Pageantry has long been in the history of the modelling industry and various titles passed from one generation to another. In Kenya, particularly in Westlands, it was a down to business atmosphere at the Parklands Baptist church (off ring road) as it was time to crown Mr and Miss Westlands 2017-2018 on the 16th of December. There was a total of 19 contestants eyeing the crown among them being Kavata Mercy Grace, Joyce Thomas, Mercy John, Constance Musimbi, Dela Okul, Caroline Mwangi, Carolyne Mutheu, Irene Otieno, Brenda Nulamba and Nicole Akinyi making the list for ladies while the men contenders for Mr Westlands were Origi, James Karanja, Emanuel Matiba, Michael Ochieng’, Alalia Ronald, Benson Alalia, Gladys Rika, Bildard Ligala and Vincent Aswani.
This large number of contestants automatically meant intense competition and true to the large number of competitors, a mind blowing competition graced every step of the contestants on the runway. It was therefore a very difficult task for the judges and audience to pick a favourite model. Among the judges we’re Ivy Njoroge(Miss Narok), Kevin Ocharo (Mr environment Kenya Uasin Gishu) and Melisa Muthoni. These three judges did not have an easy time coming to a final decision but as always, there can only be one winner.
There we’re various categories to be showcased on the runway, such being the creative wear category, the personality category, vintage wear, and the official wear category. A very remarkable category was the creative wear category whereby one of the contestants made a clothing from common chapatis and a khaki packing bag. This spectacular and creative wear was designed by James Karanja who eventually became the Ist runner up. Also, an overall selection was done and there was a pop up in the best person on the runway generally, and the award went to Carolyne Mutheu.
Being a stiff competition amongst the contestants, the judges we’re now put to task to select the best of the best from the 19 contestants. The winners we’re finally released and they we’re as follows.
1St runners up – James Karanja x Nicole Akinyi
2nd runners up – Ronald Alalia x Avator
Mr Westlands 2017 – Bildard LigalaÂ
Miss Westllands 2017 – Mercy Jones
Fotophreak held a brief interview with Mr and Miss Westlands and they gave us some brief history about their modeling life. Mr Westlands (Bildard Ligala) started modelling in 2016 and through those 2 years he has earned himself 3 titles. Mr Nazarene, Mr Rumours and Mr Westlands. He plans on using his crown to give back to the society. Miss Westlands on the other hand Mercy Jones, started modelling last year too and participated in Mr and Miss beauty point as a curtain raiser rather but finally got a tittle this year as Miss Westlands.
Being her first crown, she plans on using it to reach out to the youth on the essence of preserving their bodies always and using their bodies well. Both winners also gave challenges they have experienced through their modelling journey and shockingly, their greatest challenge is the financial aspect that enable models participate in the costly pageantry categories. We as fotophreak magazine therefore urge the government to kindly help models with finances to push their dreams.
Thanks to Mr Elvis Ochieng’ and Blessing college, who we’re proud sponsors of the event, the competition was a success and therefore many thanks to them and also all contestants who made the show have a smooth running.
GALLERY
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