EXCLUSIVE: Meet Nomaqhikiza Mokoni, a resilient, grounded, and visionary model from Zimbabwe, breaking barriers in the fashion industry with her authenticity and determination.

Featured in Vogue Portugal, BLANC Magazine, and working with top brands like Nike and Adidas, she’s taken the world by storm. From village to the world, she’s paving the way for others with her remarkable journey, inspiring a new generation of Zimbabwean models and giving back through her charitable initiative, Mokoni Children’s Aid.

Enjoy the chat with MyAfrika Magazine’s Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) and Nomaqhikiza Mokoni (NM).

TR: Can you describe yourself in three words?
NM: Resilient, grounded, visionary.

TR: What motivated you to venture into the modelling industry?
NM: I was motivated by the desire to show that someone from a small village in Zimbabwe could stand on the international stage with confidence. Growing up, I didn’t see many people who looked like me represented in global fashion, and I wanted to change that narrative, not only for myself but for others who dream the same dream.

TR: “From Village to the World” is one of your favorite statements what does it mean to you?
NM: It’s a personal mantra. I carry my roots everywhere I go, and they remind me of where I started. The “village” symbolizes humble beginnings, resilience, and culture, while “the world” represents limitless possibilities. For me, it’s proof that your origin doesn’t define your destination.

TR: What is day-to-day life like for an African-rooted model?
NM: It’s a balance between embracing my culture and navigating the fast-paced demands of the fashion industry. Every day, I remind myself that I’m not just modelling clothes ,I’m representing a continent, a history, and a people. That keeps me grounded, even when life gets overwhelming in places far from home.

TR: Back home in Zimbabwe, who inspires you most in the world of modelling?
NM: My inspiration doesn’t come from one individual but from the collective spirit of Zimbabwean women. Their strength, dignity, and determination inspire me daily. Whenever I see local talent breaking barriers despite limited opportunities, I’m reminded why I do what I do.

TR: This year you appeared on a billboard in America and described it as a dream come true. Can you tell us more about that experience?
NM: It was surreal. I wasn’t even expecting it, and suddenly there I was, larger than life on a billboard in America. For me, it wasn’t just about the image, it was about the journey that led there. Every challenge, every sacrifice felt worth it in that moment. It showed me that dreams really do manifest with persistence.

TR: You are also a runway model what do you love most about runway modelling?
NM: Runway is pure art in motion. I love the adrenaline, the music, the lights, and the energy that connects the designer, the model, and the audience. Each step tells a story, and for me, it’s empowering to bring a designer’s vision to life in such a powerful way.

TR: What do you think we, as Africans, can do to improve the modelling sector back home?
NM: We need to create more platforms for local talent and invest in nurturing models from an early stage. That means building agencies, training opportunities, and ensuring fair pay for creatives. More importantly, we must value our own before waiting for the world to validate us.

Another important point is awareness: in Zimbabwe, modelling is often only associated with beauty pageants. While pageantry is a form of modelling, it isn’t the only one. Fashion modeling whether editorial, runway, or commercial is a serious profession that pays and can build sustainable careers. Once people understand this distinction, we’ll start seeing the modelling industry taken more seriously as a whole.

TR: What words of wisdom would you like to share with aspiring models?
NM: Believe in yourself even when no one else does. The industry is tough, and rejection is part of the journey, but never let it define you. Stay authentic, stay professional, and remember that your uniqueness is your greatest strength. Your background is not a limitation it can be your power.

TR: What are some of your notable achievements in the fashion industry?
NM: I’ve been featured in Vogue Portugal, BLANC Magazine, and BONA Magazine, and I’ve worked with top brands like Nike, The North Face, Adidas x Rich Mnisi, and more.

TR: Where are you signed as a model?
NM: I’m signed with leading agencies in South Africa, Germany, New York, and Los Angeles.

TR: What projects are you working on beyond modelling?
NM: I’m working on opening my own modelling agency to help place Zimbabwean models internationally, and I’m also developing Mokoni Children’s Aid, a charitable initiative that provides school essentials for children in rural Zimbabwe.

TR: What values have you learned throughout your journey?
NM: I’ve learned the value of authenticity, persistence, and believing in the bigger picture.