HELGA THE RISING MODELLING QUEEN
HELGA THE RISING MODELLING QUEEN
By Mushiba Nalwimba
Earlier this year Helga Munyama was crowned for an international pageant, Miss Tourism Africa Zambia 2023 and finally, her most recent, Miss Agriculture Zambia 2023.
Helga’s modelling dream stems back to her childhood days, but she began her professional career in 2021 while at the University she is currently at called DMI St. Eugene where she has added four titles to her name.
Prior to the genesis of her modelling career, she didn’t really follow pageants or any model, rather she was encouraged by many people that constantly told her being a model would suit her.
After tapping inspiration from within, she gave it a shot and that went well, as she won her first pageant becoming Miss DMI St. Eugene University despite not having rehearsed before.
The following year she did another pageant in Queen of Zambia and was crowned Miss Congeniality – Queen of Zambia.
How did it start?
Helga narrates:
There was a call for auditions at school for Mr and Miss DMI which one of the girls I knew in school has auditioned for.
I didn’t bother to audition because I had never modelled before, and I was quite uncertain of the outcome.
Some people on campus and from my class constantly told me I’d suit being a model, but I still didn’t audition.
One day, (two days prior the event), I met a girl outside the school auditorium who asked if I had gone there for modelling rehearsals, I mentioned to her that I wasn’t part of the pageant girls and was only there to work on my assignment.
When I sat at the desk with her, she went on to say, “modelling would suit you, how you walk and talk, it’s giving model vibes.”
She further stated that she was contesting, and it would be okay if I joined last minute. I told her I’d consider but at the back of my head, I had no intent to join.
Later that day when the ladies met for rehearsal, I was encouraged by another girl to just do a late audition cause a lot of people had talked about it a lot, I said no and well she literally dragged me into the auditorium and informed the model trainer that I was there to do a last-minute audition, she accepted and well, there was no turning back now.
Long story short, I only had a day to prepare all the outfits required for the pageant categories and I only had everything together by close to midnight.
However, with the help of one lady, a tailor who had volunteered to assist me with making some outfits using the ideas I had shared with her and in return.
I’d have to win for her younger self whose dream to be a model never got a chance to come to life, I owed her big time.
That night, I couldn’t even sleep thinking of how disappointed her younger self would be if I just lost.
In the morning, just before the pageant, one of the contestants showed me how to pose and how to step and turn on the actual day of the pageant.
I had no dresser until a senior volunteered to take it up and in return, I would have to win, I was owing two people a win now, so I had to do my best somehow.
Well, the rest of the story is that I got crowned Miss DMI St. Eugene University that day.
The title came with hood opportunities including speaking at the commemoration of World Social Workday in 2022 as a Model, that encouraged me to press on in my career as a model.
Setbacks
As per tradition modelling requires a showoff of some skin, Helga, has faced challenges and critics regarding her Christianity as a model.
In overcoming them, she stays true to her values, maintaining a balance between her faith and career.
She also, engages in open conversations about faith, and demonstrate that one can pursue a modeling career while staying aligned with personal beliefs.
” The best advice I can give to someone aspiring to be a model is to prioritize self-confidence, professionalism, and resilience. Develop a strong and diverse portfolio, stay physically and mentally healthy, and be persistent in pursuing opportunities. Understand the industry, stay true to your unique style, and be prepared for both successes and rejections. Networking and building positive relationships with professionals in the field are also key. Remember, authenticity and a strong work ethic will set you apart in the competitive world of modeling.”
Helga Munyama
Becoming Miss Agriculture
Helga at 26 years old is currently pursuing Social Work at Uni and is passionate about influencing positive change in her community hence she volunteers with different organizations to achieve her milestones.
She has decorated her portfolio by investing in community service with Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, ChildFund Zambia, Matero Level 1 Hospital, Matero After Care Home, just to name a few.
I am an advocate for mental health, an advocate against GBV, a counselor, an entrepreneur and also a small-scale farmer. As Miss Agriculture Zambia 2023/2024, you can expect a dedicated advocate for sustainable farming practices, rural development, and women in agriculture. I am committed to raising awareness about the importance of agriculture, promoting innovation in the sector, and empowering local communities to thrive through agricultural initiatives. Together, let’s cultivate a brighter, more sustainable future for Zambia.
Helga Munyama
What the future holds
Over the next five years, my career goals include honing my skills, gaining valuable experience in the industry, and taking on diverse projects to broaden my expertise. I aim to establish myself as a respected professional, contribute meaningfully to my field, and pursue opportunities for continued growth and advancement. My career goals also involve furthering my success as a model while expanding my impact as a mentor. I aspire to empower and guide young girls, addressing issues that affect the girl child, and fostering positive change through both my modeling career and coaching initiative.
Helga Munyama