Malawi Modeling Industry

                                                        

                           A Malawian model (Linly Mayenda)

BY MATILDA PHIRI

Malawi is one of the countries in Africa that is not fully developed in the modeling industry. We cannot compare Malawi to South Africa, where the fashion industry is well developed. South Africa has numerous magazines, many of which feature models, unlike in Malawi. They also have a multitude of modeling agencies that groom models for fashion events, TV extras, magazines, and various advertisements. Is it because South Africa is a big and well-developed country, or is it simply because the people there have a passion for it? We see on TV how different countries have fashion weeks every year, where different celebrities attend, wearing designer clothes, and models showcase the designs on runways. However, this hardly happens here and only occurs sporadically. Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa host such events almost every year, and these countries are also in Africa.

In Malawi, we have plenty of talent and resources, but we do not know how to utilize them properly. Additionally, the government does not show interest in supporting the fashion world by sponsoring fashion events. Many countries have developed because they prioritize the fashion industry, and the government benefits financially as well. Designers in Malawi lack sponsorship, and the lack of seriousness about fashion among most Malawians disappoints them. We have many professional photo studios but not many fashion magazines, fashion weeks, or TV soaps. We are missing out on crucial opportunities that can help us develop.

                                                      A Malawian Model (Matilda Phiri)

But who is responsible for changing this? It starts with all of us Malawians loving our country and supporting each other by buying locally made products from Malawi. Let's support designers here, buy magazines, books, and movies from Malawi. The government should also step in and establish an art academy and film studios to nurture young talent. We should stop seeking fashion made in South Africa, China, Europe, or Tanzania and instead focus on our own creations.

A Malawian male model (Danny) 

Furthermore, Malawians often complain that designer clothes are expensive, which is why they opt for cheaper clothes from Tanzania or Kaunjika. Designers raise their prices because they lack sponsors and have to handle everything on their own, making their clothes expensive. This presents a significant challenge since people are accustomed to buying affordable Kaunjika clothes, leaving little room for designer clothes. The private sector can also help address this issue by sponsoring designers and fashion events. Malawi has numerous wealthy individuals and companies that can contribute to the fashion industry by establishing fashion magazines or building movie studios.

We cannot solely rely on the government, as it already has various projects and must address poverty among the majority of Malawians living in rural areas. Malawi has the potential to produce international models like Naomi; it is possible. However, models cannot thrive without modeling agencies to guide and support them. Modeling can also provide a positive outlet for girls, keeping them engaged in their careers and away from harmful activities. By taking care of themselves and maintaining their bodies, they can earn money through advertising clothes and more in the fashion industry.

On the other hand, many companies require models to represent their products and serve as brand ambassadors. However, there are not enough active modeling agencies willing to meet this demand. Consequently, when companies need models for their advertisements, they often select any girl and pay her a minimal amount because it is perceived as a non-specialized task that anyone can do as long as they appear in the advertisement. It is high time that people in Malawi take modeling seriously if we want to make our country known internationally. We possess the potential and resources to achieve this, so why not take action? How do our friends manage it? Let's love our country together and realize our potential.