Hii Style model Royal Vee has shot to fame quite fast. Her stunning beauty, unique gait, graceful style and charming personality has won the hearts of many.
She is quickly becoming a public figure that thousands of fans keep up with. Her Instagram live sessions come rarely, but are super engaging.
When it comes to posing for the camera, she has what it takes to be the next big thing in international modeling.
Her Instagram page is quickly growing – at the time of this publication she had over 60,000 followers. We interviewed her when she was starting out as a Hiii Style model. This was in early 2020.
She had opened up about her fresh experience with modeling.
“My experience so far has been wonderful. I’ve learned so many things – how to put clothes together in styling, cat walking, expressing myself in the clothes I’m wearing…and how to interact with other people. Meeting new people has also helped me understand how the world of modeling works,” she said.
Royal Vee also shared that modeling isn’t just about wearing fancy clothes. It is about channeling one’s personality. Since then, she has worked with multiple fashion brands, events, and even a real estate firm.
Her portfolio gets impressive by the day. Royal Vee is truly a force to reckon with in the modeling industry.
We’ve compiled an amazing collection of her photos for you. She’s doing an amazing job at Hiii Style.
Hiii Style model Winnie Njenga is a fast-rising fashion, lifestyle and fitness influencer. She has won the hearts of many with her stunning looks and personality.
Ever since she shot to fame having appeared on the fashion brand’s Instagram pages, she has amassed a following of over 80,000 followers at the time of this publication.
Winnie Njenga also does DIY and style inspo content. She is a public health officer by training.
As an influencer, the content creator has worked with other brands such as Xiaomi, Flower Delivery KE, Doctor Wigs, and others.
The gorgeous creator is living proof that you can earn a living as a fashion model in Kenya and build a strong brand while at it.
Before her Instagram popularity, she was known for her witty Twitter posts, as well as her active contributions to trending online topics. Winnie Njenga is among the next generation of influencers who are making big moves online by cashing in on the digital economy.
We’ve compiled a few of our favorite, stunning photos from her feed – we literally had a difficult time choosing – and we hope you love them too! Photo credits: Kelochie Photography.
When I approached Kampala based Tracy Kyasiimire for an interview, I thought it would be a major hurdle, not because she’s just so beautiful, but because some fast-rising models have bloated ego.
However, in her case, she was kind and down-to-earth. I sought to find out how she became an Instagram sensation, with many ‘shout-out’ pages tagging her, and blogs from as far as Ghana trailing her.
As one of the finest models Kenya has ever produced, Olivia Sang is representing the country very well.
The passionate professional model dished out on her success journey, which has seen her getting signed to Boss Models, a leading model management agency in South Africa. She has also appeared in reputable magazine publications, including Essence, Marie Claire South Africa, and True Love East Africa.
Ladies and gentlemen meet Malaika Firth, the Kenyan-born top model who has been wowing the Internet with her astonishing beauty.
Many of you may not know her but you’re about to start paying attention because she is putting Kenya on the global map.
Born and bred in the coastal region till the age of 7 until she relocated with her family to London, Malaika would never have thought in her wildest dream that she would become a supermodel until she was encouraged by her mother to try it out. And so her journey to stardom began at 17 when she was signed after only one casting by Premier Modeling Management, a UK based modeling agency.
The highlight of her promising career was when she was picked as the face of Prada, making her the second black girl after Naomi Campbell to become the face of the world-acclaimed brand. She has since graced runways for famous designers like Burberry, Jean-PaulGautier, Dolce and Gabbana, Valentino, Kenzo, Victoria Secrets, Marc Jobs…the sky is the limit for Malaika.
Malaika has in the past talked about being bi-racial and takes pride in being both white and black. On being compared to supermodel Naomi Campbell, Malaika said that she was amazed and honored but also wanted to build her own name and image. Growing up as a shy kid in the East London, Malaika spoke about how modeling has helped her become more confident around people. We wish her nothing but success in her modeling career.
Here are her 10 most iconic moments on the runway:
1. Malaika Firth for Anthony Voccarello Spring/Summer 2015 collection – Paris Fashion Week.
2. Malaika Firth for Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2015
3. Malaika Firth for Versace Spring/Summer 2015 collection- Milan Fashion Week.
4. Malaika Firth for Chanel Spring/Summer 2015 collection – Paris Fashion Week.
5. For Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week, Fall 2014
Dolce and Gabbana is just among the big names that are on Malaika’s modeling CV. This beauty is truly representing the Kenyan talent on the runway and here, she rocked this Purple and pansies “Enchanted Sicily Collection” by Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2014/Winter 2015 Milan Fashion Week, Italy.
