In a glittering finale in the Philippines, Zimbabwe’s representative Royce Gavi stepped onto the Mister Heritage stage and left as Mister Heritage Global, sending the country’s name soaring onto the world map.

Speaking to us after his historic win, Royce reflects on the disbelief, the cultural showcase that won over judges and audiences, the surprises of life in the Philippines, and the hard graft behind the crown. With warmth, humility and a clear sense of purpose, he shares what it meant to carry Zimbabwe’s heritage across borders, how he connected with people through language and dance, and what lies ahead as he prepares to use his new platform back home.

TR: How do you say Good day in Filipino and thank you?
RG: “Good day” in Filipino is “Magandang araw” and “thank you” is “Salamat”.

TR: Royce, you walked into Mister Heritage representing Zimbabwe and walked out as Mister Heritage Global. What was going through your mind the moment they announced your name as the winner in the Philippines?
RG: I’m in disbelief, ecstatic, happy and thankful to God. It’s like I’ve waited my whole life for this night.

TR: The competition is all about culture and heritage. Which part of Zimbabwe’s culture did you choose to showcase on that international stage, and how did the judges and audience react to it?
RG: I chose cultural dances and indigenous languages these are our intangible heritage, but something people can feel. They were thrilled by our dances and kept trying to imitate them.

TR: You spent several days living and competing in the Philippines. What surprised you most about life there, and what’s one Filipino tradition or experience you’ll never forget?
RG: I love entertainment, and I have to say the dances stood out. Contestants performed different dances from the Philippines and I loved how much they enjoyed them.

TR: Competing against contestants from across the world isn’t easy. What was the toughest moment for you during the competition, and how did you push through it?
RG: The language barrier made it a bit hard to communicate, understand and follow instructions. I had to use a translation application which was rather slow, but it worked for the good.

TR: Winning this title puts Zimbabwe in the global spotlight. What message do you want to send to other young Zimbabweans who dream of representing the country on international platforms?
RG: Hard work pays. This journey didn’t just start when I won my national contest – I started before and kept building on it. An international contest is hard and you have to pour everything in physically, financially and mentally.

TR: While you were there, you were also an ambassador for Zimbabwe off stage. What did people ask you most about Zimbabwe, and how did you describe home to them?
RG: They were intrigued by our different languages. I even made videos of them saying a few words in our language.

TR: Now that you’re Mister Heritage Global, what’s your plan? How do you intend to use this platform to promote Zimbabwe’s culture, tourism, and heritage when you’re back home?
RG: Plans for using the Mister Heritage Global platform to promote Zimbabwe’s culture, tourism and heritage will be shared when he is back home.