Walk the talk
Introducing the Pro Model Africa models to the public for the first time - in style.
Established two years ago, Pro Model Africa (PMA) agency is proving itself to be one agency that means business with both set ups in Nigeria and Namibia thriving. The agency, is directed by renowned model Maria Nepembe, trains models in a various skills including catwalking, etiquette, fashion trends, the ‘it’ designers, and photography, to enable them to become not only models but actors too. “Our models are first trained and in the end have theory and practical exams to test their knowledge. They get a certificate and those that we are pleased with become PMA models. It is a big dream and although Namibia is not yet there when it comes to accepting and embracing such art as a career, we want to help it materialise. It isn’t easy but we are doing great so far,” said Nepembe. Today, PMA has over 100 male and female signed models.
Tomorrow, PMA will be having its first public event to showcase their models and what they are capable of on the ramp. There will be a fashion show with local designers like Beyonce Iita, Tai Fashions and Ingo Shanyenge dressing the models for the night. The event will start at 20:00 at Street Cuisine. Tickets are going for N$100 and are available at the venue.
Nepembe says she would like to see Namibian models taking part in the major fashion shows like the Milan and Paris fashion weeks because they put in a lot of effort and are good at what they do. “I want Namibian models to have modelling as a career and not as a hobby. It is farfetched at the moment but I would like to see our models flying out for Paris Fashion Week, be on billboards or become faces of big brands worldwide. It is possible we just lack exposure and I want to revolutionise all of that,” said Nepembe. In conclusion, Nepembe says it is all about changing our perception on this so parents and elders can take it seriously too. “I had to prove to my parents that modelling is my passion and that I can make it work. Today I’m the breadwinner through the little projects that I do. We need to get our models out there and that is the only way society can see and accept this much needed art,” said Nepembe.
June Shimuoshili
Tomorrow, PMA will be having its first public event to showcase their models and what they are capable of on the ramp. There will be a fashion show with local designers like Beyonce Iita, Tai Fashions and Ingo Shanyenge dressing the models for the night. The event will start at 20:00 at Street Cuisine. Tickets are going for N$100 and are available at the venue.
Nepembe says she would like to see Namibian models taking part in the major fashion shows like the Milan and Paris fashion weeks because they put in a lot of effort and are good at what they do. “I want Namibian models to have modelling as a career and not as a hobby. It is farfetched at the moment but I would like to see our models flying out for Paris Fashion Week, be on billboards or become faces of big brands worldwide. It is possible we just lack exposure and I want to revolutionise all of that,” said Nepembe. In conclusion, Nepembe says it is all about changing our perception on this so parents and elders can take it seriously too. “I had to prove to my parents that modelling is my passion and that I can make it work. Today I’m the breadwinner through the little projects that I do. We need to get our models out there and that is the only way society can see and accept this much needed art,” said Nepembe.
June Shimuoshili
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