GHYSLAINE TCHOUAGA, RESIDENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY MARYLAND, BORN IN CAMEROON, RAISED IN YAOUNDE, THE NATIONS CAPITAL HAS BEEN CROWNED MISS AFRICA USA 2011 – 2012.

Over 150 African girls had registered for the pageant and auditioned to represent their countries this year. 16 finalists representing 16 countries made the cut to the finals and took a shot for he crown. They were all amazing in their presentations and platforms for Africa. Each and everyone of them committed to change the world around them with or without the crown.

For the first time in the Pageant’s seven year history, a Cameroonian walks away with the Crown. Miss Tchouaga who was born in the Nation’s capital Yaounde, some 22years ago, immigrated with her mother and siblings to the United States of America to pursue higher education and more opportunities for the family.

A true Pan-Africanist, Ghyslaine’s priority as stated in her platform is to help save lives in the Horn of Africa. She recognizes the emergency in Somalia and wants to immediately launch her campaign to ‘Feed The Hungry’ in Somalia. She says Cameroon is a very blessed country with enough food to feed even neighboring countries.

In an emotional appeal during platforms presentation, Miss Somalia moved the audience by recognizing Miss Cameroon’s commitment to the crisis in Somalia. She could not believe another finalist could take interest in her country.

While she will focus on saving lives in Somalia she wants to also give back to her native Cameroon by organizing a Medical Mission in Cameroon to help with medical supplies and equipment for hospitals in rural and under developmed areas. She also wants to use her position to advocate for orphans and sick children in Cameroon. Queen Ghyslaine Tchouaga will be working closely with the Leon H Sullivan Foundation and the African Women’s Development Foundation both registered non-profits in the United States of America, to achieve her dreams as a Goodwill Ambassador.

After a series of competition in Platform Presentations and Public Speaking, Talent, Fashion, traditional girl appearance, the top 10 countries were announced. The top 10 were able to compete in one more round of fashion and style before the Judges elected the top five delegates.

The top ten included the following countries: Sierra Leone, Congo, Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya, Republic of Guinee, Ghana, Ethiiopia, Cape Verde and the Republic of Cameroon.

The top five were: Ghana in 5th Place, Nigeria in 4th place, Guinee in 3rd place, Liberia in 3rd place and Cameroon walked home with the Crown.

The Pageant congratulates all 16 delegates who participated in the Pageant this year. They all have a strong passion for their chosen causes and the Pageant organization is working closely with the Leon Howard Sullivan Foundation to give each delegate an opportunity to pursue their passions as Good will Ambassadors through a Special Program called the AFRIPOLITAN CLUBS. More details will follow.

 2011 MISS AFRICA USA DELEGATES WITH DR. ARETHA MAKIA, MISS AFRICA USA PATRON

Over the years of its existence, the talent segment of the Miss Africa USA competition has been a permanent feature of the pageant which generates a lot of excitement from the audience but most importantly offers the pageant delegates an opportunity to explore their own inborn talent as well.  A lot of people have talents that they don’t know about and if given the opportunity they would excel.  The pageant aims to bring out the best in every participant and the talent competition is one of those areas that requires a lot of creativity and originality.

Pictured above is Miss Ghana representative Priscilla Boateng who finished the pageant in 3rd Place as 2nd Princess to the Queen.  Her entrance on stage for the talent segment was certainly very mind blowing. She presented as an African Queen, carried on a bench by two Mandingo men as you can see from the pictures.

She engaged in spoken word about the beauty of Africa. This special presentation never left the minds of many who witness her act, how original and thoughtful it was. Her performance certainly won the hearts of the Judges.

Pictured above is the reigning Queen, Fifi Soumah on stage with a Poem titled ‘The Girl in Me’.  Elegantly dressed and gracing the stage in confidence she told told the story of ‘The Girl In Me’ a poem she wrote herself about the challenges of growing up as a little girl in a troubled world. You had to be there to feel the impact of this act, she received great applause for her act finished off with a call for women to never give up the fight and never give up hope.

Spoken word was certainly very popular with the Judges this year, as most of the top 5 winners actually performed spoken word for their talent.  Singing was also popular with some of the delegates. Pictured above is Mameisia Kabia representing Sierra Leone, who placed in the top 15 of the competition. Dressed in the most gorgeous while evening gown, she stunned the audience with her beautiful voice.

