In a dazzling display of African beauty, talent, and potential, 18-year-old Chol Tut Nyang from South Sudan was crowned Africa's Next Super Model at the much-anticipated grand finale held at Broadwalk Mall’s Main Hall on Ojijo Road, Nairobi, Kenya. Chol, who was scouted from Kakuma refugee camp, captured the hearts of both judges and the audience, effortlessly winning her way to the top. The show featured 17 stunning models from Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
Africa's Next Super Model 2024
Chol Tut Nyang - Africa's Next Super Model 2024 Winner
From left: Austen Elumelu, Isis Models founder and CEO Joan Okorodudu, alongside Select Models Global CEO Matteo Puglisi (Right), presents Africa's Next Super Model winner Chol Tut Nyang with a dummy cheque.
Africa's Next Supermodel MC
The event was anchored by the dynamic Nailantei Kenga, a Kenyan Media Personality renowned for her charisma and dedication to the creative arts.
Africa's Next Super Model MC Nailantei Kenga engages with Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, and Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya
This victory propels Chol into the international modeling scene, where she is expected to work with major fashion brands in the United States and Europe. In addition to the title, she received a cash prize of $5,000 (approximately KSh 645,000), a life-changing award that marks a significant milestone in her journey. Chol and Magdalene Takanyiro who secured a top-five spot, will now represent South Sudan and Kenya in Milan in February 2025.
The Winners:
Winner: Chol Tut Nyang – South Sudan
First Runner up: Nyarol Tongyit - South Sudan
Second Runner up: Nyagey Gatdet – South Sudan
Third Runner up: Nyedor Matay – South Sudan
Fourth Runner up: Magdeline Takangiro - Kenya
Isis Models founder and CEO Joan Okorodudu Just before she announced winner from the top 5 models
Isis Models founder and CEO Joan Okorodudu, Austen Elumelu, and Select Models Global CEO Matteo Puglisi on stage with the winning models) during the presentation.
Chol Tut Nyang Africa's Next Super Model 2024 Winner
Chol Tut Nyang Africa's Next Super Model 2024 Winner
Following in the footsteps of previous winner Achol Khan, who won Kenya’s inaugural Africa's Next Super Model title in October 2023, Chol’s success underscores the increasing prominence of African models on the world stage.
The star-studded event, organized by Isis Models and supported by prestigious sponsors including ABSA, Select Model, Design Essentials, and Studio 24, drew top industry professionals and fashion aficionados.
Africa's Next Supermodel Founder
Joan Okorodudu, the Founder of Africa's Next Super Model and CEO of Isis Models, expressed her satisfaction with the inaugural Africa’s Next Super Model event held in Nairobi and also expressed her dedication to making Nairobi a central hub in Africa’s fashion industry.
Founder of Africa's Next Super Model and Isis Models Joan Okorodudu
Note: Africa's Next Supermodel to be held Annually.
Okorodudu also announced the big news that this modeling competition will now be an annual event in Kenya.
She also shared thrilling news about several Africa’s Next Super Model participants signing with prestigious agencies in Paris, New York, and London. “Our models are ambassadors of African talent, beauty, and resilience,” she said, “and they are ready to shine on the world’s top stages.”
The Models
1) Devyne Ebikake – Nigeria
2) Real Moses – Nigeria
3) Princes Nnakwe – Nigeria
4) Sandrine Mukamisha – Rwanda
5) Chol Tut – South Sudan
6) Nyarol Tongyit -- South Sudan
7) Nyawech Boa – South Sudan
8) Kamekazi Anitha – Rwanda
9) Nyamal Lony – South Sudan
10) Nyamal Kuol – South Sudan
11) Nyayey Gatdet – South Sudan
12) Nyapal John – South Sudan
13) Antonette Ngongesa – Kenya
14) Ashing Ajang – South Sudan
15) Nyamal Chuol – South Sudan
16) Nyedor Matay – South Sudan
17) Magdeline Takangiro -- Kenya
A Star-Studded Panel of Judges
The selection of Africa’s Next Super Model was no small feat, with a distinguished panel of judges comprising renowned casting agents, designers, and industry experts.
Matteo Puglisi CEO -Select Global
Luca Marcucio-Wave Milan
Jody Gordon-Fusion Models
Stefano Parpinel - Select Milan
Cathleen Thern-Select Models Stockholm
Franco Cabano-Webest Models
Alexandra Gracia Medina -Mirrrs Models (Hamburg, Germany) Modeling Agency
Hon, Beatrice Elachi-MP Dagoretti North
JawabarChrimar - One Management
UchennaOkwudima - My Booker Models
Paul Louisor-Numero
Paul Hodgson –Metropolitan.
Judges cheer as Africa's Next Super Model finalists showcase their talents on the runway
Global Exposure and Collaboration
The 2024 Africa's Next Super Model event marked a turning point in the global fashion industry’s engagement with African talent. With the attendance of scouting agents from Europe and the US, young African models were presented with unique opportunities to establish their presence on international runways. This year’s event hosted top agencies, including Select Model Management, which has partnered with Isis Models Africa in a shared mission to elevate African talent on the world stage. The presence of European and American scouting agents underscored the increasing demand for African beauty, diversity, and talent in international fashion.
