HARARE-BASED model Nomatter Shamuyarira did Zimbabwe proud in her first international pageant appearance after she was crowned the Universal Queen Africa 2022 at this year’s show held in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria, last week.
A public health researcher with the Biomedical Research and Training Institute of Zimbabwe, Shamuyarira shrugged off stiff competition from contestants drawn from 15 African countries.
Botswana’s representative was the first runner-up, while Ghana and Gambia models were adjudged second and third runners-up, respectively.
The other contestants were from host nation Nigeria, Angola, Cameroon, South Africa, Tunisia, Egypt and Uganda.
As part of her winning package, the former Miss Zimbabwe Grand, Mashonaland East Province 2020 queen pocketed US$5 000, a trip to any African country of her choice and opportunities for brand ambassador endorsements with local companies in Nigeria.
The delighted 26-year-old model, who is affiliated to Top-Model Zimbabwe agency, told NewsDay Life & Style that it was a dream come true to bring the crown home.
“Bringing the Universal Queen Africa 2022 crown to Zimbabwe is really a milestone in my modelling career. I felt excited, overwhelmed and much loved with the support I got from the Nigerian people, it was just out of this world,” she said.
Asked what was the magic that enabled her to conquer, the Marondera-born Shamuyarira said she prepared well for the pageant, which will be hosted in Zimbabwe next year.
“My strength was on my project’s presentation and the interview that I did before the grand finale. Also, my wardrobe for the bootcamp was in order,” she reckoned.
“I have come to believe that hard work pays, and it is important to be well prepared, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It is important to do your best and then leave everything in God’s hands.”
Shamuyarira launched her professional modelling journey in 2017, inspired by her aunt and former Miss Zimbabwe, Angeline Musasiwa.
With a career spanning about five years, the talented and self-motivated entrepreneur has numerous accolades in pageantry and commercial modelling.
“My journey so far has been full of ups and downs. Modelling is a full-time job and sometimes my other job and personal projects can be demanding. Of late, I have learnt to manage and balance them,” she said.
Off the ramp, she is a passionate medical practitioner, specialising in systematic counselling.
Shamuyarira is also director of a local-based youth-led non-governmental organisation focusing on mental health literacy.