19-Year-Old South Sudanese Wins Ksh752K In Africa's Next Super Model

Chol Khan, the newest sensation in the world of fashion, was officially crowned Africa's Next Super Model, captivating the global fashion industry with her unique charm, grace, and unparalleled talent.

The prestigious award was presented during the grand finale of the Africa's Next Super Model 2023 event hosted on Saturday, October 28, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi.

She was presented with a dummy cheque of $5,000 (Ksh752,750) in prize money during the event.

Chol stood out among a pool of 36 exceptionally talented contestants from all corners of the continent. Hailing from South Sudan, the 19-year-old not only mesmerized the panel of esteemed judges with her stunning runway presence but also charmed audiences worldwide with her remarkable poise and versatility.

Joan Okorodudu, co-founder of Isis Models International with Chol Khan, the winner of Africa's Next Super Model during an event hosted on October 28, 2023, at Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi. /PHOTO.COURTESY

"Her journey from humble beginnings to the apex of the fashion world stands as an inspiring testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering passion for the art of modelling.

"In an industry where diversity and inclusivity are gaining increasing prominence, Chol embodies the spirit of African beauty and culture, breaking barriers and redefining standards of elegance and sophistication. With her radiant smile, captivating presence, and innate ability to effortlessly embody any designer's vision, she has become a beacon of hope for aspiring models across the continent, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with unyielding determination," read in part a statement sent to Viral Tea.

Chol’s triumph at the grand finale of the Africa's Next Super Model 2023 competition, marks a pivotal moment not only for her career but also for the African fashion industry as a whole, underscoring the continent's burgeoning influence and contribution to the global fashion landscape.

As she embarks on this remarkable journey, Chol aims to use her platform to advocate for greater diversity, representation, and inclusivity within the fashion world, paving the way for future generations of African models to follow in her footsteps.

Established with the vision of creating sustainable opportunities and networks for African fashion designers and models, Africa's Next Super Model has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous aspiring supermodels over the past 14 years.

What initially began as a platform awarding brand new cars to its winners, the initiative evolved to offer substantial cash prizes, lucrative modelling contracts, and exclusive, all-expenses-paid international trips to fashion capitals such as the US, UK, Paris, Milan, and South Africa.

Joan Okorodudu, the CEO of Isis Models International, an agency that identifies, develops, and sustains the careers of beautiful black models said, "The core mission of Africa's Next Super Model is to empower and elevate African talent onto the global stage. By providing a platform for budding models and designers to showcase their skills, we aim to propel them towards successful and profitable careers in the global fashion industry."

Having facilitated the rise of numerous African fashion designers to international prominence, Joan Okorodudu takes pride in Africa's Next Super Model competition’s ability to nurture creativity and foster an environment conducive to success.

This year's event in Nairobi, Kenya, has been captivating, set against the vibrant backdrop of one of the world's top tourist destinations. With an influx of distinguished guests and the participation of various influential media personalities from across Africa, the event showcased the continent's rich cultural diversity and burgeoning fashion scene.

South Sudan embassies, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua, Dagoretti North Member of Parliament (MP) Beatrice Elachi and Timothy Owase, CEO of Kenya Film Commission attended the event on behalf of Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba.

Africa's Next Super Model is a prestigious modelling competition that celebrates African culture, diversity, and talent.

It provides a platform for models and designers from across the African continent to showcase their skills and creativity on an international stage.

Attendees at the Africa's Next Super Model event hosted on October 28, 2023, at Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi. /PHOTO.COURTESY