6. Malaika Firth for Valentino, Spring 2014
8. Her off duty looks are fun, fresh and trendy
When Malaika is not busy being a supermodel she still pulls off her A game with this off-duty looks, talk about being a model and having a sense of style.
8. Victoria’s Secret Campaign
Malaika Firth has been featured in several campaigns – think of IVY PARK and Marc Jobs – her major one being the Prada one that led to a lot of people comparing her to Naomi Campell, as she was the first black model to be featured after nearly two decades. Here Malaika does a pajama campaign.
9. Missioni, Spring 2016 – a continental expedition through color and pattern
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Burundian social media influencer Nella Neth sat down with us this week to speak about her new journey as a mother, the little things she cares about the most, and revealed her ultimate hangout joints in Stockholm, Sweden, where she is based.
Nella, you’re now a mom to someone very special to you. How has motherhood changed your lifestyle?
My lifestyle hasn’t changed completely. I surely do not have time to attend certain events or do some stuff because of responsibilities, but I manage to take care of my son and make sure I take care of myself as well.
Over the years, you’ve branded yourself as an actress and performer. You’re now regarded as the most beautiful influencer to crop out of Burundi. How does it feel to have such a crown?
I don’t consider myself the most whatever but I do have a creative mind. I am entertaining and can also be unpredictable- so if that’s what beauty is then I am so damn beautiful. But when it comes to appearance, Burundian girls are beautiful; I just happen to be the one that has used my platform shamelessly and became more visible.
What do you regard as your most notable achievement in your professional career?
I have achieved a lot when I look back even though I tend to discredit myself. However, my biggest pride and achievement is the fact that I have established a connection with my followers. There is nothing better than having someone you don’t know, they don’t know you, they don’t want nothing from you but an ear to listen and an open heart. I speak a lot privately with my followers and they share a lot about themselves with me. That kind of trust is priceless. People sometimes just need someone they can relate to.
How have you managed to maintain such a terrific body after giving birth?
I must say that it’s genes because I haven’t worked out or done any consistent diet. I have been eating whatever, so let’s thank my parents for passing me the fit genes.
How’s your day-to-day routine now that you’re a parent?
My days are different; anything can happen. I just adjust and add on my normal schedules.
Sweden is known to have great fashion brands, a vibrant culture, the iconic reindeer, a great landscape, the canals in Stockholm and much more. What would you recommend someone to do while in this beautiful country?
OMG! I don’t even know where to start because I might break it down like a tourist guide. Stockholm is a beautiful city; very vibrant, very busy and clean. The parks, the breath-taking architecture, the cafés and the shops.
I would recommend someone to have window shopping in Östermalm, go to Södermalm to eat some delicious vegan meals, go visit the royal palace at Gamla stan and at the end go to the clubs in Stockholm — not the most popular, but the underground, Facebook event kind of clubs. You will have blast and don’t forget to put yourself on the list because clubs here can reject you for not being on the list.
I see myself very successful. I just can’t tell anyone my projects – I tend to believe in the evil eye. Inshallah God has great plans for me
What or who’s your muse when it comes to a dose of positivity?
My son he is happy boy; his laughter gives life. Oh and Pinterest. I just type key words like “happy, motivation quotes” and baam I feel good. There’s no particular person that makes me happy.
What’s that childhood memory that you will never get over?
I have plenty…my childhood was quite amazing.
What’s your parting shot, a word of encouragement or appreciation to your fans?
Thank you for being the sunshine on my good and bad days. I love you endlessly. You made me who I am when it comes to being an influencer.
Meet Lihle Nkosi and Phuti Phala, two South African upcoming media personalities who just found that they look alike. At first, it could not settle easily with them, but they’ve found comfort within each other.
When it comes to doppelgängers, science states that each one of us has at least 7 people in the world who look exactly like them. Rarely are we lucky to meet even one, but in the case of celebrities, many people usually come out to claim the spot. For example, Taylor Swift and Obama’s lookalikes are popular in their own rights.
Lihle (Left) and Phuti (Right_
Meet Lihle Nkosi and Phuti Phala, two South African upcoming media personalities who just found that they look alike. At first it could not settle easily with them, but they’ve found comfort within each other.
At first sight, you can easily confuse them as twins. In fact, when Lihle first posted a photo of them on Instagram, I wondered why she has never posted her sister for the 3 years I’ve been following her.
