EMMANUEL KAYENDA, 25
AGENCY: Boss Models Cape Town
I’ve been in the industry from 2014 after I was discovered by Kutlwano Magazine in Botswana. It has been an amazing journey, challenging but worthwhile.
I won Botswana top male model in 2015 and 2016, and my move to Cape Town for a contract with one of the biggest agencies in South Africa. Another highlight is walking for Maxhosa by Laduma at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week last year. I respect and admire Laduma’s work.
It is fun and exciting, you get to travel and meet new people each day and learn about new cultures. In this dynamic world, it is interesting because it teaches you tolerance, and it’s a good way to stay healthy and fit.
I have a diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. I am also mad about journalism. I enjoy being behind the camera telling stories in pictures and writing for the newspaper Botswana Daily.
I go to the gym three times a week and try to eat healthy every day.
At instagram@emmanuelkayenda and Facebook: Emmanuel Kayenda. Agencies: 20 Model Management, Cape Town Novel Models Elite, NYC LED MEN, Nigeria Shooting for Puma for Fashion TV and a campaign for Uber Ghana. Getting published in magazines, GQ South Africa and Fashion How were you discovered and how long have you been modelling?
I was scouted at Ghana Fashion Week by Charlotte Mensah. I have been modelling for three years.
That we are dumb. Also that to become a model you need a pretty face and a toned body. This is simply not true. Being a model requires determination, persistence, motivation, a good attitude, a good head on your shoulders, support from those in the industry and courage!
My favourite aspect of modelling is the freedom of expression through clothing and posing and getting to inspire people. What keeps me excited about modelling is knowing that there is always room to be creative and always something new to try and I get to meet some awesome peeps in the industry.
Fashion PR. I would love to rearrange brand visibility on the right platforms in my generation, and also help several brands and companies to represent the right message that they want to send out to the fashion world.
I like to keep it simple. I’m not on any special diet. I love to eat and eat lots of vegetables. I do walk a lot. Twitter: @EkowBarnes Instagram: @EkowBarnes_ The first male Burundian model to feature at SA Fashion Week, SA Menswear How were you discovered?
For me it was a little different. I was initially turned down by some agencies. I was persistent and didn’t give up until Models International agreed to sign me up under one condition. I had to prove I was worth taking on. I had to work hard to make sure I succeeded and now I am on billboards.
What do you enjoy about being a model? I enjoy almost everything: travelling, meeting and working with amazing people, taking photos and, of course, the pay cheque.
I’m passionate about giving back to my community in Burundi. I am what I am now because of everyone back home.
I maintain my weight by running and do weight training at the gym. Instagram: @hakimnkengurutse Facebook: Hakim Nkengurutse
To be honest, I never thought that I could be a model although I’ve always been passionate about fashion right from when I was little. I had a friend who always encouraged me to try it out. But then I was too skinny and I didn’t know that I could work as a model. LOL! So one day, I took my mom’s clothes and went to a studio to do a shoot. After I posted pictures of the shoot on social media I was scouted on Instagram by booker Roxy Hall. I would say I’ve been really blessed. During my first season, I featured in SA Menswear Week to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. I have also been blessed to shoot with top photographers and work with respected clients and brands. misconception about the male modelling industry?
We are not all gay; also models aren’t drug addicts and we are not overly obsessed with our bodies. What do you enjoy about being a model?
I enjoy that I can travel to a different country to work, which makes it interesting, and also you get to meet lots of people who end up being like family.
Modelling is a cut-throat business which requires seemingly baby-smooth skin and a flawless body. As a result, I live a healthy lifestyle. The moment I decided to be a professional model, I knew it was time to forgo the piles of doughnuts, the boxes of chocolates, fries and other junk food. I work out in the gym to stay toned.
I have always loved fashion designing and writing. I crave to be a scriptwriter. It’s something I find myself doing constantly. I also direct photo shoots and assist photographers put up mood boards during photo shoots. Instagram: @sirbryanedward Facebook: Bryan Edward Edem.
Your career highlights?
My highlight has been my career. Coming from Ruimsig on the West Rand, it has been a complete whirlwind. I was discovered by a photographer at the age of 18.
That we aren’t intellectual; I myself have two degrees.
I love the lifestyle it affords me. I get to meet new and interesting people each day and learn from them all. I think that is the most important thing in life!
My other passions include, firstly, music! I have a deep love for music and an eclectic library. I play the guitar and the piano and also sing. I love books and am currently reading British author Scarlett Thomas’s The End of Mr. Y. It’s a must-read!
I exercise regularly and eat a healthy and balanced vegetarian diet – and always afford myself kindness. Instagram: @brandonalastair and all other social media platforms