Eimann Heads to Mister Africa International Pageant

Swakopmund-based model Saint Angelo Eimann, who made his debut earlier this year, is gearing up to spread his wings continentally. He has been selected to represent Namibia at the Mister Africa International pageant, taking place at Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria, on 8 December.

Eimann will be the second Namibian model at the pageant, after Divoli Uirab placed in the top eight last year.

According to Ayotunde Twitch, the founder of Mister Africa International, the pageant is one of the biggest black male fashion competitions in the world. Twitch says the winner dedicates a year to encouraging young Africans to start their own businesses through the Young Entrepreneurs in Africa programme, travelling to different countries to preach the message of creativity over crime.

Eimann is very excited about the opportunity, especially because it will give him the chance to network and learn.

“This has always been my dream. Yes, they do come true. Just look at me now. I want to bring back the crown. I will give my best. I believe that there will be so much for me to learn. I am also looking forward to discovering more about the different cultures and appreciating them. This is what makes our world beautiful, after all,” he says.

He points out that such platforms are hardly available in Namibia, stressing that people in the industry are not usually keen on sharing their skills and knowledge with others.

“We also have a shortage of training schools available. I have sadly noticed that those who are skilled are very picky when it comes to helping others. There is a lot of favouritism and racism taking place and these are some of the reasons why our industry remains small and grows slowly.”

The 22-year-old says since the male pageant industry in Namibia is small, he will do his utmost to raise awareness about the country while at the pageant. This is the first time Eimann will participate in an international contest. He previously held back from pursuing opportunities because he was unsure about himself.

“Our industry is so small that you hardy get the exposure. I also did not have enough confidence in myself.”

Eimann says being selected to participate at the Mister Africa International pageant has helped boost his confidence and his ability to work hard to help build the industry.

Being based at the coast can be a challenge, he says, as it makes it more difficult to secure modelling gigs.

“It is true that the industry is mainly in Windhoek. I often have to travel. This can be challenging since many people are not keen on paying. Sometimes we are paid little. I have also experienced some incidents when people won’t pay at all. It is not easy.”

Despite these challenges, Eimann’s mother has been a great source of support to him over the years.

“She is so proud of me. I am really going to work hard to impress her. I will give my all to help make our industry better. We might not be where we want to be right now, but it will get there. I know this. We just need to keep giving our best.”

The former Mariental Gymnasium Private School pupil says traits that have helped him get where he is today are always being humble and being a good listener who is willing to learn, take risks and work hard.

Working hard is something he says he learnt when he was in Grade 3. “I started to work after school. I wanted to help out financially at home. It has taught me to be responsible. At a young age, I learnt the importance of looking after those I love,” says the eldest of three siblings.

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