Winning the Mister Africa International 2017 - 2018 title came as a huge surprise for Rwanda’s top model, Jean de Dieu Ntabanganyimana, best known as Jay Rwanda.

Jay won the continental title on

December 2 in Lagos, Nigeria, beating 11 other contestants from different African countries to walk away with the title previously held by South Sudan’s Akol Dok.

"Winning the title was very exciting and surprising because it is something to be proud of and the competition was stiff,” the 25-year old model said during a visit to The New Times offices at Gishushu.

He partly attributed his win to his proficiency in a couple of international languages (French and English), working hard on his fitness, and "elegant” traditional costume he got from Moshions.

The title came with a cash prize of US$5,000, a one-year contract with House of Twitch, among other benefits.

"The benefits of this title include acting in two Nollywood movies. I have done many commercials and I think I can perform pretty well even though I am not a professional actor,” he said.

He added: "I also have two fashion shows to participate in; the New York fashion week and London fashion week. I will also be a brand ambassador for a perfume company in Nigeria.”

The new Mr Africa said the title was also an opportunity to meet different people, and he hopes his latest feat can inspire younger Rwandan youth.

Jay has a modeling agency, Remarkable Rwanda Model Management.

"I have made connections with corporate companies and I will be hiring models from country,” he said.

Jay will throw a party to celebrate his achievement at Park Inn by Radisson Blu on Saturday, December 23. The Big Splash pool party will feature comedian Arthur Nkusi, and DJs Miller and Toxxyk.