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Natasha Mutsiba, [email protected]

The second edition of the Bulawayo Model Awards (BMA) unfolded in grandeur on Sunday night at the Holiday Inn, where the city’s fashion and the modelling community gathered to celebrate outstanding achievements.

The event exuded glamour, showcasing the crème de la crème of Bulawayo’s fashion and modelling talent.

Highlighting the evening, Botsi Lyra Noko, the reigning Miss World Heritage 2022, emerged as a star, clinching two prestigious awards for Outstanding Influencer and Outstanding Female Model. Her emotional acceptance speech reflected her gratitude for the support she received in her journey as a model.

“I am so touched honestly. For those who did not know, I’m from Hwange originally and I came here to study, but I have become one of Bulawayo’s models, and that touches me. God’s timing is the best and I want to thank everyone supportive of my journey and everything,” said Noko.

Adding to the night’s triumphs, Mr Zimbabwe International – Francisco Kampira was named Model of the Year, building on his previous win as the Outstanding Male Model at the Bulawayo Model Awards.

Teen model Zoleka Gatsha made a significant impact, receiving two awards for Outstanding Teenage Model and Outstanding Newcomer.

In absentia, modelling guru Sipho Mazibuko was honoured with a legendary award for her enduring presence and influence in the industry, acknowledging her significant impact over many years.

The event also featured a showcase of seven designers, adding an extra layer of creativity to the evening.

Pardon Khaya-Elihle Khanye, the President of the Bulawayo Model Association, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support for the event.

Below is the full list of the 2023 Bulawayo Model Award winners:

1. Outstanding Performing Artiste
-Elbee

2. Outstanding videographer
-Pasha Cardinal

3. Outstanding pageant director
-Joanna Mandemwa (Planet pageants and Miss Super globe)

4. Outstanding MC
-Tanaka Mpofu

5. Most supportive company
-Gold and Globe

6. Outstanding influencer
-Lyra Botsi Noko

7. Outstanding fitness model
-Saymore Machoni

8. Outstanding Brand ambassador
-Ben Chest

9. Outstanding Fashion House/designer
-Fixation

10. Pageant of the year
-Planet pageants
-Miss Teen Universe

11. Outstanding Runway model
-Future Nyoni

12. Outstanding model project
-Trevor Nhidza

13. Outstanding Varsity Queen/king
-Musawenkosi Ndlovu

14: Outstanding varsity/college pageant
-ZSM

15. Outstanding Photographer
-Puzzlemoment

16. Outstanding New Comer
-Zoleka Gatsha

17. Outstanding Modeling Agency
-Hidden Talent

18. Best Pageant model
-Pamela Chingoto

19. Outstanding Female Model
-Lyra Botsi Noko

20. Outstanding male model
-Trevor

21. Most photogenic model
-Mzolisi Mtshayisi

22. Outstanding Teenage model
-Zoleka Gatsha

23. Outstanding media House/Journalist
-Ibraheem-Ibrah magazine

24. Outstanding Makeup Artist of the Year
-Pusheka Girl

25. Outstanding plus-size model
-Ntando khumalo

26. Model of the year
-Francisco Kampira.