Meet Natasha Beckley, the first runner up, also known as the Deputy Miss Africa USA performing Spoken word, a poem she had also written capturing the past of the Black  powerful Black woman in America today.  She is an acclaimed poet and has a great collection of poems in her portfolio.  This young lady is certainly very gifted in this field of poetry and will certainly go places.

And to conclude this post on the Miss Africa USA Talent competition, we end with the winner of the Spokes Model Award, Miss Gnima Diop representing the beautiful country of Senegal.  Gnima clearly stood out in her ability to master her spoken word, speaking with conviction, passion and confidence, a performance which earned her the title of Miss Africa USA Spokes Model, a title she is now using to advance her career as a motivational speaker. I believe she will do very well indeed as a public speaker.

Generally this year Spoken Word certainly did it for the Judges as well as thrilled the audience. Bear in mind that there were other beautiful acts such as singing and dancing and more.  The Delegates did their very best to stick to African themes and cultures while being very entertaining as well.

If you missed the show this year, you can order the video and watch it in the comfort of your own home at $10 each.  Simply send an email to info@missafricaunitedstates.com to place your order.

Hundreds of supporters and fans gather each year to witness the Miss Africa USA Pageant, a very unique pageant which promotes the rich cultures of Africa.  Anticipation is always very high and performances get very heated as delegate after delegate tries to bring out the best of African culture on stage through traditional regalia, dance, drums and more. For those who have never been to Africa, the pageant offers a snippet of the African culture, knowledge about the continent and its diversity and much more.  You certainly do not walk away thinking Africa is one country like Senator Sarah Palin said on the campaign trail during the last Presidential Elections in the United States.  Africa has over 50 countries with a rich blend of cultures.

Pictured above is a delegate from Kenya,  Hilda Mauya. Hilda is showcasing a very rich Masaai regalia.  When you think of Kenya, the Masaai warriors come to mind and yes the Masaai have kept their culture very well indeed despite colonization and neo-imperialism, the culture of the Masaai is original.

Meet the Miss Africa USA Culture Award winner for 2010, Miss Angela Wambui, she is also from Kenya and again we see a different version of the Masaai warrior. Miss Angela stormed the stage, dressed as a traditional Masaai girl with all the accessories to go with the theme.  One thing was very special about Miss Angela: she went all nine yards to ensure every detail about her had Kenya written all over it, from earrings to necklace to shoes and hair pins, everything was Kenya and it was about her roots and culture, all very beautifully put together.

Here is a traditional girl look from Nigeria.  These accessories and outfit should immediately spell Nigeria in your mind if you are good at recognizing the originality of African traditions.  Miss Roseline Amusu, Miss Nigeria delegate carries her traditional outfit very well as she sings and dances to traditional folklore music on stage.

Who say carrying stuff on your head is not African culture?  This is not common in one country, I bet you, if you go to Africa, no matter where or when, this is one of the first sitings you will observe.  Women, men, girls and boys all do it. There is something special about carrying something on your head and it is not easy to balance that load on the head either but we Africans do it so well with no hassle…..LOL.  Pictured above, Miss Sierra Leone finalist Natasha Beckley is on stage during traditional African girl segment of the competition. She carries a basket on her head and still looks very elegant.  Miss Natasha finished the pageant as the 1st Princess or Deputy Miss Africa USA or 1st Runner up as you may call her. She is from Sierra Leone in West Africa.

The Beautiful Miss South Africa Yolanda Masinga presents an elegant ensemble from her native land.  We witness once again the tradition of carrying a load on your head is very common practice and very much part of African culture, no matter where you go. Check out the hat she is wearing, very common in Southern Africa, combined with the rich red and white colors of her outfit, she looks a million dollars. Africa is very beautiful Indeed.

The above is simply a glimpse of the traditional girl presentations of the the 2010 pageant, you can visit our website www.missafricaunitedstates.com for more info or follow us on facebook  Miss Africa USA fan page.

God Bless Africa.

Pictured above, Stella Atal, the award winning African Designer from Uganda poses with pageant delegates at the finals of Miss Africa USA Pageant 2010. Left to Right, countries represented above: Liberia, Namibia, Cameroon, Guinea, Botswana, Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda, all dazzling in Stella Atal’s Parade of Nations Collection.

