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Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
Urban grooves artiste Trevor Dongo stole the show at the Miss World Zimbabwe finale held at Mermaids Pool Resort in Shamva on Saturday evening with his hit song Ndashamisika. The musician, who sang the 15 contestants down the runway for an entire 30 minutes proved that he was a force to reckon with, accompanied by only a piano and relying entirely on the power of his voice. Dongo serenaded guests and added a personal touch to every contestant’s performance, treating them like queens as they strutted their stuff on the ramp.

The finale which was held in Shamva for the first time saw 25-year-old Emily Tatanga Kachote glide away as the probity Miss World Zimbabwe 2015 queen. Ann-Grace Mutambu, 19, was crowned 1st princess with Chengetai Marcia Kanonhuwa, 18, being crowned 2nd princess. Bulawayo’s Anissah Ndiriwani, 22, was crowned Miss Talent while Vanessa Mutemasango, 20, was voted Miss Personality.

For being crowned queen, the not so articulate Kachote was presented with a KIA Picanto vehicle sponsored by Kia Motors among other prizes. Miss World Zimbabwe organisers – the Miss Zimbabwe Trust will decide whether she will keep the vehicle or return it to them once she is done with her year-long reign. She also earned herself a spot at the Miss World contest where she will represent Zimbabwe later this year. The dates and Miss World host country are yet to be announced.

Bulawayo which sent close to 30 models to the Miss World Zimbabwe boot camp last month, probably sent more of quantity than quality as its last remaining four representatives – Nokulunga Nyathi, Nicolleta Nyathi, Bionica Chipanje and Ndiriwani did not make it into the top five, losing to Harare models. This seems not to have dampened their mood as they insisted that they would give the contest another try next year.

The well-choreographed pageant saw delegates being treated to quality entertainment from Zora legend, Leonard ‘Karikoga’ Zhakata, Mudiwa and energetic dance group, Alysium. Zhakata, the Mugove hit-maker who kept delegates on their feet during the pageant’s after-party proved why he is a Zora legend as he together with his band put up a spirited act.

Boma dancers were not to be outdone as they gave the pageant an African touch with the interactive drums session. Delegates from different nationalities could be seen drumming along with the group.

The models also gave viewers at home as well as those who witnessed the event live quality performances when they went through their various routines. But their question and answer segment was not satisfactory as some of their responses left a lot to be desired.

Renowned South Africa-based Zimbabwean designer Sperro Vilioti who was once again tasked with dressing the models for their evening wear, brought nothing but the best of fashion.

As usual, the lap of honour by the Presidential guard was one of the main attractions of the night. The queen and her two princesses were all saluted by the Presidential guard, affirming their status as national ambassadors.

However, the biggest let down of the night were the two MCs, Emmanuel Manyika and ZiFM’s Tich Mawoni. Their presentation seemed more like a battle on stage as they fought hard to outdo each other instead of complementing each other. Some felt a female presenter was needed to balance the stage which ended up tense.

Guest of honour, Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Supa Mandiwanzira, congratulated all the finalists for having made it to the finale, encouraging people to put effort in whatever they do.

“All these girls are winners today because they stood up to be counted and survived boot camp. In whatever you do, be counted,” said the minister.

Miss Zimbabwe Trust chairperson, Marry Chiwenga said she was impressed with the quality of models they received this year, stating that this year’s contests’ theme, Probity had been inspired by modelling guru, Kiki Divaries.

“Kiki Divaries was my inspiration to this year’s Miss World Zimbabwe theme: Probity. Kiki in my view is the perfect definition of probity. I see in her the vision that Miss World Zimbabwe has, her passion and compassion to uplift and empower the African woman to have purpose, recognition, relevance, good morals and social standing in society,” she said.

Chiwenga who was mentored by Divaries, said this year’s pageant was a tribute to Divaries for her contribution to modelling. “All her charity work with the underprivileged in society has inspired us all and we aspire to emulate her,” Chiwenga said.