Chief Executive Officer, Isis Models, Joan Okorodudu has pulled off the biggest modeling search in Africa with the launch of the maiden edition of Africa’s Next Super Model in Kigali, Rwanda.

Africa’s Next Super Model (ANSM) is Africa’s prestigious modeling competition reality show dedicated to scouting Africa’s finest talent in the modeling industry with the goal being to mold Africa’s raw modeling talents into world-class professional supermodels.

Speaking on this maiden edition, Okorodudu, said ANSM was conceptualised from Nigeria’s Next Super Model (NNSM), having produced the show for the past 15 years. She said “The NNSM show has been successfully used to groom models from scouting all the way to the international platforms resulting in several black models representing Africa on the world map.

“The winners of NNSM have been gifted with brand new cars from 2007 until 3 years ago when it changed to cash prizes, plus other consolation prizes such as modeling contracts, an all-expense paid trip to the US, UK, Paris, Milan, South Africa and other countries where they are established as professional models.

This maiden edition of Africa’s Next Super Model is a huge success, hosting several high-profile personalities in Rwanda as well as those who traveled in from various countries” she said.

The competition kicked of with over 35 contestants moving into camp on the first day of camp at Elizabeth Golf Apartments from other African countries including; Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, and trained by the catwalk instructor Larry Walker from Nigeria.

The Screening was made after 3 days in camp, shortlisting the contestants to 15 which included Nyariek, Ayen Dhel, Brena, Basetsana, Naume, Gloria, Akoi, Elizabeth Yar, Ajibije, Ukeme, Linda, Meklit, Marvella, Denise, and Lilian.

The panel of judges for the event was made up of 15 International top agents, casting directors, and CEOs in the modeling industry led by the CEO of Select Model Global, Select Paris, Select Milan, Select London, Select Stockholm, Fusion Models NYC, UNO Spain, Wave Milan, MIRRRS, 28 Models New York, CEO of Webest Models, One Management, Milk Management London, Muse, and a number of others.

Africa’s Next Super Model theme song was produced by Kuttie featuring David Elumelu. The event was made lively by the music performances of David Elumelu from Nigeria.

After reviews and thorough selection by the judges, the top 5 contestants for the event were announced as; Marvella, Akoi, Ajibike, Favour, and Denise. While the second runner-up was Ajibike, first runner-up was Akoi and the winner, Marvella. The winner won the grand prize of $5000.

Speaking to journalists after the event, the winner, Marvella Niteka, commented that she had her confidence up before joining, but after joining the competition she realized everyone was good and doubted winning the competition.

“But I kept the courage and worked hard, the practices were really extreme and tiresome but I kept pushing hoping for better,” she said.