One of those flying the home flag high on the international scene is Harare-born James Jim, who has done well in corporate advertising in South Africa and Nigeria during the past four years.
Not only has he relied on his physical looks to score contracts, but Jim has also done a lot academically and professionally to be where he is today. “I hold a post-graduate degree in modelling, obtained from Modelling Management School and a Certificate in Theatre acting with a South African College,” he told The Zimbabwean recently.
“I did numerous modelling shows and corporate adverts back home i with big companies like Econet, Greatermans, Kingdom Bank and others before I came to further my career in South Africa in 2008.”
On arrival in Johannesburg, Jim’s experience saw him quickly signing a contract with Take 10 Modelling Agency, which has placed him on jobs in South Africa and internationally.
“I have done numerous modelling shows, while corporate adverts have also been coming in large numbers from such big brands like Carling Black Label, Pick ‘n Pay, Castle Lager and Barlo World, where I was contracted for the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” added the top model.
“Currently, I am heavily involved with Castle Milk Stout in adverts that are showing regularly on South African television. I also had an opportunity to travel to Nigeria to shoot a Royco Advert, in which I worked with great names like Jim Lyke, Nadia Baur, Van Vicca and many others – that was a career highlight.”
Although many Zimbabwean models have continued to flock south during the past decade, very few of them, females included, have managed to win contracts in the industry, which is laden with tough competition.
This makes Jim’s feat one worth celebrating and inspirational to others who might have been having second thoughts about taking up male modelling as a career.
Jim grew up in Sunningdale, Harare and attended Braeside Primary and Bindura’s Chipindura High School. He described himself as a “cheerful and open-spirit man who loves music.”
“Actually, I used to be in our church’s praise and worship team at Faith Ministries Church back in Sunningdale. I have also done part-time video filming during my spare time since year 2000.”
Post published in: News