Pictured above Miss Rwanda delegate Kadija Uwimana takes a stride on the Runway, modeling Stella Atal’s Colors for Rwanda, beautifully put together and well accessorized, hair Afrocentric, shoes off the chain and the best smile, showcasing the beauty of Rwanda, a nation with a trouble past marked with genocide and civil war but now ranking as one of the fastest developing countries in Africa. Up Rwanda!!!!!!!!!!!

Another feature of Stella Atal’s designs on the Runway modeled by Miss Ghana Agnes Ntow. This little dress is beautifully put together, looks very sexy and elegant. What makes it even more appealing is the way it is modeled by Miss Ntow with lots of confidence, beautiful braids, accessories, best heels and of course the smile.

Miss Liberia finalist Tracey Weah pictured above models Stella Atal’s design for Liberia. A simple top with the colors of Liberia matched with plain Leggings, you can’t go wrong with this combination. Miss Tracey keeps it simple with beautiful accessories a contagious smile and great pose for Liberia, the nation which boasts of having the first and only female President in Africa.

This concludes the highlights of Parade of Nations. You may follow us on facebook / missafricausa  for more photos from the 2010 pageant or visit the website www.missafricaunitedstates.com

Queen Fifi Soumah during Fashion competition

African Fashion, as beautiful and vibrant as it is, never gets the kind of exposure and media highlight that it deserves. Well the Miss Africa USA Pageant has embraced African Fashion and is committed to showcasing African Couture, working with Afro-centric designers to bring out the best of African Fashion on the pageant runway. Each year a number of well renowned African designers are invited to showcase their fashion lines on the pageant runway and the 2010 competition saw the best yet to grace the pageant.  Award winning designers such as Frank Osodi from Nigeria, Stella Atal from Uganda, Vera Ochia from Kenya and Akouavi Slater from Togo were all in the House, ready to take control.

African Fashion entails more than just the dress you wear, it has a lot to do with the accessories and so much more. Pictured above is Miss Twamma Nambili representing Namibia. You’ve got to love her hair piece, the Porcupine head dress, very spiky and elegant.  A beautiful smile is certainly a necessary complement for this headpiece, making it even more beautiful.  Kudos to Miss Twamma for carrying this whole ensemble with such elegance and grace.

I don’t know about you but this dress being modeled by Miss Nessie Abdulai representing Sierra Leone makes me go WOW, it is beautifully put together and well accessorized, combined with Miss Nessie’s charming smile, you’ve got to love it.  I certainly wouldn’t mind having this dress in my wardrobe for that special occasion.

Who says only renowned designers can design African Fashion? Well, Meet Miss Hilda Mauya representing Kenya on the runway.  This African Queen had a go at designing her own outfits for the pageant and of course, her pageant dresses were breath taking indeed.  She discovered her passion in designing unique styles and she is on the run with it.  Miss Hilda’s style won her the Miss Africa USA Super Model with Style Award. She is one designer we should all be looking out for.

When you think of African Fashion, Kente clothe will immediately come to mind for most people. Yes the Kente is always present on the Miss Africa USA Runway, thanks to the delegates from Ghana who always go that extra length to bring out the Best of Kente.  Pictured above is Miss Agnes Ntow representing Ghana, showcasing Kente Fashion on the Miss Africa USA Runway.  Miss Agnes won the Fashion Award 2010.

An African outfit designed by Akouavi Slater is modeled by Miss Roseline Amusu who represented Nigeria in the pageant.

Pictured above : Miss Africa USA management team members pose with Fashion designers who graced the pageant this year. L_R:  Miss Linda Arrey Pageant Manager, Vera Ochia, Frank Osodi, Lady Kate Njeuma Pageant Founder and CEO, Stella Atal, Akouavi Slater and Kyle Haggerty Pageant Production Manager.

Miss Africa USA Pageant will continue to promote African Fashion the best we can in collaboration with African Designers.  We Africans and Friends of Africa should do our best to patronize African Fashion and showcase on the global stage.

Miss Africa USA Management is proudly welcomes Miss Nunu Wako, Ethiopian beauty, model and talk show host as Co-MC of the 2010 Miss Africa USA grand finals slated for Saturday July 24 2010.

