Mabvudzi crowned Miss Zim-UK 2013
By Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Twenty-three-year-old Varaidzo Mabvudzi was crowned Miss Zimbabwe-UK at a colourful ceremony held at Quality Skyline Hotel in the United Kingdom last weekend.
The pageant, which ran under the theme “Celebrating Beautiful Zimbabwe”, saw Mabvudzi, a Commercial Studies and Accounting graduate, beating eight other finalists to win both the Miss Zimbabwe-UK and the Miss Personality titles.
“Thank you so much. I feel happy and with the support from everyone who was involved in the pageant you held me up when I was falling, made me see the light when darkness was overshadowing me. Your words inspired me a lot,” she said.
The Miss Personality category was drawn from a combination of online votes and judges’ assessment of each contestant’s personality through the one-to-one interaction with members of the judges.
“We have been bestowed a very critical task to judge, shortlist and elect ultimate top spot girls who will be the highest possible reflection of the Zimbabwean culture, ethos and reflection. It has not been an easy task, drawing on numerous criteria, but we are confident based on all factors that we have delivered the right verdict. Congratulations to all the participants for putting up the great show,” said Marshal Gore, one of the judges.
He said this year’s edition was unique as judges reflected teamwork and the well synchronised network by organisers.
Coventry-based 19-year-old Monalisa Sibanda was crowned first runner-up while Ella Matilda Bvumbe (22) scooped the second princess title.
According to head of the Miss Zimbabwe- UK Pageant, Simbarashe Patrick Nyanhanga, all went according to plan. He later pleaded with Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom to unite and support community initiatives so as to promote one another.
As expected, Kamikaze Test Pilots wowed the crowd with their hit songs such as “Kubatana Kwakanaka”, “Rubatsiro” and “Pidigori Waenda”. The group had everyone on the dance floor.
Energetic and vibrant musical group Flame Lily put up a scintillating performance when they showcased their marimba, the African drum and and traditional dancing skills.
However, it was Tsungi Tsikira who stole the night as the opening act when she sang the Zimbabwe national anthem in three languages — Shona, Ndebele and English. Renowned UK-based Zimbabwean disk jockeys King Alfred and DJ Sox did a splendid job on the turntables. The Herald
