Botswana beauty is new Face of Africa

Striking Motswana beauty, the elegant 1.75 metre tall, Kaone Kario, on Sunday night walked away with Africa’s most prestigious modelling title — the M-NET Nokia Face of Africa crown. Facing a strong field of 9 other contestants from across the continent, Kaone could not have asked for any better 19th birthday present as the lucrative prize which will undoubtedly catapult her to the highest modelling level in the universe. Kaone, who turned 19 on Sunday, hails from Maun in Botswana, a place she describes quite simply as, “it’s beautiful, it’s home.”

Kaone, together with Adeola Ariyo (Nigeria), Doyin Haastrup (Nigeria), Greatmore Chatya (Zimbabwe) and Opewemi Awaoyemi (Nigeria), made up the top five in a glamourous fashion extravaganza at Sun City on Sunday night. “My dream has been fulfilled. I am now moving on now,” the university student said after capturing the Face of Africa crown. In an event witnessed live by television audiences across Africa tuned in to M-NET, the delighted 19-year-old turned from would-be model into certified catwalk star! The announcement dramatically capped an evening of hip Afro-celebration that saw 10 finalists take to the runway in the search of the US$125 000 prize, offered by Storm Model Management.

Hosted by Sami Sabiti, the Nokia Face of Africa 2005 Final kicked off with a collaboration between two of Kenya’s hottest properties — high profile designer Sue Muraya and powerful songstress Mercy Myra. Then it was the turn of designer boutique Young Designers Emporium whose labels Bombshell, Phenomena, Register 7, Velvet and Trigger hit the runway to the rhythm of South Africa performer Loyiso! After a solo performance by hit-making South African singer KB, Stoned Cherrie’s Nkhensani Nkosi was next to showcase her bold line, followed by Nigeria’s Folake Folarin-Coker with her distinctive Tiffany Amber fashions. Rounding off the fashion line-up was Anna Getaneh’s African Mosaique, which combines the vision of this former model with the expertise of the label's head designer Eric Raisina. Adding another unforgettable moment to a night packed with memorable moments was a unique African ensemble performance by musos Loyiso, KB, Mercy Myra and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Mapumba. Bringing their different musical influences into mix, the quartet produced an unmistakably African sound that entertained guests in the SuperBowl.

But the evening belonged to ten young women who have journeyed through several rigorous selections sessions for the right to take their place at the Nokia Face of Africa 2005 grand finale. In selecting Kaone, the project's scouting judges Busisiwe Mahlaba (True Love Editor) and Anton Robért (Storm Fashion Photographer) said, “She has an echoing presence that draws attention. This is a vital attribute for a successful model.” For Kaone, a new journey to greater heights has just began. In addition to the threeyear modelling contract with Storm Model Management, she wins prizes valued at over R200 000 from Estee Lauder, YDE, SAA, Sun International and Carlton Hair. M-Net CEO Glen Marques also praised the finalists for their dedication and drive. “As a television channel committed to showcasing African talent, we believe in the continent’s potential. Tonight, these young women defined it.” These sentiments are shared by the project’s headline partner NOKIA and Senior Marketing Manager Mika Niemi said, “Nokia is delighted to have been part of the Nokia Face of Africa process. We applaud the winner, and the finalists, for the effort and dedication they have all displayed.”

Kaone loves action films and she’s a fan of The Pacifier, Oceans 11, Bad Boys 1, Bad Boys 2 and Speed. Energetic and a go-getter, Kaone says her Diesel jeans are her favourite fashion item! Eager to travel Kaone would like to model in New York and would like to visit Uganda. A music lover, Kaone has a long list of favourite tracks including those by Bobby Valentino, Mariah Carey and Britney Spears. Asked if she sings as well, Kaone replies, “Only in the shower!” She entered the Nokia Face of Africa to “live a dream” and Kaone believes she overcame her fear of rejection when she attended a casting session for the project in Gaborone.

About Nokia Face Of Africa Face of Africa is a continental model talent search that began in 1998. The First winner was Nigerian Oluchi Onweagba. The initiative ran for four years from 1998 - 2001 and other winners included: Benvinda Mudenge from Namibia (1999); Nombulelo Mazibuko from South Africa (2000) and Ramatoulaye Diallo from Senegal (2001).