Transformation of a tomboy: Lukando, M-Net Face of Africa winner

Until a few years ago, Zambian model, Lukando Nalungwe was just a tom boy playing on the streets. But today, she has transformed into an elegant model. Not even she could believe her luck as she breathlessly told Sunday Trust after she was announced winner of this year’s Face of Africa. “I was a tom […]

Until a few years ago, Zambian model, Lukando Nalungwe was just a tom boy playing on the streets. But today, she has transformed into an elegant model. Not even she could believe her luck as she breathlessly told Sunday Trust after she was announced winner of this year’s Face of Africa.

“I was a tom boy. I didn’t think I could make a good model until I was about 17 years when I began having interest,” 22-year old Lukando said.

When the passion for modeling was eventually ignited, she would enter for M-Net FOA three times but has never been shortlisted.

“And since I was 17 I had entered for M-Net Face of Africa three times consecutively but I wasn’t shortlisted. The fourth attempt I got a chance and now I am the winner.”

But the joy of triumph is tinged with bitter tears. Her younger brother died shortly before the competition proper. “My younger brother believed in me so much but he passed away the day before I was selected to represent my country,” she said with tears in her eyes.

“I am grateful to God. I am honored. I am grateful to the judges who selected me out of the 24 girls. I’m so grateful,” she declared.

She said the search was a platform for her and is glad that she can now model professionally, with that she believes she can help her family and other people.

ASPIRATIONS

Nalungwe, is currently studying Business Administration in Kabwe, Zambia and won 50, 000 US dollars and an international modeling contract with O Model Africa. Notwithstanding the money and international contracts, she hopes to return to school and complete her degree.

The new Face of Africa is also set to be a landlord as she says  she would buy a home with part of the money and make some available to her family and other needy people.

Oluchi, the first winner of the FOA and one of the judges in this year’s event said her choice was not just based on the finals. “We have worked with them for the past six months and she is just appropriate for the face of Africa.”

 But how will the model cope with the pressure of her new fame.  “I wouldn’t lose focus. I am fully prepared for this,” she said.

Though she didn’t have the inclination she would emerge tops after the 17 episodes contests that climaxed Saturday February 6, in a stylish haute couture showcase in Lagos, but the Zambia joined an exclusive group of winners when she was named the eighth and newest M-Net Face of Africa.

Besides $50,000 the striking model scooped from M-Net along with a modeling contract from O Model Africa and skincare products for 12 months from Iman Cosmetics, she will begin her modeling career this week jetting off to New York with M-Net to participate in New York Fashion Week, courtesy of Arise Magazine.

In the two-hour show, screened live from Lagos to 47 countries across Africa, M-Net presented a bold new vision for the Face of Africa Final, opting for an edgier version of a traditional runway show and presenting the models on a black, floor-based runway in a contemporary warehouse.

THE STAGE

With the Final themed to resemble the loading warehouse of an art museum, where precious gallery pieces are prepared for display, the staging included massive cargo boxes stamped with African destinations with extra-ordinary sized gold frames that showcased the fashion and the finalists; and packaging tape demarcating the runway from the show’s seated guests, it was a uniquely fresh approach to showcasing Afro-chic expression.

Hosted by Studio 53’s Fareed Khimani (Kenya) and former Face of Africa, Kaone Kario (Botswana) with a guest appearance by last season’s Face of Africa, Kate Menson (Ghana), the finale included entertainment from Nigerian superstar D’banj belting out his hits Suddenly and Fall in Love. Soulful South African songstress, Lira, shimmering in green silk, showed why she’s one of Africa’s rising stars with two brilliant performances of her hits Feel Good and Believer!

But the night belonged to the TOP 10 – and from the minute that Nigeria’s Marvis kicked off the show, followed in rapid succession by Tholakele (Zimbabwe), Lilian (Tanzania), Esperanca (Angola), Thembi (South Africa), Blessing (Nigeria), Rosanna (Zimbabwe), Diana (Kenya), Ernania (Mozambique) and Lukando (Zambia), it was very clear just who the stars of the show really were.

Showing how much they have learnt during the Face of Africa search, which DStv audiences have been following for 15 weeks, the Face of Africa TOP 10 hit the catwalk with confidence, graceful as they strode down the catwalk resplendent in garments designed by the best of African designers.

Among the record 26 designers sending their creations down the runway were a Nigerian contingent that included – Zizi Cardow, Frank Osodi, Odio Mimonet, Fati Asibelua, Folake Folarin-Coker, Ituen Basi, Adebayo Jones, Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi, Lisa Folawiyo and Yemi Osunkoya.

Joining them were their counterparts from across the continent led by featured designers John Kaveke (Kenya) and David Tlale (South Africa)and including Anna Getaneh (Ethiopia), Kofi Ansah (Ghana), Anisa Mpungwe (Tanzania), Gloria WavaMunno (Uganda), Chakirra Claasen (Namibia), Cathy Kathunzi (Malawi), Koketso Chiepe (Botswana), Liz Ogumbo (Kenya), Taibo Bacar (Mozambique) and Angela Mulenga (Zambia).

And in living up to its reputation for merging African design with the latest in international trends, the Face of Africa Final included the unmistakable style of Christian Lacroix, Versace and Emmanuel Ungaro while jewelery maestro Chris Aire brought his signature style to the fashion accessories utilized.

With all the display over, it was time for the big moment, the announcement of the M-Net Face of Africa 2010. Returning to the platform that made her a star a decade ago, the always elegant Oluchi, was on hand to reveal Lukando’s success.

Commenting on the event, M-Net’s MD Biola Alabi congratulated Lukando on her win saying,

“It’s an incredible thing to watch someone’s life literally change in front of your eyes and when it happens live in front of a continent, it is remarkable and a very special moment. We are very proud of Lukando and all of the TOP 10 for their determination and focus and want to thank them for sharing this journey so openly.”