebayo who focuses primarily on occasion/formal wear and wedding dresses, did not deviate from his signature as that was evident in his design showcased at the show. It was clean lines, expert tailoring and precision finishing.
……..AND YEMI OSHIKOYA TOO
Another brilliant Nigerian designer who was also brought in by MNET was award winning designer, Yemi Oshikoya of Kosibah creations. This UK based designer is an expert in lovely evening and wedding dresses.His signature use of corsetry and draping creates gowns that flatter and enhance every woman's figure no matter her size or shape.
He designed the lovely evening dress worn by the winner of the model search, Lukando.
SPECIAL EFFECT BY OPEN HANDS
The technical and logistic team was brought in from South-Africa and other part of the world to give the event an international flavour. One event outfit that also gained prominence at the event was Event Décor outfit, Open hands owned by Akin and Yinka Ariyo. They added a special effect with their lights. And the outfit was also in charge of the decoration of the hall where the After Party held at the same premises of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
RUTH OSIME AND FRIENDS
Thisday Style Editor, Ruth Osime was very visible at the event. It wasn’t long before the reason became obvious. She came not to only grace the occasion but also to give support to her boss, Nduka Obageina who was part of the panel of judges at this year’s event. She was in the company of her friends, Nkiru Animudu, Daisy Danjuma and others. She arrived the venue some minutes before them and got a nice spot for all of them. They all had fun together all through the evening.
BETWEEN ERELU ABIOLA DOSUNMU AND PRINCESS LATIFAH LAMALIATE
The ever regal, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu was also at the event. She was in the company of Lagos creative designer, Princess Latifah Lamaliate, who is fast becoming her new adopted daughter as they are always at some of the A-class events together. Erelu Abiola who was calm at the event enjoyed herself.
ABAH FOLAWIYO HONOURS MNET
Lagos foremost designer and the wife of the late Baba Adinni of Lagos, Princess Abah Folawiyo, was also at the event. She came in the company of her friend, Mrs Yewande Onirele. For quite sometimes, Princess Abah has been less visible as she rarely attends parties these days. But she was present at the MNET since she is one of the doyens of the fashion industry.
AKIN ARIYO COMES WITH DAUGHTER
Unknown to a lot of people, the Open Hands Boss, Akin Ariyo actually has a daughter who is South-Africa based super-model. Her first daughter, Deola Ariyo actually represented Nigeria at the 2005 Nokia face of Africa. She did so well at the competition even though she didn’t clinch the crown, it has opened several doors for her. She is based in South Africa making giant strides in the modeling industry there, and she was part of the delegates who came in from South-Africa to assist in the production of the show since Nigeria is her home country. She worked in hand-in-hand with Jan Malan who produced the show.
AN ARRAY OF NOLLYWOOD STAR
Even though the event had a lot of people that matter in the fashion, beauty and modeling industry in attendance, Nollywood stars were not left out as they all added glamour to the event with their stunning outfits.These include the likes of Stephanie Okereke, Omotola Jolade, Ramsey Noah, Mike Ezunroye, Olu Jacobs,Joke Silva and others.
ABOUT THE ZAMBIAN WINNER
22-year-old Lukando Nalungwe from Zambia was crowned the winner after varied segments of catwalk and runway. The striking model won a prize cash of USD 50 000 from M-Net along with a modeling contract from O Model Africa and skincare products for 12 months from Iman Cosmetics. She stood tall after a stiff competition from the other 4 runner ups; Tholakele (South Africa), Rosanna (Zimbabwe), Ernania (Mozambique) and Marvis (Nigeria).
Lukundo was ecstatic and speechless when she was announced the winner as tears of joy flowed freely from her eyes.
The 22-year-old was born in Kabwe, Zambia. She is currently studying for a certificate in business administration at the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies.
ABOUT THE AFTER PARTY
After the modeling competition, the guests were ushered into a beautifully decorated arena for the after party which also took place at the same premises of the Eko Hotel and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos. They were treated to sumptuous meal and variety of drinks. The height of it is the dance session, as the guests loosen up and had so much fun.
ROLL CALL
Notable among those who graced the occasion include the likes of Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Princess Abah Folawiyo, Daisy Danjuma, Ifeoma Williams,Ruth Osime, MO Abudu , Lanre Da Silva, Nkiru Animudu, Segun Oniru and wife, Yetunde Allen, Lisa Folawiyo, Mike Ezunroye, Frank Osodi, Toba Gold, Lexy Mojo Eyes, Basket Mouth, Adebayo Jones, Yemi Oshikoya, Funmi Victor Okigbo, Odio Minomet, Ibidun Ajayi-Ighodalo, Remi Lagos, Folake Folarin Coker, Funmi Iyanda, Nikky Khiran, Dele Momodu, Funmi Ayofiyebi , Alli Baba and wife, Eunice Efole, Princess Latifah Lamaliate, Omowunmi Akinifesi, ,Mrs Onirele, Ou Jacobs and Joke Silva, Akin Ariyo, Omotola Ekeinde, Munachii Abi, Banke Meshida Lawal, Tee A, Ramsey Noah, Darey art alade and wife, The Ibru Sisters and others
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