Exclusive Interview with Africa's Best Fashion Model Award Winner
In a industry where fashion and elegance standards are constantly evolving, Kwanele "Finch" Thusi stands tall as a beacon of African pride and excellence. Kwanele has been recently crowned as one of the top Unisex fashion brands. With the awards that took place in Nigeria, Kwanele became the first male model to be awarded in the category of Male model of the year in Africa.
“Know why you started, and remember why you started”.
Cover Image: Kwanele "Finch" Thusi
With his hard work, Finch has not only been recognized in Africa but the model has been covered and featured in the UK fashion magazines like Flag Magazine and other top leading fashion magazines worldwide.
Finch has worked and collaborated with notable brands such as Be Magazine where he got his first cover shoot in 2021, he recalls as an Epic shoot for him. He also worked with Artego Magazine a New York magazine which was his first cover 2024. Born and raised in South Africa, Finch's journey to success was far from easy. "I was bullied in school and very shy," he recalls. However, after discovering his passion for modeling, Finch found his confidence and voice. As an African model, Finch has faced his share of challenges.
"The industry never saw me as a runway model," he admits. Yet, he persevered, leveraging his unique look and talent to break into the international market.
In an exclusive interview with Kwanele, he shares with us that modeling has always been his biggest dreams, he simply began modeling when he first fell in love with a camera on his first photoshoot.
“I began when I wanted to enter Body Beautiful years ago and I was photographed by Corne Du Plessis who still my favorite photographer. I fell in love with the camera immediately” says Kwanele. Finch sees his platform as an opportunity to promote African culture and representation. "We need to celebrate our cultures and remember what's important," he emphasizes. With his clothing brand and future collaborations, Finch aims to make a lasting impact.
For aspiring models, Finch offers sage advice: "Stop being lazy! Know why you started, and remember why you started." His mantra? "Rejection fuels my engine." With brand sponsorships and partnerships on the horizon, Finch is poised for global domination. "I want to be based internationally in the next few years," he reveals. And how does he plans to leverage his award to advance his career? Well he simply answered
“A lot of brand sponsorship and partnerships on the horizon guyzini!” Kwanele "Finch" Thusi's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and African excellence. As he continues to soar, Finch remains humble and true to his roots.
"If they can see that a small township boy can be seen as the NUMBER ONE MODEL IN AFRICA, then there is nothing that we can't do!" - Kwanele "Finch" Thusi
Story From Kwanele Thusi
Interviewed by Ntombizodwa Dlamini
Designed by The MondaysCo.
South Africa, 2024
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