With Fenty Beauty coming to Africa, we had to quickly catch up with Zimbabwean Born-British model – Nyasha Matonhodze who is the brands Face for the African Global launch. Nyasha moved to the UK at the age of 8 and kicked off her modelling career at the age of 16 when she won Elite Model Look UK in 2009. She has since worked with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Emmanuel Ungaro, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Burberry, amongst many. The stunning model has appeared in editorials for Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, Allure and Vogue.
GLAMOUR: Tell us about your dreams as a 5-year-old?
Nyasha: Around that time of my life, I was sent to boarding school to learn English while my mum was creating a home for us in England. So, every day I would ask God to send me back to my mum. I missed her so much!
GLAMOUR: What has changed from the then Nyasha to now?
N: I stepped into this industry at such a young age, with little to no understanding of the business. 12 years later the saying, ‘experience is a teacher’ really resonates with me. With over a decade of experience in the business I have learned so much, but most importantly I have learnt a lot about myself.
GLAMOUR: When did you realise that Modelling is something you want to do for the rest of your life?
N: I clearly remember when I was 15 years, watching America’s Next Top Model and I fell in love with the idea. Big thanks to my mum for helping me enter this career and being so supportive.
GLAMOUR: The industry is swamped with many new talents, what has made you remain a strong force?
N: God has made me stand strong. I wish I had another response, but it can only be God. Truth be told, it surprises me too. Conversely, both my parents have always had a huge influence on what I do and they keep me grounded.
GLAMOUR: Who are your role models and why?
N: Oh, my mother has always had such a strong impact on my life. I admire how she moved from Zimbabwe to England at a very young age, just to create a life for my family and I. If that is not resilience, I wonder what defines it. I am deeply proud of her and so grateful I have such a strong role model in my life.
GLAMOUR: How did Fenty come about?
N: I have always been a huge fan of Rihanna and admired how she consistently pushes boundaries when it comes to growing her empire. I also love how Fenty is for black people by black people. My agent really did a lot of work and I am grateful for the final product, which is where I am right now.
GLAMOUR: How does it feel like to be the Face of Fenty Beauty Africa?
N: It hasn’t fully sunk in still because of how amazing it is to even say that. Proud Zimbabwean girl celebrating this moment with my family, friends and the whole Africa continent at large.
GLAMOUR: What does the future hold for Nyasha?
N: In the future, I would love to groom other models and get them into spaces they surely deserve to be in. I truly enjoy building communities and being able to give knowledge to other creatives that are trying to get into the fashion industry.
GLAMOUR: What advice would you give to a younger Nyasha?
N: Have fun, it will all work out.
Credits:
Make up: @artbyhector
Hair: @vpintomoreira
