Zim Miss Africa USA rep riles social media with “outrageous” costume
THE issue of a national dress has always been a topical one, when it comes to the pageantry industry.
The issue has drawn so many debates at various fora and at one point in history there was a call by the Government for designers to come up with a national dress.
There has not been a dress specifically designed and designated to be worn to represent the country but many models have tried to adorn colours and outfits that do pay homage to the country.
However, one Grace Mukombe, who is purportedly representing Zimbabwe in the Miss Africa USA pageant, recently riled up social media enthusiants with her “outrageous” costume, which many Zimbabweans feel wasn’t significant in representing the country.
A video that has been circulating on social media, where participants from various African countries introduce themselves didn’t sit well with Zimbabweans, when she appeared in the video wearing a silky dress, and adorned horns on her weave.
“Hello, makadini? My name is Grace Mukombe and I am representing Zimbabwe,” she said when her chance to introduce herself comes.
Immediately people questioned the concept of the horns and declared that she would not be receiving any votes from them.
Other women in the video wore their traditional attire accustomed with their nations.
“Am just asking myself ukuthi impondo lezo zitshoni? (What’s the concept with the horns?) Lina elazi ngezokuqgoka mhlawumbe lingangichasisela ukuthi kutshoni okwempondo. (Those of you that are well accustomed with fashion could tell us what that means?),” questioned one Facebook user.
Another user posted: “Zimbabwe” accompanied with see no evil emotions, perhaps gesturing humiliation at the Zimbabwean representative.
Many others openly declared that Mukombe was just ignorant and that she could have simply asked for help in selecting a dress or costume that would represent the country somehow.
“Is that a Halloween gig she was attending? I mean if she is serious about representing our Zimbabwe she could have at least adorned the flag or simply worn a traditional outfit, not that monstrosity of a disaster she wore.”