By Eddah Waithaka
The 2024 Africa’s Next Super Model competition is poised to take center stage on November 9, 2024, at 3 PM in Nairobi, Kenya, taking place at the vibrant Broadwalk Mall. This highly anticipated event not only showcases African talent in fashion and modeling but also underscores a commitment to diversity and inclusivity across the continent. By providing a platform for young individuals, including promising talents from the Kakuma refugee camps, the competition aims to inspire and launch professional modeling careers, celebrating the rich tapestry of culture and creativity that defines Africa’s evolving fashion landscape.
The casting call for the 2024 competition was held on July 5, 2024 at the ISIS Models Office in Nairobi. The minimum height requirement for contestants was 5’8″ and there are only 17 models including 3 Kakuma models.
Speaking during the press briefing, Founder and CEO of Isis Models International Agency, Joan Okorodudu said, “This year, the excitement continues as Africa’s Next Super Model returns for its second consecutive year here in Kenya. The grand finale will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 9th, 2024. The stakes are higher than ever, and the runway is set to dazzle like never before.”
Throughout the years, the agency has successfully recruited more than 100 models from Africa and expanded its presence worldwide, establishing offices in New York, London, and South Africa, along with a new headquarters in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. The competition’s grand prize for the overall winner is anticipated to be 5,000 USD.
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Joan Okorodudu’s love for modeling has been apparent since she was a young girl. However, growing up in a politically charged Nigeria and having a background in political science made it seem unlikely that she would pursue a career in the modeling industry.
“My motivation for modelling started way when I was a little girl; you can see in some of my baby pictures that I was posing,” she said.
Design Essentials President and CEO Cornell McBride Jr. will also be attending the highly anticipated modeling competition, further solidifying the company’s role as a leader in the haircare industry and a proud partner of Africa’s Next Super Model.
McBride’s presence at the event highlights Design Essentials’ commitment to empowering and uplifting Kenyan women in the realms of beauty and fashion. He has expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, emphasizing its importance for young African women eager to establish themselves on the global stage.
This partnership not only showcases talent but also serves as a source of inspiration, reinforcing the potential of African women in the competitive world of fashion and modeling.
“The objective of Design Essentials is to empower women in Kenya and across Africa,” he shared with journalists during his speech, adding that Design Essentials is prepared to work alongside local and global partners to elevate Africa’s emerging talent, connecting them with international brands and opportunities.
Joan Okorodudu, founder and CEO of Isis Models International Agency, shared her enthusiasm regarding the partnership with McBride, highlighting that his collaboration significantly enhances her goal of empowering women in Kenya and across Africa. Additionally, she emphasized that his involvement is a substantial step toward realizing this vision.
