Joan Okorodudu set Nairobi agog with Africa’s next super model show, takes over top African modeling spot with winner Khan Chol.
Isis Models International CEO Joan Okorodudu announces Africa’s Next Super Model winner Khan Chol during the event hosted at Radisson Blue Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Africa’s leading Isis Models International CEO Joan Okorodudu last weekend accomplished the grand event marking another milestone in modeling shows around the world in Africa and one of the most outstanding selections and display of talents on the continent.
The superlative show produced Chol Khan as the winner and she has become the newest sensation in the world of fashion as she was officially crowned Africa’s Next Super Model, captivating the global fashion industry with her unique charm, grace, and unparalleled talent. The prestigious award was presented during the grand finale of Africa’s Next Super Model 2023 event hosted on Saturday, October 28, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi.
The spectacular event was anchored as the MC by gorgeous TV personality Nailantei Kenga and was attended by dignitaries from South Sudan embassies and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Present at the event were Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua, Dagoretti North Member of Parliament (MP) Beatrice Elachi, and Kenya Film Commission Board (KFCB) CEO Timothy Owase. The latter represented Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba at the event. Kenyan celebrities, including singer Wahu, Maureen Waititu, Aulgoh Nato, Risper Faith and radio host Esther Mwende Macharia, also attended the fashion show in their best fashions.
The winner, Chol Khan, who hails from South Sudan is a 19-year-old who not only mesmerized the panel of esteemed judges with her stunning runway presence but has also charmed audiences worldwide with her remarkable poise and versatility. Her journey from humble beginnings to the apex of the fashion world stands as an inspiring testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering passion for the art of modeling.
Chol was discovered by Nin Thoa who is one of Isis Models scout in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Joan Okorodudu and Matteo Puglisi, the ceo of Select global, choose Chol and other models in Kakuma at the Africa’s Next Super Model casting in Kakuma. That decision to choose Chol has brought to the global light another Africa’s super model
In an industry where diversity and inclusivity are gaining increasing prominence, Chol embodies the spirit of African beauty and culture, breaking barriers and redefining standards of elegance and sophistication. With her radiant smile, captivating presence, and innate ability to effortlessly embody any designer’s vision, she has become a beacon of hope for aspiring models across the continent, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with unyielding determination.
Chol’s triumph at the grand finale of the Africa’s Next Super Model 2023 competition, marks a pivotal moment not only for her career but also for the African fashion industry as a whole, underscoring the continent’s burgeoning influence and contribution to the global fashion landscape. As she embarks on this remarkable journey, ,Chol aims to use her platform to advocate for greater diversity, representation, and inclusivity within the fashion world, paving the way for future generations of African models to follow in her footsteps.
Established with the vision of creating sustainable opportunities and networks for African fashion designers and models, Africa’s Next Super Model has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous aspiring supermodels over the past 14 years. What initially began as a platform awarding brand new cars to its winners, the initiative evolved to offer substantial cash prizes, lucrative modeling contracts, and exclusive, all-expenses-paid international trips to fashion capitals such as the US, UK, Paris, Milan, and South Africa.
Joan Okorodudu, the CEO of Isis Models International, an agency that identifies, develops, and sustains the careers of beautiful black models said, “The core mission of Africa’s Next Super Model is to empower and elevate African talent onto the global stage. By providing a platform for budding models and designers to showcase their skills, we aim to propel them towards successful and profitable careers in the global fashion industry.”
Having facilitated the rise of numerous African fashion designers to international prominence, Joan Okorodudu takes pride in Africa’s Next Super Model competition’s ability to nurture creativity and foster an environment conducive to success.
This year’s event in Nairobi, Kenya, has been captivating, set against the vibrant backdrop of one of the world’s top tourist destinations. With an influx of distinguished guests and the participation of various influential media personalities from across Africa, the event showcased the continent’s rich cultural diversity and burgeoning fashion scene.
Like the last competition held in Kigali Rwanda, this edition paraded an array of talents and performances such as Nigeria’s David Acekeyz (David Elumelu) who performed and thrilled guests and this was his second year performing. Snake Eyes South Sudanese model and artist also performed alongside being signed with Isis Models.
The event received sponsorships from Nigeria’s Studio 24 and its CEO Ifeanyi Oputa with a donation of $5000 US dollars for the winner. Other sponsors included Safaricom, the East Africa telecom Giant sponsored with MPESA, Design Essentials, the big hair brand from Atlanta Georgia, and Nigerian based Mysha among including Nigeria’s US based Mr. Bright Toju Iyonsi who was instrumental to the success of the event, amongst several others. The documentary Runway to Redemption by Hypeville Media was featured also. Nigeria’s sensational talent and entertainment boss, Julius Agu was a special guest at the show.
Africa’s Next Super Model remains a prestigious modeling competition that celebrates African culture, diversity, and talent. It provides a platform for models and designers from across the African continent to showcase their skills and creativity on an international stage.
With an outstanding Nigerian-based mind and passion for young people, Joan Okorodudu is the CEO of Isis Models International and a renowned figure in the world of fashion and modeling. With her passion for empowering models and promoting African talent, she has been instrumental in making Africa’s Next Super Model a global success.
The Winner – Chol
Chol was discovered by Nin Thoa, one of ISIS Models scouts in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Joan Okorodudu and Matteo Puglisi the CEO of Select Global chose Chol and other models in Kakuma at the Africa’s Next Super Model casting in Kakuma earlier in the year.
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