ON THE COVER : Fiona Kamikazi

With her looks, height and size, the journey has just began for Fiona Kamikazi Rutagengwa to fully exploit her talent and trade her modelling skills across borders.Heads turn everywhere Kamikazi goes. Not just because she is a model, she simply stands out. No doubt, she is one of the most skilled models in the country. Only days ago, at the recent ‘Bye-bye Nyakatsi’ campaign, Kamikazi showcased her talent to hundreds of fashion fans who had gathered La Chantier- Nyamata. On and offstage, Kamikazi blends modernity with tradition in her attire that has probably contributed to her brand as a model sensation. In this photo, she is clad in a short blue jeans dress, fishnet lace-top stockings and boots and spots a mix of unique hair style ‘Mohawk’. She is 1.85 meters tall and weighs 53 kilograms. She is dark and very charming. She walks with a swagger of confidence that gives a huge sense of presence but retains an expected ability to roll into a conversation and keep going. Despite the sophistication about her and the stardom on the modelling platform, Kamikazi is refreshingly down to earth in her choice of pastimes. She enjoys watching movies (action), socializing and loves sports. When she is not busy on a runaway catwalk or at work (Simba supermarket), she enjoys playing basketball. Inspiration and determination Kamikazi says that modelling was her dream since childhood and was inspired by several international models, citing British model Naomi Campbell as her role model. “I love modelling so much. I ventured into the field at the age of 12 and since then I’ve been modelling,” Kamikazi said, “I signed a contract with Premier Model Agency.” “Modelling is a business like any other. Models guide people about dress codes of all seasons and events, as well as create markets for fashion lines and stores,” she added. Kamikazi plans to participate in the Face of Africa beauty competitions. “I’m looking forward to any possibilities and the idea is good because it can open gates for me to sign contracts with international modelling agencies.” She also intends to start her own agency in the country to give platform to young Rwandan models, as well as develop the country’s fashion industry. Ends