Mr Branham Otieno was recently crowned the new Mr Worldwide Kenya, after weeks of voting and a final day pageant event that was organized with strict conformity to the Corona Virus Pandemic Guidelines.
Here is the story of a 23 year old final year student of Food Science and Technology at Egerton University, who boldly refers to Lupita Nyong’o as “My African icon”.
Fotophreak: When did you realize you can model and did you start immediately?
I realised my passion for modelling when i was in high school but got the chance to practically perform 4 years later. I joined my first competition last year, 2019 which was Mr and Miss Agriculture Egerton University.
Fotophreak: We’re meant to believe 2019 was the best year for you, it has been success all through, how many titles have you bagged so far?
To be honest…I thank the Lord for 2019.
It was the start of a beautiful modeling journey for me, I achieved 3 crowns:
Mister Agriculture Egerton University
Mister Egerton Culture
2nd runners up Mister Love Nakuru county
Fotophreak: You now the reigning Mr worldwide Kenya, how was the voting experience for you?
I can describe it as interesting and breathtaking. Voting was everyday so I had to urge people to vote for me day in, day out. I really thank my friends for helping me a lot by sharing the voting link. It reached a point where when the competition got stiff, I would lead for few hours and when I relax I would find myself in second place. That went on and on until the last day but I’m glad I made it. Were it not for the support system of my friends I would not have done this but they made it happen. Like they say a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Fotophreak: So what’s next for you after this?
What’s next is more runway moments…both locally and internationally.
More exposure and projects that work towards empowering us as youths in the society, women and also men in relation to the theme of this year’s competition which was, ‘Stop Domestic Violence.’
Fotophreak: With this new normal brought by covid-19 how do you think it has affected you as a model?
First thing I’d like to say is, Corona is real..please take good care of yourselves and adhere to the directives given by the government to curb its spread.
Corona has impacted me both positively and negatively.
It has made online networking easier since most people spend their time on their phones, it has given me more time to work on my physic, generally ample time to improve on my weaknesses as I build my strength.
But the fact that runaway models could be replaced by 3D modelling was a big scare for us.
Fotophreak: Do you think fashion industry has played a good role in helping to prevent the spread of Corona virus?
Of course yes, fashion designers have made face masks for people to wear and cover themselves, made awareness campaign of wearing masks anytime one is out in the public. Some brands also made donations for the purchase of sanitizers.To ensure social distancing the fashion houses have encouraged online shopping to avoid overcrowding of customers.
Fotophreak: If you were to meet one person today,who would it be and why?
It would be Lupita.
She’s my African icon.She believed in herself when no one did.
Fotophreak: Would you take modelling to be your career?
Yes, to me its more than just having fun its about inspiration..
They say it’s the best gift you can ever give…. inspiration.
Fotophreak: Where do you see yourself in this industry five years from now?
Owning a modelling agency to nurture and train the upcoming young models throughout their journey in the industry.
Fotophreak: What advice would you give to those upcoming models?
That the road is always tough with many challenges, you just don’t wake up and start winning so you have to work hard, and never think of giving up. We all know the problems that come up with modeling. Alot of investment which sometimes can be discouraging when you don’t get fruits per your expectations. The main thing is to put God first and trust you can always do it.
————End of Interview———–
Did you take part or vote for some of the participants in the Mr. Wordwide Kenya competition? Do you think it was free and fair? Who was your favourite contestant and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you are a player in the Kenyan fashion industry and would like your work to be Featured on Fotophreak Magazine please contact us through: info@fotophreak.com or on mobile: +254 729209419
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