An Introduction to Africa and its Beauties:

– Article by Adney Gonçalves

Africa is believed to be birthplace of humanity and also is a reservoir of rich minerals and is a home to thick forests, largest desert and the longest river. Such diverse is Africa.

When it comes to Beauty pageants, this diversity is synonymous.

Beginning from 2005, an African delegate has always placed in the top 5/6. Such strong has been the showing of African girls in Miss World. And this is the reason why the African participation in Miss World in 3 times higher than any other International pageant.

This year we already have 24 African countries participating in Miss World, which is a new high.

In total Africa has won only 4 Miss World titles, the last being in 2001. This year the African batch has been marred by many dethronements but from the ashes, has risen a phoenix and they are shining bright as ever.

For better understanding (and to improve your Geography) I have divided the girls into 6 zones. North, Central, West, East, South and the Island nations.

North Zone:

 

Egypt: Blessed with a face that would launch a thousand ships, Amina is certainly making a strong comeback for Egypt this year. Placement in Challenge events is a high possibility.

Score: 77

 

Tunisia: Wahiba is a pretty but she is bit on the heavier side. Tunisia went a step back from their previous delegate. Not expecting Tunisia to place overall. But will not rule out a placement in any Challenge events.

Score: 68

 

Chad: What a Debut!!  Sakadi has a skin tone to die for. Chad is having the same impact what South Sudan had 3 years back. Expecting her to do well in Top Model.

Score: 76

 

East Zone:

 

Tanzania: Happiness will do well in Talent and is expected to do well in Beauty with a Purpose and Multimedia as well.

Score: 76

 

Ethiopia: Top Model in her country, Yirgalem is bound to place high in Top model and probably in Beach beauty but she is not a traditional beauty queen.

Score: 80

 

Kenya:  Idah is a gorgeous subtle beauty with a girl next door vibe. Julia prefers girls who are sweet looking and Kenya certainly fits the bill. She will do well in Beauty with a Purpose and Interview.

Score: 81

 

Uganda: Leah has a beautiful skin tone. She needs to work on her styling and project of she wants to make an impact. Overall I don’t see her placing.

Score: 73

 

Central Zone:

 

 

South Sudan: Awien Agoth is South Sudan’s third rep at Miss World and like her predecessors, she is absolutely beautiful. Awien is tall and in shape, her projection is spot on for her to be the front runner in Top Model and Beach Beauty. Interview could be another round that she may ace. All these combinations make her a top bet to win Miss World.

Score: 91

 

Cameroon: With an incredible debut last year, Cameroon is certainly is on a high and Larissa is doing her best. She needs to shed some weight though; otherwise she can work well especially with Beauty with a Purpose challenge event.

Score: 71

 

Gabon: Jessie was brought in as a replacement for Miss Monde Gabon and she seems to be a worthy representative for Gabon at Miss World this year. Not being a original winner might work against her otherwise she is really beautiful. Possible placement in Beach Beauty.

Score: 73

 

Equatorial Guinea: What works for Agnes is her height which will be advantageous in Top model and Beach beauty.

Score: 76

 

Nigeria: Iheoma is a demure beauty. She is not vehemently beautiful but she has got a presence which cannot be denied. Expecting her to do well in Beauty with a purpose and Top Model.

Score: 77

 

West Zone:

 

Guinea: Halimatou needs a lot of work and at this moment she is very raw. She may land a surprise placement in any of the Challenge events.

Score: 68

 

Guinea – Bissau: Laila is sweet but its not enough for her to stand out in the African zone. Not expecting great things from her.

Score: 66

 

Cote d’Ivoire: Jennifer is definitely a downgrade from last year. She is unique but not outstanding. She needs to carve a niche for her uniqueness or else she will be lost.

Score: 74

 

Ghana: Disappointed in Ghana after doing so well last year. Nadia is not upto the mark but Ghana always has a strong showing in Beauty with a Purpose. Expecting that trend to continue.

Score: 70

 

South Zone:

 

Zambia: Michelo is tall which may do her favors in Top Model. Overall weak and not expecting her to place in the top 20.

Score: 68

 

Zimbabwe: Christina is gorgeous. She is transforming beautifully. If the trend continues, she can place in many Challenge events.

Score: 71

 

Namibia: Brumhilda is a real gem. She was expected to win her national pageant and she did. She is bringing Namibia back and with a bang. Expecting her to do very well in Beach Beauty and Interview.

Score: 84

 

South Africa: One girl I am absolutely sure that she will do well is Rolene. She has an undeniable beautiful face and a rich South African history of placements. Rolene is tipped to win Miss World by many and yes she deserves to win. Expecting her to be in the top 5 of Beach Beauty, Top Model and Interview.

Score: 97

 

Island Nations:

 

Cape Verde: Christy Spencer was winner of Miss Cabo Verde last year but for some reason couldn’t compete. This year however we will see her compete and with her unique looks, she is set to make her presence felt.

Score: 70

 

Sao Tome and Principe: Djeissica Barbosa is giving a grand debut for Sao Tome & Principe this year. She looks absolutely beautiful. This former Portuguese colony has its unique beauties which will certainly spice up things in Africa. She might do well on the basis of being a debutant.

Score: 72

 

 

Mauritius: This country needs a formula that needs to work well. Currently it doesn’t seem to be working. Sheetal is not bad, but compare her with other Africans she is competing, she will stand nowhere. Placement is not expected from Mauritius his year.

Score: 60

 

Seychelles: Seychelles has crowned a very beautiful winner in Camilla. She is commendable, a poor sash may work against her but overall she is a fresh beauty. She can certainly do well in Interview and Talent. Expecting Seychelles to perform well.

Score: 73

 

To Conclude:

Summarizing this review, I have to say Africa has a huge potential. And it’s about time that an African girl gets crowned as Miss World. And we can see two girls i.e. South Africa and South Sudan absolute contenders for this to come true.

After following Miss World for quite some time, out of 20 semifinalists, 2 will most probably be filled by African girls. For time being South Africa and South Sudan are leading the African delegations but not far behind are Kenya, Namibia and also have to keep a close eye on the debutants Chad and Sao Tome and Principe.

Picture Credits: Miss World page & website, FB pages of contestants

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