The Victoria Falls based Future Nyoni has been inaugurated in the second position at the recently ended modelling contest, Mister Africa International where he also scooped the Best Dressed Suit award after being nominated in the following 5 categories out of 6, Best introduction, Best suit, Body Africa, Most popular, Brain Afrika and the 6th being the Best Body category. In position one was Nigeria while Liberia came in the third position. The pageant they participated in online that was scheduled to take place physically in Nigeria later saw the Kings drawn from different parts of Africa battling it out virtually.
To create a modelling agency that will cater for the boy child across the African continent through his organization as well as to work with game park rangers in protecting wildlife especially the big 5 are Future’s main objectives for the project he expects to embark on very soon.
The pageant had 30 African Kings drawn from different countries in Africa. Future excelled victoriously despite internet connectivity challenges as highlighted by Mister Africa International Zimbabwe, Director, Tapiwanashe Rubaya. “Despite facing a number of challenges throughout the event, he managed to pull through, this is a sign that clearly shows that Future is indeed a true King and it is known that for a King to be recognized they have to pass through challenging situations”, says Rubaya.
Rubaya says that because the voting system was conducted online there was a huge challenge with internet accessibility and connectivity especially here in Zimbabwe where the voting system was not functioning well. “Unfortunately our King could not make it to the Question and Answer session that was conducted on Instagram, he had to change location and later took part as a solo participant, says Rubaya who proudly acknowledges the support they received from friends and family in the UK, USA and Nigeria among other countries who voted for #TeamFuture and they made it possible for them to get the second position that Future scooped.
“As Mister Africa International Zimbabwe, we are proud of our King for representing not only Zimbabwe but the Southern African region. We will continue working with Future to ensure that all his projects are successfully implemented”, says Rubaya. Rubaya expresses his deep appreciation for the overwhelming support when he says, “We want to appreciate everyone who supported us, from those who voted and those who supported us physical, financially and emotionally and through their prayers. Special appreciation goes to the following people who played a major role during the pageant behind the scenes, former Miss Zimbabwe Samantha Tshuma, the Nyoni Family, cameraman, Kazz Khalif, (where we did the interview),the Ethan ‘Hliziyo’ Suit World and our diaspora family and friends who played a role during the fan vote, we also appreciate and recognise the media houses who told our story to the world”.
Future is a Victoria Falls based entrepreneur and a model who was born in Hwange, he is the co-founder of the following organisations, Nambya Development Organisation Trust, Party Haven Events and Supplies as well as a Beauty Galaxy Organisation.
The Nambya Development Organisation Trust focuses on philanthropic/ humanitarian services offered to the needy. “We have a charity organization that aims at creating a poverty free society, our main areas of concern being orphans, the elderly and disabled in our society. It also aims to support the arts industry and ploughing back to our community through giving and voluntary work,” says Nyoni.
Future is an alluringly handsome gentleman with a well proportioned body with low body fat, a typical male model according to the classifications we have been exposed to. It is however not only the beauty that defines a good model as Future reveals here, “Most of the people based in rural areas believe that modelling is about beauty and fame which is not the fact, modelling is about dedicating your time and advocating for a good cause”. Future says that he wishes to work with different organisations not only in Zimbabwe but across Africa to fight against animal poaching using technology.
“As a young boy I loved to look after myself very well and I would admire models I saw in magazines and I would tell myself that one day I will also appear in those”, says Future. This partly contributed to his interest in the modeling field where he is clearly flourishing beyond measure.
When asked what really inspired him to get to modelling, Future reveals that it is something that is in his DNA, he believes that he was born with this talent as he was not pushed by any incident or any person into modelling. “It oozed out naturally, I love it, simple”, says Future.
He takes us through some of the most significant highlights of his career in the modeling field with the recent one being the 2023 Mister Africa International, second position and the Best Dressed Suit award. He also mentions the Mr. Senior Zimbabwe 2022 title he received in the first ever pageant he participated in and the Victoria Falls Runway King 2022, Best Zimbabwean Male Runway 2020, and the Most Photogenic tittle in 2020.
He has showcased his talent in many platforms, locally and internationally where he has always left the audience in awe, asking for more. “I have cat walked at the Victoria Falls Arts Festival, Fashion fights Cancer in Bulawayo, Beautiful You Fashion Show in Blantyre, Malawi (2022) as well as at the Global African Fashion Coalition in South Africa (2023)”, reveals Future.
Future explains how people from other countries have a negative perception about Zimbabwe before they are enlightened, “People have a negative impression about Zimbabwe but they get amazed when I tell them how proud we are as Zimbabweans, at the end of the day almost everyone gets inclined to me as we share our experiences, It’s like Zimbabweans are naturally lovable”.
Future talks about how difficult it is for him to be accepted by family and friends as a model and how he manages to stick to his passion regardless of what people think about his profession, “It is not easy to be accepted by your family, church members, work mates and friends as a male model, for me it is my passion and my life, I do not allow any external factors to hinder my progress, I replace all negative comments with what I believe about myself”. He is the only member in his family in modelling and he believes that perhaps in the near future there will be another family member joining him in the industry as he says, “ I am the mirror of my family and country, I reflect future”, he says laughing.
Future advises other males who wish to get into the industry that modeling is an interesting industry but with a lot of drama and challenges and that if it is your passion nothing can stop you, all you need to do is to focus on your dream, never look back until you hit the finishing line.
Future says that he would like to work with different organisations not only in Zimbabwe but across Africa to fight against animal poaching by using technology as he believes that Africa cannot be called Africa without our Big 5 animals that are also our heritage.
“I believe if we can work together with governments, ranges including the youths who are being influenced to embark in animal poaching this way we can save our continent”, says Future.
“Imagine a situation where in 10 years one learns that Africa has recorded zero numbers of poaching of animals, it means we would have saved our Africa’s species and also more tourists will be coming into the country to view our beautiful continent”, he adds.
He looks forward to establish a modelling Agency for all African males especially those based in the rural areas.
Commenting on his Facebook Page, Future could not hide his excitement when he said this, “30 African countries, 5 nominations, Gentleman of Africa winner and finally 1st runner up of Mister Africa International. I am in awe of your amazing and unwavering support, izibongo zincane. The journey has not been easy, from challenges with our countries cards to network challenges but we still sailed through and conquered. Without you my family, friends and fans I wouldn’t have made it this far and I am eternally grateful. Thank you for believing in me. The journey continues as we strive to empower the boy child in the modeling industry. Taboka kasa, Twalumba, Siyabonga, Tinotenda, Thank you”.
In his concluding remarks, Future Nyoni has this to say;
“It’s a myth ,that modelling is not paying.Yes we are facing challenges as a country that modelling industry is not paying so why should one venture but I believe that will be a different statement to come. Oooh! Let me add this, probably you have heard, modelling is for girls and if you are a successful male model your sexuality is questioned. Lastly only those from the capital can take part in big international platforms and work with big brands, but here I am, a living testimony”.
