Kaone’s fortune

Jul 11, 2005

FOR Kaone Kario, her future is bright. As the new Nokia Face of Africa, not only is she destined for magazine covers and international catwalks, but also fortune. Big fortune!

By Sebidde Kiryowa

FOR Kaone Kario, her future is bright. As the new Nokia Face of Africa, not only is she destined for magazine covers and international catwalks, but also fortune. Big fortune!

In addition to her three-year modelling contract with Storm Model Management worth 125,000 (sh225m), she wins prizes valued at $30,000 (sh52.5m), from Estée Lauder, Young Designers Emporium, South African Airways, Sun International and Carlton Hair.

In Uganda, 280 DStv guests gathered at the Rwenzori ballroom, Sheraton, Kampala Hotel to witness the delighted 19-year-old elegantly capture the imagination of a continent. She turned from would-be model into certified catwalk star during a televised vibrant fashion extravaganza at Sun City in Johannesburg. Television audiences in over 40 countries across Africa tuned in to M-NET for the screening of the event.

But music was the heartbeat of the show. There was a unique African music ensemble performance by Kenya’s Mercy Myra and Mapumba from the DR Congo, alongside South African stars KB and Loyiso (with LeAnne).

But the evening belonged to 10 young women who have journeyed through several rigorous selections sessions for the right to take their place at the final.

Kaone’s destiny was decided by a panel of four judges. Celebrity judge and model Kadra Ahmedomar lead the panel. The Ethiopian-raised Kadra has been featured on the pages of Harper’s Bazaar, Elle (America and France), Vogue (Italian, Japanese and French) and Mademoiselle magazine.

Joining Kadra on the panel were Anton Robért (Storm Fashion photographer), Busisiwe Mahlaba (True Love editor) and Estée Lauder’s Janette Marsh.

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