Historic Wins for African Models: October’s Pageant Highlights
The month of October has been a bustling time for the modeling world, particularly on the international stage, with several pageants taking place, including the inaugural Miss Cosmo, Mister Global, Mister Africa Tourism, Miss Teen Universe, and Mister Tourism, among others.
Zimbabwean model Princess Ruvimbo Njomboro made history at the Miss Cosmo pageant, held in Vietnam on October 6, 2024, despite not winning the main crown. Ruvimbo achieved a significant milestone by becoming the only African contestant to reach the top 10 in the inaugural Miss Cosmo pageant. She was also the only Black African model to advance to that stage, a competition largely dominated by Asian and Latin American participants.
At the same pageant, Nigerian model Blessing Tamiladd Alimi received the Women Leadership Award for her outstanding contributions.
In another pageant, Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe (MTOUZ) Queen Victoria Ncube triumphed in India, where she was crowned Miss Teen of the Universe Africa and awarded the title of Miss Photogenic at this year’s Miss Teen of the Universe competition.
On the men’s side, Nigerian model Favour Ogbuokiri made history by securing the 2nd runner-up position at the Mister Global pageant, winning a prize of USD 20,000. The event, also held on October 6, saw King Favour become the only African male model to reach the top three, while Corilla from the Philippines was crowned the overall winner.
Meanwhile, at the Mister Tourism Globe pageant held in the Philippines on October 4, South African model Nicholas Banda was awarded the title of Mister Tourism Globe Ecotourism.
Back in Africa, the inaugural Mister Tourism Africa took place in Nigeria, where Ugboma Arinze Fabian of Nigeria was crowned King. Zimbabwean model Royce Gavi also made an impression, winning the Best Design award for his traditional costume.
This month has undoubtedly marked a series of historic achievements for African models on the global stage, highlighting their growing presence and influence in the international modeling scene.
