Zambian top model tips Malawian girls in modelling: Stay focused

Over the weekend, organisers of the Malawi Fashion Week (MFW) 2013, Elegant Resources by ArianaLouise and African Dzuwa conducted models auditions for the May/June fashion event. The auditions, conducted in the Capital City Lilongwe attracted over fifty local and two Zambian models from Lusaka namely Alice Musukwa and Naomi Banda.

Nyasa Times caught up with Musukwa, who is among the Top 5 models in Zambia and also the country’s representative at the Miss Universe 2010.

In this interview with Kimpho Loka, she shares about her interests in MFW and her experience as a model. The 25-year-old also tips Malawian models on how to become successful in the profession which is not much respected in Malawi.

Kimpho: Firstly, what gave you the urge to travel all the way from Zambia to Malawi to do auditions for Malawi Fashion Week?

Alice Musukwa
Alice Musukwa

Alice: Because I want to explore and learn more, and the fact that Malawi has never been known to be a fashion industry country, it’s huge, plus to my modelling CV I wanted to be the first group to be part of the show. I always want to do new things.

Kimpho: With the experience you had during the auditions, were you satisfied? Was it worth spending your penny from Lusaka to Lilongwe?

Alice: It was worth trying and I think judges were friendly enough to learn from them.

Kimpho: What did you learn from the industry in Malawi? And is there anything you think Malawi can improve to make things better?

Alice: I have not learnt anything just yet because I didn’t have time to go round because of time, so I would rather not comment.

Kimpho: From what I hear, you are one of the top models in Zambia, right?

Alice: Yes I am. I’m on top 5.

Kimpho: What would you say about Malawian models, with your experience and observation? Though you didn’t spend much time with them?

Alice: While I think potential is there with a bit of grooming and training, you would have best models out of the few I saw, I was very amazed with the group I saw.

Kimpho: What does it take to be the best model or among the best?

Alice: Be focused, know why you’re there and why you want to do it and open up to new ideas.

Kimpho: Is modelling well paying in Zambia?

A bit, but its picking everyday

Kimpho: Give us a bit of your modelling background and what you have achieved to make it into Zambia’s top 5?

Alice: Well firstly I started serious modelling when I was 18years old modelled in SA for some time good 4years and came back to Zambia after winning the Miss Universe Zambia 2010 and doing a lot of runway and photo modelling has kept Me moving and known. I [also] train upcoming models.

Kimpho: Do you own a modelling agency?

Alice: Yes it’s called New Look Models and I direct Miss Teen Zambia

Kimpho: How much does your agency earn annually?

Alice: Well it depends. I charge training the girls 12 days and in a month it is US$600 from the age of 15 to 25 and from 7 to 14 it is US$1000 30days.

Kimpho: You are really doing great hey! That’s good monies there. What’s your ultimate dream?

Alice: Not really it’s just to tiring to train people on a daily basis because it’s a full time job. My dream is to have the biggest modelling group company in my country [Zambia].

Kimpho: What inspires Alice Musukwa the model?

Alice: Is the fact that I know I can do it and that what makes me is the line of success that I believe I can achieve, it keeps me moving.

Kimpho: You mentioned focus, and knowing know why you’re there, why you want to do it and opening up to new ideas, what tips would you give to Malawian models?

Alice: That’s just the key because all that will teach you different tasks.

Kimpho: Before we conclude, what challenges face the Zambian modelling industry?

Alice: Lack of sponsorship and modelling jobs mostly when you are not known

Kimpho: Anything you’d like to add before?

Alice: You can still be a model even after you have a child. Most girls would rather abort than stopping their modelling career. No it’s even better to be an example to such ideas. Am a proud mother of a baby boy [who is 1year 4 months and nothing has changed.

That should be something inspiring to the girls out there. Thank you so much for the interview Alice, on behalf of Nyasa Times I wish you all the best as you prepare for Malawi Fashion Week 2013.

Alice: Thanks a lot.

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