Malawian models have hyped up social media campaigns in a bid to earn a nomination and perhaps win the prestigious UMP male or female model of year award.
UMP public nomination process opened on 12 October and closes on 20 November.
Speaking in an interview, UMP 2019 male model of the year Keitumile Kawilima encouraged models to campaign for nomination votes.
“Every model that feels deserving of the award should campaign. Awards have to be won by deserving people as an emblem of recognition for their contributions to a specific niche,” he said.
He then advised fellow models not to downgrade and disrespect what awards are meant to carry and represent.
“I would however discourage models to campaign for a nomination knowing too well that they haven’t done any work that is deserving of the model of the year title because that in itself downgrades and disrespects the award,” Kawilima noted.
He was quick to name 21 year old Bridget Bree Matamula as one of the models deserving the 2020 award, saying she has worked and contributed to the growth of the industry.
In 2019, Bridget represented Malawi at World Miss University pageant in South Korea.
She was also the face of Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre and she is currently the Brand Ambassador for Sigelege Lake Resort and face of Boudoir by Doll Mabel.
In a separate interview, Bridget said she is encouraged by public support and recognition.
“I am humbled that at least some people recognize what I do. Am hoping they will support me in my quest for greatness,” she said.
Meanwhile, former Miss Malawi queen and former Miss Malawi beauty pageant organizer as well as founder of Doll Mabel fashion brand, Mabel Khonje has been revealed as this year’s UMP fashion icon.
To access nomination forms visit UMP Awards website https://www.ump-awards.com/ump-awards-2020-nomination-form/
