30 Rwandan models were selected during the pre-selection ceremony at Rwanda’s Global Top Model contest held Olympic Hotel. The winners will get a chance to participate at the most prestigious runways in the world to be held in Dubai and Italy this year which are the Dubai International Fashion Week, The Look of the Year and World Top Model.

Organised by Embrace Africa, the Model contest aims at sending Rwandan models in World fashion events that have developed famous top models like Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bundchen who are among the three top paid models in the world.

The top 30 selection was based on five most voted for, five public choices, and five best in virtual casting while 15 were selected by judges.

The panel of judges comprised of Miss Global Heritage USA 2022 Abigail Pierre Louis, Miss Globe Rwanda 2021 Stella Matutina Murekatete, Mateo Design and Nadia Uwiduhaye.

Among the top 30 selected contestants include Laura Sarah Wase, Justin Shema, Rosine Bamurange, Nadia Umuhire, Diana Ngabonziza, Michelle Ashimwe, Divine Muziranange, Teddy Rudasingwa, Kamanzi, Anette Uwera, Kelia Mucyo, Sylvie Isimbi, Fred Gatete and Osee Rebero.

Commercial models selected included Rachael Nzayihimbaza, Belise, Benigne, Munyana and Cecile Murerwa.

Other 10 Models selected for their most votes on SMS and basing on their pictures and videos respectively include Willy Cedrick, Emili Mwiza, Christian Buseyi, Yvette Batamuriza, Boase Jovaille, Joy Rwigitinywa, Nelly Mukundwa, Alliance Atete, Marc Rwemerakurinda and Jean Nshogoza.

Justin Shema, a selected model among the top 30 told The New Times that he felt blessed and grateful for passing the pre selection and looks forward to what is coming next.

"I thank the organisers for such a great initiative for models to have a platform that helps them level up from one place to another. I am thankful of course to God for guiding me, my friends and family who believed in me and voted. I did all I have to do for the judges to see in me what they were looking for and it is such an honor that they saw that I had what it takes to be among the top 30 models.

Laura Sarah Wase, the most voted for contestant revealed that it was overwhelming to see her friends and family support her during the voting edition.

The model who is doing modelling for the first time said that after finding out about the contest she posted a video asking her followers and friends if she can give it a try and they pushed her, hence joining the contest. Little did she know that she would be the first pick during the pre-selection and reach finals. She however says that she doesn’t take this for granted and thanks God and everyone who supported her.

On February 9, models will do photoshoots and video presentations ahead of the finale of the contest. During the finale only four lucky models will be selected as Rwanda’s Global Top Models and will participate at the international fashion events. Among the four winners include the model with the most votes, a model chosen by the public and two models selected by judges.

On March 3, a final winner’s dinner and send off ceremony will be held.