The competition’s international reach was further bolstered by the attendance of Cornell McBride, President of Design Essentials, who visited Kenya to support Kenyan women and strengthen the ties between African talent and global markets.
The Designers Showcasing African Creativity
African designers were prominently featured at the event, showcasing their latest creations and contributing to the vibrant cultural exchange.
Liz Ogumbo - Kenya
Jamil Walji - Nigeria
ADEBAYO Jones - London, UK
DaimaMkenya Africa - Kenya founded by Mrs. Zahra Balewah Moi
Azra LQ - Kenya
Alu Anung - Nigeria
Anya Ekung - Nigeria
Africa's Next Super Model winner Chol Tut Nyang (center) surrounded by top guests, including Design Essentials President Cornell McBride (on her right-hand side), on the red carpet
The designers from Nigeria, Kenya, and London presented a range of collections that spoke to the deep-rooted beauty and innovation within African fashion, with designs that blended traditional African aesthetics with modern appeal. The designers' pieces not only highlighted Africa’s rich heritage but also emphasized its growing influence in global fashion.
Government Pledges Support for African Creativity
The atmosphere was electric as Africa's fashion elite gathered to celebrate the continent’s creative talents and potential. The night was further elevated with powerful speeches, promising messages of support from government representatives, and performances celebrating African heritage.
Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, represented the Kenyan government with a speech on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen. In a powerful address, Murkomen reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to supporting its creative talent by fostering opportunities that allow young people to transform their artistic passions into rewarding careers. He spoke of Kenya’s dedication to creating avenues for talent monetization, declaring, “We believe in fostering an environment where creatives in Kenya and across Africa can turn their talents into careers, their passions into livelihoods, and their dreams into global successes.”
Murkomen also unveiled plans for new tax breaks and incentives on film equipment, signaling the government’s resolve to make Kenya a hub for creative production. He emphasized that these initiatives would lower the costs of entry for creatives, thus attracting local and international projects, creating job opportunities, and expanding Kenya’s footprint in the creative arts industry.
Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua and Kenya Film Commission CEO Mr. Timothy Owase converse at Africa's Next Super Model's VVIP lounge
Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, also praised the Africa’s Next Super Model platform, lauding its transformative impact on the creative economy. “This event signifies progress not just for the fashion industry, but for Kenya’s entire creative sector,” Mutua said. “It’s empowering young women, providing economic growth, and celebrating our culture on a grand scale.”
Honoring African Culture, Diversity, and Talent
Africa’s Next Super Model stands out as a unique celebration of African heritage, diversity, and artistry. This annual event not only provides models with a platform to showcase their skills but also highlights the continent’s rich cultural legacy. Through the runway show, African designers and models are given the chance to shine, breaking stereotypes and redefining global standards of beauty and creativity.
Notable in this year's event was the inclusion of Daima Mkenya Africa, a brand founded by Mrs. Zahra Balewah Moi, which proudly displayed its patriotic fabric adorned with the Kenyan flag. The brand’s participation reflected a commitment to promoting African pride and identity within fashion. Through efforts like these, Africa's Next Super Model has solidified its role in fostering appreciation for African culture while setting the stage for the continent's fashion industry to flourish.
A Vision for the Future of African Fashion
The impact of Isis Models on the African modeling industry cannot be overstated. Since its inception, the agency has been instrumental in guiding African models to the world’s top fashion capitals, including New York, Milan, and Paris. Its founder, Joan Okorodudu, has long envisioned a future where African models hold a prominent position in the global fashion landscape. With Nairobi as a key location, Isis Models is actively working toward creating a sustainable and thriving fashion ecosystem that nurtures and celebrates African talent.
With each passing year, Africa’s Next Super Model strengthens its legacy of empowerment and opportunity. This year’s winner, Chol Tot Nyang, now embarks on an incredible journey that will see her represent African beauty, talent, and resilience on some of the most iconic runways worldwide. Her victory not only marks a personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration to young models across the continent, reminding them that with hard work, passion, and the right platform, their dreams are within reach.
Through the support of visionary leaders, and dedicated sponsors, her foundation, Runways to Freedom, in collaboration with Daima Mkenya Africa, Okorodudu aims to empower young women and inspire African youth to pursue their dreams in fashion. She underscored the significance of the event in transforming lives, noting that the exposure models receive at Africa’s Next Super Model can open doors to boundless opportunities and financial independence.
By Evelyn Mieni, Fashion Correspondent for Africa Updates
Evelyn Mieni is a Fashion Designer, Fashion Trainer, and "Africa Updates" Fashion, Lifestyle and Entertainment Correspondent.
Photos by Liz Osundwa
Photo: Evelyn Mieni (Right) with Isis Models founder and CEO Joan Okorodudu (Left)
For Further Media Inquiries, Please Contact Africa's Next Supermodel MC: Nailantei Kenga.
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