Please read on to learn more about Nunu Wako:

Nunu Wako is an Ethiopian-born, American-raised international model, business entrepreneur but foremost an avid humanitarian who has accomplished many achievements in her young life thus far. As a model she was the 2005 Nautica Jeans & Vibe Magazine National U.S. Model Search winner, has been featured in numerous magazines throughout the United States and abroad. She was one of the 8 faces for Kiss Make-Up 2006/2008, one of the faces for Vanessa Wigs for three consecutive years from 2007 -2009 and has been on several billboards for various beverage companies. She has also done several fashion shows for clothing brands such as Baby Phat, Sean Jean, and Roca Wear, and various commercials for companies such as DTLR. NuNu Wako is the 2009/210 crowned beauty for Jamati and African Heat’s Sexiest African Women Alive.

Utilizing the opportunity presented by the modeling industry and her extensive circle of network, NuNu Wako is dedicated to bringing Africa to the forefront and bridging the gap through NuNu Wako Show in which she is the creator, host and one of the executive producers as well as all her modeling and personal endeavors. She says “We all are driven by personal ambitions, and my commitment to speak out against the violations of human rights that occurs universally and particularly on our continent of Africa is more than an ambition, it’s my lifelong passion.”  She is currently the spokesperson for Ivorian Hope Organization a non-profit organization that is dedicated in helping Ivorian war victims in Cote d’Ivoire as well as Artists for Charity which is dedicated in adapting orphaned and educating children with HIV/AIDs.

For more information visit www.nunuwako.com

The Miss Africa USA Grand Finals is slated for Sat July 24 at the Montgomery College Performing Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring Md. A highly anticipated event drawing the community together through beauty, culture, talent and more.

The Miss Africa pageant management proudly welcomes on board Dr. Emma Osong as the Official MC for the 2010 VIP and Ambassadors Banquet marking the launch of the 2010 Scholarship pageant.  Dr. Emma Osong has hosted several high profile events in the Washington DC area and she will bring her special touch of class to the Miss Africa USA Pageant.

DR. Emma Ngang Osong, D.M, is a corporate trainer, professor, and consultant with a background in aviation engineering, organizational management, and Leadership Development.  She has worked as a Senior Systems Engineer consultant to the Federal Aviation Administration. She serves as adjunct faculty at the Catholic University in Washington D.C. and as Graduate faculty at Argosy University in Arlington, Virginia. She has been hired to speak at several events including the World Bank.

Dr. Osong was Miss Cameroon-USA in 1987. She has a passion for advocacy and volunteers her time as a grade school teacher and to various charities. Osong holds a doctorate in management and leadership from the University of Phoenix and masters in electrical engineering from the Catholic University of America. She lives with her husband Gerry and three children, Nadine, Praxedes, and Steph in Maryland. When not working, Emma enjoys traveling, reading, classical music, and entertaining. She can be reached at osongm@yahoo.com

An exclusive banquet, the first in the pageant’s history in honor of the 32 finalists who will be competing this year for the coveted crown. The banquet will bring together special VIPs such as Elected Officials in the Maryland/DC area, African Ambassadors, sponsors, family and friends of the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant in an evening of fun. The banquet also features a breathtaking fashion show featuring top designers from the motherland, an Award ceremony and a great opportunity to network with attendees.

All 32 Finalists for the pageant will be formally introduced, kicking off the pageant competition with their platform Presentations and micro-project achievements so far.  It is a night of great substance and we are all looking forward to this Red Carpet event, launching the 2010 pageant.

The Miss Africa USA Pageant Management is proud to welcome the following Designers from Africa and diaspora:

MUSTAFA HASSANALI is based in Tanzania, well respected when it comes to African Couture, has won several awards for his creativity and Style. Mustafa has also worked with Supermodels like Naomi Campbell.  Mustafa has confirmed his participation in the 2010 Miss Africa USA Pageant to be held in Maryland on July 24 2010 at the Takoma Park Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring MD.

Mustafa Hassanali will be joining us from Dar Es Salam in Tazania.

The Miss Africa USA Pageant is very proud to welcome on board the renowned Fashion Designer from Nigeria Frank Osodi.  Frank is also well respected in the African Fashion arena around the world not only in Nigeria where he is based.  His inspiration and style is recognized internationally and has participated in the New York Fashion Week held annually in New York City. Frank will graze the Miss Africa Runway with some of his breathtaking designs.

