Grooming Diverse, Well-Rounded Models

When Steve Mbingeneeko started out as an aspiring modelling agent in 2016, the 25-year-old sociology student never imagined he’d one day have an agency that represented some of the most popular upcoming models in the country.

Starting off with just four models, he offered training and eventually booked a few jobs.

“We take a distinctive approach to model management in Namibia with a focus on the branding and longevity of models,” he said.

Unlike other local agencies, Mbingeneeko says models are not required to pay a fee to sign up to Ubuntu Modelling Agency. The models are trained in all areas from runway, commercial shoots as well as editorial modelling in order to be flexible and adaptable.

Mbingeneeko says success in the industry is all about models having the full package. “Scouting for me is more than the status quo, the normal beauty or height. You need to bring more to the table. Individuality, personality and an eagerness to learn and better yourself.”

In the spirit of encouraging his models to be as well-rounded as possible, he pushes them to pursue further studies and other interests and not just to focus on modelling, especially because the local industry is still establishing itself.

“I encourage models to explore their interests beyond a single path of modelling to develop well-rounded personas that resonate with both clients and general audiences alike.”

Mbingeneeko learnt how international agencies conduct their business, in an effort to improve the quality of the services offered by his agency.

“What I do is look at international agencies like Wilhelmina Models, IMG Models or perhaps close by in South Africa, 20 Model Management, Boss Models, Outlaws Model Management or Angola’s Da Banda Model Management and try to push myself and the models to those standards,” he said.

You may have spotted models from Ubuntu Modelling Agency on the runway of some of the biggest fashion shows in the country, commercial advertorials, music videos and clothing campaigns.

Today, 15 models are signed to the agency and one of them, Princess Tjozongoro, previously walked the runway at the Angolan International Fashion Show in Luanda in December 2016. She also closed for South African fashion designer David Tlale at Windhoek Fashion Week in 2016.

Seeing his agency as more of a family than merely a business, Mbingeneeko hopes that the Ubuntu family will remain as close as ever this year. He is proud of how far they’ve come and hopes that as the industry grows, his models will too.

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