The first ever Miss Zim Diamond beauty pageant saw 13 beauties of Zimbabwean heritage battle for the prestigious crown by a show of looks and balance of business books, as they each had to present a solid business plan to prove their worth.
Event founder, Glorianne Francis said: “Miss Zim Diamond is not your regular pageant; contestants were judged on their entrepreneurial acumen, commitment to charitable causes, their portrayal of the modern Zimbabwean woman and representation of the beauty of Zimbabwe as a country.
“We aim to see the girls make a mark in their communities here in the UK through firm business ventures, and inspire their compatriots at home in Zimbabwe and the diasporas at large,” she added.
The winning contestant of the Miss Zim Diamond 2011 walked off the catwalk with a career in the hospitality industry, as the first prize of the competitions includes a package to a job that pays £30 0000. The winner was also be given the bye to represent the UK region in the Miss Zimbabwe contest to be held in Harare next year.
This comes after the Zimbabwean government endorsed the Miss Zim Diamond pageant to take over the slot from the now-defunct Miss Zimbabwe-UK. Mobile phone giants, Econet were the pageant’s headline corporate sponsor together with Global Hospitality Services.
The evening of beauty and glamour was a “who’s who” line-up of Zimbabwean celebrities and socialites: Olympic athlete Brian Dzingai, former British and Commonwealth heavyweight boxing champion Derek Chisora and Britain’s Got Talent competitor Donna Africa.
Indie rock diva and Miss Zim Diamond ambassador, Shingai Shoniwa of the chart-topping Noisettes band said: “I am proud of all our girls and I would like to see them shining like the diamonds they are.
“More than being the beauties they are in looks, this pageant called on them to unearth the shining gems inside their hearts and minds. I can only wish them well,” she added.
Entertainment on the evening was presented by Afro-pop sensations BKay and Kazz, neo soul singer Zuwa, as well as Jusa Dementor and R&B siren Cynthia Mare.
Post published in: Arts