Frank Osodi Couture

Coming all the way from the Pearl of Africa – Uganda, is the beautiful and inspirational designer Stella Atal who will be joining us at the upcoming Miss Africa USA Pageant slated for July 24  2010 in Maryland.  Stella Atal is an international Designer whose influence on Runways span across the African Continent and beyond.  Stella is also an award winning Fashion Designer and we are excited to be able to work with her. She promises to storm the Runway taking charge of the ‘Parade of Nations’ Segment of the competition. Stella Atal is know for Originality and Style

Coming all the way from the beautiful country of Kenya is the beautiful and talented Vera Vee Ochia, who has made a name in the Kenyan Fashion Industry and is going International. She recently participated in the Swahili Fashion week with the most beautiful designs. We are very proud to welcome Vera Vee Ochia who will bring some Kenyan inspiration to the Miss Africa USA Runway.  Vera will be joining us from Nairobi, Kenya.

Vera Vee Ochia Couture

Leaving Africa and homing in on some of our US based Designers we are proud to welcome on board Miss Estella Al or Estella Couture as she is best known.  Estella has worked with the Miss Africa USA Pageant for the last 3 years, she has witnessed the pageant grow and is always ready to lend a hand.  We are very happy to have Estella Couture on Board again this year. Estella hails from Nigeria and her designs are certainly inspired by her roots. Well respected name in the Fashion industry in Africa Diaspora, she is also very passionate about helping people in need. Her most recent humanitarian effort is the Fashion For Jos campaign to raise funds for the victims of the recent Massacre in the Nigerian community of Jos.

Simply Estella Couture

Still homing in, on designers of the Africa diaspora, we caught up with the LA based Fashion designer Akouavi Fashions.  Akouavi is originally from Togo, based in California. The pageant team proudly welcomes Akouavi Fashions as one of the lead designers to dazzle the Miss Africa USA Runway. Not only does Akoavi design casual and couture wear, she has a huge collection of African Hats and head gears.

There is lots of excitement and interest in the upcoming Miss Africa USA Pageant. The management looks forward to working with all the featured designers and to support the general efforts to promote and encourage such great talent from the motherland.

]]> http://missafricablogazine.com/2010/05/19/top-african-fashion-designers-set-to-dazzle-up-the-miss-africa-usa-2010-pageant-runway/feed/ 3 missafricablogzine mustafa1 mustafa frank stella atal Julie Ochia estella al3 akouavi http://missafricablogazine.com/2010/05/05/african-womens-development-foundation-and-spotlight-africa-llc-present-the-5th-annual-miss-africa-usa-grand-finals-and-coronation-ceremony/ http://missafricablogazine.com/2010/05/05/african-womens-development-foundation-and-spotlight-africa-llc-present-the-5th-annual-miss-africa-usa-grand-finals-and-coronation-ceremony/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 01:25:47 +0000 missafricablogzine Author: Lady Kate Njeuma http://missafricablogazine.com/?p=606 ]]>

The Miss Africa USA Pageant finals moves from Georgia to Maryland and Washington DC for the very first time.  The Delegates are ready and the team is gearing up for yet another cultural explosion celebrating Africa in America.  We encourage all our fans and supporters to come out and support all the beautiful African women representing all the different countries in Africa.  Each Finalist has taken on a challenging micro project to benefit communities in need in Africa and in America. Miss Africa USA Pageant goes beyond beauty. We encourage you to come out and meet the delegates who will be representing Africa at the 2010 pageant as follows.

THE 2010 MISS AFRICA USA PAGEANT VENUE:

Montgomery College Tacoma Park / Silver Spring Performing Art Center

7995 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring MD 20910

Come along and be a part of the coronation ceremony

DATE:  SAT  JULY 24  2010

TIME:  6PM  – 11PM

TICKETS  $ 30  advance and $40 at the Door.

Featuring:

African Fashion Moguls all the way from the Motherland to showcase African Couture in the United States of America.  This year the pageant is very proud to team up with the following Brand names in African couture:

Mustafa Hassanali  from Tanzania

Stella Atal  from Uganda

Judith Ochia from Kenya

Frank Osodi  from Nigeria

Estella Couture in Maryland

Akouavi Fashions Los Angeles

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION

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