It turns out that indeed they are not related. Here’s what they had to say!
Harun: So guys just give me the backstory on how you met…you two look so alike…is it a coincidence?
Lihle: Everyone is confused, because we met in December through a mutual friend in Johannesburg who had told us we look alike.
Harun: How was your reaction when you met the first time?
Phuti: When we first met each other we didn’t think we look alike. It was only after we got to talk to each other more and go through each other’s pictures. We took a video that same day when we met that had my other friends confused on who’s who.
Harun: Wow…and what has been everyone’s reaction since then? And do you feel like you two share a lot or you are completely different personalities?
Lihle: People always told us we look alike but we both didn’t take it seriously.
The first day we met, we were just speaking the whole time and we honestly didn’t realize we look alike. We were just chatting the whole time and then started realizing how alike we were. We also found out we share a lot in common. Phuti also has a passion for media and television.
Phuti ZA: Everyone is as shocked as we are. I find People’s reaction really funny because they don’t believe us at all; some even suggest that we should do a DNA test and question our parents.
Harun: Do you plan on actually doing that?
Phuti: We are not related I know that for a fact. We’re doppelgängers who are just lucky that they don’t stay too far from each other.
I think if we were to test it would be just to prove to people that it’s possible that there’s someone who looks like you and isn’t related to you
We were talking the whole time our friend even said we talk a lot and we still couldn’t help but continue.
Phuti Phala
Lihle: We have very similar personalities, we have the same style in terms of fashion, we into the same career field and we actually even have the same scar on our forehead 🙈 we both fell when we were young. The whole experience has honestly been lovely, feel like I found a sister.
Harun: That’s so cool!
Phuti: Don’t forget that we both went to Catholic boarding school.
Lihle: Yeah that’s true and the funniest things happen, for example this morning we sent each other good morning messages at the same time.
Harun: Wow. That’s just…insane.
Lihle: We both have problems with our eye sights. Oh yes! We both went to a catholic boarding school.
Lihle Nkosi
Harun: Have you guys considered starting a show together? You know…it could be a hit.
Lihle: Yes!! A friend of mine Barney suggested we start a show where we answer questions about how we met, like how we are doing now but also show people how similar our characteristics were. It would be really cool to start a TV show or even be featured in a TV show. We are working on that.
Phuti: Yes we’re planning on taking over.
Harun: Why did you two start a joint Instagram account by the way?
Lihle: We shared picmix pictures of ourselves on social media and realized how much attention we got from brands. We actually just did a shoot for Kolorz, a makeup brand in South Africa based in Greenstone & East Rand Mall. SissyBoy Jeans sponsored our outfits for the shoot.
It was a really great start and we want to create this platform and who knows maybe one day we will be as big as TheBadura Twins and monetize on looking alike.
The “twins”
Phuti: Yes. So the social media page makes it easier for brands to see our work and book us to work with them.
Harun: So have you had any negative energy thrown your way? How did you deal with it?
Phuti: At this point we’re getting a lot of positive response from people and we’re hoping that we will get approached by more brands.
Lihle: We don’t know of any other doppelgängers that have been social media influencers so it will bring negative remarks as you say but that really isn’t our focus. I think we’ve created a solid relationship in the few days we’ve known each other and concentrating on negative remarks won’t divert our attention from the bigger goal. But luckily we haven’t received any attacks on social media, just love and support.
Phuti: People have just been really supportive; it’s overwhelming. As much as our parents are shocked, they support us and are very happy for us.
Harun: What’s your age difference?
Phuti: 7 months apart, Lihle is older than me. I was born in 1998, February 6th and Lihle was born in 1997, June 25th.
Phuti
Harun: What did Phuti study in campus? Or are you still enrolled?
Phuti: I studied TV production at AFDA and I’m graduating
Harun: By the way that is a close age range guys.
Lihle: Right? It’s so amazing, I feel like God had a greater reason for meeting at this point in our lives!
This week, we feature Kayleigh du-Pont, the younger sister to Swazi-born South African actress Amanda du-Pont. She may be young but is on a fast track to success, just like her sister. Kayleigh comes across as warm, laid back and opinionated.
Cape Town-based model Olivia Sang has landed a powerful feature on BBC Africa’s One Minute Stories. She opened up about how she has had to battle colourism since she started her career as a model.
“I would not trade my skin in the world. If I had to come back in another life, I would still choose to come back as a black girl,” she said.
