From Kakuma to Milan: Chol Tot crowned Africa's Next Super Model

Winner Africa Next super model Chol Tot Nyang on the runway showcasing fashion design by Adebayo Jones. [David Gichuru,Standard]

Hitting the runway for the first time, Chol Tot Nyang bagged a $5000 (Sh640,000) cash prize as she was crowned Africa’s Next Super Model.

And for the girl who has grown at the Kakuma refugee camp, the world awaits her as she touches down in US where she will be hobnobbing with the who-is-who in the fashion industry.

“I still can’t believe that I have won. I thank God for this,” a media shy Chol Tot Nyang said when we sought her feelings after the Nairobi – last Saturday – triumph.

“Amen, amen,” said the 18-year-old Chol Tot Nyanga. And that is all she could say to the media on this debut interview.

She looked physically exhausted, probably from doing the competition heats.

Her assignment kicks off in Milan in February next year where she and some of the other finalists will be participating at the prestigious Milan Fashion week.

The competition featured 17 participants drawn from Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda.

Scouted from Kakuma refugee camp, Chol Tot Nyang was participating in a modeling competition for the first time as was the first runner-up who was also from Kakuma.

The two will be joined by the rest in the Top 6 finalists in life transforming careers in Europe and US.

“Africa’s Next Super Model is not just about beauty. Don’t get it twisted. It is not like Miss World and you know, all those crown pageants. Every girl here is beautiful and many will experience a life transforming experience as the international agents here have already signed them. Ours is to pick the top model and we congratulate the winner. When I spotted her, I knew she would win,” said Joan Okorodudu, the brains behind Africa’s Next Super Model talent search.

“The girls have already been signed with global brands. I’m happy that their lives will never be the same again,” Joan who also runs the Runways to Freedom foundation and Isis Models said.

Africa’s Next Super Model brought together international and local brands in fashion industry seeking to elevate Africa talents while preserving the continent’s culture and heritage. It was an evening filled with glamour, talent, and top-tier networking featuring African celebrities and influencers.

With top modeling scouting agencies from Europe and US present, the event provided an unparalleled platform for young models to gain international exposure, launch their careers, and connect with icons in the global fashion and modeling industry.   

It was the second time a Kakuma refugee camp girl was winning after 19-year-old Chol Khan, a South Sudanese girl won it last year.  

Among the local designers whose products were showcased at the event was Daima Mkenya Africa fashion brand, which creates opportunities for young people and women across the country.

Daima Mkenya Africa is unique in creating fabrics in colours that symbolize Kenya’s traditional cultural expressions.

The brand, founded by Zahra Bahlewa Moi, is already impacting lives positively in 11 countries across Kenya. Her vision was inspired by the scarcity of authentic clothing fabrics in colours that represent Kenya’s national flag.

It is keen on supporting local industries, celebrating Kenyan culture, and fostering economic growth by promoting homegrown products and designs, ethnically and sustainably.  

Other celebrated Kenyan designers showcased during the ceremony were the multiple award-winning Aulga Nato designs and Liz Ogumbo fashion.